Chapter 28: The Problem with Feelings

Ryo saw a lot marine soldiers aproching the execution platform. Two of them the lady from the bar and a one that looked like a young officer. He gave his crew the signal to return to the ship. He didn't knew the fifth person, but was sure that his trusted Vice-Captain was capible of making smart decisions. As he descended from the platform he found himself surrounded by the approaching marine soldiers. As always Ryo remained calm and composed, his playful demeanor undeterred. Sensing no immediate threat from the two women who had stepped forward, concluding that they are the commanding officers of this people. Nevertheless he couldn't resist indulging in a bit of flirtation.

"Well, can't get enough of me, my mysterious beauty?" he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "And is this must be your sister? She is just as beautiful as you."

Her cheeks flushed with a faint blush as she attempted to maintain her composure. "Stop it, Ryo," she admonished, her voice failing to conceal her embarrassment.

Curious, the younger girl with red hair, interjected with a question. "What does this mean, Hina? Do you two know each other?"

Hina brushed off the question with a nonchalant shrug. "That's unimportant, Ruby," she replied dismissively, her gaze shifting away from Ryo's knowing grin.

Satisfied with having learned the names of the two women, Ryo flashed them a charming smile before turning his attention back to the soldiers. Despite the tension in the air, he remained unfazed, confident in his ability to navigate the situation with his characteristic charm and wit.

Asking the obvious Ryo began to talk. "So, what's going to happen now? Are you going to arrest me?" With a thoughtful expression Hina answered him. "Depends wether you attack us." "Well, why would I try and hurt two beauties like you?", he asked in his typical playful manner. "Come with us, we will talk in private if you don't resist." To this, he theatrically scoffed. "Huh? I would never", ending in a playful smirk.

After some time, Hina and Ryo found themselves in a secluded area, away from prying eyes. The tension between them hung heavy in the air. With Ruby and the soldiers standing guard at the entrances, ensuring their privacy, Hina's stoic facade began to crack, revealing a mix of concern, sadness, and regret beneath.

"Why would you do such a stupid thing, Ryo? Declaring to be the next King of the world ... do you know what this means? You are now officially a criminal in the eyes of the World Gouverment" Hina's voice wavered with emotion as she said this, her eyes betraying the affection she felt for him despite their opposing allegiances.

Ryo's playful demeanor softened as he met her gaze, his expression reflecting a rare moment of vulnerability. "I want to fight the World Government and end their corruption and oppressive regime, it is my destiny", he replied earnestly, his voice filled with determination.

Hina's heart sank at his words, her last hopes crumbling before her eyes. The realization that Ryo was now her enemy pierced her soul, leaving her feeling lost and conflicted.

"Why do you care, Hina?" Ryo's question hung in the air, cutting through the silence like a knife. "We knew each other for barely a few hours. As a marine, it's your duty to capture people like me. You shouldn't let some emotions cloud your judgment."

With a mixture of anger and despair bubbling inside her, Hina's hand lashed out, delivering a stinging slap to Ryo's cheek. As she gazed into his eyes, tears glistened in her own, mirroring the pain and turmoil she felt within.

"You're the first guy I've ever felt this way about," Hina confessed, her voice choked with emotion. "You made me laugh, you made me feel alive. I was ready to ask you for a date, Ryo. I don't care if we barely know each other, I've never been so sure about my feelings for anyone like this in my life."

Ryo's heart ached as he watched Hina's tears fall, her vulnerability laying bare the depth of her emotions. Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms, offering her solace and comfort in her moment of need.

As they held each other, the weight of their conflicting loyalties and the uncertainty of their future hung heavy in the air. But in that fleeting moment, all that mattered was the connection they shared, transcending the boundaries of their respective worlds.

"Listen, in this short time we knew each other I've grown to like you a lot too. But i want to be onest with you. I never want any harmful secrets in my l life", he told her quietly as he held her in his arms.

"You're not the only one I have feelings for," Ryo admitted, his voice tinged with honesty. "I care about you deeply, Hina, but I can't ignore the feelings I have for others, like Yamato for example. I would never ask her to suppress her feelings for my sake, so that I can be with another person."

Hina's response was surprisingly lighthearted, a small smile gracing her lips. "I don't care if you have other relationships," she confessed, her voice filled with sincerity. "As long as you never neglect or abandon me, that's all that matters to me."

Ryo's expression softened at her words, his gaze locking with hers in a moment of understanding. "I would never let someone go after ive begun to like them," he declared firmly, his tone serious.

Relief washed over Hina as she absorbed his words, a weight lifted from her shoulders. She knew that despite the challenges they faced, their bond was strong enough to withstand any obstacles in their path.

But amidst their shared moment of clarity, Hina's thoughts turned to the practicalities of their situation. How could they be together when she was a marine and he a pirate? The mission to capture him and his crew loomed over her like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over their newfound connection.

Before she could dwell on these thoughts any longer, Ryo's lips descended upon hers in an intense kiss, overwhelming her with a rush of emotions. In that moment, nothing else mattered—not their opposing loyalties, not the uncertain future that lay ahead. All that existed was the electric spark between them, igniting a fire that burned brighter than any obstacle they faced.

As they pulled away, breathless and exhilarated, Hina knew that she had found something worth fighting for. She was willing to do anything in her power to be by his side and be a member of the marines at the same time.

"Hina, I have a plan," Ryo began, his voice steady and resolute. "But it's going to require trust, patience, and a willingness to take risks."

Hina listened intently, her brow furrowing in concern as she absorbed his words. "What kind of plan?" she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Ryo explained his strategy in detail, laying out each step with precision and clarity. As he spoke, Hina's initial shock gave way to a growing sense of understanding and, dare she say, admiration.

At first, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. The plan seemed audacious, even reckless. But the more Ryo elaborated, the more sense it made. Each piece fell into place, forming a cohesive strategy that offered a glimmer of hope in their seemingly impossible situation.