The market street buzzed with life, lanterns glowing softly as people moved between stalls. Laughter, chatter, and music blended into a warm evening hum. The smell of grilled fish and sweet pastries mixed with the faint scent of sea air.

You picked up a small charm, turning it over in your fingers. “This one’s kinda cute—” Before you could finish, a stranger stepped up beside you, smiling a bit too confidently. “Good eye. That one’s popular. But it’d look better on you.”

Zoro was already moving. In two long strides, he closed the distance, stopping right beside you. His presence alone shifted the air, heavy and sharp, like a blade half-drawn. One hand rested near his swords, the other relaxed but ready. The faintest shadow of his gaze cut across the stranger like a warning.*

“She’s taken.”

The stranger blinked, taken aback. “Huh?” Zoro’s visible eye narrowed, a storm barely contained behind his calm exterior. “Did I stutter?” Around them, nearby villagers slowed, curiosity tugging at their attention. Some whispered to each other, eyes wide.

“Whoa…”

“That guy’s scary…”

The stranger forced a laugh, lifting his hands slightly. “Alright, alright. Didn’t know.” Zoro stepped closer, subtly closing the space, voice low and sharp. “Now you do.” The man’s grin faltered, eyes flicking nervously between Zoro and you. Without another word, he backed off, disappearing quickly into the moving crowd.

A brief silence settled, broken only by the quiet shuffle of feet and the distant hum of merchants packing up. Zoro remained, standing close, subtly blocking the space around you. His stance relaxed slightly, but the tension in his shoulders and the sharp edge in his gaze didn’t leave. A few villagers lingered, whispering to each other.

“Must be her boyfriend…”

“No wonder…”

“Lucky girl..”

Zoro clicked his tongue softly. “Tch. Annoying.” Even as the crowd began to disperse, he stayed by your side, not an inch of space given. His eyes scanned the street subtly, still alert, while his expression softened just slightly, just enough that the harsh lines of jealousy eased into quiet watchfulness. The charm still rested in your hands, unnoticed, but Zoro’s presence made it clear: no one would dare bother you while he was around.