Full and content, their companions tactfully returned to their rooms. Redbeard, Jack, and the others were settled in as well.
A warm sea breeze blew, and the night air was pleasantly cool. The glittering sea had settled into a gentle calm, its faint ripples like the soft snores of someone fast asleep.
Robin stood and went straight back to her room without looking at Ye Chen. As she neared the cabin, she said, seemingly to herself, "I'm sleeping with Kuina tonight."
Robin's words carried an unspoken meaning. Ye Chen could do as he pleased tonight, but he must not come looking for her. She would be with Kuina.
Ye Chen had been thinking of spending time with Robin first, then Hancock. But Robin seemed to have seen through him. She had rejected his first plan before he could act on it.
It would be awkward for him to seek Robin out now. She had made it clear she would be with Kuina.
That left Ye Chen two choices: spend the night with Hancock or sleep alone.
Robin disappeared in the blink of an eye. While Ye Chen wrestled with his decision, Hancock came close. "Ye Chen..."
Her sweet voice sounded almost dreamlike. It sent a thrill through Ye Chen and left him weak at the knees.
Hancock turned to the women of the Kuja Pirates. "Go back without me. There's no need to wait!"
Robin had stepped aside, and Hancock had come to him of her own accord. Ye Chen's thoughts raced between anticipation and torment. Every glance at Hancock made his breathing grow heavier, but whenever Robin came to mind, guilt followed.
The women of the Kuja Pirates left in a swirl of perfume. Each of them looked back at Ye Chen before going.
Ye Chen still could not