[OP] 🌹 What's Up Stranger? 🌹 [ Trafalgar Law x Reader ]

CHAPTER 3

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"Why are you dozing off, you lazy girl?" I had taken another sip from my tea, for which I was entirely grateful to Sanji aka his cavalier manners, before I shrugged in response and continued staring at the waves.

"I guess I'm happy I didn't drown?" I nonchalantly replied.

Zeff rose his eyebrow and made the pose 'Tell me or I'm not leaving' to which I just rolled my eyes and let a deep sigh, somehow forcing myself to avert my gaze to the mug and encircle my fingers around it.

Contemplating if I should just say what was on my mind or act cool, I blurted the first thing that crossed my mind. "What do you think about coincidences?"

His serious demeanour changed into a surprised one and then an expression that clearly screamed 'suspicion'. "I don't have any real thoughts about it. Why?"

"Ah, it is just something I remembered and wanted another opinion. Nothing to worry about. It's only me and my crazy thoughts."

He kept staring at me as if he wanted a further explanation.

"What?"

"Is that it? Nothing else to ask? Or add?"

I shook my head. "Nope, nothing." The lie left a bitter-sweet taste in my mouth, mostly likely because I have never really tried to hide something from the man. Not even when Zeff required a short interview on the day I was hired.

"Well then..." His expression sharpened as he grazed through the slick surfaces of the tables, the possessed trait used when he examined the sanitary work we did around here. And when I said we, I meant me and Sanji. Other cooks had already left the dirty work and got a promotion. Better yet, rose from rags to riches. Literally.

I sighed. Here it goes. He'll order me to clean the diner...Again. Even if I'm on the brink of death ... There is still moping to do. No excuses.

"... Go get some rest, kiddo. You look awful."

My jaw literally disconnected from my face and fell to the table in outer amazement. 

This man, that was so strict and couldn't accept the fact that someone came late only for a minute, just gave me the approval to leave my shift? What day was this? What sorcery possessed this 5-star Chef to grant me this privilege?

"What about Sanji?"I acquired after I gained back my ability to speak. I definitely felt the pleasure of not working and imagining myself behind the familiar PC screen with popcorn in my hands whilst banging the volume to the maximum, was inviting.

"Sanji? Why are you asking? Obviously, he'll be working. And without you here, he'll just do double the job." No matter if the blond and Zeff had an adoptive relationship, the chef said it without hesitation. Discipline and hardship were just oozing from his sharp tone like a snake that was ready to attack and swallow the prey. I respected his point of view ... But DOING DOUBLE? In such conditions?

I frowned. I didn't think it was fair to the blonde. Indeed was he labelled as a super pervert (not including our mutual friends Franky and Brook, the latter shamelessly asking girl for their panties). The blond relentlessly chased the female population on the beach as if the mating season began... But nevertheless, his heart was in a right place.

"Won't that be too harsh on him? He has been working since 5 AM."

"Then, what you're saying is... You won't  take the day off?" The old man challenged.

I hummed and shut my mouth for a second. My brain cells needed the extra seconds to thoroughly think before making any rash decisions. One wrong word and all this could clash down faster than Bonney's monthly allowance for pizza.

"I-I-...I'm off! Thank you for this amazing opportunity! See you later!" I jumped from my seat where I left the half-drunk beverage and continued to the kitchen where I left my apron. I was greeted by a pleasant humming near the sink, Sanji leaning over it while peeling the potatoes.

Oh, how it breaks my heart. Poor guy... Such a conscientious person! Yet, I still have to break his spirit. For the sake of my... Should I consider that invitation a date?

"Sanji~!" I purred in a sultry voice. That was the least thing I could do to get on his good side. Not that it was necessary, but hey ... With this I wouldn't feel any remorse.

The blond quickly shoot up his head and sent me a cute smile. "Yes, Y/n-swan~!"

I already feel my conscience hitting me with a baseball bat.

"I have to tell you something..." I 'shyly' continued, intentionally wrapping a strand of my hair around the index finger and puckering my lips. That sent the male from his spot and right into my private space.

"You can tell me anything! What's wrong? Are you hurt? Hungry?"

"I don't know if I can say it... You'll be angry..." I whined and wept a fake tear.

He's not suspecting anything. My bad acting...Is actually really good!

"You don't have to say it, if you don't want to! What can I do to make you happy?"

Yes! Here it is! MY grand chance for a ticket to freedom.

"Well,..." I slouched in my movement and hopefully gazed up to him.

That'll do the trick.

"I think taking a day off would do me good. My head hurts and I-I just...Oh, forget that I've said anything at all! It is too selfish! I can't bear such lowly thoughts!"

"No, please! Continue! You are the most selfless person I've ever met!"

Damnnnn... Sanji, my friend, if you think that, then you have probably confused me with someone else.

"Really? Ok then... C-can you...Perhaps, of course... If you agree... Take over my shift? Just for today!"

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Five minutes later, I was happily humming while twirling my apartment keys. The breeze brushed my face, whilst Sanji enthusiastically waved from the open window.

A devilish grin decorated my lips.

Nami would be so proud! Tehehe~

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