knots and kisses

Chapter 3

In a cozy, sunlit room adorned with posters of his favorite rock bands, the green-haired teen sat on his bed, immersed in the heavy beats of his music, air-drummed to the rhythm.

Just as a thunderous guitar solo roared through his headphones, the door to his bedroom creaked open. His sister, Perona, peeked inside with a playful grin. She was Zoro's polar opposite, with her bright, colorful outfits and a flair for all things artistic. She had something in her hand, and her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Zororo!" she called out over the music.

Zoro jumped, nearly falling off his bed. He yanked off his headphones and glared at his sister. "Don't sneak up on me like that! What do you want?"

Perona giggled and waltzed into the room, holding up a bottle of black nail polish. "I've got an idea! You should paint your nails!"

Zoro arched an eyebrow. "Paint my nails? Are you kidding me? I'm not into that stuff."

Perona, undeterred, sat down on the bed next to him. "Come on, Roro. It's just for fun. Besides, black nail polish can look totally metal and badass. You'll love it."

Zoro couldn't help but roll his eyes. "You and your artsy ideas... It's not my thing."

Perona, with an air of innocence, pouted. "Aw, don't be such a party pooper! Just try it once. You might surprise yourself."

Zoro hesitated. He glanced at the nail polish bottle and then back at his sister. Perona had a way of making even the most unconventional things seem appealing. "Fine, but just one hand. If I don't like it, I'm taking it off immediately."

Perona clapped her hands in excitement. "Deal!"

Zoro reluctantly extended his right hand. His sister, being surprisingly steady with her hands, began to paint his nails with precision. As she worked, they chatted about music, school, and life in general.

When Perona finished, Zoro examined his hand. His nails were now adorned with glossy black polish. He couldn't help but admit, "Okay, it does look kind of cool."

Perona beamed. "I knew you'd come around! Now, we have to balance it out. The other hand needs some black polish too."

As Perona set to work on his other hand, Zoro couldn't help but smile. The black nail polish made him feel a little rebellious, a little different.

Perona giggled. "Now you're a metalhead with killer nails."

Zoro laughed and gave his sister a playful shove. "Thanks, Perona. You're not so bad at this artsy stuff after all."

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Zeff adjusted his tie with a smirk and said, "You know, Sora, I'm pretty sure I could win a 'Best Dressed' contest tonight."

Sora, while applying a touch of perfume, arched an eyebrow and replied, "Oh, you're quite dashing, my dear."

Zeff turned to Sora with a twinkle in his eye and a charming smile. He extended his hand toward her, the elegance of a gentleman mixed with a touch of mischief, and said, "My love, would you do me the honor, and let me lead you through a waltz?"

The room was filled with sweet classical music, and Zeff and Sora were dancing in each other's arms, bathed in the warm glow of flickering candles. Zeff, looking sharp in his suit, held his elegant wife Sora close, moving together like a well-tuned duo.