The Redhead Is Here (5/5)

Windmill Village, Banquet Bar

The sun was setting over Windmill Village as whispers spread about Finn distributing gifts at the pier. One by one, the villagers flocked to collect them, excited and curious.

Makino, standing behind the bar of her quiet establishment, was tempted to join them. It wasn't the gifts that interested her, though—it was Finn. But as an introverted and gentle woman, she hesitated. The mere thought of Finn brought back a rush of memories, especially the one that always made her blush—the time he accidentally saw her bathing when they were children.

"If it's an odd number, I'll go. If it's even, I won't," she murmured softly, her fingers playing with a bunch of flowers on the bar counter. Her gentle eyes reflected a mixture of hope and uncertainty. "Let's see if fate wants me to see him."

Just then, the door creaked open, and Finn stepped into the bar. His heart skipped a beat as his gaze landed on Makino, resting her head on the counter, lost in thought. She hadn't changed much—still the same radiant, natural beauty that had always captivated him.

His childhood goddess.

Makino had taken care of Finn for years, and despite their shared history, Finn always felt a special connection to her after that accidental moment of vulnerability. Maybe it was his imagination, but it felt like Makino had shown him even more kindness ever since.

He could never forget the little gestures—how she never charged him when he came to the bar, even when Ace and Luffy shamelessly tagged along. How every winter, she'd knit him a sweater to keep him warm. She had always been a constant in his life, a source of warmth and care.

Makino, lost in her thoughts, didn't notice Finn approaching. She continued to count the flowers in front of her, murmuring, "Odd... even... odd..."

When the last petal fell into place, her cheeks flushed. "Odd number. I guess I'll go see him," she whispered to herself with a shy smile, covering her face with her hands. "Finn must be so grown-up now... I wonder what he thinks of me after all this time. I hope he doesn't find me too... ordinary."

Finn's heart swelled as he watched her. She had no idea he was standing right there, and he couldn't help but speak up. "I'm so bad~"

Makino gasped, her head snapping up in surprise. Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red as she realized Finn had heard her every word.

"Finn...!" she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, her heart racing.

Her eyes softened, filling with warmth, and despite her embarrassment, a gentle smile graced her face. "You're back."

"Yeah," Finn said, his voice softer than usual. For some reason, talking to Makino always made him feel different—like her opinion of him mattered more than anyone else's. "How's everything been here?"

Makino hesitated, still trying to process his sudden appearance. "It's... it's been good. What about you?"

Finn smiled, a hint of playfulness creeping into his voice. "Everything's been fine. But... I missed you. My heart felt empty without my sister and you around."

Makino couldn't help but giggle, covering her mouth with her hand. "You haven't changed at all, still saying silly things."

"Hey, who said it's silly? I just know you like hearing me say that," Finn teased, his eyes sparkling. The tension between them slowly melted away.

Makino shot him a glance, her cheeks still pink from earlier. "Have you eaten yet? I can make you something—your favorite tomato ramen, maybe?"

Without missing a beat, Finn grinned. "I'd love that! I missed your cooking."

A short while later, Makino brought out a steaming bowl of tomato ramen, just like she used to make for him when they were younger. Finn dug in eagerly, but as he ate, something felt different. The ramen tasted just as good as always, but after years of experiencing the world's finest foods, there was something deeper about Makino's dish—something no gourmet meal could replicate.

It was the taste of care.

Makino watched him with a smile. "Is it still good?" she asked softly.

"Better than ever," Finn said, slurping up the last of the broth. "I could eat this every day."

Makino giggled, shaking her head as she handed him a handkerchief to wipe his mouth. "Look at you, still making a mess just like when you were a kid."

Finn leaned back with a contented sigh. "That's only with you, Makino. Around everyone else, I'm much more dignified."

He reached for her hand before she could take the bowl, holding it gently. Makino froze, her heart skipping a beat as her gaze darted to his. "You... you..."

"Makino," Finn said, his voice steady but full of emotion. "I want to eat this every day. I came back not just to see Luffy, but... to bring you with me."

Makino's eyes widened in disbelief. "What...? But... I can't... I'm just a bartender..."

"You're not 'just' anything," Finn said firmly. "I've got a warship the size of a castle. If you want to run a bar, we can set one up right on the ship. If not, that's fine too. I'll take care of everything."

Tears welled up in Makino's eyes. For so long, she had worried that Finn would never see her as anything more than a childhood memory. But now, standing before her, he was asking her to come with him.

"I..." she stammered, overwhelmed with emotion. "Finn, I... I need to pack my things—"

Before she could finish, Finn swept her up into his arms, causing her to squeal in surprise. "No need. I'll show you the ship first, then we'll pack," he said with a grin.

"Finn!" she protested, her face flushing again. "What if the villagers see us?"

"They'll just be happy for us," he said with a laugh, carrying her towards the door. "After all, everyone already knows about that little bath incident, right?"

Makino covered her face with her hands, laughing despite herself. "You're impossible."

As they stepped out into the evening, a new chapter of their story began, one they'd both secretly been waiting for all along.