A Quiet Crush

CHAPTER 6

The sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in warm hues of orange and pink. The Thousand Sunny sailed smoothly over the calm waves, and most of the crew had retreated to their own activities after a long day. 

Robin stood near the ship's railing, a soft breeze tousling her dark hair as she gazed at the endless sea. A small, thoughtful smile played on her lips, but her mind was far from calm. 

The memory of the accidental kiss with Zoro earlier that day lingered in her thoughts. Though brief and unintended, it had stirred something within her—something she wasn’t ready to ignore. 

Behind her, heavy footsteps approached. She didn’t need to turn to know who it was. 

“Robin,” Zoro’s gruff voice called softly, almost hesitant. 

She turned her head slightly, catching his nervous expression. It was rare for Zoro to look unsure, and she found it endearing. 

“Zoro,” she greeted, her voice calm as ever. “Couldn’t sleep?” 

He scratched the back of his neck, standing a few feet away from her, looking at anything but her. “No. Just... thought we should talk.” 

Robin’s smile widened ever so slightly. “About earlier?” 

His face turned crimson, and he let out a frustrated sigh. “Yeah. Look, about that—” 

Before he could finish, Robin turned fully toward him, stepping closer. The soft glow of the sunset highlighted her serene features, and Zoro’s words caught in his throat. 

“You’re not very good with words, are you?” she teased gently. 

Zoro grunted, crossing his arms. “Not really. But I want to be clear... I didn’t mean for that to happen, but—” 

Robin tilted her head, her dark eyes watching him intently. “But?” 

He clenched his jaw, the weight of his feelings suddenly overwhelming. This wasn’t a battlefield; he couldn’t rely on his swords or instincts. But this was Robin, someone who had always understood him in ways that surprised him. 

“But I don’t regret it,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. 

Robin’s eyes softened, and she stepped even closer, closing the distance between them. “Neither do I,” she said, her tone just as quiet. 

Zoro’s heart pounded in his chest. For a moment, they simply stood there, the sound of the waves filling the silence. Robin reached out, her fingers lightly brushing his arm—a silent reassurance. 

Taking a deep breath, Zoro did something he never thought he’d have the courage to do. He leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull away if she wanted to. But Robin didn’t move. 

Their lips met, this time deliberately, softly, and it felt... right. 

The kiss was brief but warm, filled with unspoken emotions that words could never capture. When they pulled apart, Robin’s serene smile returned, but this time, it held a new warmth. 

“Finally,” she said, her voice teasing but gentle. 

Zoro chuckled, his usual smirk appearing as the tension melted away. “Took me long enough, huh?” 

Robin nodded, resting a hand lightly on his chest. “But it was worth the wait.” 

As the sun disappeared below the horizon, leaving the sky awash in twilight, Zoro and Robin stayed there, side by side. For once, words weren’t necessary—the quiet between them said everything they needed to hear.