Conqueror’s Desire

The night grew darker, and after a long journey at sea, Nami and MC finally found a small, seemingly deserted island. They anchored and decided to rest on the beach, the flickering campfire casting warm light on their faces.

MC leaned against a large rock, gazing at the starry sky, while Nami busied herself drying her still-wet hair after a dip in the ocean.

Her clothes were slightly revealing—just a tight white tank top and a pair of rather short shorts. MC tried to keep his focus on the sky, but out of the corner of his eye, he couldn't help but notice Nami adjusting her clothes absentmindedly.

"Hey, are you daydreaming?" Nami's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

MC blinked. "Huh? No… I was just thinking about everything that happened today."

Nami chuckled softly. "Still shaken up from rejecting the Admiral's offer?"

MC smirked. "Not at all. I stand by my decision."

Nami looked at him with admiration in her eyes. "You know? I respect that. Not many people would have the guts to turn down an offer like that."

MC merely shrugged. "I just followed my heart."

Nami moved closer and sat beside him, so close that he could catch the faint scent of salt and citrus lingering on her skin.

A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the rhythmic crashing of the waves.

Nami twirled a strand of her hair between her fingers before speaking in a softer tone. "I also… wanted to say thank you."

MC turned to her. "For what?"

Nami bit her lip briefly before looking at him, her expression somewhat shy. "For choosing to stay with me."

MC felt his heartbeat quicken.

"I don't know why," she continued, her voice slightly unsteady, "but I feel… safer when you're around."

Their hands accidentally brushed against each other on the sand. Neither of them pulled away.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world felt still.

The sea breeze played with Nami's hair, pushing it back and revealing the soft curve of her neck.

MC could see the faint blush on her cheeks, even as she tried to keep her composure.

"You do realize you're flirting right now, don't you?" MC finally teased, a playful smirk on his lips.

Nami flinched, immediately pulling her hand away, her face turning completely red. "W-what?! I am NOT flirting! Don't get the wrong idea, idiot!"

MC chuckled at her reaction, and Nami smacked his arm in frustration. "You're so annoying!" she huffed, pouting slightly—but her gaze never left his.

MC smiled gently. "But you're still not moving away from me, are you?"

Nami stayed quiet for a moment, then turned away, her face still warm.

"...Maybe."

The ocean breeze carried an air of unspoken tension between them, something delicate yet undeniable.

MC knew… tonight was the beginning of something deeper between him and Nami.