Archive of Our Own ^beta

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.”

Chapter Text

Tick

Tock

Tick

Tock

Tic-

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BE- Click

“Oh no no no, not again…..I had to start all over again ….” Shirabu hissed as he opened the oven just to be welcomed by a huge dark smoke. He coughs and pulls out the now burnt cake. Shirabu frowned at the sight and dumped it into the trash bin along with the 3 burnt cakes he made. Shirabu set the tray down and sighed, running his fingers through his hair as he gazed at the line of tools and ingredients on the table, cursing under his breath when he looked at the digital clock hanging on the wall, almost looking like it’s mocking him with it’s blinking bright neon green light.

12:31

There’s still time 

He was glad his family were all heavy sleepers.

Shirabu grabs his phone and searches up the recipe once again. When he’s stirring the bowl, he can’t help but wonder why he is doing this again. 

Oh right

It’s for his upperclassman birthday

Semi Eita’s birthday is tomorrow or should I say today since it’s past midnight ? 

Last year Shirabu didn’t know Semi’s birthday but this year he does but he took too long to think and only realized it is already too late this morning after volleyball practice when Tendou asked Semi about their birthday so with advice he asked from Kawanishi, he end up deciding to make a cake even though he sucks in baking.

Not wanting Semi or any other people to find out he is gonna try to bake a cake for Semi, he rushed back home to bake. Luckily for him, his parents are out on a business trip and his older siblings are not the type to get in his business. They just raised a brow, looking at Shirabu with a questioning look and Shirabu just replied that he needed to use the kitchen which the two of his older siblings just stared at before nodding and went on with their business.

“Ok, I only have enough for one last try….you can do this Kenjirou, just gotta follow the recipes and also be patient....”

It was 3 in the morning when he was done

The cake looks…….edible and that’s all it counts right ? It’s the effort that counts….RIGHT ?? 

The cake is round and after Shirabu scrapes off the burnt part, it becomes smaller than it should be, bigger than the size of a cupcake but smaller than a normal cake. Shirabu dumps and slaps in all the cream he had made in the bowl and all the sprinkles he had in hand to cover up the ugly part of the cake to make it look decent. 

He tried, he really tried

Shirabu manages to get in about 3 hours of sleep before getting up for school. Honestly, he felt like shit but there’s no way he is missing out on practice (Semi Eita’s Birthday) 

“Oh wow Kenjirou! Haha, you look like shit !” 

“Shut the fuck up Junichirou.” 

Shirabu glared at his older brother who is making coffee in the kitchen. 

“Kenjirou, language!” 

Shirabu sighed and rolled his eyes at his older sister who was by the sink washing her dishes. “Fumiko, he started it.” 

“And that doesn’t mean you gotta continue this stupid banter….” Fumiko sighed and dried her hands. “One of you is a college student and one of you is a high schooler and yet you guys act like 3 years old.” 

“Don’t act like you’re that mature Fumiko .” Junichirou said, rolling his eyes as well and sipping his coffee. 

Fumiko snorted. “At least mature enough to not argue with you guys about trivial things.” 

Fumiko put on her jacket and grabbed her purse. “Alright, I’m heading out, Junichirou, you better not make a mess while I’m gone.” 

“WHAT ? Why isn’t Kenjirou included!?” Junichirou complained and slammed his hand on the table, making the table shake and the box of cake Shirabu had placed there shook and almost fell over but luckily Shirabu acted fast and grabbed it before it toppled over.

“Because I live in the dorm and be careful dumbass! You almost ruined the birthday cake I baked.” Shirabu frowned and glared at Junichirou.

Both his older siblings’ eyes widen and look at Shirabu in shock, mouth agape. Both obviously thinking ‘Shirabu BAKED ??’ 

“You baked a cake ?!” 

“For whose birthday ?!”

Shirabu rolled his eyes at them who, in his point of view, overreacting.

“None of your business.” 

“You didn’t even bake for me and I’m your older sister!” Fumiko huffed, with both hands put on her waist.

“Or your older brother!!” Junichirou said with an offended gasp. 

“You guys are so annoying.” Shirabu sighed and moved away with the box.

“OH ! I KNOW WHO YOU BAKE IT FOR !!” Fumiko slammed one hand on the table, startling both Shirabu and Junichirou. 

“No you don’t.” Shirabu answered a little too quickly.

“Ohhhh WHO ?! WHO ?!” Junichirou asked excitedly. 

Fumiko snickers. “It’s for that one annoying pretty senpai of yours, isn't it ?

Shirabu froze, which only proved to Fumiko and Junichirou that Fumiko’s guess was right.

“ No.” 

“Oh Kenjirou, I’m your sister and I’ve known you your whole life, you can’t lie to me, baby brother.” Fumiko said giggling as she pokes on Shirabu’s cheek who just scowled at her.

“Wait...wait, so Kenjirou has a crush on his upperclassman? Which one ?” Junichirou asked, obviously invested in their baby brother’s love life. 

“The pretty one , the one with the dark tip on his hair .” Fumiko answered.

“Oooh him!! He’s pretty, no wonder our baby brother would have a crush on him~”

“I know right?? He looks very friendly too!”

“IT’S THEY THEM ! THEY’RE NON-BINARY YOU UNCULTURED IMBECILES.” Shirabu shouted and glared at the two. 

Both Fumiko and Junichirou paused and stared before bursting out laughing. 

“Wow! So protective of your crush~ And you two aren’t even a couple yet!” Junichirou chuckles. 

“Awwwee Is Kenjirou shy because we’re talking about your pretty crush ?” Fumiko teased. “Honestly, you’re so whipped for them.” 

“Fuck off, fuck off, fuck off, fuck off !” Shirabu snarled at them. He swung his bag and held onto the box. “I’m leaving !” 

“Ok Kenjirou, good luck!! Go get that ass!” Junichirou said along with a wolf whistle. 

“Good luck and be careful with the cake! Receiving a crushed cake on a birthday is one of the worst gifts!” Fumiko said along with a giggle. 

“I know! I’m not clumsy bitches like you two!” Shirabu said. “I’m leaving and you two should get going if you guys wanna catch the first train! See ya!” With that he slammed closed the door and rushed off to school.

Those two are so nosy! Thanks to them, I’m gonna be late for morning practice! And Fumiko is such a naggy busybody! Of course I’ll be careful and not get it crushed! 

Shirabu arrived at practice in the nick of time, he had to be careful when he changed since he didn't want to accidentally ruin the cake. Shirabu makes his trip to the gym and keeps reciting the things he wanted to say to Semi when he arrived.

Ok Kenjirou, you just had to ask them NICELY to meet up after school. You got this, just say ‘Hey Semi-san, can you make some time to meet up at the back gate after school ? Preferably , us meeting up alone, I wanted to give you something.’ That’s all! Easy ! 

“Shirabu are you-” 

“After school, you, me , at the back gate.”

Why am I such a mess ?! 

After ‘accidentally’ man handles Semi, Shirabu quickly speeds away feeling very embarrassed. 

The moment Shirabu lock eyes with Semi, every words just escape from his mind and just become blank. Not wanting them to walk away, Shirabu end up just grabbing them by the collar, he at least attempt to look nice but….when you’re sleep deprived, there’s nothing you can do about your facial expression. 

“Nice kill Kenjirou.”

“Shut the fuck up Taichi.” 

Once again, thanks to his older sister, Fumiko, Shirabu just kept worrying about the cake throughout the day. 

Worried the cake will accidentally get crushed

Worried that Semi’s birthday will get ruined once he give them the cake

Worried that Semi will be disappointed in him forever for that crushed cake and wouldn’t want to see him ever again-

Ok that’s too far 

Fuck you Fumiko for giving me unnecessary anxiety 

Once the last school bell rang, Shirabu sprung up from his seat.

Ok time to get to the-

“Shirabu-san! Can I have a moment of your time?” 

Fuck my life

Shirabu turned around and faced the teacher. “Yes Miss Kamisato …?” 

Shirabu couldn’t really focus on what Miss Kamisato just said. All he could think of is hurrying to the back gate where Semi is waiting for him

“....I just need a few minutes of help, it’ll be quick.” 

Shirabu nodded and followed Miss Kamisato to help out with whatever preparation that is for their next class. 

The faster he finishes, the faster he can get to Semi. 

Which he did. 

He really would deserve a pat in the back with how fast he arranged things and wrote down the instruction. 

“Oh Shirabu-san, thank you for your help, let me-”

“You’re welcome Miss Kamisato, I’m just doing my duty as a student on duty, now if you’ll excuse me, I have somewhere to be, good day Miss Kamisato.”

And Shirabu ran off before Miss Kamisato finished her sentence. Miss Kamisato blinked and watched Shirabu run down the hallway. 

“-give you this....oh alright, he must be in the rush ….guess I’ll be keeping this bookstore voucher for myself.”

Please still be there! Please let Semi still be there waiting!!

And lord and behold, Semi is standing there waiting.

“SEMI-SAN!”

“Shirabu!” 

“Semi-san, sorry I’m a little late, Miss Ka- Oof!” Shirabu tripped before he finished talking.

Is the world against me today ?! Stupid rock!!

“Shirabu! Are you ok??” Semi immediately rushed over and helped Shirabu up. The concern in Semi’s voice did make Shirabu feel much better but then he saw his bag being dropped on the floor.

“My bag!” 

He panic

“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-” 

Shirabu pulled back his hands not caring that he just cut off Semi and pulled his bag onto his lap and checked the content.

The box that carried the cake had toppled over.

No, no, no, all that hard work and all destroyed with just a slip

Semi’s concern yet panic voice only made him want to cry further. His vision became blurry from the tears threatening to fall from his eyes as he took out the box from his bag

“Shirabu! What’s wrong ?? Hey, your bag seems fine! Just please don’t cry-?”

The way Semi tried to calm Shirabu only agitated him further. “Semi-san you idiot-! Is not about the bag!” 

“Idiot!? I-” A sigh left Semi’s lips before they continue to try to soothe Shirabu  “Ok-? You’re confusing me Shirabu...Then what is ??” 

“....This…” Shirabu murmured and opened up the box. Shirabu immediately wanted to dig a hole and hide there for the rest of his life.

“Cake…” 

The cake had fallen on it’s side, the cream and sprinkles smeared all over the box, it’s just ruined. 

The cake is ruined

Seeing the cake in such a state, Shirabu couldn’t hold it in anymore as all his feelings just fell apart right then and there.

“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-....”  

Semi’s hand touched his face, startled him and made him stop talking.

“Shirabu calm down…..” Semi said with a hush tone that just made Shirabu’s sadness wash away like a calm breeze.

Shirabu finally relaxed for the first time since the day started. 

“So ….you went through all the trouble to make me a birthday cake?” Semi asked.

Shirabu nodded and got surprised when Semi took the box away.

“Well the cake still looks pretty good….so thank you Shirabu!” Semi said with a charming smile that always make Shirabu fall further in love with them

“But the cake! It’s crushed and …” Shirabu frowned further, remembering Fumiko’s words. “They said receiving a crushed cake on their birthday is the worst gift…” 

Why would Semi want to receive his stupid looking cake ?

“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. 

This is so unfair, how can Semi be this nice ?

“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. 

He heard Semi chuckles and felt them pats his head.

“I’m just teasing you Shirabu.” 

Shirabu sighed and turned his face away from Semi trying to hide the blush growing on his cheeks, hoping the older setter wouldn’t hear the thumping sounds of his heart. 

He was immediately saddened when Semi retracted their hand back.

“...…we should get going...thank you for the cake Shirabu.” Semi said with a smile but Shirabu could hear the sad voice from them.

Wait no! Don’t go yet ! 

Shirabu immediately grabbed onto their hand which startled Semi.

“Wait Semi-san! I …I didn’t just ask you here to give the cake! I wanted to tell you something.” 

“Huh? What is it ?”

You’ve done it Shirabu so there’s no backing out now.

“I….I….Happy Birthday Semi-san and...I like you.” Shirabu managed to squeak out and Semi just felt stunned by Shirabu’s words. 

Shirabu can already see the gear in Semi’s head spinning and that they are trying to convince themself that Shirabu means like in a friendly way.

“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 which scared Shirabu.

But then what Semi said shocked Shirabu.

“I think I just hallucinated ….you feel the same way as I do? You like me the same way I like you too?”

Wait…

WHAT ?!

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 enduring….I couldn’t help but to get attracted to you...despite how much you seem to hate me.”

So that’s how Semi has been thinking of me ? They always thought I hated them ! I don’t !

“I never hated you Semi!”

“Really?” Semi blinked and a relieved smile appeared on their face which also made Shirabu feel relief.

“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 chuckled once again which got Shirabu to smile. 

He guesses that Semi finds 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 .” Shirabu said scoffing at that idea.

“Haha I can see that….” Semi said along with a soft laughter.

Shirabu felt relieved that Semi is now smiling and happy.

“...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.”

Shirabu definitely not going through those torturous hours to bake a damn cake

“Oh…” 

Shirabu’s eyes widened when he saw Semi frown looking very dejected. 

NO NO NO NO NO I didn’t mean it that way!!!

Shirabu squeezed onto Semi’s hand for his attention as he tried to be honest and said what he actually meant. He can feel his face is burning up already so he looks down to hide his red face.

“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…” 

Shirabu felt Semi squeezed his hand back. He doesn’t have to look up to know Semi is smiling, still he sneaks a peek at their face.

“Happy Birthday Eita…”

There’s that smile that Shirabu loves very much.

“Thank you Kenjirou.” 

Maybe he’ll try to bake a cake again next year. Eita’s genuine smile is worth all the trouble.