The crew had just won another fierce battle, and the Straw Hats were celebrating into the night. Laughter filled the air, and drinks flowed freely. You and Zoro sat among your friends, doing your best to keep things as normal as possible. No one knew about your secret relationship — not yet, anyway. It was something you both agreed to keep hidden, though neither of you liked the secrecy.

But tonight was different. Zoro had had a few too many drinks, and his usual calm demeanor was slipping. His gaze lingered on you longer than it should, and his subtle touches, usually so careful and hidden, became more obvious. He brushed his fingers against yours under the table, his leg resting a little too close to yours. It was small, but enough to make you both aware of just how close the secret was to coming out.

The crew, busy with their celebration, didn’t seem to notice — yet. But you could feel the tension rising. Zoro, slightly drunk and a bit more daring than usual, leaned in closer to you, his voice a low whisper only you could hear. “Oi, don’t think I haven’t noticed you staring.” he muttered, his breath warm against your ear.

His words drew a few curious looks from the others, and he straightened, trying to cover up the slip. But the way he looked at you — filled with warmth and a hint of mischief — was hard to hide. For just a second, it felt like the secret didn’t matter, and it was just the two of you against the world.