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Semi coughed subtly, trying to itch the faint scratching at the back of his throat. Out of the corner of his eye, he glimpsed a flash of copper hair. Grinning, he set down the guitar he was mindlessly strumming, moving from his seat to the dorm doors.'Don't annoy him too much, Semi-Semi,' Tendou, his red-haired roommate called out, with too much amusement in his voice to mean it.'What do you mean? He's the one who annoys me,' Semi shot back with a knowing smirk, before leaving to find the boy himself.'Oi, Shirabu, what are you doing in the third-year dormitories?' Semi asked, resting a hand against his waist.The boy in question flinched, before turning to face him, a scowl on his face. Despite his irritated expression, he somehow managed to look stunning in Semi's opinion, his caramel coloured eyes glinting in annoyance.'Semi-san, shouldn't you be focusing on your final exams? It's almost the end of the semester,' he responded smoothly, shifting his bag to his other shoulder, which was constantly filled to the brim with heavy textbooks.Semi raised an eyebrow. 'I asked you first.'A beat of silence passed, both of them too stubborn to break eye contact, before Shirabu relented.Sighing in defeat, the boy mumbled an answer. 'I was going to make a potion.'
Huh, that's it? Theoretically, it would make sense, as everyone knew that cutting through the third-years' dormitories was the fastest route to the potions chamber, yet something about Shirabu's stiff posture instigated an inkling of suspicion.
'That's all?' the pinch server questioned, prompting him to develop his explanation. Shirabu's expression became guarded.'Yes, Semi-san. You should know to not complain when you're given an answer,' he said coldly.Rolling his eyes, Semi strode past him towards the exit. 'And you shouldn't lecture your upperclassmen.' He paused when he couldn't hear Shirabu's soft footsteps behind him. Throwing a glance over his shoulder, he asked, 'Well?'Shirabu's eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. Cute. Semi berated himself at the thought, coughing to clear his throat.'What do you think you're doing?' Shirabu finally asked, narrowing his eyes at his senior.'Oh, you know. As your senpai, I feel as though it's my duty to aid you in your studies,' Semi quipped with a wink, chucking inwardly as the boy recoiled. He purposefully ignored the sting in his chest as he did so.'There's no need to lie about your values, Semi-san. You were just bored, and I happened to pass by,' Shirabu deadpanned, setting off ahead of him. Amusement curled Semi's lips upwards. Busted.'Can I still come though?' Semi asked hopefully, following at his heels.'You wouldn't leave even if I asked you to,' he stated, in a matter of factly.'I'm glad that we're on the same page,' Semi responded with delight. 'Everyone on the team knows that you love studying-' Semi started, before being interrupted.'I don't. I just enjoy educating myself and succeeding in academy,' Shirabu interjected defensively.Semi brought his hands up. 'Alright, I believe you. But the second-years' exams have already passed.''Well observed,' the younger boy replied, only half-paying attention to Semi's words as he crushed herbs with a pestle.Leaning against the counter, Semi continued, curiosity pouring over him. 'So, why are you creating this mysterious potion then?'Huffing, Shirabu turned to him. 'I can't concentrate when you keep talking to me. You're asking more questions rather than actually helping me like you promised.''Hey, I'm just curious,' Semi responded offendedly, but toned down on the conversation nevertheless, instead following on the next instructions in the potion book.After setting the mini cauldron simmering above a crackling fire, Shirabu answered the question which Semi had momentarily forgotten about. 'Supposedly, this potion cures hanahaki disease, although it's only a rumour for now.'Semi's eyebrows shot up his forehead as he heard the boy's response. He whistled, impressed. 'I thought the recipe for that died along with the sorcerer, centuries ago.'A smirk tugged at Shirabu's lips, making Semi's heart irrationally skip a beat. Simultaneously, he coughed under his breath.'Nothing can stay hidden from me for too long.'Semi hummed in thought. 'Why the sudden interest in hanahaki disease?'Blushing slightly, the shorter boy averted his gaze. 'It's just...in case...'Semi frowned, trying to decipher Shirabu's incomprehensible mutters. 'What was that?''I'm scared that one of my family members might get it,' he blurted out, a red tint dusting across his cheeks. 'Happy now?''Why are you so embarrassed to admit that?' Semi asked, chuckling at his flustered expression. Reaching out without giving it too much thought, Semi ruffled his copper brown hair. It's softer it looks, Semi mused, just like you. 'You don't need to act so tough all the time. It's adorable when you show that you actually care.''Gods, you're so...nevermind.'A pained expression twisted Shirabu's features, causing Semi to withdraw his hand instantly. Shoot, I should've respected his boundaries, Semi thought, cussing out his natural touchiness in his head as he attempted to salvage the situation.'Do you think it'll work?' Semi nodded towards the pink, bubbling liquid, swiftly changing the topic.Determination set on Shirabu's face. 'Of course. Even if it fails ten times, twenty times, or maybe fifty, I'll get it down at some point.'A drop of admiration rippled through Semi, making him wince at its bittersweet familiarity. When Shirabu had first entered Shiratorizawa Academy, Semi remembered finding him mildly attractive, but nothing more.That changed massively once he had joined the volleyball team, where Semi had witnessed first-hand his clean and accurate sets, followed by feeling a mixture of envy and respect for his consistent skills. Any positive aspects to his character were immediately redacted once the boy opened his mouth, unlocking a new world of snarky comments and insults, though Semi had to admit that he was an excellent setter. It didn't help that he was intelligent and pretty too.Despite himself, Semi recently discovered that he looked forward to their daily banter, rather than being vexed by it last year.Despite himself, Semi found himself falling in love.Coughing again, Semi raised a hand to stifle the bouts, wiping at the tears in his eyes.Within seconds, Shirabu was at his side, offering a tissue which he had procured from one of the ingredient drawers. Taking it gratefully, Semi stifled the coughs, sighing with relief as the itchiness in his throat died down.It flared up again, however, once he felt a cool palm resting against his forehead.'You don't seem to have a fever. Are you feeling okay?' Shirabu asked, concern bleeding into his tone.
He was born to become a Healer. Smiling weakly, Semi nodded, croaking out, 'I'm fine. My throat's just a bit scratchy for some reason.'
Looking over him uncertainly, Shirabu passed a flask of water to Semi. 'Make sure to stay hydrated. It could be a byproduct of the summer heat or dehydration.''Whatever you say, my Healer,' Semi replied with a teasing lilt.Surprisingly, the boy wore a small smile. 'I'm not one yet, so make sure to take care of yourself. I don't need to report "trying to save a dead person" on my resume when I'm applying for Healing school interviews.''Your requests have been duly noted,' Semi promised.The coughing only worsened.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Shirabu's POV:'What's this? Another remedy for Semi's sleep deprivation?'The bunk bed creaked as Taichi lazily peered across the dorm room to where Shirabu was sitting, poured over a chaotic stack of thick textbooks.Shirabu scoffed, frantically scrawling down simplified notes onto a scroll of parchment. 'I wish. Those concoctions are child's play compared to this enigma of a potion. Add a strand of a swan's largest feather whilst stirring anticlockwise until the moon is just below its highest? How can instructions even be this specific?'Taichi merely raised an eyebrow before climbing down the ladder, glancing over the array of complex diagrams and ingredient requirements. 'Brewing that potion must be close to impossible for you to admit that you're struggling.''Tell me about it.' Shirabu cursed under his breath as the quill pierced through the thin parchment for the third time.'Hold on,' Taichi reached out, grabbing Shirabu's annotated sheet of instructions, choosing to ignore his grumbles of protest. Frowning, his eyes flickered in the setter's direction. 'This is a cure for hanahaki.'
Uh oh. 'What do you need this for?'
Unable to handle the concern in Taichi's searching gaze, Shirabu focused his attention to a random spot on his notes, internally critiquing himself for the messy, barely legible handwriting. He muttered reluctantly, 'It's...just a precaution.'Slowly, understanding formulated on Taichi's face as his shoulders sagged slightly in relief. 'You're too cautious for your own good.' You scared me for a second.The corner of Shirabu's mouth quirked upwards. People outside of their team occasionally commented on Taichi's stoic expression, and he wasn't unaware of how they called him emotionless whilst passing down the corridors, much to Shirabu's fury. However, after being roommates with him for so long, it became natural to read his miniscule shows of emotion, which albeit easily missed, were genuine and mostly caring. It helped that Shirabu was observant, a necessary quality when becoming a successful setter.'It's better to be safe than sorry,' Shirabu responded, trying for a reassuring tone whilst dipping his quill in an almost empty ink pot. 'I haven't been experiencing any of the symptoms, so it would be fine to deem me as healthy, for now.''For now?' Taichi's features hardened as he folded his arms, leaning against the completely covered desk. 'Shirabu.'If there was one quality which almost every member of the Shiratorizawa volleyball team shared, it would be stubbornness. Or maybe it only felt like that due to the boy staring at Shirabu, doubtlessly waiting for him to yield.Either way, Shirabu sighed softly before turning to face the inevitable interrogation.'Yes, Taichi?' the setter asked, wincing at how irritated his tone sounded.Unfazed, the middle blocker continued. 'How long?''What do you mean, "how long"?' Shirabu returned, dodging the question.Taichi gave him an unimpressed look. 'You're one of the top students in our year. I can tell that you're stalling.'Wordlessly, Shirabu crossed his arms in challenge.Shaking his head, Taichi repeated the question. 'How long have you felt like this for Semi-san?'Shirabu blinked. 'You could tell?''You did a good job of hiding it. At first, I thought it was just begrudging admiration once we had entered the academy. Then, I figured that the only emotions you felt for each other were annoyance and competitiveness.'That pretty much summed up their relationship at the start. But then the bickering grew into flirting, and Semi's forced grins shifted into teasing smirks, and everytime they were subbed in or out for matches, Semi's fingers brushing against Shirabu's skin sent jolts of electricity thrumming through him. Taichi continued.'Honestly, I don't think anyone on the team would have noticed, until Tendo-san observed that there might be more to your rivalry than shown on the surface, and my suspicions grew from there,' Taichi concluded.
Of course, Tendo-san would find out first. That sly red head.
Turning back to the mass of papers before him, Shirabu responded with, 'Since Tendo-san kindly outed my personal feelings, there's not much for me to add.'Taichi looked at him thoughtfully. 'He said something else, as well.'Groaning, Shirabu threw a half-hearted glare at his roommate. 'Please don't rub more salt in my wound.'Ignoring his comment, Taichi spoke. 'He said that Semi feels the same way.'Shirabu's heart skipped a beat, hope rising within him, before he scoffed. 'Yeah, right. I appreciate you guys for trying to make me feel better.''Do you really believe that I'd say something just to console you?' Taichi asked, arching an eyebrow.Shirabu bit his bottom lip. It was true; one of the reasons why he liked Taichi so much was because of his realistic viewpoints, and his inclination towards accepting harsh truths, such as after they had lost in a gruelling match against Karasuno. Sometimes, a reality check was needed, and Shirabu could trust Taichi for that.'Even Tendo-san can read people wrong, sometimes,' the setter mumbled, attempting to cast his mind back upon his work. 'Now let me concentrate.'Sighing, Taichi pushed himself away from the desk. 'Just think about what I've said.''Gods.''I'm going to shut up now, Shirabu,' Taichi frowned at his outburst.'No, it's not that, I just-gods,' Shirabu repeated, his eyes widening. 'I think I know what I've been doing wrong this entire time.'Taichi opened his mouth but before he could respond, somebody slammed the door open aggressively.'Goshiki?'The black haired boy stood by the entrance, already in his volleyball uniform. His cheeks were slightly red, probably from sprinting all the way from the first-year dorms to the second-years ones, which was surprising as the future ace greatly cared about his reputation around the academy.Taichi glanced up at the clock. 'Practice doesn't start until half an hour.'
Shoot, I forgot about practice.
Unexpectedly, Goshiki shook his head with vigor. 'I've just been to see Coach Washijo and Ushijima-san. Practice is cancelled.'His determined eyes landed on Shirabu's. 'It's Semi-san.'Shirabu's heart plummeted as he heard the words, his mind instantly running over the worst case scenarios. Vaguely, he sensed Taichi's eyes boring in to the side of his head as he asked, 'What's wrong with him?'Goshiki bounced on his heels, making Shirabu dizzy. 'Ushijima-san told me that Semi-san's caught a fever, and that Tendo-san is staying back to look after him. He also requested for a Healer and you were the first person that came to mind.'Shirabu's feet were moving before he could even register their movements, hurriedly leading him out of the dorms. 'I'll be there. Thanks, Goshiki.'Ignoring the bewildered looks on the students around him, Shirabu increased his pace.
You better be okay, Semi.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Semi's POV: Yawning, Semi dragged himself into the bathroom. It was painfully early for a Tuesday morning, yet Semi had to admit that Shirabu's concoctions were gradually helping with his sleeping routine, evident by the less prominent eyebags beneath his eyes. As the thought passed his mind, an uncontrollable fit of coughing took over Semi, ripping his throat raw.The coughing had grown more frequent over the past few days, eliciting concerned glances from Semi's teammates in the changing rooms, with a certain pair of caramel eyes lingering on his for longer than what could be called normal, whilst Semi unconvincingly tried to pass it off as a summer cold.However, each time the coughing diminished, it left a stronger feeling of unbearable itchiness than before. Today, by far, was the worst, resulting with Semi curling into himself as he heaved, gripping against the sink for support, and covering his mouth with his other hand.'Semi-semi?'The pinch server dimly registered a worried voice sounding from their room, before feeling hands clasp around him, gently guiding him towards the toilet, in case of vomiting. Tears spilled out the corners of Semi's eyes as he leaned over the seat, tightening his grip as he felt something sharp pierce his windpipe. Crying out in agony, Semi retched out of reflex, the unknown shape scraping against his sore flesh as he choked.'It's alright, Semi-semi. You're doing great,' somebody whispered as they patted their roommate's back supportively. Semi felt their hands freeze as the excruciating object finally passed out of his throat, landing with a revolting splash at the centre of the toilet.Scarlet droplets dripped from Semi's lips as he stared down in a mixture of horror and wonder.Azure petals swirled around a single point, blooming outwards to form a soft, elegant rose. Beautiful. It look beautiful even with the splattering of blood across it, slowly staining the whites of the toilet bowl surrounding it as it floated innocently.'You have hanahaki,' Tendo breathed out, gaping at the graceful flower before them. If Semi hadn't been in so much pain he would have commented on how strange of a sight it was to see him rendered speechless. As it was, Semi settled for slumping against the cold tiles in exhaustion, absent-mindedly wiping his mouth with his sleeve, unintentionally smearing blood across his cheeks.Weakly, Semi nodded in agreement, afraid that if he spoke, the pain would escalate once more.'Right, uh, water. I'll get you some water.' Dazed, Semi watched as Tendo darted out of the bathroom, returning with a fresh flask of water. 'You'll probably want to rinse out your throat before drinking anything.'Obediently, Semi took a swig from the glass bottle, trying to ignore the burning sensation as the water rubbed again his aching wound. The coolness of the liquid grounded him, at least, and Semi managed to sigh without much soreness. 'Thanks,' he rasped out, grimacing at how foreign his own voice sounded.Tendo gave an encouraging smile, though it did nothing to conceal his anxieties. 'It's nothing.' His expression saddened as he took in Semi's state once more. 'Now I wish I'd payed more attention during potions classes. Where's Shirabu when you need him?'Hearing the younger setter's name inflicted another bout of coughing, not as violent or lengthy as the last time, but no less painful. Tendo's eyes widened again as Semi spat a couple of blue petals tinged with blood into his palm. They felt like delicate feathers tickling his hands, reminding Semi of Shirabu's soft hai-he coughed again.
The universe must be mocking me.
'Oh gods, sorry Semi-semi,' Tendo exclaimed, bringing his hands up to his mouth in an attempt to stop anymore unwanted words from tumbling out. 'I should have known.''It's fine,' Semi croaked out, bitterly letting his hand fall to the ground. Even now, he couldn't bring himself to scrunch up the bloody rose petals in his grasp, since they were procured from thoughts of Shirabu.
Don't.
Semi willed himself to avoid thinking of his fluffy, copper hair, or the warm glow of his caramel eyes under the sunlight, or his addictively feisty comments whenever they'd argue during practice. Or his rare but genuine smiles whenever Shiratorizawa ended up as victors after a long, draining rally. Or the pink blush that grew on his cheeks whenever Semi complimented hi-Semi cleared his throat, welcoming the pain as a distraction from his wandering mind.Looking ashamed of himself, Tendo reached out for his glass orb. 'I won't mention him again. I'll alert Wakatoshi-kun and Coach Washijo about the situation, and hopefully they'll manage to find a Healer of sorts to swing by, too.'Semi's eyes widened as he tried to stand up, pathetically crashing back onto the ground. 'No! Don't tell. Please,' he pleaded hoarsely, each word stabbing past with effort.An anguished expression set upon Tendo's face, conflicted between doing what was rational and what his friend was asking. 'Semi...'They locked gazes for a couple more seconds before Tendo sighed. 'Alright, Semi-semi, you win.'Some of the tension left the pinch server's shoulders in relief.'HOWEVER, I'll have to alert Coach Washijo at some point, but I can ask him to keep it private. I'm also going to skip practice and request for Wakatoshi-kun to send a Healer here. I expect no protesting.'Despite the throbbing in Semi's throat, his lips quirked upwards. 'Thanks. You don't have to.'Tendo returned his smile, placing a tissue box at his side. 'You don't need to thank me. This is what teammates are supposed to do. We'll watch each other's backs on and off the court.'His words were enough to distract Semi from any potential thoughts about Shirabu, and they spent the next hour sitting side by side on the cold bathroom floor, with Semi (hoarsely) laughing at Tendo's absurd chatter. Shirabu's POV: Frantically grabbing the spare key from under an amethyst mat, Shirabu fumbled with the lock before pushing himself in, dreading the sight which would unfold before him.Almost immediately, he was ushered back out into the corridors, with only a glimpse of Semi dozing peacefully under the covers to console his distress.'Tendo-san, what the fuck are you doing?' Shirabu hissed under his breath, careful not to raise his voice until the middle blocker pulled the door shut. Usually, he would watch his tone around his upperclassmen, but Shirabu's current anxieties were constantly setting him on edge.'Now, now, Shirabu,' the red head began, grabbing Shirabu's shoulders and wheeling him around towards the exit. 'Semi-semi is fine right now, so you don't need to worry your little head.''Why are you trying to get rid of me so quickly?' Shirabu asked in exasperation, pushing himself away from Tendo's hands. A twinge of hurt unfurled in his chest as he added, 'You know I wouldn't do anything to hurt him.'The middle blocker's gaze seemed to soften at his words. 'I know that you wouldn't try to cause him pain.''That wasn't a direct answer,' Shirabu pointed out, not even trying to conceal the frown growing on his face. He knew he was being unfair to Tendo for acting so impatient when the middle blocker had nothing to do with Semi's current state, but Shirabu couldn't help but satiate his hunger for more information.Sighing, Tendo tilted his head from side to side. 'So, so stubborn. Fine, I know you won't leave until you know the details.'Shirabu stilled. 'Semi-san doesn't have a fever, does he?'Desperately, Shirabu prayed to all the deities up there that he was wrong.Unfortunately, Tendo nodded, confirming his fears. 'I figured that you wouldn't be fooled by his fever act.'Nothing could've prepared the setter for his next words.'Semi-semi...has hanahaki.'
No.
Shirabu could've sworn that the world started spinning before Tendo even finished his sentence, the corridors blurring as he swayed on his feet.'Shirabu?'Semi is in love with someone. Someone who didn't love him back. Someone who wasn't Shirabu.'Shirabu...'
No, forget that, Shirabu scolded himself, chasing away the selfish thoughts from his head.
Semi is in pain. Knowing his stubborn nature, Semi would probably rather die than confess his feelings, or take the risky option of an operation, where he would consequently lose his attraction to the love of his life.Shirabu swallowed down the jealousy rising in his throat. There was, of course, a third choice. One which had been hidden for centuries.'Shirabu!''I can help save him,' Shirabu murmured, mainly to himself. Doubtlessly, it would be cruel, wrong in every way imaginable, but if the reward was Semi surviving then Shirabu could live with that. Even if he hated him for the rest of his life.Confusion trickled into Tendo's features. 'How do you intend to do that?''Last month, I found a cure for the hanahaki disease,' Shirabu explained the rest of his plan, his voice faltering by the end. 'Admittedly, I've failed a handful of times, but I think that I've got the instructions down now.'Looking more serious, Tendo nodded slowly. 'Alright. But if you're going to work on that potion, then you must avoid Semi at all costs. He doesn't want anyone to see him in this state, and frankly, if you're going to work on this cure then you probably won't need any distractions.'Biting his bottom lip, Shirabu agreed to Tendo's requests.'In the meantime, I'll try to talk some sense into our musician and convince him to at least consider confessing or getting checked out by the Healers,' Tendo continued, receiving a curt nod from the setter in return.Defeatedly, Shirabu turned to leave the dormitories before feeling a hand clasp around his wrist.'One more thing,' Tendo added, a desperate look in his eyes. 'Use the potion as a last resort.''What? Why?''Semi-semi would hate you if you used it and you know it.' Shirabu stayed silent. 'Just...make sure to have one last conversation before you decide to do anything reckless. And don't end it with any regrets.'Shirabu bristled as he snatched his arm away from Tendo's grip. He knows.'You want me to confess.'It was a statement, not a question.'Are you an actual sadist?''I'm just telling you to say whatever you've been holding back for two years, whether it's romantic love or not. I know that it's been killing you and getting it out of your system might make completing your devious scheme a little easier,' Tendo responded, turning away to return to the dorms. 'And good luck, Shirabu-kun. You'll need it.'Shirabu waited until he heard the door click into place, separating him from Semi.
My unrequited love won't save Semi from his.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Shirabu's POV: Days blended into weeks as Shirabu spent more time in the potions chamber than out.Practice had continued, with the conspicuous absence of a certain pinch server, and a red haired middle blocker to accompany him, occasionally replaced by Reon-san, or Yamagata-san, or even Goshiki, making Shirabu's insides twist with jealousy.Envy and concern trickled into Shirabu's actions, even breaking his composure during games. His shorter temper than usual lead to a greater influx of arguments, which resulted in him being subbed out by a first-year setter during a particularly intense practice match.Shirabu's mind swirled as he slumped onto the bench, half expecting Semi to stand before the court in place of him, with a concentrated tongue sticking out as he prepared to serve, followed by a victorious (and illegally attractive) grin once he'd received a service ace. Shirabu's shoulders sagged once he saw the team congratulate the substitute setter over a successful play, and he bitterly wished they were cheering on Semi instead.'Shirabu.'The setter jolted awake from his restless slumber before the sizzling cauldron. Shirabu's back ached from being hunched over the hardwood desks, whilst resting his chin atop his folded arms to see if a miracle was taking place on the hearth. Massaging his throbbing joints, Shirabu threw a tired glance towards the door.'What do you want, Taichi?'His roommate walked into the potions chamber, unimpressed eyes skimming over the absolute mess Shirabu had created in his frenzied obsession over brewing the concoction. Parchment covered the floor like wrinkled autumn leaves, all sorts of flasks were balanced precariously on top of each other, and the varied assortment of flowers and ingredients on the desks would be enough to open a Healing Quarter.And in the midst of all the chaos, a small figure hoisted himself upright, not even having enough energy to glare at Taichi.Shirabu watched as Taichi pulled his gaze from where crimson steam was billowing out of the mini cauldron to lock eyes with him.'You haven't slept in our dorm in a week.'Huh. It hadn't felt that long to Shirabu as he rubbed the grogginess from his eyes.'Oh? I suppose that the professors must have given up on kicking me out of here,' Shirabu deadpanned, instinctively picking up a scroll of parchment to read over it. Once the red steam turns white, remove from the open fire and stir until cool.Shirabu was so close. These were the last instructions, and he had never made it to the red steam stage in any of his previous attempts. He was snapped out of his thoughts once the page was snatched out of his weak grip.'Really, Taichi?' Shirabu grumbled, frowning as Taichi rolled the parchment up.'You know that Semi-san wouldn't want to see you neglecting your health for a potion again,' the middle blocker responded, placing the scroll onto another table just beyond Shirabu's reach.On one too many occasions, Semi had caught Shirabu pulling all-nighters whenever it came to perfecting charms or potions during examination weeks, and once the younger setter had been so fatigued that he had accidentally set fire to the corner of the table. Absentmindedly, Shirabu rubbed his fingers against the blackened stub of the desk he was working at, remembering Semi's panic as he spilled an entire bucket of water across the fire and (unintentionally) Shirabu as well, effectively jolting the setter out of his tired state.'Like he's one to speak,' Shirabu quipped, recalling when the guitarist once passed out due to exhaustion on a cold winter morning.The memory was engraved onto Shirabu's mind, and after lecturing the pinch server for hours, they had eventually come to an agreement where Shirabu would brew a sleeping remedy each month and Semi would take it whenever he had troubles with wakefulness at night. Of course, Semi would choose to neglect the potion at times when he deemed 'the ambiance at night was too good of an opportunity to pass when writing up melodies' but otherwise he was diligent with taking them, and never forgot to tease Shirabu whenever he pestered him about his sleeping habits, commenting that he would be a very strict Healer who kids would be scared of.'You're the one who wants to be a Healer,' Taichi pointed out.'That's not fair,' Shirabu whined tiredly, before dragging himself towards the worn cauldron to inspect its contents.Taichi hummed in response, clearly disapproving.Ignoring him, Shirabu's breath hitched once he saw the scarlet clouds paling into a soft pink hue.'Well, you missed breakfast, so it'll be lunchtime soon. You're lucky it's a weekend,' his auburn haired roommate informed before strolling back to the doors.Shirabu glanced at the middle blocker. 'Okay. Thanks for coming here to check on me.'He received a barely noticeable nod in return and watched as Taichi walked out of view. Even though he struggled to admit it sometimes, Shirabu appreciated his friend's concern for his well-being.Something cold swirled around Shirabu's ankles, and he looked down to see white wisps of smoke.Turning his attention back to the concoction at hand, Shirabu cautiously hefted the cauldron away from the hearth, setting it down beside his work desk with a huff.
Now, we stir.
Shirabu was too immersed with the potion to notice the tuft of ash blonde hair disappear from the windows behind him. Semi's POV: Irritated, Semi adjusted the black face mask across his face, a faint memory of a student from Itachiyama Academy flashing in his memory. How can he bear to live like this? Semi wondered, rubbing the backs of his already sore ears.It was still morning but Semi couldn't wait to remove the mask and escape the suffocating stuffiness, feeling as though his throat wouldn't be able to handle the rest of the day like this.In all honesty, Semi was supposed to be resting in his room, and he expected Tendo to alert Coach Saito of his absence the instant he woke up, but after living with the middle blocker and observing his sleeping habits, he was certain that he had at least another hour or two before the red head realised.A smidge of guilt eased into the back of Semi's mind as he imagined his roommate frantically searching for him, but he brushed it off after a few seconds. He's helped enough, and he deserves the extra sleep.Besides, Tendo Satori wasn't the Guess Monster for nothing.If anything, he'd know where to find Semi immediately, and all would be resolved soon enough.Despite Semi's initial incredulity towards the middle blocker's hunches, he had grown to trust Tendo's intuition, especially after learning that he was mainly accurate.And that was why he was finally following Tendo's advice to confess, after hearing him constantly insist that his feeling were requited.
You better be right this time round, too.
Perking up his head to search through the crowds at the cafeteria, he surveyed the area for a flash of fairly noticeable copper brown bangs.
Now, where is that bratty setter?
As the thought popped into his head, a painfully familiar pickling itched the back of his throat, and Semi hastily rushed into the nearest bathroom to cough the petals out.Cerulean roses piled up in the toilet, tainted with dark splashes of red, yet they looked as beautiful as always. Wiping the metallic taste dripping from his mouth, Semi staggered against the toilet walls. Okay, maybe this wasn't the smartest idea I've ever had. Dimly gazing at the flowers before him, Semi wondered how he would even be able to approach Shirabu without choking within the first few seconds. Another thorn stabbed into his throat, and Semi felt something shift under his chest, making him freeze with horror. Struggling to breathe as the pressure in his heart surged, Semi gasped, forcing himself to cough the flower out.Finally, the excruciatingly large rose fell out of Semi's mouth, his jaws aching as he tried to pry them open even wider to allow the flower to pass.If his throat hadn't been ripped open beforehand, it was now.
I have enough flowers to put florists out of business, Semi thought to himself with a weak smile. His elemental professor would be impressed if she knew that Semi was successfully procuring flowers without any runestones for assistance. Well, maybe less impressed once she uncovered the method by which Semi was able to acquire the roses.
Flushing the toilet, Semi sighed in shame. This would be the second time today he had clogged the toilets, and by now, Semi was hoping that the cleaners would get a raise before their next payday, or at least get a week off, as they surely deserved it. He probably wasn't the first student to suffer from the brutal hanahaki disease in the academy, but still.Focusing his thoughts on the school cleaners as he wore his ebony mask, Semi pushed himself out of the cubicle, earning a terrified glance from a first year as they caught sight of the blood trickling from the tips of his chin.Hurriedly, they ran out of the bathroom with their hands still soapy.
Great. Just great.
Massaging his chest to ease the sharpness protruding into his heart, Semi wandered out onto the academy's courtyard, passing by the horse barn, but not without patting his favourite white mare. She nuzzled against his hand in an affectionate manner, effectively bringing a smile to Semi's face, and encouraging him to continue onwards.Concentrating on the memory of the amiable mare, Semi forged down the grassy hills, searching for a place which Shirabu would like, besides the library of course (which Semi had already checked twice before resorting to the gardens).Semi cleared his throat. Ever since the first week of hanahaki passed (torturously), the pinch server had learnt to grow accustomed to controlling his thoughts, forcing them to stop drifting to the setter as often as before, causing him to successfully lessen the number of coughing fits he endured on a daily basis.Developing his mental resilience also caused Semi to discover how frequently he thought of Shirabu, from wondering whether he was studying to wishing he could play in their upcoming practice match, which would be up against Date Tech Academy, according to Wakatoshi.A small part of him wished that Shirabu had been the one to inform him, although that would've been illogical, as the third years were usually the first to be notified of approaching games.To tell the truth, Semi just missed Shirabu.Their pointless bickering on and off the court, Shirabu's precision while setting, and even his familiar hotheadedness.As Semi coughed again, he paused before the lake.
Speak of the devil.
Beneath a cherry tree, with summery green foliage beginning to wane around the pink blossoms, Shirabu was sat leaning against the trunk, hugging his knees to his chest whilst staring at something in his hands.The sight was almost too much to Semi to bear, and he tried to memorise every detail of the scenery before stepping forwards to announce his presence, as his coughing somehow passed by unnoticed, which was unusual for the keen-eyed setter.'Shirabu.'Shirabu startled at the sound of his name, caramel eyes widening as they met inky black ones.'Semi-san,' he breathed out.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Shirabu's POV: 'Shirabu.'Almost dropping the glass phial he had been holding, Shirabu blinked to make sure he wasn't imagining things.
He's really here.
'Semi-san,' the Setter exhaled in disbelief.
Surely enough, the ash blonde boy stood under the sakura tree, with delicate petals landing gracefully onto his shoulders as his eyes wrinkled at the corners. An ebony black mask covered the latter half of his slightly tanned face, effectively concealing the pinch server's smile, and - despite taking note of how well it perfectly it suited his inky irises - Shirabu found himself longing to yank the face mask from him.
Although he looked stunning as always, Shirabu couldn't ignore the larger eyebags under Semi's charcoal eyes, unable to tell whether they were due to his lack of sleep or the hanahaki disease.
The hanahaki disease.
Clutching the small flask behind his back, Shirabu pushed himself upright.
'You're supposed to be resting. What are you doing here?' he asked, worry seeping into his attempted casual tone.
'I wanted to...see you,' Semi croaked out with effort, wincing as he did so.
Shirabu's heart ached as he saw the musician strain with each passing word. Although he would never admit it, Semi's soothing voice was one of his favourite things about the pinch server. Even now, his gravelly tone brought a warming comfort to Shirabu, but he couldn't stand seeing Semi suffer.
'You idiot.'
Stepping forwards suddenly, Shirabu wrapped his arms around the ash blonde boy's waist, feeling him tense in surprise before relaxing into the embrace, gently tracing circles against the setter's back.
'Shirabu?'
'Shut up,' Shirabu whispered, resting his head into the crook of Semi's neck.
Shirabu was never one to initiate physical contact - it wouldn't be far from the truth to say that he despised it - but being deprived of Semi's presence for so long did strange things to his heart, especially knowing that Semi's time would be limited unless he acted. Shirabu tightened his grasp on the phial, feeling the cool pink liquid swish beneath the glass.
Abruptly, Semi released a strangled gasp, stepping away from Shirabu's hold. The initial disappointment the setter faced was nothing compared to his concern as he witnessed Semi fall onto his hands and knees, his chest heaving as he coughed.
'Semi!'
Eyes wide, Shirabu ran to his side, abandoning the small potion by the foot of the cherry tree as he did so. As the future Healer kneeled beside him, Semi faced the opposite direction, avoiding eye contact.
A clear sign of rejection.
Ignoring how his heart broke a little, Shirabu rummaged through the pouch at his waist to reveal two small sweets, presenting them to the struggling pinch server.
'Honey cough drops. Take them, they'll make you feel better,' Shirabu ordered firmly, already searching for the healing runestone which he'd borrowed from the academy's Healing Quarters ever since he'd discovered Semi had hanahaki. Although he knew that Tendo-san requested that he avoided Semi, a small voice in the back of his mind urged him to do something, anything in his power to ease Semi's pain, despite knowing that he probably would never get the chance to.
Closing his eyes, Semi took the sweets compliantly, his chin slightly tilted down in concentration, as he always did so before executing a jump serve. Wordlessly, he peeled his mask off, swiftly tossing the drops into his mouth before attempting to place the face cover back on.
'Don't,' Shirabu said, clasping a hand around Semi's wrist instinctively. Collecting himself, he continued. 'It'll be even harder to breathe with that on.'
Uncertainly, Semi frowned. 'Sure?'
Shirabu nodded, but the effect was lost since Semi's eyes were still shut. 'Hanahaki's not infectious so it's fine if you aren't wearing it.'
Reluctantly, Semi let his hands drop to the grass, casting the mask aside. Shirabu stopped breathing once he saw crimson smeared across his lips, even dappling up his cheeks, with a single azure petal miraculously untouched by the scarlet handing askew from his chin.
Sensing Shirabu's gaze on him, Semi shifted, raising a hand to remove the rose petal.
'You can tell me if there's blood all over my face,' he joked sheepishly, his voice already sounding marginally better after taking the cough drops.
'I told you to stop talking,' Shirabu commented, whilst bringing a handkerchief up to wipe away the worst of the mess.
Raising his eyebrows in surprise, the musician shuffled into a cross-legged position to make it easier for Shirabu to clean him.
'You don't have to,' Semi said, getting shushed by the setter in response. After wiping away the last of the scarlet drops, Shirabu leaned back contentedly, only just realising how close the two had been.
Oh my gods, oh my gods.
'Finally satisfied, are you?' Semi teased, his breath hot against Shirabu's cheeks. Blushing furiously he pulled back, suddenly very thankful that Semi had his eyes closed so he couldn't witness Shirabu as a flustered mess.
'Shut up,' Shirabu clipped, receiving a choked chuckle from Semi. 'I'm guessing that you haven't confessed to your beloved yet?'
Shirabu's voice dripped with bitterness, shocking both of them, and he busied himself with tracing the etching on the purple runestone.
A beat of silence passed before the corner of Semi's lips tugged into a smirk.
'Are you jealous?'
Gods, Semi was going to be the death of him.
'Who said that?' Shirabu quipped, tilting Semi's chin upwards in an attempt to wipe the smug look from his face. 'Now sit still.'
Semi's POV:
Semi froze once he felt cool hands caress his neck and heard Shirabu gently muttering incantations under his breath.
Closing his eyes had helped Semi to divert his thoughts away from the setter, allowing him to escape the suffocating clutches of the hanahaki disease whilst in his presence, but this was too much. Struggling to envision Shirabu's soft voice as someone else's, a pickling began to rise behind his throat.
'Shirabu?' Semi whispered cautiously, trying not to focus on his name for too long.
'I'm almost done,' he responded absentmindedly before moving his fingers to the back of Semi's neck, continuing his enchantments once more, a telltale sign that Semi wouldn't be able to break his concentration even if he tried.
Soon enough, another sensation built in his windpipe, surpassing the itching. Gradually, Semi noticed that the soreness had been numbed, allowing him to swallow without enduring a relentless fire burning against his throat, a feeling which he had almost forgotten.
Semi knew that the fleeting moment of relief was only temporary, but he allowed himself to savour it anyways.
Breathing out slowly, Shirabu withdrew his hands.
'There's one more thing I have,' he said shakily. 'It's the cure I was talking about. I finally managed to perfect it, but it would erase-'
Unable to resist anymore, Semi grabbed Shirabu's hand before he could pull away, opening his eyes.
'Shirabu.'
Wow.
Shirabu's copper brown hair swayed in the summer breeze, with sakura flowers cascading behind him, his caramel eyes glinting with desperation.
'Semi-san, let me help you,' he pleaded, not trying to escape from Semi's grasp, which was loose enough for him to slip away easily.
'Just shut up and listen for once.'
Something sharp pierced both Semi's throat and his chest simultaneously, twisting into his heart like a dagger.
It was now or never.
'Shirabu, I'm in love with you.'
The painful jabbing at his heart ceased, as if eagerly waiting for the setter's response. Semi didn't even feel the urge to cough, but he didn't dare breathe.
On the other hand, Shirabu was stunned into silence. His lips parted slightly as his wide eyes searched Semi's face in disbelief.
'You love me?' Shirabu asked quietly, eyes widening even further once Semi nodded in confirmation. 'Oh my gods.'
Holding eye contact, Semi shifted from one leg to the other, grinning nervously. 'Of course, I'll get it if you don't feel the same way. We can just go back to our-' Somewhat friendship? Playful banter which Semi is addicted to?
Shirabu interrupted Semi before he could finish, looking stern. 'Semi-san.'
Here it comes.
'Why didn't you tell me sooner? You could've died.'
Semi was...not expecting that.
He released a strangled laugh. 'Confessing is a lot harder than you'd expect.'
'You'd have thought that having hanahaki counting down your days would've sped up the process,' Shirabu remarked.
Offendly, Semi attempted to retort but apparently, Shirabu wasn't finished.
'Gods, you're an idiot. You could've told me that I was the problem, and it would've saved me months of worrying about your stubbornness, and missing your stupid voice, and losing sleep over that useless cure,' the copper haired boy grumbled, making Semi's heart stutter. He missed my voice?
'Wait, months?' Semi frowned. 'I only caught hanahaki 3 weeks ago.'
'Yes, months, Semi-san. Because I fucking fell in love with you since I started my second year here,' Shirabu blurted out, half glaring at Semi with pink tinted cheeks. 'And I was terrified of what you were doing to my heart without even knowing it.'
Slowly, the cogs in Semi's brain began to turn as he processed the new information.
A grin formed on the musician's face.
'You're in love with me?'
Growing even more flustered now, Shirabu averted his gaze. 'Yes, Semi-san. I'm not going to repeat myself.'
The dull aching in his throat forgotten, Semi chuckled, stepping closer to Shirabu to interlock their fingers loosely, giving him the chance to pull away if he felt uncomfortable. Shirabu squeezed his hand lightly.
'You love me.'
'How many times are you going to say it?'
'Until this no longer feels like a dream.'
Shirabu flushed. 'You're so embarrassing.'
Smirking, Semi responded with, 'Only for you, Kenjirou.'
Somehow, Shirabu managed to turn a shade redder (which looked downright adorable).
Curiously, Semi leaned closer, wondering how flustered the younger setter could get.
'I can say that now, right?' Semi teased, testing out the name once more with satisfaction, watching how the younger's ears began to glow crimson. Despite all of his blushing, Shirabu was never one to back down from a challenge.
Huffing, the setter leaned even nearer to Semi competitively, and he could feel each word warm against his lips. 'I don't know, Eita. I don't think we can be considered official boyfriends yet.'
'If you want then we can take it slow,' Semi responded, his heart racing not only due to the close proximity. My name sounds so much better when you say it like that.
'That's not what I meant,' Shirabu replied simply, his eyes darting down to Semi's lips before returning to his gaze.
Semi raised a hand to tuck Shirabu's bangs behind his ear, gently cupping his cheek after he did so.
'What did you mean?' Semi whispered, although he already knew.
'Can I show you instead?'
Semi nodded, fluttering his eyes shut as he felt soft lips press against his. He was sure that Shirabu was standing on his toes to reach him, and that it was his first kiss too, but none of those things mattered in this moment.
Wrapping an arm around his waist to pull him closer, Semi slowly slid his tongue against Shirabu's, tilting his head so that their noses didn't bump. Shirabu placed his hands behind Semi's neck, their chests so close that they could feel how their heart beat in sync, mirroring his movements.
After a few more seconds of bliss, they broke apart, beaming with glowing cheeks. The kiss was been short and sweet, but to them it was perfect.
'Can we start dating officially now, Kenjirou?'
A smile played on Shirabu's lips. 'I would love to, Eita.'
('What were you going to do with that potion of yours?' Eita asked inquisitively as he watched his boyfriend gingerly leave it in the care of their trusted potions professor, who was nothing short of astounded at Kenjirou's abilities.
Kenjirou looked away sheepishly. 'Well, if you hadn't made a move then I would've tried to pour some into your drink at lunch.'
'So you were planning to spike me?' Eita raised an eyebrow, mildly amused.
'I wasn't thinking clearly, okay?' Kenjirou groaned, clearly cringing at his reckless idea. 'It's only because most teenagers don't survive during the three week period, and you were already past that point. Gods, you scared me.'
'I was only kidding,' Eita nudged Kenjirou's shoulders affectionately, drawing a reluctant smile from the setter.
'I don't think I would've been able to do it in the end,' Kenjirou admitted. 'And Tendo-San probably would've knocked the cup out of your hand before I could even decide to go through with the plan.'
'Funnily enough, Satori was actually the one who pushed me to confess.'
'Really? He also advised me to confess before slipping the cure into your drink. Since,' Kenjirou paused, 'it would wipe away any traces of love you had for me.'
'Well, thank the gods it never came down to that.'
Kenjirou hummed in agreement.
'Wow, we really gave Satori a hard time, didn't we?' Eita couldn't help but snort.
'And Taichi,' Kenjirou added, a smile tugging at his lips.
They walked down the corridors, holding hands as they always did when nobody else was around.
'For now, I'll leave the cure that I've been wasting my days and nights away for here. The professors can replicate the potion more accurately than I could, so none of the students here at Shiratorizawa need to worry about resorting to a risky operation.'
'Isn't that bad business for you as a Healer?'
Kenjirou smiled. 'I'm not one yet, so we don't need to worry about that. You should focus on where you're going to be taking us for our next date.'
Grinning, Eita leaned to press a feather light peck on his boyfriend's cheek. 'Your requests have been duly noted.')