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The repetitive ticking of the clock, reminding the students that their freedom is minutes away, is starting to get on Shirabu’s nerves. Every tick feels as if someone was screaming at him that he doesn't have much time left to finish his biology exam.
He can’t fail that one, or, he’s screwed.
Not that he’s scared of failure; he knows there’s no way that’ll happen with how much he studied.
Every night, every weekend, without fail. He barely got any sleep.
His almost non-existent social life died out completely because of that, leaving him with only two friends, Kawanishi and Tendou, that he only sees because they go to the same university, otherwise, he might’ve been actually friendless.
Medicine is killing him slowly.
He finally reaches the end of his biology exam, then makes sure all his answers are correct, before handing it back to the professor. He sighs out of relief, he’s finally done with the semester.
Shirabu wonders how he survived that.
Only in medicine you would have an exam at four in the afternoon on a Friday, he thinks, still bitter that his friends had their last exam the week before, like every other major. Just not medicine.
It’s better be worth it in the end.
Shirabu goes straight to his dorm the second he walks out of the class, really, the best decision he ever made. It never takes more than five minutes to get to your bed after class. There’s nothing better than this, at least, for students. Except, free food. Maybe.
The moment he enters his room, he throws himself in his bed. He doesn’t bother changing, he’s only taking a nap.
Even with the end of the semester, Shirabu isn’t about to let his two weeks of freedom go to waste, that’s for sure. He made plans for tonight with his friends, he hasn’t done any of that in the last three months.
Sleep is for the weak anyway, he always tells himself.
*
He wakes up three hours later, and as expected, he’s feeling great. He doesn’t need much sleep to be functional, which is a blessing, especially with the line of work he’s going to be in.
He takes a look at his phone, ready to text the group chat that he just woke up, but the tiny smile that had formed on his lips turns into a frown.
They both canceled, what the hell? They are constantly nagging him to hang out and when he’s finally free to do so, they have the audacity to cancel on him? Fake bitches. Why is he even still friends with them? Ah, yes, because he’s too socially awkward to make other friends.
Tendou apparently has a date with his boyfriend, Ushijima, who knew last minute that he’d be free for the evening. Fair enough, Ushijima is as busy, if not more, than Shirabu. Kawanishi, on the other hand, scored himself a date with someone he apparently met a few days ago, who’s only free tonight. Ditching his own best friend for a date with someone he barely even knows…
What an ass.
Shirabu has never understood the obsession people have with relationships, and he probably never will. Yeah, it might be great at the start, but in the end, you’re only going to hurt yourself. Isn’t that just a waste of time? Shirabu’d rather put that time into getting his degree.
He's usually not the type of person who likes to go out– not that it's a surprise. Most of the time, he often has to be dragged out of his room. Still, he was excited to go.
Whatever.
He’ll just go to his favorite bar on his own.
*
Standing outside the bar, he’s getting anxious. Maybe going alone was a bad idea, but no. He’s already there so, determined, he goes in without giving it a second thought.
Okay, he’s in, now what? Usually, there’s always at least one of his friends with him, since they’re the ones that know how to get Shirabu out of his comfort zone.
They’re also very good at making Shirabu babysit them. He’s got a big alcohol tolerance, so he always ends up being the one to make sure they don’t die, or get in trouble. Tendou is already hard to deal with sober, but once he’s got alcohol in his system, it’s a hundred times worst.
Who knows, maybe he’ll have more fun without them.
He’ll start with a drink and, by the time he finishes it, maybe there’ll be more people here. After that, maybe he’ll even dance a little. No promises, though.
He’s not even halfway through the door, before he freezes in place.
No fucking way.
Is he hallucinating? There’s no other explanation. It’s impossible for him to be here.
Run. His mind screams at him.
Against his better judgement, Shirabu carefully takes a couples of steps closer, trying to mentally reassure himself, but all it does is confirm his dread.
Ash blond hair, a dark gradient to the tips, just like he remembers, sticking out, messy, like it always been, eyes the colour of freshly ground coffee, he could easily get lost into them, just like he used to, the whole room is glowing around him, like he’s the main attraction; some things never change.
The only person he has ever loved, the one guy Shirabu could never get over, is sitting there, in front of him, after years of avoiding him and trying to forget him.
Semi Eita.
The day Shirabu realised his crush on his senior, he swore to himself to never let anyone know about it. He bottled up his feelings, like they were non-existent, because Semi Eita is straight.
Shirabu was convinced of that fact.
The sky is blue, water is wet, and Semi Eita is straight.
Waking up to a green sky wouldn’t be half as destabilising as finding out Semi might like boys too, but the proof is right in front of his eyes, isn’t it? It’s right there, sitting on a stool, drinking something and looking absolutely breathtaking while doing so. All of that, in a bar.
A gay bar.
He was wrong all this time, wasn’t he?
Semi Eita is not straight.
Fuck, he can’t breathe. He wasted so much time, didn’t he? What was the point of taking all of those precautions? Of avoiding him? What-
Shirabu should really listen to his brain. He should turn around, act like he hasn’t seen anything, and leave, but he can’t.
He can’t, because there’s still that tiny bit of hope in his heart, that if he stops being the absolute coward he’s been, he’ll be given a chance.
Sighing, he thinks that if he can, at the very least, get some sort of closure then maybe he’ll actually move on.
He takes one last breath, then goes for it.
Walking over to the bar, he glances around and notices that while he was panicking, the place started filling up with people. That prompts him to relax a little more, for some reason.
He takes the seat next to Semi and takes a quick glance at him. He looks just as stunning as he used to, no, scratch that, he’s even more beautiful as he used to. Shirabu didn’t think that could be possible, even as teenagers, Semi was the epitome of beauty. It shouldn’t be legal to look this good.
It’s now or never.
“It’s been a while, Semi-san.” Shirabu tried very hard to make sure it sounded natural. The last thing he wants is for Semi to notice how anxious he is.
Semi whips his head around and trains his now wide eyes on Shirabu and blinks, surprise and confusion written all over is face. “Shirabu? Is it really you? Did I drink too much?”
He mutters the last question to himself and Shirabu snorts, amused. He’s relieved too, knowing he’s not the only one finding the whole situation unbelievable. “I have a hard time believing it myself.” So much, that he wouldn’t be surprised if this was all a dream.
Semi smiles at him, so big it makes the corners of his eyes crinkle and Shirabu wonders, is he really this happy to see him?
“How you’ve been? It’s been what, six years? Since we last saw each other?”
“Yeah, six years, it’s crazy.” Shirabu confirms, leaving out the fact that he counted those years. Constantly asking himself why he hadn’t forgotten about Semi Eita, yet.
Honestly, he knows it’s ridiculous to be so hung up on a high school crush, it’s not like they dated.
There was nothing between the two of them, except being teammates.
That’s why, the moment he graduated, he made sure to cut contact with Semi and to avoid any places he could be at. That way, he would absolutely get over him, right?
What a joke. He tried too hard to forget about Semi Eita, making him unable to move on.
How ironic.
He could almost laugh at himself, if he wasn’t feeling this pathetic already.
“Never thought that when we met again, it’d be here.” Semi says with a nervous chuckle.
“Right.” Shirabu replies, the reality hitting him, once again, in the face. If he’s being honest, he’s still a little bit in shock about finding out Semi might not be straight, because—
“Who would’ve thought that the senpai I had a crush on, actually liked boys?”
There’s a pause, and when Shirabu looks over at Semi again, he looks frozen, shocked even. Shirabu’s eyes widen in horror, slapping a hand over his mouth, realising he’d said that out loud.
He’s such an idiot, he curses himself, as he tries to think of something, anything, to make Semi believe he didn’t mean it, that it was just a joke. He opens his mouth, ready to bullshit his way out of this situation, but the words aren’t coming out.
Beside him, Semi is silent, his face now hidden behind both hands. Shirabu doesn’t know what he expected Semi's reaction to be, but it definitely wasn’t this. He can’t see what kind of expression Semi has on, and it’s making him crazy.
“You can’t be serious…” Semi mumbles, mostly to himself, not really clearing anything up for Shirabu. “I thought you hated me!” Semi states, finally looking at Shirabu. “And now you say that? There’s no way!” He finishes by slapping one hand on the counter.
Shirabu isn’t dumb, he knows exactly why Semi would think he hated him. He was quite the asshole to Semi but, truth is, Shirabu just didn’t know how to deal with his emotions and, if he’s being honest, he still doesn’t.
Plus, the fact that his crush’s a boy, and was on the same team as him, Shirabu couldn’t help but feel scared of what would happen if anyone found out. What if he got bullied out of the team? He worked too hard to let it all go to waste because of a stupid crush.
“In my defense, teenage me didn’t do very well with feelings.” There’s no use in lying, he already made a fool out of himself. “I don’t understand why you care so much, though.”
“You’re impossible.” Semi says with a sigh, rolling his eyes up to the ceiling. “If only you hadn’t been such a brat!” Semi doesn’t leave time for Shirabu to wonder what he means by that and grabs his wrist, coaxing him to get up, then drags him to the dancefloor.
Shirabu’s protests are ignored as he tries to get out of Semi’s hold.
Semi only lets him go once they reach the dancefloor, but he wraps one arm around Shirabu’s waist before he can flee. That’s enough for Shirabu’s brain to shut down.
Semi makes both of them sway to the beat and, while he’s moving fine, Shirabu can’t help but feel and look a little clumsy at first, stepping on Semi’s feet a couple of times. It doesn’t seem to bother him much, though.
Shirabu can feel himself becoming more comfortable, the stress completely gone from his body, now overcome by the sheer fun he's having with Semi. His heart skips a beat as Semi takes his hand, making him spin, and catching Shirabu into his arms.
Times flies fast. Shirabu realizes they've been here for a while. More and more people are going out. He’s getting anxious again, what’s going to happen now? Exchange numbers then never see each other again? He doesn’t want that.
As if Semi was reading his mind, he leans in. “Want to go back to my place?” He whispers in Shirabu’s ear.
“I’d like to.”
*
That’s how Shirabu ends up slammed against the door of Semi’s appartement, lips crashing together with urgency, hands wandering in places he never thought Semi would ever touch him.
His mind is hazy, barely realizing what’s happening. He thinks this might just be a dream, but the teeth tugging at his bottom lip proves that theory wrong.
With trembling hands, he grabs a fistful of Semi’s hair, pulling him closer, even though there’s barely any space left between the both of them.
He’s not close enough.
This is all so much more than what Shirabu ever dared dream of so, even if that’s the only thing he can get from Semi, he’ll take it.
After waiting for so long, anything is better than nothing.
*
*
Shirabu blinks his eyes open and looks around the room. His brain, not yet awake, wonders where the fuck he is because he definitely does not recognise this place.
He jumps on his feet in panic as he remembers he's at Semi’s place. First thing first; finding his clothes. After looking everywhere in the room, he has to accept that it’s not happening.
Does he really have to walk out of the apartment wearing only Semi’s shirt?
Wait.
More important than that, what does Semi think about the whole thing? How is he supposed to face him? God, everything’s about to be so awkward.
He’s pacing the room, more and more negative thoughts entering his brain. He really needs to do something about his overthinking.
Slapping both hand on his cheeks, trying to bring himself back to reality, he takes one last breath and opens the door.
Semi’s back is facing him when he walks into the kitchen. “Good morning, Semi-san.” He says, awkwardly trying to pull the shirt he’s wearing down.
Semi turns to him with a smile. “Good morning, Shirabu!” He says with enthusiasm, and way too much energy for this early in the morning. “Your clothes are in the washing machine, and your phone’s on the table.”
Shirabu nods, sitting at the table. He opens his phone with a sigh, there’s thousand of messages from the group chat. They went to his room this morning, only to find it empty. Apparently, they jumped to the worst conclusion of all; Shirabu’s dead.
God, they are so dramatic.
He pinches the bridge of his nose and put his phone down. He knew he shouldn’t have given them a key to his room. He’s not even going to reply, that’s what they deserve for ditching him.
“Everything okay?” Semi asks, giving him a plate, then sits in front of him.
“Yeah, just Satori and Taichi being annoying.”
Semi hums as both of them start to eat, in an awkward silence. Shirabu isn’t good with conversation, but he’s uncomfortable with silence. They haven’t seen each other in years so they should have lot to talk about.
They managed to finish eating without exchanging a single word, even though it was obvious both of them were feeling uncomfortable with the silence.
Shirabu insisted he should do the dishes, since Semi’s the one who cooked, but he got pushed to the living room instead.
It’s full of cd’s and vinyl’s, all from bands Shirabu never heard of before. He kneels down and gently passes his fingers on the strings of an acoustic guitar. Next to it, there’s a bright, red electric one.
“Something caught your attention?” Semi asks, entering the living room.
“I didn’t know you played guitar.” Shirabu trails off. He gets up, now realizing how little he knows about Semi.
Not surprising.
“I would be more surprised if you knew.” Semi shrugs. “I’m even in a band now, only part-time, though.”
“Oh, really? You must be great at it then.” Shirabu says, trying his best to conceal his excitement about the new information. He would do anything, and he means it, anything, to see Semi play.
Considering he already breaks the chart of hotness doing absolutely nothing, he can’t begin to imagine what he must look like on stage.
“Maybe you could judge that yourself.” Semi says, running a hand through his hair. “I’m playing next Friday, if you’re free.”
“I am!” Shirabu replies, not giving a second to think about it. He’ll be there, he has to be. “I- I’m also free today…” He adds, hesitantly, looking anywhere but at Semi.
“Let’s go out, then.”
*
Shirabu is wearing Semi’s clothes, since his are wet. They’re big on him. He had to tie a knot in front of the band shirt and roll up the jeans, as to make sure he doesn’t step on them. It looks… decent.
Well, that’s what he thought, but with the way Semi is staring at him, he’s reconsidering it. “Does it look weird?” He asks, feeling self-conscious. Maybe it really is too big on him.
Semi shakes his head. “Not at all, it looks good on you.” His cheeks are turning red, as he looks away from Shirabu. “We should go, if you’re ready.”
Shirabu isn’t reassured at all by that reaction. It must look awful on him. He sighs, it’s not like he can do anything about it.
Semi is taking him to his favorite coffee shop, and Shirabu feels very comfortable with that idea because, with people around, maybe it’ll be easier to actually have a conversation.
Shirabu doesn’t know what he expected, actually, he didn’t expect anything. It’s a coffee shop, it should look like one, right?
Well, it doesn’t.
You can tell it’s one, it just doesn’t look like it. Soft rock music is playing in the background, and it’s not bad, but it’s also not Shirabu’s taste in music. Posters of artists, probably the same from Semi’s cd and vinyl collection, are hanged on every walls. There’s even an expensive looking guitar suspended in a corner.
Semi walks closer to the counter while Shirabu looks at the menu, from further away. Semi and the employee fist bump, actively making conversation while Shirabu listens from a few feet away.
“How come I don’t see you anymore?” The employee asks. “I almost thought you were dead.”
Semi rolls his eyes. “I’ve got a life, you know.”
The employee hums, looking past Semi and into Shirabu’s eyes with a playful smile. “New boyfriend, huh? He’s cute.”
Semi narrows his eyes at him. “He’s not.” He replies, glancing back at Shirabu. “But don’t you dare make a move on him, Suzuki.” Shirabu can tell Semi’s trying to stop him from hearing more of the conversation, but he’s not being really successful.
Shirabu’s hearing has always been weirdly good.
“Not like I could compete with you, even if I wanted to.” Suzuki shrugs. “Have you taken a look at yourself?” He says, gesturing at Semi with his free hand, but Semi’s eyes are still slightly narrowed. Compliment from Suzuki is suspicious. “You do have a shit personality though.” Ah. There it is. With that, Semi rolls his eyes and relaxes his shoulders a bit.
Semi looks like he’s about to argue, but Suzuki opens his mouth once again, making Semi tighten his jaw. “Hey!” He says, louder than the rest – and not really necessary – trying to get Shirabu’s attention. “Semi’s boyfriend! Why don’t you come over here.” He proudly smiles at Semi, seeing his angry expression.
Semi slaps the counter and grumbles to himself while glaring at Suzuki, making Shirabu force down the tiny smile that was about to appear on his face. “This is why I don’t come here anymore.” Semi says through gritted teeth.
Shirabu approaches the two. “You two know each other? Seem pretty friendly.” It sounds harsh, but that’s not how Shirabu meant it. Honestly, he’s just bitter at how easy it always seemed to be for Semi to make friends with everyone, while Shirabu struggles to keep a conversation with anyone he’s known for years.
“Nope.” Semi replies, popping the ‘p’. “Basically strangers.”
Suzuki gasps, faking offense. “How can you say that? We’re like best friends!”
Semi shrugs. “Aren’t you going to do your job and take our orders?”
“And you say you don’t have a shit personality.” Suzuki grumbles, but he takes their order, telling them he’ll take it to their table, because he is a nice person, unlike some. Semi didn’t even try to argue on that one.
They sit at a table in a less crowed spot. They’re sitting face-to-face, but neither are looking at each other, awkward silence from earlier making its presence known again.
Shirabu wants to talk to Semi, but where should he even start?
“So… How’s life?” Semi asks, breaking the silence.
How’s life? Currently wondering what’s worse: jumping off a bridge or taking medicine as his major. His two best friends are constantly giving him the urge to strangle them, because they’re pieces of shit, but he’s stuck with them. His parents are nagging him about finding a girlfriend, because he’s at the age to start thinking about marriage, apparently. So, not good.
Obviously, he’s not about to ask for a pity party by telling this to Semi. “I’m majoring in medicine, which means I forgot what sleeping for eight hours feels like, and my social life’s basically dead.” He tells him with a laugh.
“Wow, medicine.” Semi says in slight awe, eyebrows raised and all. “I shouldn’t be surprised, you were always smart, but, medicine? That’s another level.”
Shirabu blushes, looking away. He’s not used to people complimenting him. When you’re around people with the same level of intelligence it makes you forget that yes, it is impressive to be majoring in medicine.
Suzuki arrives with their order, plus pastries they didn’t ask for. Semi is about to say something, but Suzuki shushes him. “It’s on the house.” Maybe he can be decent sometimes. “Enjoy your date!” Never mind.
“It’s not a date!” Semi argues, but Suzuki ignores him. Semi sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Why do I always befriend the annoying ones?”
“Like Satori?” Shirabu asks.
Semi snorts. “Like Satori.” He agrees.
Shirabu sips at his coffee. He rarely gets to enjoy drinking it, considering that most of the time it’s only there to keep him awake in the middle of the night. “What about you? Apart from the band, what’s going on?” He asks.
“Not much, honestly. I have my hands full with the band and my day job. I do wish I could spend all my time working on the band, though.” Semi says, resting his chin on his hand, looking in the distance, a smile on his lips.
“I’m sure one day you’ll be able to.”
“I hope so.”
*
They stayed at the coffee shop for a couple more hours, and it became easier to talk to one another. They even shared a few laughs.
After that, Semi drove Shirabu back to his dorm, not bothering going back to Semi’s place so Shirabu could change into his own clothes. Semi can just give them back once they see each other again.
That leaves Shirabu hopeful. It’s like a small promise that they will hang out again. Even if it’s as friends, after all this time, Shirabu thinks he can handle that. He did like Semi’s company, obviously, since he had a crush on the guy so, yeah, being friends seems nice.
It also means he’ll have another friend, something he didn’t think would ever happen. Talking about friends, he does not want to see them right now. He tries sneaking into the dorm, but sometimes, luck just isn’t on your side.
As soon as he steps a foot into the building, he comes face-to-face with both of them.
“Oh! It’s Kenjirou-kun!” Tendou exclaims, looking way too excited to see him. “We need to talk, don’t you think?”
“Weren’t you going out? Both of you?” Shirabu asks, hoping to get away from this situation.
“Just to waste some time.” Kawanishi replies. “We’re taking you to our room.” Even with the lack of facial expression on his face, Shirabu can see he’s amused, as the right corner of his mouth slightly rise up.
He’s fucked.
They each grab one of Shirabu’s arms, making sure he won’t be running away, and he doesn’t even fight it. He knows there’s no getting out of this. After almost ten years of knowing them both, he knows they always get their way with him.
He’s pushed down on Kawanishi’s bed by Tendou, the owner of the bed deciding to lean on the door as a way to keep Shirabu from running out, before Tendou sits up in front of Shirabu.
Shirabu frowns at them, arms crossed. He doesn’t understand what they’re so curious about. All he did, was to go out of his room and hang out with someone else.
…
Okay, so it might not be something usual for Shirabu to one; get out of his room and two; have other friends. He might understand, just a little, why his friends are wondering where he was. It’s still none of their business, though.
“So, Kenjirou-kun, aren’t you going to tell us where you were?” Tendou asks, or more accurately, demands, in the tone that irritates Shirabu the most.
“I don’t see why I should tell you anything.” Shirabu replies, raising his chin, looking down on him, still frowning.
Kawanishi hums. “Defensive, I see.” Shirabu glares at the person who’s supposed to be his best friend. “Something interesting happened, I can tell.”
“Nothing happened.” Shirabu double down, there’s no way he’s telling them about meeting Semi.
“Come on, aren’t we best friends? There’s no harm in telling us!” Tendou, once again, exclaims but, despite his overjoyed tone, Shirabu knows he’s analyzing him. Tendou was always good at guessing other people’s feelings, but ever since he started his major in psychology, he’s, frankly, even more scary.
Shirabu scrunches up his nose. “Since when?” He says, trying to change the direction of the conversation.
“Shirabu Kenjirou, do not try to change the subject.” Kawanishi sternly says.
Shirabu sighs, he can just cover up the truth. “Since you two bitches ditched me,” He says, giving both of his friends a pointed look. “I went out by myself, met a guy, and went home with him. Still, last time I checked, my sexual life is none of your business.” He finishes, shooting a glare to both of them, hoping that if they notice how angry he is about the conversation, they’ll let it go.
They both share a look, and grins. “Really?” Tendou says, elbows on his knees, both hands supporting his face, looking straight into Shirabu’s eyes. “Is that it?” He asks, like he knows everything.
“It is.” Shirabu replies but, this time, his voice is shaking. He knows they know that he’s lying.
“Then,” Kawanishi starts, not even trying to hide his smile. “Why aren’t you wearing your own clothes?” Blush creeps up Shirabu’s cheeks, he’s been caught. Shit. He totally forgot about that fact. Obviously, he wouldn’t wear a one-night stand’s clothes. How could he be this stupid?
“Got a boyfriend?” Tendou asks. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
Shirabu looks away, they are always able to get anything and everything out of him, how? It’s a mystery. Nobody else can do that. “I don’t…” The two of them stay silent, knowing they won and he’s about to spill it all out. “I went to our favorite bar, you know? The gay one.” They both nod, they rarely go anywhere else. “Semi was there.” He finishes, in a small voice.
Tendou jumps on his feet, clapping a few times in excitement. “Oh my god, Taichi, can you believe it? It finally happened!”
“It was about time.”
Shirabu looks at them in disbelief. “Wait, what? What the hell do you guys mean? What finally happened?” His eyes flickered between the both of them.
They know something Shirabu doesn’t, and he hates it.
“You and Semi happened.” Kawanishi replies, monotone voice back, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
“But–” Shirabu is at lost of words.
“Why do you act like nobody knew about your crush on Semi?” Kawanishi asks.
Shirabu’s eyes widen in horror. They knew? Didn’t he hide it well? How many of them knew, was he really that obvious?
“Nobody should know…” Is all he can reply.
Tendou burst out laughing. “Wait, you’re saying you actually thought you were hiding it well?” Shirabu nods, in shock. “Damn, I mean, you hid it a lot better than Eita did, but still, both of you were so obvious.”
“What do you mean, both?”
“Semi had a crush on you too, did you really never notice it?” Kawanishi asks.
“No…” Shirabu trails off as he gets up, walking to the door and Kawanishi lets him out. As much as they like to torture their friend, they also know when to leave him alone, and this is one of those times.
*
Shirabu throws himself on his bed, face first onto his pillow, and screams. There are tears pressing the back of his eyes, but he won’t let them fall. It’s ridiculous. His hands are shaking, so he opts to plant his finger nails into his palm.
There are too many things happening, too much new information that he doesn’t know what to do with. It’s overwhelming.
He met Semi again, Semi isn’t straight, everyone knew about his crush, Semi had a crush on him.
He turns around and stares up at the ceiling while thinking back on every single interaction he had with Semi back then, looking for signs that he missed, something that showed Semi might’ve like him back, but nothing.
He almost wishes it wasn’t true, that his friends were just messing with him, but he knows they aren’t that cruel.
Everything’s turning into a fog. Why can’t life just be simple? What is he so anxious about? Sometimes, he really hates his mind.
He doesn’t know how long he stayed like that, just staring at the ceiling, stuck in the black hole that is his brain.
The sound of notifications from his phone is what finally gets him out of his head. He looks at it and the corners of his lips tilt up.
> Semi: Good night :)
*
*
Semi and Shirabu have been texting all week and, even though Shirabu’s on vacation, Semi’s not so, they only talk when he’s free, between work and practice or once he’s on break. Shirabu couldn’t be happier, the fact that even with his busy schedule, he takes time out of his day to text him, means so much to Shirabu.
Shirabu himself was also quite busy since he tried his best to keep himself occupied. He did a lot of cleaning and organizing in his room, something that happens once every three months. He even hanged out with his friends.
Before he even realized it, it was already Tuesday.
He was kindly reminded by Semi, who asked him if he was still going to his gig tomorrow and, of course, he said yes. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t take a second before the anxiety kicks in. He knows he should ignore these thoughts, but it’s so hard to keep them from piling up in his brain.
Biting the skin around nails, pacing around his room, his worries become more and more. He’s going to meet Semi’s bandmates, right? What if they don’t like him? Would Semi care? Is he even going to fit in? He’s never gone to these kinds of things, will he even be able to enjoy it? Won’t he feel out of place?
He wants to fit into Semi’s world.
He groans, slaps both his cheeks and stomps out of his room. The only thing that’ll calm him down right now, is the one thing he absolutely doesn’t want to do.
He knocks on his friends’ door, almost hoping they won’t answer. Shirabu is way to prideful to admit he needs help, but he’ll have a breakdown if he stays alone with his thought.
The door swings open. “Kenjirou-kun! Rare of you to visit!” Tendou exclaims as he sees him, gesturing to him to get in.
“Is someone dying?” Kawanishi asks, in his usual monotone voice, without looking up from the books he’s reading.
Shirabu ignores Kawanishi’s comment. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but, I need your help.”
Ouch.
His ego won’t easily recover from that.
Kawanishi gets up urgently, closing his book. “Oh my god, someone is dying!”
“No one’s dying, asshole!” Shirabu shouts, glaring at him. What ever made him think going to them was a good idea? He should just turn around. He’ll gladly have his breakdown alone.
“Sorry, sorry. What’s going on?” Kawanishi says sitting back on his bed, tapping on the spot beside him.
Shirabu sits right next to him, sighing. “It’s ridiculous, really, but Semi invited me to his gig tomorrow.”
“We’re going too, with Wakatoshi!” Tendou exclaims.
“Well, I’m fucking stressed.” Shirabu says, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Yeah, we can see that.” Kawanishi replies. “But, why?”
“I’m scared of not fitting in, or that Semi’s bandmates won’t like me…” Saying it out loud, make it seems even more ridiculous, what is he so worried about?
“You don’t care about things like that.” Kawanishi states, and he’s right. Shirabu doesn’t care whether others like him or not.
“Yeah, but Semi might.”
“Eita isn’t that shallow.” Tendou replies.
“I know that!” He groans, throwing himself on his back.
Tendou and Kawanishi shoot each other a glance, like they are telepathically communicating, and Shirabu doesn’t like that one bit.
“I’ve got an idea.” Tendou starts, Shirabu narrows his eyes at him. “Let’s go shopping!”
“No.”
“Oh, come on, Kenjirou! We’ll help you find an outfit for tomorrow, won’t that help you ease your mind?”
*
Shirabu doesn’t remember agreeing to go to the mall, but he somehow ended up there. While he’s regretting all the life choices that lead up to this moment, his friends are running around the store, picking out different pieces of clothing for him to try on.
He's not even going to try and follow them, he’s tired and want to go home. He sits in front of the changing stall, scrolling through his phone, waiting for his friends.
“Do you need help?” An employee asks him.
He looks up at her. “Yeah, I need help to get out of here before my friends come back with all the clothes they want me to try on.” He deadpanned. He’s not joking, but she must’ve have thought he was, since she giggles as she walks away.
“Kenjirou!”
He turns around to look at his friends and frowns. “Did you take the whole damn store for me to try?”
“Well, we do need to find the perfect outfit.” Tendou explains, shoving outfit number one in Shirabu’s arms and pushing him into the cabin.
Shirabu pouts, but he tries it on, because the faster he tries it all, the faster he’s out of here. He walks out to show them the outfit, then does it again, and over and over again because, apparently, nothing is good enough.
He’s at outfit six, and At His Limit. This one better be the one, cause he’s not trying anything else. He gets out of the cabin in a loose crop top and shorts that are way too tight and, well, short for his liking, both in black. It’s a pretty normal outfit, but he’s not comfortable. It shows too much skin.
“I love it!” Tendou says.
“It’s perfect.” Kawanishi adds.
“But it’s not complete!” Tendou says, before he runs into the store once again, Kawanishi following behind him. Shirabu wants to tell them to wait, to not leave him alone, because he feels so uncomfortable.
“Wow, I wish I could pull that off as well as you do!” The same employee as before says, it does give Shirabu more confidence.
The moment his friends comes back, he’s pushed once again into the stall. He comes out with fishnet under the shorts. Tendou ties a ribbon chocker around his neck, while Kawanishi throws flat mary janes in front of him that he puts on. The last touch are fingerless gloves.
Shirabu looks at himself in the mirror, still not convinced. “I’m not sure if I like it.”
“Why? You look beautiful.” Kawanishi says, and Shirabu can tell it’s sincere.
“I know, Eita will love it.” Tendou adds, with a smile.
Tendou knows exactly what to say to convince Shirabu. He takes another look at himself. For one night, he thinks. He can wear it for one night.
“Okay, I’ll buy it.”
*
Semi’s gig is only a couple of hours away and Shirabu is still getting ready with the help of his friends. They complete the look with black eyeliner on his water line and a small wing that brings out his eyes more, plus mascara. He wanted to argue, but decided he could let them have that. After all, they did help him calm down a little.
He doesn’t have time to think about being anxious, because the second they are ready, Ushijima is there to pick them up.
*
There’s so many people waiting in line, Shirabu can only imagine how packed it’s going to be. He’s so glad that his friends are there or he might’ve backed out.
Tendou doesn’t go at the end of the line, instead he walks up to the doorman, saying something Shirabu doesn’t hear, but they get to go in before everyone else. He doesn’t care what was said, he doesn’t have to wait in line and that’s what really matters.
Just like Shirabu thought, there’s already a lot of people inside, but they squeeze through the crowd, to be at the front line. There’s no way Shirabu will let himself be at the very back, he wants to be able to see Semi play without anyone in the way.
It feels like an eternity before the music that was playing stops, and the lights turn off, only to illuminate the stage. The crowd cheers as the members walk on stage.
Shirabu can feel the butterflies in his stomach, both from stress and excitement.
A girl, who he thinks is the lead singer, grabs the microphone. “How’s everyone doing, tonight?” She screams into it, the crowd cheers once again. She looks back at the drummer, giving her the signal to start.
They are good, more than good, Shirabu is actually surprised and relieved that he loves the music, considering it’s not usually his style.
He can’t take his eyes off Semi, though. The way he glides his fingers on the strings, his voice harmonizing so perfectly with the lead singer. Everything about him is hypnotizing. Shirabu might be biased, but he really thinks Semi steals the show. Of course, everyone is great, but they’re no Semi Eita.
*
After the show ends, Semi told them to join everyone back stage. Shirabu knocks on the door, after holding back Tendou from just opening it like he owns the place. Sometimes, Shirabu wonders if he ever learned about manners.
Semi is the one to open the door, the moment he meets Shirabu eyes, he beams. “Shirabu, you came!” He pulls him by the waist, leaving a kiss on the top of his head. “You look beautiful.” He states, looking Shirabu up and down with a smile on his lips.
“I’m the one who dressed him!” Tendou says, probably to show off, but also reminding Semi that him, and the two others, exist.
“Guys! Thanks for coming.” They make small talk, considering it’s been a while since they last saw each other, except from Tendou. Never in a million would he stop annoying Semi.
“Eita.” A girl, no taller than five feet, smiles at him, but her eyes aren’t. "It's rude of you not to introduce us, don't you think?"
Semi chuckles nervously. “Was just about to.” She crosses her arm, giving him a look that could only mean ‘sure you were’.
“These are the guys I played volleyball with in high school, you probably remember them, since you came to a lot of my matches.” He leans on her, using her head as an arm rest as she glares at him, but doesn’t push him off. “Red-head’s Tendou Satori, big one’s Ushijima Wakatoshi, bored one’s Kawanishi Taichi, and…” He pulls Shirabu closer, with a big smile. “This is Shirabu Kenjirou.”
Semi lift his elbow from the girl head, only to ruffle her hair. “This is Chiyo Mio, our drummer, and the Tsukiyomi’s, Ayaki, the lead singer, and Naoko, bassist.”
Ayaki, who hasn’t said a word since they arrived, gets up form where she’s sitting, and walk up to them. She’s a little taller than Chiyo, but still small. Anyone would look small next to five ex-Shiratorizawa players, either way.
She looking Shirabu up and down, crosses her arms, and glares right into Shirabu’s eyes. “I don’t like you.”
Shirabu is taken aback by the bold statement, it’s so ridiculous he can’t even seriously take it to heart. She doesn’t even know him, yet. He’s ready to admit he might not be the most likeable person on this earth, or even that he’s an asshole. What he can’t stand is people hating him before he even did anything.
Semi sighs. “Ayaki, please do—”
Shirabu frowns, taking a step closer to her. “What the hell is your problem?” The four ex-teammates share a look, worried they might have to hold Shirabu back because, yes, it has happened in the past, more than once. “You don’t even know me.” He scoffs.
“I don’t need to.” She states, seemingly confident in her decision.
Semi tries once again to stop them. “Now, please, st—”
“Stay out of it!” They both shout, and Semi doesn’t have a choice but to back off, because these are the two people in this world that scare him the most. You do not put yourself in between two lions.
“Whether you like it or not, I’m staying.”
“Well, I’ve been here for longer than you have.”
“And that matters, because?” Shirabu asks, looking down at her, nose up high and his eyebrows raised.
She stays silent for a couples of seconds, glaring at Shirabu, and smiles. “Follow me.” She demands, grabbing Shirabu’s wrist, dragging him out of the room. Why is he always the one being dragged? He doesn’t really have the time to dwell on that, as they stop right in front of the bar.
“You have till the bar closes to prove your worth.” She says sitting on one of the stoles.
“I don’t have anything to prove to you.” He states. “But I’ll do it for Semi.” He sits next to her. Wondering why he’s stuck making conversation with her, when he could be spending that time with Semi.
Ayaki calls up a round of shooters, and Shirabu can only smirk. Poor girl doesn’t know what she’s getting into.
Shirabu has never met someone with a bigger alcohol tolerance than he himself.
*
Semi could only watch the both of them storming out of the room. “I knew something like that would happen.” He sighs, looking at Chiyo. “Couldn’t you have stopped your girlfriend?”
“You give me way too much credit, I can’t do shit.” Chiyo says, shrugging. She’s used to how Ayaki is, she doesn’t mind much, honestly.
“Why don’t we sit at a table until they’re done?” Tendou proposed, they all agreed.
They talk for a little while, especially Tendou, Kawanishi and Chiyo. Semi’s been friend with the three members of his band since childhood. Of course, Tendou and Kawanishi would abuse that fact, asking Chiyo all about embarrassing stories from then. In exchange they told some from the teenage years.
“I never signed up for this ‘Embarrass Semi Eita’ event” Semi whines, but he’s totally ignored.
They only turn back to him, after hearing a couple of stories about Ayaki. “It’s crazy how much Kenjirou and Ayaki are alike.”
Semi chuckles. “Yeah, I wasn’t sure if they would kill each other or be best friends.”
“I wonder how they’re doing.” Kawanishi says.
“Well, we’re about to find out. Ayaki just texted me ‘come get your boyfriend’, whatever that means.” Semi replies, not sure what he should be expecting.
“Wait, does that mean Kenjirou is drunk?” Tendou asks, getting his phone out, ready to take blackmail material.
“I hope so.” Kawanishi replies, doing the same.
“Does Shirabu never get drunk?” Semi asks, surprised, he thought Shirabu was more on the light-weight side.
“That guy’s got one hell of an alcohol tolerance, I’ve never seen him be anything more than tipsy.” Kawanishi says.
They walk up to the bar where both of them are supposed to be. They are met with the sight of a ‘too drunk to walk’ Ayaki, and a ‘head down on the bar, giggling to himself’ Shirabu.
Needless to say, Tendou and Kawanishi are both taking advantage of the situation, taking as many pictures and video as they can.
“Darling, how much did you drink? You never get to that state.” Chiyo asks, helping her girlfriend stand.
“Not that much.” She shrugs, then put a hand on Semi shoulder. “He’s a good guy, keep him.”
“I know.” Semi replies, he does wonder what they talked about for her to change her opinion, but he won’t ask. Instead, he’ll just be happy they get along. He shakes Shirabu softly. “Hey, Shirabu, I’m here.”
Shirabu opens his eyes, face lighting up with a smile and a deeper blush once he realizes it’s him. He stands up and quickly attaches himself to Semi. “Eita!” He exclaims. “Eita, I missed you, hiii.”
Semi is frozen in place, he never would’ve dared dream of Shirabu acting like that. He shoots a look at his friends, begging for help, but two out of three are laughing their asses off, taking video of them both.
Shirabu refuses to let go of Semi, hanging on to him like a koala. Semi doesn’t have much of a choice but to hold him up by his thighs.
“Want me to give you a ride home?” Ushijima asks, the savior of the situation.
“You’re the only decent human here, Wakatoshi.” Semi’s relieved to have at least one person he can count on.
*
Once they’re back at Semi’s apartment, it’s a whole other battle. As cute as he is, drunk Shirabu is unpredictable, and Semi’s heart can not take any of it. Shirabu might just have given him a thousand heart attacks in the short time they’ve been back to his place.
He also really, really, wants to go to sleep. It’s late, he’s exhausted, and Shirabu isn’t making any of this easier.
“Can you let go of me for two seconds, Shirabu?” Semi asks, almost pleads, pushing softly Shirabu, hoping he’ll move by himself.
“Kenjirou.”
“What?”
“Call me Kenjirou, and I’ll move.” Blush creeps up Semi’s cheeks, it was already doing things to his heart to be called by his first name, but having Shirabu ask him to do the same? That’s one of the cutest things he has ever witnessed.
“Fine. Let go of me, Kenjirou.” He did it, he called him by his first name. He never thought that day would come.
Shirabu finally let go of him, and sat on the bed. Semi went through his clothes, to find something Shirabu could wear, but as he handed it to him, he refused. “What is it now?”
“I want this.” Shirabu demands, pulling on the flannel Semi has tied around his waist.
He’s pouting.
Semi looks at him with a fond smile and kisses the top of Shirabu’s head. “Shirabu Kenjirou, you’re going to be the death of me.” He says, mostly to himself, as he takes off the flannel to give it to Shirabu.
Shirabu’s eyes twinkle, as he takes the flannel in his hands.
If only sober Shirabu was this easy to please. Semi thinks, seeing how happy he is for something so small.
Shirabu doesn’t waste a second getting into Semi’s arms the moment the latter gets into bed with him.
*
*
Shirabu wakes up with the worst headache of his life. He’s tired and feels like he’s about to throw up. He tries getting up, but ends up falling back on the bed. He presses the side of his head with his fingers, closing his eyes for a second.
He tries, once again, to get up, this time successfully, but has to lean on the wall, as to make sure he doesn’t fall.
Why did he drink that much? Stupid him.
Semi is sitting at the kitchen table, sipping coffee and scrolling through his phone. Hearing footsteps he looks up and has to hold back a laugh. Shirabu is standing right in front of him, hair sticking out, makeup smudged all over his face and, the final touch, an expression that says ‘I want to die’.
“Good morning, sleeping beauty.” Semi greats him, with a chuckle.
“Fuck off, Semi.” Shirabu replies, sitting in front of Semi. “I want coffee too.”
“Not calling me Eita today?” Semi teases him, getting up to make him a cup of coffee. If he doesn’t, he might just get killed.
Shirabu eyes widen in horror. “What the hell are you talking about?” He doesn’t remember a thing after he started drinking with Ayaki. What did you do, drunk Kenjirou?
“You might want to look at your texts.” Semi says, giving him his phone, doing a really bad job at hiding his amusement.
Shirabu snatches his phone from Semi’s hand, not wasting a second to look at the notification.
*Tendou Satori added you to group chat along with Kawanishi Taichi and Semi Eita*
Shirabu already has a bad feeling about this. He opens the conversation, filled with dread.
Tendou: We made this group chat to show the black mail material we got of Kenjirou!
Kawanishi: We added Semi because we know he sooo wishes to have these videos. You’re welcome.
ShitShitShit. What the hell did you fucking do, Kenjirou?
Two attachments follow.
The first one is a video of him, head down on the bar counter, giggling to himself. Okay, not too bad. Embarrassing? Yes. Could it be worse? Also, yes.
The second one is, once again, a video, this time of him jumping into Semi’s arms, calling him Eita and being way too clingy. Overall, being the absolute cringiest thing on earth.
He slams his head on the table, screams, sits up straight again and sends a ‘fuck you’ to the group chat.
Trying his best to not laugh at Shirabu’s expense, Semi gives him a cup of coffee.
“Thanks, Eita.” Shirabu says, knowing he’s probably red up to his ears.
Semi flinches, hearing his first name. He didn’t think Shirabu would actually do it. “You’re welcome, Kenjirou.”
Shirabu loves the way his name sound on Semi’s lips, he wishes he’d say it again.
Semi sits back on his spot at the table and Shirabu feels a bit better about himself, seeing the blush on Semi’s cheeks.
They both drink their coffee in what starts feeling like it’ll be another uncomfortable silence, but ends up being a very comforting one.
“Eita, can I take a shower? I feel disgusting.”
“Sure, I’ll get clothes for you.”
Shirabu goes into the bathroom and almost has a heart attack seeing himself in the mirror. God, Semi saw him like that? He’s really just embarrassing himself over and over again.
He peaks through the door. “Eita, do you have something to take off makeup?”
“Just a second.” Eita comes into the bathroom, with clothes for Shirabu. He opens the first drawers, and gives the makeup remover wipes to Shirabu.
Shirabu just stares at it. “Can you help me?”
Semi chuckles. “Sure, close your eyes.” Semi gently remove Shirabu’s makeup. At least it wasn’t waterproof, he thinks. It’s easier to take it off that way. With Shirabu having his guard down, he feels Semi pecking him on the lips and slightly smiles. “Done.”
“Thanks.” Shirabu gets up from where he was sitting, on the side of the bath, but gets dizzy and would have hurt himself really bad if Semi hadn’t caught him on time. “I’m never drinking again.” He mumbles, which makes Semi laugh.
“Are you going to be okay?” Semi asks, worried about leaving Shirabu alone in that state.
“I should be. Anyway, unless you come in with me, there’s not much you can do.” Shirabu replies, without realizing how it must sound.
Nobody can blame him, though. It’s feels like there’s just static sounds in his brain, he can’t think much before speaking.
“What?” Semi asks, deep blush covering his cheeks.
“What?” Shirabu repeats, which makes him realize what he just said. “Wait, no. I didn’t mean to say that.” Shirabu says, praying to every holy being that can hear him to let the ground just open up and swallow him.
Semi laughs. “I know, I know. But don’t hesitate to call for me if you need help.”
“I will. Now, out.” He pushes Semi right out of the bathroom.
*
Both being way too tired to do anything, they cuddle together on the couch. Semi’s scrolling on his phone, petting Shirabu’s hair with his free hand, while the latter is slowly falling asleep.
“Kenjirou?”
Shirabu hums.
“I want to take you out on a date, next Saturday. If that’s good with you.”
All trace of tiredness seems to vanish from Shirabu’s body, as he sits up straight, looking at Semi. “Yes!” He replies eagerly, he was actually hoping Semi would asks him out. “I’d like to go on a date with you.” He says, leaning on Semi, who opens up his arms, pulling Shirabu closer to him.
*
*
Semi is picking up Shirabu up around one p.m, in just two hours and, of course, Shirabu is panicking. He’s never been on a date before, is there some kind of ‘rule’ he should know about? Should he had bought something? Semi is the one who invited him, but that doesn’t mean Shirabu should go empty handed, right? It doesn’t matter anymore, it’s not like he has the time to find something, anyway. Hell, he’s not even dressed.
He storms out of his room, repeatedly knocking on his friends’ door. He doesn’t have any time to be overthinking right now, and there’s only two people able to knock some sense into him quickly.
“There better be someone dying.” Kawanishi says the moment he opens the door, looking ready to commit the murder himself if needed. There’s nothing he hates more than being woken up.
“I need he—”
“Kenjirou?” Tendou asks, coming up from behind Shirabu, making him jump. He didn’t expect him to be there.
He turns to look at him. it seems that he’s coming back from the florist, going by the bouquet of flowers in his hands. Shirabu raises an eyebrow at him. “Why the flowers?”
Tendou beams. “They’re for Wakatoshi. We have a date today!” Oh, so you should be bringing something on a date. “Anyway, why are you here?”
“Like a was saying, I need help.”
“Again?” Kawanishi asks. “I thought you were way too prideful to ask for help twice in the same month, let alone in just two weeks.” Kawanishi says in an amused tone.
Shirabu glares at him. He’s not in the mood to be made fun of right now. “Forget it.” He turns around, making his way to his own room.
“What is it, Kenjirou?” Tendou asks, following him, always ready to help put his nose in other people’s businesses.
Footsteps are heard behind them. Neither of them need to turn around to know it’s Kawanishi. “That’s all it took to make you turn around?” Kawanishi asks in disbelief. “You must be stressin—”
He doesn’t need to finish his sentence, because as soon as Shirabu opens the door to his room, both his friends let out an “oh” seeing the state it’s in, with all the clothes thrown on the floor. There’s probably not much left in the dresser.
“I have a date with Eita.” He explains, sitting on his own bed.
Tendou puts down his bouquet on Shirabu’s desk, then sits on one side of the pile of clothes. “You stress way too much over simple things.” He says, looking through it.
“You think I don’t know that?” He groans. “Just pick something for me, I trust your judgement more than mine, at this point.”
Kawanishi sighs, sitting on the other side on the pile looking through it, too. “I really don’t understand you, there’s nothing to be stressed about, you already know Semi likes you.” He states, picking up a lilac sweater and putting it aside.
Only silence follows Kawanishi statement, both him and Tendou share a look before turning to Shirabu who’s not looking at them, with red cheeks. “Kenjirou, you better not tell me you think Eita might not like you back.”
“I—” Shirabu starts, searching for the right words. “I mean, it’s a possibility…”
“Shirabu Kenjirou, you’re unbelievable.” Kawanishi says, he takes the lilac sweater he put aside seconds ago, the dark grey baggy Tendou has in his hands, and throws both at Shirabu. “Just put this on, you dense fuck.”
Usually, Shirabu would argue, but Kawanishi never swears. He is mad. Shirabu knows better than to anger him even more, so he just puts the clothes on.
Shirabu takes on look at himself in the mirror, brushing his bangs back in place. “I guess this is okay.”
“You don’t have the luxury to be picky.” Kawanishi tells him.
Tendou picks one flower out of his bouquet and gives it to Shirabu. “For Eita.”
Shirabu takes it. “Thanks.” He smiles looking at it, his friends aren’t that bad sometimes.
“Now remember, the most important thing: just be yourself.” Tendou says.
“And try to be nice.” Kawanishi adds.
“Which one? I can’t do both.” Shirabu deadpans.
“Figure it out.” Kawanishi says, taking Shirabu’s cellphone into his hand. “Your date’s here.”
Shirabu snatches his phone from Kawanishi’s hands, because how dare he read his messages. Before he can say anything, he’s pushed out of his own room, both friends following him out.
“Enjoy your date!” They tell him.
Shirabu hurries out of the building, excited to see Semi and go on a date with him.
He’s waiting outside of his car, leaning on it, looking as handsome as ever. Semi’s talking to someone. Out of reflex, Shirabu hides the flower behind himself. As he gets closer, he’s relieved to see it’s only Ushijima. Tendou did mention they are also going on a date today.
Semi lights up as he sees him. “Hey, Kenjirou!”
“Hi.” Shirabu replies, keeping the flower hidden.
“Well, it was nice talking to you, Eita. Enjoy your date, both of you.” Ushijima says, before walking away.
Shirabu, with both cheeks red, gives the flower to Semi. “For you.”
Semi eyes widen as he takes it in his hand. “Thank you.” He kisses the top of Shirabu’s head. “Get in, we have a date to go to.”
*
Semi took them to a science museum. It might sound a bit childish, but Shirabu really liked going there as a kid, and he’s been wanting to go back as an adult for a while now.
Going with Semi just made the experience even better.
They fought for a while about who would be paying for the entry, but Semi ended up winning.
He takes Shirabu’s hand in his with a big smile.
The first room is separated in four different climates, with animals living in each one. Shirabu is not much interested in animals, but he does loves learning.
Shirabu never thought he could have that much fun looking at animals. They both laugh together at the way some of them look like. Shirabu stops in front of a secretary bird, really, the most ridiculous bird you could imagine, with the grey and black feathers sticking up in every way on the top of its head.
“This one looks like you.” Shirabu says, pointing at it.
Semi gasped, turning to Shirabu with a frown. “It does not! It looks stupid.”
That’s the answer Shirabu expected. “Exactly.” He replies with a smile.
It’s hard to hold back his laugh, as to not disturb the other visitors, when he sees Semi in disbelief. It’s a lot easier to stop laughing, though, when Semi, with a big winning smile on his stupid pretty face, point at a rufus hummingbird. Small, golden and looks angry.
“This one could be your twin! It even says here they get easily angry. Seems familiar, don’t you think?”
“Real funny, Eita.” Shirabu replies, back to his usual neutral expression, but as Semi starts laughing, he can’t help but to join him.
*
The last room they visit, is all about space. Shirabu’s pretty sure he already knows everything there is in here. There was a time when space was his favorite science, like pretty much every kid.
As they walk around the room, Shirabu tells Semi everything fact about space he knows without reading any of the information written down.
Semi listen to every word Shirabu says. It’s comforting. “I will never understand how you can remember so many things.”
“I just do.” Shirabu shrugs. “We all have our own talent. I could never play any instrument, even if I wanted to.”
*
After their visit to the museum, they agreed on just getting take out and eating it at the park. Shirabu doesn’t really like fancy places, and neither does Semi, so it really is the best option for both.
They sit at one of the tables that are far away enough from the playground, the screams of children aren’t bothering them.
They’re eating in silence and, for once, every part of it is comfortable.
Just sitting here with Semi is enough to make Shirabu smile to himself.
That’s until Semi throws a fry at him. He frowns at it, before taking it, ready to throw it back, but seeing Semi laughing to himself, he decides otherwise.
“I’m not going to throw it back because I was raised correctly, unlike some.”
Semi rolls his eyes, still laughing. “You’re no fun, Kenjirou.”
*
It’s getting late, but neither are ready to go back just yet, so they take a walk in the paths next to the park.
“I really had fun with you today.” Semi says, taking Shirabu’s hand into his.
“Yeah, me too.” Shirabu replies, interlacing their fingers together.
Semi stops to pick up a dandelion, then raises his hand to place it behind Shirabu’s ear. Under the light of the sunset, Shirabu’s eyes glow golden, and the blush spreading across his cheeks from being stared at so intensely, makes it impossible for Semi to think anything other than– “You’re so beautiful, Kenjirou.”
Not knowing how to respond to the compliment, Shirabu pulls him into a kiss. It’s not their first kiss together, but it feels like it. There’s no urgency, no desperation, no. This time, it’s slow, soft and tender. They can feel the love they have for the other in it.
Pulling away, Semi caresses one of Shirabu’s cheeks. “Is it too soon to say that I love you?” He asks, taking Shirabu’s hand into his, bringing it up to his lips and leaving a kiss on top of it.
Shirabu looks up at Semi with wide eyes and red cheeks, he didn’t expect a confession today. “There’s only one way to know, Eita.” He replies with a cheeky smile.
Semi rolls his eyes, but doesn’t stop smiling, because that is just so Shirabu. “I love you Kenjirou.”
Shirabu could almost cry, he never thought he would see the day he’d hear those words from Semi. “I love you too, Eita.” Or say them back.
The smile Semi gives him is almost blinding as he brushes Shirabu’s bangs away, leaving a kiss on his forehead.
After all this time, it’s almost unbelievable to Shirabu that he actually fell for Semi once more, and even more than that. This time, he can be happy about it. Because, apparently, Semi fell for him too. He has him.
Semi Eita loves him back.
