The evening air was crisp as Aria and Mihawk stood on the balcony overlooking the sea. The battles and victories had only deepened their connection, and tonight, Aria felt a need to express the emotions that had been building within her.
"When I was drowning in the dark, I thought it was over," Aria began, her voice barely above a whisper. "But you came for me. You didn't have to, but you did."
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Mihawk's intense amber eyes met hers, and she felt a magnetic pull that made it impossible to look away. She mustered all her courage, letting herself fully take in his face—the sharp jawline, the meticulously trimmed beard, and finally, her eyes settled on his lips.
"I can't stop thinking about that day," she continued, her voice trembling slightly. "You saved me, Mihawk."
Mihawk remained silent, his gaze unwavering. The silence between them was charged with unspoken words, the air thick with anticipation. Aria could see the depth of his emotions in his eyes, the way he seemed to struggle with the words he wanted to say.
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Gathering her courage, Aria stepped closer, her heart pounding in her chest. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his hand, and took a deep breath. "Mihawk, I—"
The moment was shattered by the sudden appearance of Buggy, his loud, boisterous voice breaking through the quiet. "Hey, you two! There you are! We've been looking everywhere for you!"
Aria jumped slightly, pulling her hand back as her face flushed a deep red. Mihawk's expression shifted, a brief flash of irritation crossing his features before he regained his usual composed demeanor.
Buggy, oblivious to the tension he had interrupted, grinned widely. "We're celebrating our victory! Crocodile's even got some of the good stuff out. Come on, join us!"
Aria took a step back, her heart still racing. "Uh, yeah, we'll be there in a minute, Buggy."
Buggy raised an eyebrow, his grin turning sly. "Oh, I see how it is. Don't take too long, lovebirds."
With a mischievous wink, Buggy turned and sauntered back into the fortress, leaving Aria and Mihawk alone once more. The silence that followed was heavy, the moment of vulnerability they had shared now feeling distant.
