Chapter Text
“Semi Semi~ Your birthday is tomorrow! Are you excited??”
Semi blinked, their hands paused from buttoning their shirt. “Oh….” They look at the little calendar they hang in the locker. “Tomorrow is my birthday…”
A sudden loud thud was heard from beside Semi. Both Semi and Tendou look over to Shirabu who just waved and muttered that everything is ok. Semi shrugged it off and continued to button up their shirt while Tendou continued the conversation.
“Well that wasn’t much of a fun reaction.” Tendou whined, making Semi roll their eyes.
“I forget, ok? You would already know if you view my Instagram story, I already had my birthday feast last Sunday with my family so basically I celebrated my birthday...I don’t think much about my birthday anyway.”
Tendou let out a dramatic gasp that made Semi look at him with a raised brow. “I’m hurt ! Are you saying it was a waste to plan your birthday last year !? Have you forgotten how fun last year was ??”
Semi blinked again and chuckled. “Oh yea! Haha you guys really surprised me last year, how can I forget ? And let’s not forget how you bombarded me with pocky during our 1st year, how did you even know my birthday when we just met ?”
“I have my ways~” Tendou grinned big as he patted Semi’s back. “Well now Eita-kun~ Just look forward to tomorrow, I have prepared something big for our precious Semi Semi~ don’t we Wakatoshi-kun ?”
At the mention of his name, Ushijima looked over then nodded. “Yes, please be prepared tomorrow, Eita.”
Semi tighten their tie and smile in amusement. “Wakatoshi, you made it sound like you are gonna fight me in the back alley tomorrow.”
“Am I?”
And that made Semi and Tendou laugh and their laughter got Ushijima to laugh softly along despite not really understanding what happened.
“Ok you guys, we better get going, class is gonna start.” Oohira said, ending their little laugh fest.
“Oh you’re right! I can’t be late again, I have maths with Miss Nakahara.” Semi said with a grimace and sling the bag onto their shoulder.
“Oooh she’s a strict one, you better start running Semi.”
And Semi run
Semi was able to get in class before Miss Nakahara did. Semi spend most of their time thinking about what Tendou said in the locker room about their birthday. Semi doesn’t really celebrate their birthday with friends, just their family so the party Tendou planned during their first year, that was the first time Semi celebrated with their friends then came the next year, another surprise party with the volleyball team, it was some very great time.
“Ah….this year would probably be the last time I celebrate with them…” Semi murmured to themself, recalling how they are in their 3rd year now. They don’t know if they would stay in contact, they know Tendou is going off to France and Ushijima is going pro in volleyball, they know Yamagata, Oohira and Soekawa are going to university. They aren’t sure about what their underclassmen gonna be, they know Goshiki is also going pro, Kawanishi is a bit unknown to them and...there’s Shirabu.
Just the thought of their cheeky kouhai made Semi blush.
Semi hates to admit it but they had a crush on Shirabu for more than a year now and Semi knows this crush has no happy ending. Shirabu only sees them as an annoying upperclassman that is too naggy for their age and Shirabu is in a very different league from Semi. Semi knows Shirabu wanted to study in the medical field, he got into Shiratorizawa by passing the entrance exam and is in elite classes unlike Semi who got in through sport scholarship and has an average passing grade.
They’re very different and Semi knows liking Shirabu won’t get them anything in return but they just can’t help but to get attracted to him despite his bratty passive aggressive attitude. No matter how Shirabu keeps waving them off, Semi still holds small hope that Shirabu would return the feelings. They know how stupid that sound but just what Shirabu said made them happy, they remember how their heart flutter just from Shirabu greeting them happy birthday last year.
This year will probably be the last year Semi will celebrate their birthday with Shirabu or even get in contact with him. Once April arrives, Semi will have to bid this love and Shirabu goodbye. They know they’ll miss Shirabu very much and they know they’ll probably just receive a happy birthday greeting from Shirabu again this year but honestly, they hoped they at least received a gift from them before they graduate.
And come Semi’s birthday
Semi’s birthday was welcomed by party confetti early. Literally.
“Happy Birthday Semi Eita!!”
“Happy Womb Independence Semi Semi!”
“What the fuck Tendou?”
“Yea….thanks guys….now…” Semi smiled at their peers as they got out of the bed. Soekawa, Oohira and Yamagata can already feel the ominous aura from Semi, Ushijima was too dense to notice while Tendou was just enjoying the pre-tense.
“WHICH ONE OF YOU THROWS THE GLITTERS ?”
“Oh that would be Hayato.”
“Wakatoshi you snitch !!”
“Run Hayato Run !!”
“SEMI SEMI HAVE MERCY! WE STILL NEED OUR LIBERO!”
It was not the first time the dorm woke up to the loud noise from the Shiratorizawa’s volleyball team members, especially the scene of one of the members getting chased while the others watched. Some dorm mates don't mind at all and even find it entertaining.
“I bet 5000 yen, Semi got their hands on the libero.”
“I bet that Reon would stop Semi before they get their hands on the libero.”
“You’re on!”
Yup , another ordinary day.
“Eita, Hayato, I think that’s enough, we still got morning practice.” Ushijima intervenes, grabbing Yamagata by the collar.
“Fiiiine .” Semi pouted. “You’re off the hook Hayato, but only because it’s my birthday.”
Yamagata gives a sheepish grin. “I’ll take it.”
“Alright now, come on now, we disturb the others enough…. By the way, Eita, we also got you birthday breakfast.” Oohira said, ushering them to get ready. “We got your favourite !”
“Really!? SWEET!”
After they got ready and finished their breakfast, Semi was hoping to maybe run into Shirabu on the way to practice, sure, the happy birthday from their peers was nice but they really wanted to hear Shirabu greet them happy birthday.
“Senpai!! Happy Birthday!!” Goshiki runs to Semi almost immediately when Semi steps into the clubroom. Kawanishi followed behind Goshiki with a nicely wrapped gift basket.
“Semi-san, happy birthday, Tsutomu and I picked this out for you.
“Awwww….Tsutomu, Kawanishi, thank you...I really appreciate this!” Semi smiled big which got Goshiki smiling even wider.
Seeing Kawanishi, Semi couldn’t help but to peek behind if Shirabu was there but they couldn’t spot the young setter. Kawanishi, being the sharp boy, notices Semi’s action. Once Goshiki left to his locker to change, Kawanishi patted Semi's shoulder.
“No need to look so anxious, Shirabu is just gonna be a little late.”
Semi’s eyes widened and red started to paint their cheeks. They notice how their reaction amuses Kawanishi and frowns. “I-is not like that!”
“Uhuh~ sure”
And Kawanishi left Semi alone with their thoughts.
Shirabu arrived in the nick of time just right before practice started. Semi notices how disheveled he looks. His bang was a little mess up, heavy eyes bags and him being out of breath which worried Semi.
“Shirabu are you-”
Semi attempted to ask about Shirabu’s well-being but was cut off when Shirabu grabbed them by the collar and pulled close to him which confused the heck out of Semi.
“After school, you, me , at the back gate.”
The dark glare from Shirabu scared Semi. A million scenarios run through Semi and they couldn’t be sure why Shirabu wanted to meet with them after school privately but Semi still nodded. Once Semi nodded, Shirabu let go of them and walked ahead leaving a stunned Semi standing there.
“What was that ??” Tendou came and put his arm around Semi’s shoulder.
“I...I don’t know….is Shirabu finally gonna kill me ?”
“I- ” Tendou stared at the face of horror Semi had then started laughing as he walked away. “Why would you say that ??”
“Satori! Stop laughing ! Is not funny! He seems serious! Didn’t you see how he grabbed me and glared at me with such a look ?? He’s gonna beat the shit out of me later ….” Semi said and chased after Tendou to continue their rant. “ And on my birthday!!”
“Hahaha I can’t- This is hilarious! This is even more hilarious than any manga or anime I’ve read! Good luck Semi Semi!”
“Satori!! Stop laughing at my misery and help me!!”
No matter how much Semi tells their friends that Shirabu is gonna kill them after school, they only receive a good luck and chuckles from them. Semi was anxious the whole day, they couldn’t even muster up the courage to ask Shirabu what he wanted after school when they brought Shirabu his lunch.
Finally the school bell rings, signalling the end of class and Semi’s possible death.
“Time to face my death ...on my birthday, it was nice knowing you Wakatoshi.”
“Eita, you’re not gonna die, stop being dramatic.”
Semi pouted and went off alone to the back gate. Their heart pounded really fast, face pale on what Shirabu had in mind, hand fidgeting and trembling from worrying about what was going to happen.
Just when I thought Shirabu and I are kinda more than acquaintances, I guess this is how I’m gonna end. On the sunset of my birthday, goodbye cruel world.
“SEMI-SAN!”
“Shirabu!”
Semi turns to see Shirabu rushing his way here. Shirabu seems to be rushing everywhere today. Kinda like the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.
“Semi-san, sorry I’m a little late, Miss Ka- Oof!” Shirabu tripped before he finished talking.
“Shirabu! Are you ok??” Semi immediately rushed over and helped Shirabu up.
“My bag!”
“Your bag?? Shirabu, you should care about your body first! What if you hurt your hands? A setter has to take good care of their-” Semi trailed off when they saw Shirabu’s hand full cover with band-aids. Shirabu immediately pulled his hands away from Semi and checked his bag.
Semi panic once again at the scene unfolds. Can their heart not get a rest?
“Shirabu! What’s wrong ?? Hey, your bag seems fine! Just please don’t cry-?” Semi panic unsure what to do. They watch Shirabu hold up a box that got it’s corner crushed presumably from the fall just now with his eyes glossy, tears threatening to fall.
“Semi-san you idiot-! Is not about the bag!”
“Idiot!? I-” Calm down Eita, he’s gonna cry even more. “Ok-? You’re confusing me Shirabu...Then what is ??”
“....This…” Shirabu murmured and opened up the box. Despite looking a bit crushed, Semi still recognized that it’s a cake, a homemade cake.
“Cake…”
“I….I didn’t get you anything last year…and this year I couldn’t think of anything to get for you as your present, then it was gonna be your birthday and I just don’t know what to do and Taichi suggested a cake but it was already too late so I thought of baking it but I’m bad at it but there’s no time left to dwell so I just end up-....”
“Shirabu calm down…..” Semi said with a hush tone and wiped the stray tears off Shirabu’s face.
Shirabu finally relaxed for the first time since the day started.
“So ….you went through all the trouble to make me a birthday cake?”
Shirabu nodded.
Cute, too cute.
“Well the cake still looks pretty good….so thank you Shirabu!” Semi smiled, taking the box off Shirabu’s hand.
“But the cake! It’s crushed and …” Shirabu frowned further. “They said receiving a crushed cake on their birthday is the worst gift…”
“Maybe some people think that way….but how could I not be grateful for this when you bake it just for me ?” Semi said as they held Shirabu’s hand gently. “Besides, I’d be happy even if I get just a ‘Happy Birthday’ from you...I wasn’t expecting anything like this from you.”
“....Really ?............Wait, why do you have such low expectations of me ?” Shirabu pouted and narrowed his eyes at Semi.
“Well- you don’t particularly like me...so I really thought you were gonna kill me when you ask me to meet you alone here.”
“Kill you-? I wouldn’t do such a thing!!”
“Well not kill, maybe beat me up...who knows, you were glaring at me with such an intense look.”
“I was…...hnnn….hmph!” Shirabu pouted and crossed his arms. Semi chuckles at Shirabu’s reaction then pats Shirabu’s head.
“I’m just teasing you Shirabu.” Kinda
Shirabu sighed and turned his face away from Semi. Semi just put on a small smile after seeing Shirabu’’s reaction and retracted their hand back.
“...…we should get going...thank you for the cake Shirabu.”
Semi was about to leave but then felt Shirabu grab onto their hand.
“Wait Semi-san! I …I didn’t just ask you here to give the cake! I wanted to tell you something.”
Semi looks at Shirabu with full concern seeing how red his face is.
“Huh? What is it ?”
“I….I….Happy Birthday Semi-san and...I like you.” Shirabu manage to squeak out and Semi just stood there stunned
HUH ?? Wait, wait, Eita, don’t get your hopes up! He probably mean like as-
As if Shirabu had read their mind. “And I don’t mean as in like you as a friend ! I mean...I like you...in a romantic way.….I like you Semi-san and I understand if you-”
“Wait back up-....” Semi stopped Shirabu from continuing talking as they tried to process everything. “I think I just hallucinated ….you feel the same way as I do? You like me the same way I like you too?”
Shirabu’s eyes probably went as wide as Semi, both being shocked at what just happened. “Eh? You like me too…? But I was….a brat…and was pretty rude to you….and...”
“Hey, don’t say that about yourself….I mean...yea you can be a handful but….you’re endearing….I couldn’t help but to get attracted to you...despite how much you seem to hate me.”
“I never hated you Semi!”
“Really?” Semi blinked and a relieved smile appeared on their face.
“Yea...I really like you and I don’t want to seem obvious and especially don't want anyone to know.” Shirabu muttered nervously.
Semi blinked then chuckled, finding it funny how they felt the same way and were hiding their feelings for the same reason. “Oh! I understand that ….haha...I’m the same….I don’t want Tendou to get in my business .”
“Goshiki probably will try to play matchmaker .”
“Haha I can see that….” Semi said and was even more relieved to see Shirabu finally smiling today.
“...Since we cleared this up...you wanna...enjoy this cake you baked with me?” Semi offered and held out their hand to Shirabu.
“...Sure I would like that .” Shirabu happily held onto Semi’s hand and they both headed back to the dorm.
“...so erm...next year, will you try baking cake for my birthday ?”
“No.”
“Oh…” Semi frowns, feeling dejected.
Did Semi misunderstand this ? They thought they were…...
Then they felt a squeeze on their hand from Shirabu and when Semi looked over to Shirabu, they noticed Shirabu was looking down, his bang hiding his face but Semi noticed how red the tip of his ears were.
“But I’ll celebrate your birthday with you next year….and the next one too..and even the next one after that….so I hope you’ll do the same for me too.”
“Of course…” Semi smiled and squeezed Shirabu’s hand back.
“Happy Birthday Eita…”
“Thank you Kenjirou.”