[Zoro's pov]
Now I've done it... that's the reason I didn't want to see him. Since we came back from that island yesterday I started feeling weird. Yet I have only myself to blame for being careless.
Since it was a safe island for pirates, I ended up lowering my guard. While I was walking around the city a weird person aprouched me saying something like "I know your deepest secrets. You should be more honest with yourself" or something and soon after I was attacked by the powers of their akuma no mi.
I never expected for it to be a power that makes me unable to lie. I just realized it this morning. I tried my best to avoid this outcome, but now it's too late... I fucked up.
S- Y-You're kidding right?
Z- No... I-I mean no! Yes... I do lo-...
I cover my face with my hand with a groan "Aah... it's fucking useless, just shut up! Please shut up! I wanna bury myself in a hole and die..."
I raise my eyes to meet his. As we make eye contact I deeply regret opening my mouth. I feel my heart sink.
Z- You... you're disgusted aren't you?
S- Huh? What? No! It's not like that... I just... didn't expect you to be...
He pauses, looking away. I sigh, tilting my head to the side.
Z- Gay? Is that what you were going to say?
He looks back at me.
S- Yeah...
Z- You're right. It is unexpected. A guy like me being into other guys... it's gross isn't it?
Silence. I expected that... I expected to be rejected. I never thought that he would reciprocate my feelings. It's my fault for falling in love with a straight man. It's my fault, but... it still hurts.
S- Zoro... I... I'm sorry-
Z- No. Stop, please don't say anything... I know you don't feel the same. It already hurts enough. You don't have to say it.
I sigh, looking down to the wooden floor beneath my feet. I didn't want to look him in the eye. Not right now. But then, suddently, he starts talking again.
S- It's... it's not like that. A guy never confessed his feelings to me before, so... I'm not sure. I've never been with a man before.
I raise my eyes to meet his again slightly confused
Z- Yeah... because you're straight?
"What the hell is he saying? Is he feeling sorry for me and trying to make some excuse to not reject me directly?"
Z- Listen, you don't need to do that. It hurts like hell, but I don't want you to pity me. Just stop.
S- I'm telling you, it's not like that! Look... I'll be honest. I actually kinda envy you.
Z- Excuse me?
S- Yeah, I'm not joking. You have a muscular body and a good looking face that can easily attract women. I always wondered "What does he have that I don't?"
Z- I don't understand where you're getting at.
S- I mean that... I don't know if I can feel attracted by a man because I never thought about it, so... what if we try something more... physical first?
I can't help but burst in laughter "There's no way he's that inocent to suggest something like that. Does he even know what he's saying?"
Z- So you're suggesting we become friends with benefits?
I raise an eyebrow, a grin tugging the corner of my lips
S- Something like that, yeah.
"He's really serious about it, huh. This could be fun."
Z- So how about this. We go into that... "more physical" relationship you suggested, but if you actually feel attracted to me and fall in love you'll have to date me.
S- What!?
Z- Let me finish. If you don't fall in love with me I'll give up on you, stop fighting you and I'll not bother you anymore.
I offer him my hand. He stares at it for a while, as if he was analyzing the conditions before finally shaking my hand.
S- Deal.
Z- Good. I won't go easy on you, so prepare yourself. I'll show you how strong is my love for you.
S- Try me, Marimo. I won't fall for you so easily.
Z- Is that a challenge?
S- Obviously.
[To be continued]