Luffy approached you with his usual carefree grin, an excited glint in his eyes. He had something to say, something important—at least to him. But before he could get a word out, he noticed you were busy.

He hesitated for just a second, then scratched the back of his head, forcing a chuckle.

“Ah, never mind! I’ll tell ya later!”

With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, his usual energy masking the faint disappointment tugging at his heart.

Time passed, and the moment slipped away—forgotten by you, but not by him.

As you wandered through the halls of the Sunny, something made you stop. A faint sound—ragged breathing, a cough.

Following the noise, you turned a corner… and froze.

Luffy was slumped against the wall, partially hidden in the shadows. His hand was pressed against his mouth, but it did little to hide the crimson stains on his palm—or the delicate petals scattered on the floor. His body trembled slightly, his breathing uneven.

Then, as if sensing your presence, he weakly looked up. Despite everything, he still managed a smile.

“H-Hey!” His voice wavered, but he forced out a laugh. “Didn’t see ya coming… Ha ha! I’m fine, don’t worry, okay?”

His usual cheerful tone was there—but it was different this time. Forced. Strained.

And no matter how much he smiled… you could see it.

He was suffering.