knots and kisses

Chapter 6

꒰ Nami's POV ꒱

By the end of the day, the fairy lights that had adorned our stall now lay in a tangled mess, and the colorful banners fluttered gently in the evening breeze. Sanji was busy stacking the last of the trays.

I counted the money we had earned. My eyes sparkled at the sight of the thick wad of cash. We had done well—very well.

"Wow, Nami! Look at all that money," Vivi said.

"Yeah," I murmured, my fingers caressing the bills. "Just imagine what we could do with this."

Vivi placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Nami, remember, it's for charity. We promised to donate all the proceeds."

I bit my lip, torn between my desire to keep a portion of the money and the commitment we had made. "But... it's so much. Maybe we could keep a little? For... supplies or something?"

Vivi shook her head, her expression firm but kind. "We made a promise. And think of all the good this money will do for those in need."

I sighed heavily, knowing she was right. "Fine, fine. We'll donate it all."

Vivi smiled, she took the money from my reluctant hands and turned to Sanji, who was wiping down the last table. "Sanji-kun, can you take this to the office? It's our donation to the charity."

Sanji looked at the money, then at Vivi, and nodded. "Of course, Vivi-chan." He took the cash, giving me a quick, reassuring smile before heading towards the school building.

I watched him go, feeling a pang of reluctance as he disappeared around the corner. "There goes our hard-earned moneyyy~" I whined.

Vivi wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into a comforting hug. "I know it's hard, Nami, but we're making a difference. Besides, there's always next year. And who knows, maybe we'll come up with an even better idea that will earn us twice as much."

I leaned into her embrace, sighing. "I guess you're right. It's just... I can't help but think of all the things we could have bought."

Vivi chuckled softly. "Trust me, Nami. The joy of helping others is worth more than anything we could buy."

As we parted ways, I couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and frustration. Vivi was right, of course, but it didn't make parting with the money any easier.

"See you tomorrow, Nami," Vivi said, waving as she walked in the opposite direction.

"Yeah, see you," I replied, waving back.

Walking home, I tried to focus on the positive side of things. Vivi's words echoed in my mind, and despite my initial hesitation, I found a small smile forming on my lips.

I'm proud of myself.

꒰ 3rd POV ꒱

Sanji took a moment to dispose of the trash and headed towards the recycling bins, the envelope with the charity money safely tucked in his pocket. As he approached the bins, a figure stepped out from the shadows.

"Do I see a maid with a fat stack of cash?" The student with a headband sneered, blocking Sanji's path.

Sanji's heart raced, but he stood his ground. "Back off. This money is for charity."

The bully's smirk widened as he advanced. "Charity, huh? How about a donation to me instead?"

Sanji's fists clenched. "I said back off."