A Quiet Crush

CHAPTER 8

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the Thousand Sunny as the crew went about their usual routines. Robin sat on the lower deck, a book in hand, her serene expression giving no hint of the previous night’s events. 

Zoro, meanwhile, stood at the crow’s nest, staring down at her as if trying to figure out the right moment to approach. He wasn’t good with words—he never had been—but the growing closeness between them had stirred something new in him. For the first time, he wanted to say how he felt, even if it terrified him. 

Taking a deep breath, he climbed down and made his way over to her. Robin looked up as his shadow fell across her. 

“Zoro,” she greeted with a warm smile. “Good morning.” 

“Morning,” he replied, his usual gruffness softening slightly. He scratched the back of his neck, glancing at her book. “Mind if I sit?” 

She closed the book and gestured to the spot beside her. “Of course.” 

Zoro sat down, his swords clinking softly as he adjusted to the bench. For a moment, they simply sat there, watching the waves. It was Robin who broke the silence. 

“You seem... preoccupied,” she said, her tone light but curious. 

Zoro grunted. “Yeah. Guess you could say that.” 

She waited patiently, her gaze steady as he struggled to find the right words. 

“Look,” he began, his voice low, “I’m not great at this kind of thing, but...” He paused, taking a deep breath. “Last night—it wasn’t just some... mistake or heat of the moment thing. I meant it. All of it.” 

Robin’s expression softened, and a gentle smile spread across her lips. “I know, Zoro.” 

Her calm response made his chest tighten, and he turned to face her fully. “What I’m trying to say is... I want this. You and me. Not just some... quiet thing we keep between us. I want it to be real.” 

Robin tilted her head slightly, her smile widening. “Are you asking me to be your girlfriend, Zoro?” 

He flushed, grumbling under his breath, but nodded. “Yeah. I guess I am.” 

Robin reached out, her hand lightly brushing his. “And here I thought you’d never ask,” she teased gently. “Yes, Zoro. I’d like that very much.” 

His heart pounded at her words, and a rare, genuine smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Good,” he said, his voice steadier now. “That’s... good.” 

Robin leaned closer, her hand slipping into his. “It’s more than good.” 

As the waves rocked the Sunny, Zoro let himself relax for the first time in what felt like ages. They didn’t need grand gestures or declarations—the quiet understanding between them said everything. 

And as the day went on, they found themselves stealing more glances and small touches, their bond no longer hidden but quietly celebrated.