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From appearance alone, you wouldn't think Semi was actually quite a romantic. But he was, and in a world where soulmates exist, what's more romantic that meeting the one you were destined for?
Humans are born with the ability to see one color: the color matching the eyes of their soulmates, and it's said that if you make eye contact with your soulmate, you'll be able to see all the colors the world has to offer. And Semi absolutely lives for that possibility- the black and white was ever so dull, the only color he sees is an odd 'copper'.
It took a while for him to discover the color, it wasn't exactly common in everyday life, but once he did, he bought a ring in said color, to admire, and remind himself of what the world has to offer.
Semi's first time meeting Shirabu was nothing out of the ordinary. It was the first day of school, he bumped into the junior in the volleyball locker room, and Shirabu simply muttered a small 'sorry', before brushing past him. Semi was left speechless as soon as he saw him, him and his copper-colored hair. It was absolutely breathtaking, Semi couldn't can't help the way his gaze linger as his junior walked away.
It doesn't take long for Tendou to notice, and he comes tottering along, an teasing gleam in his eye, "oya? What's this, Eita-kun? Did you fall in love just now?"
Semi scowls, "do you ever think? Use the one brain cell rattling around in your brain."
"How hurtful!" Tendou gasped, feinting an hurt expression, but Semi was already used to his ways, "hmph, you're no fun."
Semi rolls his eyes, "your idea of fun is debatable."
Tendou laughs at that and they head off to practice.
The first years introduce themselves, the one with straight copper bangs was Shirabu Kenjiro, a setter. It sets off the competitive nature in him. He wasn't about to hand over his position, even if said junior was undeniably pretty.
It doesn't take long for Semi to realize that Shirabu was an irritating personality. If there's one thing he hated more than just how easily Shirabu can rile him up (it's like he's not even trying), it's how good he is a volleyball. It's obvious that he shares the same passion for the sport as others on the team, and it just makes it that much harder for Semi to really hate him.
But then again, it's sickening to see coach treat Shirabu like he's an walking angel. Now, Semi's not saying that coach has a favorite setter, but Shirabu is quite obviously his favorite setter.
Yeah, things are a little complicated, and maybe Semi likes his bratty junior a bit more than he'd let on but no one has to know that.
The most curious thing, however, is the fact that Semi can see the color of Shirabu's eyes. In quick, passing moments, Semi sees the sparkling orbs that are Shirabu's eyes. They're beautiful, and they plant an seed of wonder in Semi's heart. Could Shirabu be his...?
The hope is throughly squashed not even much later. One day, when the group of them were eating lunch in the cafeteria, the topic of soulmates bubbled up.
"I don't have a soulmate," Shirabu says simply when asked, the air around them fell silent.
"How are you sure, Kenji-kun?" Tendou was the one to break the silence, but his usually obnoxious tone was gentler.
Shirabu sense the change in the atmosphere and tries to give a lighthearted shrug, "I cant see any color, everything is in greyscale. I don't mind though," he adds quickly, "only a small percent of the population finds their soulmates anyways, plus, who's to say you'll actually like them?"
"That's so like you to be so prickly about such a romantic subject," Taichi snorts.
Shirabu glares at him, "I'm being realistic." He shrugs, "I don't see the point in letting something so small determine my life anyways."
"Oh~ Kenjiro, you actually sounded really cool just now," Tendou teases, breaking the tense atmosphere, and lunch went on as usual.
It was definitely a different outlook compared to Semi. Add that to the growing list of things the two disagreed on. Not a single practice passes without that list getting longer, and their constant bickering is practically another routine during after school club.
"Eita. Shirabu."
They both freeze, standing up straighter as they turn to face their captain.
"I'd like to speak with you two after practice."
Semi swore a shiver ran down his spine, the two quietly muttered an acknowledgment before quietly walking away.
Semi returns to where the group of third years were gathered by the benches and Yamagata gives and low whistle as Semi approaches.
"Now you've done it, Eita," Yamagata teased, giving Semi a pat on the back, "how'd you manage to tick off Wakatoshi?"
Semi flushes, "shut up, Hayato."
Reon chuckled, "I'm sure he's not too angry, don't worry about it too much."
Tendou laughs too, "right, right, I don't think he's mad either," he says, looking over at where Ushijima was, speaking with Coach Washijo, "a little frustrated maybe, trust me, you'll know if he was angry angry."
Even so, Semi was antsy for the entire rest of practice. He steers clear of Shirabu as best as he can, and ponders what he's going to say to Ushijima after practice. Before he knows it however, practice was over, and both he and Shirabu are shuffling over to were Ushijima was standing with the two coaches.
"SemiSemi, you got this!" Tendou shouts after him, "If you're still sad after I'll treat you to dinner."
Semi rolls his eyes, as if they're not just going to the school cafeteria anyways. The school cafeteria that's free for all students.
The two of them stand there as the rest of the team files out of the gym. Every passing second is heavy, and Semi can think of about a thousand other places he'd rather be right now.
After Goshiki finally leaves- somehow, the first year always ends up being the slowest, and the third years end up having to wait on him to finish locking up- Ushijima finally speaks.
"I appreciate you guys not fighting for the latter half of practice," he says, looking between the two setters, "although I think it's ok for you guys to... bicker every once in a while, I think it has gotten a little out of hand lately."
Semi bites his tongue to hold back from throwing a shady remark at Shirabu.
"Team relationships are really important, and I don't want our dynamic to be shaken or disturbed," he continues.
"Of course," Semi intercepts, "I- uh, We would never want to hurt the team in any way."
He peeks at Shirabu, and he nods along to what Semi said.
"I don't doubt that," Ushijima said with a small smile, "however, I think it'll be nice to improve you guy's relationship. Me and coach have spoken to each other and found a possible solution."
"Eita," Semi jumps a little at Coach Washijo's voice.
"Yes?"
"I see your grades in chemistry is slipping."
Semi flushes, chemistry was never his best subject, and with tournaments around the corner, he might've neglected studying a bit. Just a little bit.
"We need all our players for this upcoming tournament, so I need you to bring that up."
"Shirabu," Washijo continues, "I'm putting you in charge of tutoring him, you've got a good head on your shoulders."
Shirabu seems to be at a loss for words for a moment, but he pulls himself together and manages to squeak out a "yes sir." With that, coach turns and walks away.
"I hope you guys can work out your differences while improving your academics," Ushijima continues, "I trust that you guys can arrange this yourselves?"
"Yes," the two say in unison.
"Good, you're free to go."
Semi could not have gotten out of there any faster.
————
Shirabu: Hello Semi-san, I'm free to tutor this Tuesday before practice
Semi: Sounds good, where should we meet?
Shirabu: Library? 2nd floor
Semi liked a message
Shirabu: Don't you dare be late
————
When Semi rushes up the stairs to the second floor, Shirabu was already sitting at a table near the wall. When he notices Semi approaching, he glared.
"Hey, I'm not late!" Semi says in defense.
"It's like you to be right on time," Shirabu replies cooly, taking out notebooks from his bag.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Shirabu ignores that, "so, what chapter are you on right now?"
"Six."
"Okay, what are you having trouble understanding?"
————
Shirabu glances at the clock, "I think that's all we have time for today, but I'll lend you my notes so you can study."
"Thanks."
They're both quiet as they pack up their things. Shirabu is a surprisingly good teacher. Semi knew that he was smart, after all, Shirabu was the only one on the team that didn't come on a sports scholarship, but being smart and being able to teach was two different things. His brows furrowed, damn, was there any that Shirabu wasn't good at.
"Y'know, I never thought I would be tutored by a junior of mine," Semi says as they walked to practice together.
"And I didn't think I'd have to tutor my senpai."
"I'm honestly surprised you agreed to it."
"I didn't have much of a choice," Shirabu scoffs, "plus, Ushijima asked."
Right, Ushijima had always been like an idol to Shirabu.
"Hey just cuz you're head over heels for Wakatoshi doesn't mean you should reply on him so much," Semi teased.
"I- What? I don't like Ushijima like that!" Shirabu said, Semi could see the area around his cheeks darken.
"Hm, is that so? You coulda had me fooled," Semi shrugged.
"Admiration and liking someone are completely different!"
Semi hums in reply, "I guess so," they reach the gymnasium, and Semi pulls open the door, holding it open, waiting for Shirabu to go first.
"Thank you," Shirabu looks surprised, his eyes glance from the door to Semi's face, their eyes meet.
Ah.
Semi swears his heart completely stopped for a second, maybe two. It felt like all the air was knocked from his lungs. His eyes close, and suddenly all the air rushes back in, he gasp.
When his eyes open again, he's speechless, everything was so... bright. He's standing in the hallway he's stood so many different times before but he doesn't even recognize this place. He looks at Shirabu, and lord, he is breathtaking. The copper colored hair, pale smooth skin, and the faint color dusting across his cheeks, Semi's sure he fell in love in that moment.
Shirabu points at him accusingly, "you-!"
Semi's heart drops, right, Shirabu hated him. There's no way he would be happy about this, he's sure-
"You're an IDIOT, Semi-san!"
"W-what?" Semi blinks, taken aback.
"Your eyes! They're grey!"
"So?"
"I never saw anything because your eyes are grey dammit! I thought I was gonna be alone forever!"
"Weren't you the one that said soulmates don't matter?!"
"That's because I thought I didn't have one!"
"Well you do, don't you?"
They fall silent, the only sound between them was the heavy breaths from yelling.
Shirabu smiles, it's dazzling, "yeah, I guess so."