A Quiet Crush

CHAPTER 1: FEELINGS

The Thousand Sunny swayed gently on the calm waves of the Grand Line. Zoro leaned against the ship's railing, his sword Wado Ichimonji resting at his side. The sun was warm, and he closed his eyes, enjoying the rare peaceful moment.

Robin was seated under the shade of the mast, a thick book in her lap. She turned pages slowly, her calm demeanor as steady as the sea. Zoro, though not the type to read much, found his eyes drifting to her.

It had started weeks ago-this odd pull toward her. Zoro wasn't sure why, but he caught himself looking at Robin more often than he cared to admit. Maybe it was the way she moved with quiet grace, or how her soft chuckles during the crew's antics seemed to melt away the tension on the ship.

One day, Zoro found himself sitting closer to her than usual. He pretended to sharpen his swords, though his attention wasn't on them.

"What are you reading?" he finally asked, breaking the silence.

Robin glanced up, her serene smile lighting up her face. "A book about ancient myths. Would you like to hear one?"

Zoro hesitated. "Sure, why not?"

She began to read aloud, her voice smooth and melodic. Zoro listened, the words washing over him. He didn't understand half of what she was saying, but her voice was so soothing that it didn't matter.

As the days passed, Zoro found more excuses to sit near her. He would ask about her books or offer to help with small tasks. The crew noticed, of course. Luffy teased him endlessly, and Sanji was furious, accusing Zoro of invading Robin's space.

Robin, however, seemed unfazed. One evening, as the sun set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, she surprised Zoro by joining him during his workout.

"You train hard every day," she said, sitting on a nearby barrel. "What drives you?"

Zoro paused, wiping sweat from his brow. "I made a promise. To become the strongest swordsman in the world."

Robin tilted her head thoughtfully. "And yet, you still find time to listen to my stories. That's kind of you, Zoro."

He looked away, suddenly feeling awkward. "It's not like that. I just... they're interesting, that's all."

Robin chuckled softly, and Zoro's heart skipped a beat. She stood up, her elegant figure silhouetted against the glowing sky.

"You're an honest man, Zoro," she said. "I like that about you."

Zoro froze. He wasn't sure if she meant it the way it sounded, but the warmth spreading in his chest told him he didn't mind either way.

From that day on, Zoro's crush on Robin grew quietly, like a hidden treasure he kept close to his heart. He didn't say much, but in his own way-by sitting near her, listening to her stories, and occasionally sharing a rare smile-he hoped she understood.

And Robin, with her sharp mind and gentle heart, understood perfectly.