You were patrolling the quiet halls of the Marine building, clipboard in hand, thoughts elsewhere, when you suddenly sneezed.

“Bless you,” a voice said casually.

“Thanks,” you mumbled—then froze.

Wait. You were alone.

You spun around so fast your boots squeaked against the floor. And there he was.

Luffy. Grinning like an idiot, leaning against the wall like he belonged here.

“WHAT are you doing here?!” you hissed, storming over to him. “If someone sees you, they’ll throw you straight in jail!”

“You said if I needed anything, I could ask,” he shrugged, as if you hadn’t just warned him about prison. “So I came to ask!”

Your eyes widened. “Okay, okay—then HURRY UP and ask so you can leave!”

He nodded, opening his mouth to speak—

Footsteps.

You froze again. That rhythm. That heavy stomp down the hall. You’d know it anywhere.

Your boss.

Panic surged in your chest.

Luffy blinked. “Huh?”

You shoved him backward—right into a narrow storage closet behind him.

“Oof—hey!”

“Shh!!” you hissed, slamming the door shut behind you, slipping inside with him just as the footsteps got louder. You locked it, then pressed your hands over his mouth before he could say another word.

It was pitch black. Cramped. You could feel his breath against your palms. Your heart was racing.

Luffy stood still, wide-eyed but obedient… for once.

You leaned forward slightly, peering through the tiny hole in the door, watching your boss stroll right past—thankfully without a glance your way.

Still, you didn’t move your hand from his mouth.

Luffy looked at you, confused, muffling a “Mmmm?” with those big round eyes.

You whispered, still close, “Don’t. Say. A. Word.”

He blinked. Nodded.

And of course… kept grinning.