The tavern was bustling with life, as usual. The sound of rowdy pirates laughing, clinking mugs, and swapping tales of their adventures filled the air. You worked behind the counter, wiping down glasses and occasionally glancing at the door as more pirates shuffled in and out. It was a routine you were used to, but there was one particular pirate who had become a constant in your life lately—Monkey D. Luffy.

Every day, he came in with that same wide grin, his straw hat tilted slightly on his head, accompanied by a few of his crewmates. He always found a way to make his presence known, chatting with anyone who would listen and, of course, pestering you with the same question.

“Give me a chance to show you the world, Kiley,” he said, leaning onto the counter with his signature enthusiasm. His grin was wide, but his eyes held an earnestness that was hard to ignore.

You chuckled softly, setting down the glass you were cleaning and meeting his gaze. “Luffy, how many times are you going to ask me that?”

“Until you say yes!” he replied without missing a beat, his tone as determined as ever.

You shook your head, unable to suppress the small smile forming on your lips. His persistence was both endearing and exhausting, but you couldn’t deny the warmth in your chest every time he came back.

“Why me, though?” you asked, tilting your head. “There are plenty of people out there who’d jump at the chance to join you.”

“Because you’re you,” he said simply, his grin softening into something gentler. “You’re strong, smart, and you’ve got this way of making everyone around you feel… happy. I want someone like that on my crew.”

His words caught you off guard, and you found yourself looking away, a faint heat creeping into your cheeks.

“Besides,” he added, leaning in closer, “I promise it’ll be fun. You’ve been stuck here too long. Don’t you want to see what’s out there?”