Nyx didn't plan to get addicted. It started as a joke.
She was wandering around the living room late at night, half-asleep, half-bored, when she noticed the screen still glowing. Someone had left an episode playing—pirates yelling, dramatic music, a boy stretching his arms in ways that absolutely did not obey anatomy.
Nyx sat down. Just for a minute.
"Why is he made of rubber," she muttered, squinting at the screen. "That's stupid."
Five minutes later, she was leaning forward. Ten minutes later, she was laughing at every ridiculous gag, gasping at the over-the-top action, and crying during the emotional parts. The hours slipped by unnoticed.
By the time the sun peeked through the window, Nyx had watched episode after episode. Her energy drink was long empty, and the room was scattered with snack wrappers. She blinked at the screen, wide-eyed. "I… I need more," she whispered.
Her addiction had begun. One Piece wasn't just a show—it was a world she couldn't leave. She imagined herself sailing with the Straw Hats, getting into the same absurd adventures, and yelling at the villains with the same passion.
Nyx's normal chaos now had a new outlet. She drew pictures of the characters, re-enacted battles in the living room, and even tried to convince Vario and Bella to join her "pirate crew."
No one argued too strongly—they had learned by now that when Nyx got obsessed, nothing could stop her.
By evening, she had moved on to the next arc, eyes glowing, hair disheveled, and energy levels inexplicably high despite the lack of sleep. "Just… one more episode," she muttered, her voice trembling with a mixture of determination and sheer obsession.
The convenience store and the rest of the team would have to wait. Nyx had found a new world to conquer—and it was made entirely of pirates, rubber, and endless adventure.
—almost crimson, and she quickly looked away, fumbling with the remote. "I-I know that… I mean… duh! That's obvious!" she stammered, heat rushing to her ears.
Vario stepped closer, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "You really think it's obvious? You've been watching for hours, yet you keep missing the little details… the strategy behind Luffy's moves, the way the crew supports each other. You should pay more attention."
Nyx felt her stomach flip. His gaze wasn't just casual—it was focused, teasing, almost… personal. She could feel herself warming up, cheeks burning hotter than ever. "I-I am paying attention!" she squeaked, voice higher than normal.
Vario's smirk widened. "Sure you are. I can tell you're obsessed."
Nyx spun her chair around, glaring but flustered. "I'm not obsessed! I just… really like it! That's all!"
"Uh-huh," Vario said, amusement in his tone, leaning on the edge of the couch beside her. "You're blushing, Nyx."
Nyx froze, realizing he wasn't joking. Her ears burned, and she hugged her knees to her chest, muttering, "I'm not… blushing… at all…"
But she was. Every part of her felt like fireworks. She couldn't meet his eyes without turning a deeper shade of red. The excitement from the show, combined with the way Vario had suddenly joined her in talking about it… it was too much.
Vario chuckled softly, clearly enjoying her flustered state. "You know, we could watch it together. I think you'd appreciate my insights."
Nyx's heart skipped a beat. "W-what? Together?!" she stammered, scrambling to grab the blanket over her lap.
"Only if you want," Vario said casually, though his shadow seemed to linger closer, almost protective. "But I warn you… I might ruin your focus with commentary."
Nyx groaned, hiding her face in the blanket, internally screaming, "He's too close… too smart… too everything!"
And so, the night stretched on, with One Piece playing on the screen, Nyx blushing uncontrollably at every word Vario said, and the line between obsession with the show and obsession with Vario slowly, unmistakably, blurring.