I do not own One Piece or its characters, I only own this story.
Hopeless Romantics: Chapter 53
When Luffy entered the library and went to an area where students typically studied, she was pleased to see a familiar face sitting alone at an otherwise empty table. With some pep in her step, Luffy walked up to the table and sat down. There was no indication from the orange-haired girl that she noticed Luffy, so she announced herself, "Hey Koala!"
Her loud voice caused several people to turn and scowl in her direction, but Luffy didn't notice. Koala lifted her head and a smile of recognition crossed her face, "Luffy, hey."
"Did you have fun last night?" Luffy asked, enthusiastically.
Nodding her head, "Yeah, I did. You all made me feel very welcome." Koala smiled graciously, "Thank you for that."
"Shishishishi, of course!" As she began to pull her books from her backpack, Luffy had a thought. She casually mentioned, "You know, Sabo was talking about you earlier."
Immediately, Koala's eyes met hers, "What was he saying?"
Smiling to herself, Luffy brushed it off, "Oh it was nothing really, he was just saying how he really liked you."
Koala's cheeks turned pink, and Luffy swore she saw her smile before saying, "Luffy, I told you about how I was engaged, right?" She waited for her to nod before continuing, "Kohza and I grew up in foster homes together, he was one of the only people I felt like I could trust."
"What happened?" Luffy asked out of genuine curiousity.
Sighing, Koala explained, "Well, I broke it off because I caught him cheating."
Luffy began to frown, "Koala, I'm sorry." She stood up from the table and walked around to give her a hug.
With a slight chuckle, Koala returned the hug, "It's okay. I just…" She sighed in frustration, "I don't know if I'm ready to open myself up to anyone right now."
Releasing Koala from her hug, Luffy gazed into her blue eyes, "You already have." Her largest smile was on her face, "I just want you to know that Sabo isn't like that. You don't have to date him or anything. Just…," she contemplated what to say for a moment, "Give him a chance."
Blue eyes shining, Koala gulped, "I don't know, Luffy… Sabo is nice, and I think he is cute, but…"
"But what?" Luffy pouted at her, "The only thing standing in the way is your past."
Those words hit her hard, Koala knew Luffy was right. Last night, she had felt some weird connection between herself and Sabo. Before he tried to kiss her, Koala had thought about doing the very same thing, herself. "We barely even know each other…"
Scoffing, Luffy reminded her, "Traffy and I barely even knew each other, but sometimes you just know."
Koala considered Luffy's words, "Okay, fine."
Luffy blinked at her, "What?"
"Ugh, fine, I'll give Sabo a chance," Koala rolled her eyes, "Okay?"
A huge smile broke across Luffy's face, "Really?!"
"Shhh," Koala held her finger to her lips to try and quiet the excitable girl down. "Just be quiet, this is the library, you know," she shook her head and smiled. "So, what should I do?"
Shrugging, Luffy suggested, "Maybe just text him later and see where it goes."
"Huh," she considered it, "I gotta say that isn't as scary as what I was expecting you to say."
"Shishishishi, why should it be scary?"
After a moment of contemplation, Koala hummed, "I don't know, I guess I just feel kinda nervous…"
Luffy gave her a kind smile, "You don't have to feel nervous, Sabo is super nice and understanding. I don't know your ex, but Sabo isn't the kind of guy who would cheat. He doesn't usually like girls, that's why everyone was so interested in him trying to kiss you."
Scratching at her head, Koala asked, "What do you mean 'he doesn't usually like girls'? Is he gay or bi?"
Covering her mouth with her hand to stifle her laughter, Luffy removed it to answer, "Umm, no. Like, he's never been in a relationship or had a crush on someone before."
Koala's eyes went wide, "What? Seriously?"
Luffy shrugged, "Well, Ace hasn't either, and I've never really liked anyone besides Traffy."
Pursing her lips, Koala thought about what she was just told. Sabo's never liked anyone before? Why would he like me, though? Or maybe…did he feel the same way around me as I did around him? I can't even explain it… It just felt right.
They began to sit and work in silence, Luffy seemed to be more focused on her tasks than Koala felt about herself. After a few hours of reading and re-reading things, writing down notes, and also dealing with her mind wandering off to a certain blond man, Koala packed up her things. "I'll see you later, Luffy," she waved with a smile.
"Oh, wait!" Luffy scribbled something on a sheet of paper and handed it to her, smiling, "Here's my number, let me know how it goes."
Smiling back, Koala rolled her eyes, "Okay, whatever."
Walking out of the library, Koala pulled out her phone and added Luffy to her contacts, then found Sabo's and typed up a message.
Hey Sabo, this is Koala. I just left the library, Luffy kept me company but I don't think a library is the right setting for someone with such high-energy XP
Before she could chicken out, she sent it and let out a sigh of relief. As she walked to her building, she began talking to herself, "Oh my god, that was so stupid. What am I doing? Luffy…that girl is seriously nuts…I can't believe I listened to her…"
Then she heard her phone go off and saw a reply from Sabo.
I was wondering when I'd be hearing from you, I was beginning to worry that I wouldn't… But I'm sure I have Luffy to thank for that ;)
She completely stopped in her tracks, Koala felt her heart pounding in her chest as she typed a response.
Something like that… Are you free right now? Would you want to hang out?
After hitting send, Koala stared at her phone screen, eagerly waiting for Sabo's reply. When it came, a smile formed on her lips.
I'll meet you outside your building, be there in five.
Sabo was on his way back to his apartment from the hospital when he got Koala's text. If he was being honest, it was the first time he really smiled all day. With a newfound sense of purpose, Sabo quickened his pace and headed for Koala's building.
The walk was short and when he neared her building, Sabo caught a glimpse of her orange hair. Knowing he was only moments away from finally getting to talk to her, his mind began to run wild. What did Luffy say? God, I hope she didn't tell her anything embarrassing…fuck. Who am I kidding, of course she did! It's Luffy we're talking about! At least Koala still wants to talk to me, that's a good sign, right? Ughhh, this is so stupid! This is exactly why I stay away from this kind of shit…too much of a headache.
"Sabo!"
Hearing her call his name brought him out of his trance. He let out his breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, "Koala," he smiled, softly, "How are you?"
"Ughhh," she rolled her eyes, "Well, I've been better."
He scoffed, "Yeah, me too."
Their eyes met and as Koala peered at him, Sabo felt as if he was an open book. Her next words only strengthened this feeling, "Sabo, are you okay?"
It felt as if a ton of bricks landed on his chest. He averted his eyes and shook his head, "I've had a pretty rough day, if I'm being honest."
After a moment of silence and avoiding her gaze, Sabo felt Koala's hand on his arm, "Want to go for a walk?"
When he finally looked at her, Sabo saw empathy in her blue eyes. He nodded his head, "I'd like that."
Koala smiled, "Great," her hand slid down to his and lingered for a moment before she pulled it away. She began to walk in the direction of the forest, "I heard there is an abandoned building in the woods, is that true?"
Falling into step beside her, Sabo became puzzled, "Abandoned building? I've never heard about something like that…"
"Really?" She turned to him with a smile, "I wonder if it's just a myth or something."
He shrugged his shoulders, "Don't know. I've never walked in this forest before."
She shot a judgemental look his way, "What?! Why not?"
The strange face she made caused a hint of a smile across his lips, "Dunno, I used to spend so much time back home with Ace and Luffy in the forest, but…"
When he didn't continue, Koala nudged his side with her elbow, "But what?"
A sideways glace revealed a curious smile on her lips. Sabo stared at her mouth for a moment before glancing back up to her blue eyes, "Things are different now, so much has changed."
She huffed, "What does that have to do with going on a walk in the forest? It sounds like a lame excuse to me."
Sabo shook his head and laughed dryly, "Oh yeah?"
"Yeah."
The confidence in her voice irked him, "Well I am now aren't I?"
With a coy smile, she boasted, "All thanks to me."
Such simple words sent a strange feeling through him, "Yeah…"
They continued to walk in silence as they neared the edge of the forest. The smell of fall was in the air and some of the leaves were starting to change from green to yellow. Once there was a fork in the trail, Koala paused, "What way do you think we should go?"
When Sabo studied the two paths, neither seemed more or less exciting than the other. He let out his breath in a huff, "How 'bout left?"
Koala smiled and hooked her arm through Sabo's, "Left it is!"
As they continued to walk, the only thing he could think about was how warm she felt standing next to him. Neither of them spoke, and the silence was beginning to drive him insane. Sabo finally decided to tell her about his day, "I found this girl today."
She raised an eyebrow at him, "A girl?"
He nodded, "Her name is Rebecca, she's seventeen." Sabo sighed, his breath was unsteady, "This guy we know…he had her tied up in a motel room."
The next thing he knew, Koala was standing infront of him, her blue eyes once again peering into the depths of his soul. He watched as she slowly raised her hand and placed it on his unscarred cheek, wiping away a tear he was unaware he had shed.
"I took her to the hospital and found out she doesn't have a family, she had no one!" Sabo hadn't realized he was beginning to cry as he continued, "She looked like a corpse! I was shocked she was able to speak at all to me… But she was asleep the entire time at the hospital, I was on my way home when you texted me."
Koala didn't know what to say or do. Oh no! Sabo is crying! She did the only thing that came to mind and wrapped her arms around him tightly. After rubbing his back, she turned her face up to his, "Sabo, it's okay. You did the right thing, you brought her to the hospital, it sounds like you did more for her than anyone has in awhile."
"I just feel responsible, you know? I'm the one who found her..."
"But you aren't the one who did that to her, Sabo. You aren't responsible for what happened to her, but if you feel like you need to be there for her or something…well, that's up to you." Koala wiped his unscarred cheek with her fingers once more.
Sabo could see in her eyes that she considered touching the other side as well. He took her hand from his cheek and moved it to the other side. With a faint smile on his lips, he breathed, "Thank you."
She was so surprised by his gesture, Koala was dazzed, "For what?"
He shrugged and scratched the back of his head, "A lot of things, but to start—just for listening."
"Oh," the corner of her mouth curled upwards and they continued walking, "What else?"
A light chuckle escaped from Sabo, "Oh geez…well, for talking to me again, for texting me, for inviting me to hang out with you, for going on a walk in the woods…you get the idea."
Koala had a cheeky smile as she rolled her eyes, "It sounds like you're obsessed with me."
That made his smiled disappear, "I'm sorry," he averted his eyes and shifted awkwardly, "What if I am?"
She stared at him, dumbfounded, "Sabo, have you ever had a crush on someone?" Koala remembered her conversation with Luffy, she hadn't really believed her, but Sabo's behavior was making her less-sceptical.
Sabo opened his mouth to answer, then quickly shut it. He blinked a few times, furrowing his brow, then returned her gaze. His eyes were vulnerable but certain as he said, "I've never been interested in pursuing a relationship with anyone before."
For a moment they stared into one another's eyes, then continued along the trail in silence. As Koala walked beside him, she was stuck contemplating what he had said. Eventually she couldn't take the quiet, "Sabo, listen. I was engaged, his name is Kohza, and we grew up together and were really close…but a few months ago I caught him cheating and—"
The next thing she knew, Sabo's arms were wrapped around her, "I'm sorry that happened to you." She stood still, unmoving as her body grew warm from his embrace, "Koala, you don't have to explain anything. I understand you don't want to rush into any relationship after going through that."
Her eyes met his, "I just…I'm trying to figure out who I am without Kohza. He was such a big part of my life for so long…but now I have to learn about myself."
The corners of Sabo's mouth twitched upwards, "For what it's worth, I really do think you are incredible."
Blood rushed into her face, Koala could feel heat radiating from her cheeks, "Well, thank you. It just doen't help someone's self-esteem when their fiancé cheats on them."
Sabo's heart ached for her, "He didn't deserve you."
She stopped in her tracks, "What?"
Realizing she was no longer beside him, Sabo turned around to see Koala staring at him. "I said he didn't deserve you. He was crazy to cheat on you! I mean, look at you, Koala! You are the complete package."
Never in her life had Koala been praised by anyone. Her personality was a result of people never believing in her full-potential and shoving it in their faces. She wasn't used to people seeing or telling her she was worth something. Even with Kohza, their relationship consisted of her always trying to be enough for him.
The expression on his face suddenly changed to one of worry and concern, "Hey, are you okay?" Sabo noticed a tremble in Koala's lower lip and took a step closer, "I'm sorry if I crossed a line…"
Koala shook her head, inhaling a shaky breath, she explained, "It's not that… No one has ever said that about me before." She hung her head and looked down at the ground.
Closing the distance between them, Sabo gently lifted her chin up and gazed into her eyes, "Sounds like no one has ever appreciated you." He looked down at her lips and swallowed, more than anything he wanted to know what they would feel like against his own. Before Koala could think of anything to do or say, Sabo took a step back and grabbed her hand, pulling her forward, "Come on, let's see if we can find that building you mentioned."
Staying silent, the two followed the path holding hands. Koala felt too embarrassed to look at Sabo, if she had, she would've seen him nervously nibbling on his bottom lip. He was having a hard time figuring out what to say and do around her. It was all too obvious that Sabo had feelings for her, but while he figured out what Koala thought of him, he couldn't stop himself from worrying he was going to mess everything up before even starting.
Since he had never been interested in someone before, Sabo was unsure what to do. He glanced sideways at Koala and noticed her cheeks were flushed, a smile formed on his lips as he gently sighed. Gaining some courage, he asked, "So, what happens if we find this mysterious building?"
Her head turned to him and a sly smile played on her lips, "We explore!"
Sabo sputtered with laughter, "Okay, I should've guessed that."
Hearing him laugh caused Koala to smile and feel more relaxed. They had been holding each other's hand for only a short part of the walk, but it felt so natural that she had forgotten about it until Sabo let go and began to walk off the trail. She called after him, "Hey, where are you going?"
He yelled back over his shoulder, "I think I see something over here!"
After rolling her eyes, Koala chased after him into the woods, "Sabo! Hang on!" She found him stopped in a clearing with an old abandoned stone building. Raising an eyebrow at him, she opened her mouth to speak, only to find herself at a loss for words when she saw the light dance in his eyes and the carefree nature of his smile.
"I think we found it," Sabo beamed with pride as he stared in awe at the building. When he turned to Koala, his smile grew wider, "Should we explore?"
She nodded her head eagerly and walked toward the building with a hop in her step. Before she went inside however, she felt Sabo's fingers lace themselves with hers. Koala turned to face Sabo, his tall figure towered over her and if she was with anyone else she would've made a run for it. Despite the fact he was nearly a perfect stranger, even though Koala was alone in the woods with him, Sabo made her feel safe.
Once they stepped inside the building, they realized that although the exterior of the building makes it appear abandoned, it was far from such a thing. There were a few couches and chairs for seating as well as a table, several empty bottles of alcohol were scattered throughout the room along with ash trays, and there were used condoms thrown around on the floor.
Sabo, once more, burst into a fit of laughter, "Oh my god! Is this what you were expecting to find?!"
Her cheeks turned bright red, "I didn't know! I wasn't even sure it was real! I had just overheard some people mention 'the abandoned building in the forest.' I didn't know what it was used for!"
Seeing how red and embarrassed Koala was, Sabo forced himself to stop laughing, "I'm sorry," he cleared his throat and his face became serious, "I take it this isn't the kind of adventure you wanted, huh?"
Koala's shoulders fell, "I don't know what I want anymore." She sat on the arm of one of the couches and frowned, "Have you ever looked at your life and realized nothing turned out the way you expected?
He shook his head, "What do you mean?"
She sighed, "When I was growing up, I always wanted there to be someone who would want me. I never knew my parents, they didn't want me. Most of the foster homes I was put in I was used to take care of the younger kids or beaten! Kohza was a part of my life since I was ten. I looked up to him and idolized him, I thought we would always be together, but…"
Sabo kneeled before her and took her hands in his, "Hey, don't reminisce on the past, especially when there is nothing happy there." He caught her blue eyes in his gaze, "Koala, I don't know what it is about you, but something just feels right. I've never felt like this before and I…" Closing his eyes, he drew in a breath and summoned his courage, then opened them, "I need to know if you feel it too."
As they stared into each other's eyes, Koala swallowed the lump in her throat and looked down at her hands begin held in his. She met his gaze once more and nodded, "I feel it, too—but Sabo, I—"
That was the moment Sabo took a leap of faith, he held her face in his hands and brought his lips to hers, silencing her. The feeling of her mouth against his was exquisite, he had never kissed a girl before, but they moved perfectly insync with one another. He felt Koala's hand on his own cheek and the other in his hair. When he opened his mouth, her tongue wriggled inside and began to massage his own. Their breathing was heavy, Sabo began to feel his dick harden in his jeans and pulled away.
When they opened their eyes, they returned each other's gaze with a smile. Sabo was the first to speak, "Koala, I want you. I've never wanted anyone, but I want you." He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, "I understand you might feel afraid or unsure about getting into another relationship, though."
She gave him a tiny smile, "It's not just that, I don't want to rely on a man for everything."
"I have never thought that about you, nor will I ever," he stated with certainty.
Koala scoffed, "I've changed a lot in these past few months."
His eyes were filled with adoration, "Well, for what it's worth, I really like you."
A large smile formed on her lips and her cheeks became flushed, "Sabo, you barely even know me." Koala playfully hit his arm then turned away.
Sabo grinned, "I know! We barely have gotten to know each other, but already it feels like I've known you forever."
"Doesn't that freak you out?" Koala questioned, out of her own curiousity.
He thought for a moment, "I guess that more than anything, it makes me excited."
"Excited?!" Puzzled by his answer, she asked, "Excited for what?"
The corner of his mouth twitched upwards, "For the future."
Koala began to laugh sarcastically, "Ha. Ha. Nice, but there is one problem. We might not have a future. And if we do, how do we know if somewhere down the line it doesn't work out?"
"We won't." Sabo grabbed her hand and caught her gaze, "I want to be your friend, Koala, and I'm excited because I met you and you have become a part of my life. We can't know where we might end up, but we will never know if we can't be honest about our feelings."
She considered his words, then sighed and nodded her head, "You're right."
Sabo gave her a weak smile, "I'm sorry I kissed you, I shouldn'tve done that."
Her shoulders fell, and Koala frowned, "Sabo, don't be sorry… I… I liked it."
Their eyes met and for a moment Koala thought Sabo would kiss her again. Instead, he straightened his body and stood up, "We should get going, it'll be getting dark soon."
Just like that, Sabo's unintended rejection made her feel disappointed. He helped her stand, then they exited the building and began to walk back in the direction they came. Koala glanced at him sideways and noticed he had his hands shoved into the front pockets of his jeans. She sighed to herself, Now I can't even hold Sabo's hand… Wait! What am I thinking?! Stop it, Koala! You don't need a man to be happy! It doesn't matter how good of a kisser he is! Like…Fuck! Now I can't stop thinking about it…but it was a really great kiss… I can't think of the last time I had such a wonderful kiss…have I ever had a better kiss than that? No, no, no, no, no. This has to stop, Koala! It was probably just a fluke, you just haven't been kissed in awhile and you forgot what it felt like. Yeah, that's exactly it. If we kissed again, it wouldn't be any good.
When Sabo looked over to the girl walking beside him, he noticed her furrowed brow and tense expression, "Hey, what's the matter?"
Koala made eye-contact with him, immediately felt herself blush, then looked away, "I uh, I was…uhh…" She gulped and once more gazed into his mismatched blue eyes, "Kiss me."
He blinked at her, "What?"
"Kiss me. Now," she insisted.
Sabo stared at her, puzzled, but closed the distance between them. After he pulled her body against his, Sabo cupped her cheek and kissed her once again.
Like before, Koala was overcome with a desire to become closer to Sabo. His touch was intoxicating, and she craved more. Koala opened her mouth and gently licked Sabo's lips, so he would do the same. When he complied, she slipped her tongue inside and explored his warm mouth, twirling her tongue around his. Her entire body felt hot as they began to make out, they both pulled each other's body closer, hands tugging on the other's hair and clothing.
Koala would be lying to herself if she said she didn't love every moment she spent with Sabo. He really did make her feel wanted and important to him, and she knew this was something she never once experienced with Kohza. She now knew that her relationship with Kohza was mainly one-sided with her being the one who always tried to please the other. It wasn't healthy, she felt as if she couldn't be happy unless Kohza was and that it was her responsibility to make him feel that way. Koala had always tried so hard to impress him and make him notice her, never realizing that he was completely wrong for her.
When they broke apart, Koala rested her head against Sabo's chest and caught her breath. He held her close and kissed the top of her head, inhaling the smell of her hair. After a moment of silence between them, Sabo wondered, "Was I okay?" She turned her head to face him with a puzzled expression, he elaborated, "At kissing, was I okay at kissing?"
"Oh!" Koala pulled away from his chest, "Yeah! Yeah, you were more than okay at it… Why?"
Sabo let go of her completely and took a step back, averting his gaze he admitted, "Umm, I've never kissed anyone before."
Koala's expression went from confusion, to shock, to amusement, "Are you fucking with me right now?"
"No, I'm not 'fucking with you,' alright?!" His cheeks turned red, "I told you I've never been interested in anyone before…"
She shrugged her shoulders, "Yeah, but guys say that kind of thing all the time." Koala dismissed this and moved on to what she found more intriguing, "So, you really have never kissed anyone before?"
He sighed and shook his head, "No, and before you ask, I've never had a girlfriend and I've never had sex, either!" Sabo looked away and hung his head, completely humiliated.
"Hey," Koala's voice was soft and sweet, her hand caressed the unscarred side of his face, "Look at me." When Sabo raised his gaze, he got butterflies in his stomach from the look in her eyes. Her smile was warm, and it touched her eyes, "You don't have to be embarrassed about being a virgin."
Sabo inhaled and exhaled a deep breath, "I haven't done any of this shit before, Koala. All of this is new to me…and not just the kissing and holding hands."
"But Sabo, we haven't done anything else," she reminded him.
He rolled his eyes, "I know we haven't. I'm talking about inviting you to come sit with me and my friends, and buying you drinks. Or dancing! Ha! Don't forget about the dancing…"
She shook her head, "Sabo, what does dancing have to do with this?"
"Uuuughhh!" He ran his fingers through his hair and tilted his head back, then returned his attention to Koala, "I don't do any of that shit! Okay? Last night was the first time I did any of that!"
Koala stared blankly at him, when she spoke there was a slight quiver in her voice, "So you regret it."
"What? NO!" He closed the gap between them and took her hands in his. Staring into her eyes he confessed, "Last night was the best night of my entire life."
Her heart was racing, "Do you really mean that, Sabo?"
"Yeah, I do." He smiled warmly, "I mean, we already have class together and I was curious about you since I'd never seen you before, but after last night…" Sabo paused and searched her dark blue eyes for the answer, "You feel it, too."
Koala nodded her head, she couldn't explain it, either. There was something about Sabo that felt familiar, being with him felt natural and comfortable. She didn't feel as if she had to pretend or fake anything, but could express and be herself freely, whoever that may be. Maybe I have been looking at this the wrong way…
Sabo intertwined their fingers; when Koala looked up at his face, he was biting his lower lip and glancing down at her. She felt her heart stop, FUCK! He looks hot!
When Sabo felt Koala squeeze his hand, he smiled at her. He couldn't explain what it was about Koala, but when he was with her nothing else mattered and Sabo felt at ease. I can't believe she wanted me to kiss her…not that I'm complaining, but I don't 'get' her…
They reached the edge of the forest and he wondered if Koala would still want to hold his hand. As they continued to walk in silence, Sabo was pleasantly surprised that she not only continued to hold his hand, but also had the most gorgeous shade of red on her cheeks.
Clearing his throat to get her attention, Sabo smiled when he caught it, "Do you have any plans for tomorrow?"
Her face lit up, "Yeah, I'm going to try-out at Iceburg's to be a performer!"
"Oh!" Sabo forced a smile, "That's great," then sighed.
Koala didn't take notice of Sabo's displeasure and excitedly babbled on, "I've been trying to think of a song to dance to, but I can't figure out what I should do…"
"What songs do you have in mind?" Sabo asked, curious.
She froze up, "Uh, well…" Koala made eye-contact with Sabo, "I don't want to say…"
Sabo shook his head, "Okay, I get it."
"Y-you do?" Koala asked, hopeful.
He scoffed and let go of her hand. Sabo's jaw became tense, "Yeah, I think I do," his words were cold and his eyes piercing.
Panic washed over Koala, she could tell by Sabo's body language he was not happy and probably angry at her. She began to shake her head and tried her hardest to calm down, "No. No, it's okay…"
Koala was talking to herself, but Sabo thought she was talking to him and became irritated, "Seriously? I don't get you! Nothing about this makes any sense!" Sabo realized they were nearly to her building, "You know what? I'm gonna go. See ya, Koala."
He turned around and walked away, Koala bit her lip as she stared at his back. A single tear fell from the corner of her eye, down her cheek. She took a deep breath, wiped her cheek with the palm of her hand, then walked in the direction of her building.
AN: Hey everyone! I hope you are all well! As promised, here is a SaboxKoala chapter. I have no idea what anyone was expecting...I realize most of the couples/relationships in the story move quite fast...I was trying/am trying to not do that with Sabo and Koala. So...that is why I ended it like this.
Koala's previous relationship with Kohza was really unhealthy, I imagine he was very distant and Koala was the only one invested in the relationship. She has always been faced with rejection, she is used to being on the receiving end of anger and resentment. Ever since she left Kohza, she has been on a path of self-discovery and has been trying to put herself first. Sabo challenges all of this with his developing feelings for her. He has never been interested in romance, but meeting Koala changes this. So, these two characters are faced with a dilemma, their mutual feelings for each other are complicated due to Koala's desire to find herself and do so without a man.
We will have to wait and see if the past will keep them apart or if they will make a future together.
As always, pleeeeease leave a review and let me know what you think of the story/this chapter/whatever you want!
xoxoLadyLiberal
