Work Text:
Shirabu was salty, that was a universal fact known by anyone who ever spoke to him. He was jaded, and an absolute pain to get along with. He never came off as someone who cared about anything, and even when it seemed like he cared, it was followed up with some remark that was less than savory.
That was why, to most it would probably come as a surprise to know he often thought about his soulmate, and how much he couldn’t wait to meet them. He was excited for their first words said to him to be imprinted upon his skin permanently.
It wasn’t that he was naive that it would be some fantasy; that he wouldn’t need to put in work in order to make their relationship work. He was however excited by some sort of menial assurance that his soulmate would stick with him, through thick and thin, as long as he put in that work. No one else could be trusted to do so, therefore, putting in work wasn’t as important with anyone else.
Even the few times he tried when he was younger, the people always ended out leaving him; the only person who had stayed with him was Yahaba, and that was in-part because he was as insufferable as Shirabu. Even if the reasons were different.
This year was the beginning of his High School years, and although he was excited, especially since he was getting more and more likely to run into his soulmate, he was also incredibly nervous. Not that anyone could tell, from the way his face was consistently a resting frown.
He was able to accomplish his goal of making it to Shiratorizawa, even though most people said it was impossible for someone like him. He studied twice as hard as he needed to retain his grades, becoming first in his class, gaining one of the few academic scholarships they offered. The only thing that would stop him from playing with Ushijima Wakatoshi, was going to be his own abilities, but after his extra training with Yahaba throughout the entire summer, Shirabu was confident enough that he would make the Volleyball Team, even if he was just a reserve to start.
The morning of the first day of school went by faster than he believed it could, he found out he was in Class 1-5, and as he walked to his class, he got a glimpse of Ushijima. He was more imposing from 30 feet away than Shirabu thought a person should be. He didn’t let himself look for too long, he would be able to introduce himself later that day at volleyball practice.
He reoriented himself, then finished making it to his classroom. Once there, he found a desk closer to the front, and sat down at it. As he prepared for the school day to begin, and he could hear the chatter among all of the students as they filtered into the room, Shirabu distracted himself by texting Yahaba.
Shiraboo (contact name on Yahaba’s Phone)
Been kicked out for being an idiot yet?
Yaha-Nah
So, I am guessing Shiraboo is missing me?
Well, just so you know, I quite like Aoba Johsai
And I found someone!!!
Shiraboo
Huh
Yaha-Nah
His name is Kyoutani.
He’s my soulmate!!!
Kinda a jerk though, ngl
Although Shirabu did want to find his soulmate and felt a tinge of jealousy, he was happy for his friend.
Shriaboo
Well, what did you both say?
Yaha-Nah
…
Unimportant, what matters is, he plays volleyball!
Shiraboo
I’m pretty sure it matters
Let me guess, it was super embarrassing
Probably saw your words on his skin
Then said,
something like, Why are you my idiot soulmate?
Yaha-Nah
…
Shiraboo
No way! Is that what he said?
Oh my gosh, That’s hilarious
Yaha-Nah
That’s not exactly what he said.
…
Promise not to laugh?
Shiraboo
Nah too late for that.
Yaha-Nah
Fine.
He was standing in front of me, and he was scowling,
It was really annoying
So I said to him,
‘Please stop scowling tennis ball head, it doesn’t do anything to help with that terrible haircut.’
Shiraboo
You did not.
Yaha-Nah
I did.
He then looked at his arm and said,
‘Seriously, why am I stuck with a condescending creampuff for the rest of my life, just my luck.’
Shiraboo
Oh my gosh, that’s on your arm for the rest of your life!
That’s hilarious.
Shirabu had more he wanted to say, but he didn’t have time as he watched his teacher come into the room. He quickly texted, gtg, then focused in on his class.
The morning afterwards was rather boring, the teacher made them get to know one another, and the only thing that did for Shirabu, was allow him to hear the name of another first year who was going to be in volleyball, his name was Kawanishi Taichi. He seemed to be devoid of emotion, containing the most average expression Shirabu had ever seen. He seemed to be more than just chill, he seemed to be someone that Shirabu could perhaps have an acquaintanceship with.
As soon as lunch began, Shirabu stood up, he was planning to head to the cafeteria, but as soon as he noticed Kawanishi again, he decided to make his way over to him. While he wasn’t naturally a social person, he made himself a promise that he would try and become friendly with someone. Especially since Shirabu knew he’d have to pick someone at the end of the day to share a dorm with, and someone who was on the volleyball team was preferable.
“Hello, my name is Shirabu,” He held out his hand towards Kawanishi, gaining the other’s attention, “You’re Kawanishi-san, correct?”
The look the other gave him was unreadable. Shirabu was awkward as his hand was left in the middle of the air, but after a minute, Kawanishi took his hand into a quick shake.
“Taichi is fine. Say, do you play volleyball? You didn’t say if you did when you introduced yourself, but I recognize you.”
Shirabu nodded his head, “Kawa—Taichi, I do play volleyball, as a setter. I wasn’t offered a Sports Scholarship, I got here off of an Academic Scholarship. But I do want to play volleyball here, I am planning to try to be a walk-on.”
Shirabu noticed the smallest shift in Taichi’s brows, it was clear he had an opinion, but the shift was too unreadable to be able to tell what it was.
“Walk-on, huh? That’ll be difficult, especially as a setter.”
“I’m confident with my ability.”
“I have no doubt, otherwise you wouldn’t have come here. After all, from the way it sounds, you probably got that scholarship here, just to play volleyball.”
Shirabu’s eyes widened slightly, the other man’s lips quirked up just slightly.
“How’d you— “
“I’m good with people, though I might not look it. If you thought that was crazy, you should see Tendou-san.”
“Tendou-san?”
“He’s the redhead middle blocker. Since you weren’t recruited you didn’t meet him at the first training camp. He’s crazy, you probably have heard of him. People call him Guess Monster.”
That name was recognizable to Shirabu, so he nodded and said, “I remember him, I watched the last high school tournament. Ushijima-san and Tendou-san were the only two first-years in the starting lineup, right?”
“No, the setter was also a first year. The only reason they didn’t go with their third year was because he got injured. Semi-san is an extremely good setter, though he doesn’t exactly play the Shiratorizawa way.”
Shirabu was unsure how he forgot about that, he remembered the game rather clearly, but even with how hard he thought about it, he couldn’t come up with what the setter looked like. He found that to be extremely annoying.
The two of them both had stopped talking, but Taichi made no move to leave Shirabu alone, so Shirabu said, “I’m heading to the cafeteria, are you?”
The other man nodded, and so the two of them walked with one another to the cafeteria.
Even though Shirabu was not one to make friends easily, Taichi seemed like a fun person to talk to. Shirabu could see this Acquaintanceship becoming a real friendship, that is if Taichi could handle Shirabu’s personality in-full. Shirabu had a sneaking suspicion however, that Taichi wasn’t going to care, he seemed to be so effortlessly careless.
This was the best introduction he had ever had, so he slyly checked his arm, because if Taichi was his soulmate, he wouldn’t be upset. It wasn’t as though he felt like it was that, but that singular conversation seemed to be too fluid to be normal for Shirabu.
However, when he looked at his arm, he saw no words. Taichi must’ve noticed him checking since he said, “No soulmate yet?”
“Nah, you?”
“Nope.” Kawanishi popped the ‘p’ the continued, “I don’t really care to worry about it. It’ll happen when it happens. Fair warning our team has soulmates on it.”
“Hmm? Who?” Shirabu was more than curious, especially since having soulmate’s together on a team was extremely advantageous. The special bond did nothing but increase their capabilities for working together, and therefore made combos done by the team much stronger.
“Ushijima-san and Tendou-san. It is an odd pair to say the least, but they seem to be happy.”
“Is my kouhai deciding to take up gossiping about me in his spare time?” A person with spiky red hair walked up behind him, placing his arm around Taichi. Shirabu was almost certain that this person was Tendou.
“No, Shirabu and I were talking about the volleyball team, and soulmate’s and it seemed relevant since you and Ushijima-san are soulmate’s and on the volleyball team.” Taichi’s voice was monotone. Shirabu was curious on how uncaring Taichi seemed to be, it was more of a reassurance than anything though. After all, someone who didn’t care, was someone who was easy to get along with.
“Shirabu? This must be your friend. Does Taichi have someone who he wants to introduce to the team?” Tendou raised his eyebrow and Shirabu could tell he was trying to imply that there was something between Taichi and himself.
Before he could reply, Taichi spoke, “Yes, I want to introduce Shirabu Kenjirou. He plans to try to be on the team as a walk-on. He is a setter, I remember seeing him in middle school last year, he never stood out much, but he was one of the most consistent setters I’ve ever seen.”
Shirabu looked at Taichi, he seemed to be entirely honest. This made him break his normal scowl, and instead give a look of surprise. Taichi looked back at him, and gave a small smile, “I see that your face does know how to show that you don’t hate life.”
That was the most emotion that Shirabu had ever seen from Taichi, and instead of continuing to act surprise, he replied, “It looks like you aren’t as much of a robot as I thought you were.”
The small chuckle that Taichi let out made him smile.
“Eww” Tendou shouted, gaining looks from other people in the halls as the three of them walked to the cafeteria. He then followed up with, “I don’t want to watch my kouhai’s flirt.”
“This isn’t flirting,” Shirabu quickly said, he wanted to make sure Taichi didn’t get the wrong idea.
Taichi quickly added, “Plus, I didn’t want to see you make out with Ushijima-san, but here we are.”
Shirabu had to stifle a laugh, Taichi was hilarious in that dry, rude type of way. The exact way in which he found funny.
Tendou dramatically looked taken aback, then quickly gained a smirk, “So Shiraboo, you are going to be my kouhai as well, that means you should sit with us second-years, that’s where Taichi’ll be sitting anyway.”
“I don’t remember agreeing to sit with the second years.” Taichi mused.
“Don’t call me Shiraboo, that’s annoying.”
Taichi looked at him as if he just signed himself a death sentence, Shirabu was uncertain as to why, until he heard Tendou say, “Alright then Shirabooboo.”
Shirabu furrowed his brow even more than usual, and snarled, “Don’t call me that.”
“So aggressive, I have a feeling you and our other setter are going to get along swimmingly.”
Taichi snorted. Then said, “If by swimmingly, you mean going to end out killing each other, then sure.”
“Oh, come on. Shirabooboo, doesn’t seem like the violent type, and well Semi-Semi, he’s… he’ll be nice to his kouhai.”
“Sure.”
If Shirabu didn’t want to sit with the volleyball team before, he sure didn’t want too now. Something about the conversation that Taichi and Tendou just had made him pretty certain that the other setter of the team was going to hate him. Whether that was because of his personality or simply being another setter, Shirabu wasn’t too sure yet.
“Well, I’m going to go get food, then head back to class. I want to be alone to message a friend; they met their soulmate today.”
“You aren’t getting out of this so easily, the others will want you meet you. Tell him, Taichi.”
“I will do no such thing.” Taichi replied.
“If you come, I won’t introduce you as Shirabooboo to them later.”
Tendou’s deal was slightly short of extortion, but that nickname was not what he wanted to be called by the rest of the team, so he groaned, “Fine.”
“This’ll be perfect!”
Tendou skipped up ahead, going through the cafeteria’s door first. Taichi followed behind him, then finally, Shirabu came in last. The cafeteria was larger than he expected, but it was unsurprising for such a prominent school in the Miyagi prefecture.
It was easy to notice who the volleyball team was, not only because of Tendou jumping over to it, but also because Ushijima Wakatoshi sat on one end of the table, now joined with Tendou sitting across from him.
Taichi grabbed Shirabu’s arm, and led him through the cafeteria’s line, then the two of them went and sat down at the table, Shirabu sitting on the left side of Taichi, on the outside of the group.
Shirabu looked around at the fellow members of the volleyball club, there was one who was only slightly shorter than himself sitting across from himself, he suspected this was the libero. To the right of him, was a bulky man, he seemed to be kind. Then next to him was the infamous Ushijima Wakatoshi, the entire reason he was at Shiratorizawa. It seemed as though the setter they talked about earlier wasn’t present at the table.
“Hello, Taichi-kun. How are you? Do you like Shiratorizawa so far?” Ushijima spoke first, keeping an impossibly cool demeanor.
“Yeah, Shiratorizawa’s pretty cool.”
“Of course, it is. We have the best athletic programs, and good teachers.” Ushijima affirmed.
Tendou said something, but Shirabu tuned it out, focusing on his food, that is until he heard the voice of the person across from him, “Hello, I am assuming you're a friend of Taichi. My name is Yamagata Hayato, starting libero of Shiratorizawa.”
Shirabu nodded his head then said, “Hello, my name is Shirabu Kenjirou, it is nice to meet you.”
Ushijima then spoke next, it was clearly directed towards Shirabu, “You came from Toyokuro Junior High. You are a setter, right?”
Shirabu was shell-shocked, and his response came out more excited than he intended it to, “You know who I am?”
“Of course, your sets are extremely consistent, some of the best in the prefecture.”
“Thank you, Ushijima-san.” Shirabu was unsure how to answer. After all, his idol had just complimented his setting.
The voice of the man across from Taichi spoke up, “Do you plan to continue to play volleyball?”
“Yes, I wasn’t scouted, but I plan to go to the open tryouts today.”
“You made it in Shiratorizawa from the entrance exam, you must be smart.” Yamagata cut into the conversation.
“Actually, I didn’t take the exam. I got an academic scholarship.”
“Really? That’s even more difficult!” Yamagata spoke again loudly, gaining some attention from nearby tables.
“Shirabu-kun, I look forward to you playing on the team.” Ushijima said, uncaring about the conversation previous.
Ushijima’s unwavering confidence in Shirabu lit a fire in him. It wasn’t every day that someone who had the gifts of Ushijima told someone like Shirabu that they were certain that they were going to be playing as an equal on the same team. Shirabu could barely contain himself.
Taichi spoke next, “I can’t wait till Coach Washijo hears that we have a walk-0n. That’s gonna be hilarious.”
“Especially one who has Ushijima’s approval,” Yamagata added on.
“He’s the demon coach, right?” Shirabu asked.
“Yep!” Tendou shouted, leaning outward, then bending around Taichi, to poke Shirabu. This action confused Shirabu, but it made Yamagata and the person beside him, snort.
“Say, Reon, where is Semi?” Yamagata asked.
The person, now named Reon replied, “He should be here any minute, he had to ask sensei about getting art switched to music.”
Yamagata said a quick, “Okay.”
Everyone began eating their food, and only Tendou was holding a conversation, something about a manga that Shirabu could care less about.
After a few more minutes, Shirabu noticed Yamagata and Reon look up disapprovingly. Then he heard Tendou shout loud enough that the entire cafeteria must’ve heard, “Semi-Semi, over here, come on!”
Semi, the starting setter certainly attracted a lot of attention, Shirabu saw numerous people around him staring in the same direction as his senpai. It wasn’t until Semi, walked around the table, and Shirabu caught a glimpse of Semi that he understood.
He was inherently handsome, with beautiful hair that had dyed tips, all of his features were nice, he had a defined jaw, and stunning eyes. He was the most handsome man he had ever seen. So, it was sad, when he saw the outfit that Semi was adorned in. It was his school uniform; except he was wearing a jacket that looked to have a boa sowed around the exterior. It has a black and white zig-zag leather. It was the ugliest thing he had ever seen.
Semi continued walking until he was to Yamagata’s other side, then he sat down. Shirabu was still staring at him, and he wished he could blame it on the jacket, instead of Semi’s completely shameless demeanor and bright smile. Even as a person who had never had a crush before, Shirabu was quite certain that was what this was.
Semi must’ve noticed him staring, as he flashed him an even bigger smile, then his smile switched to a smirk. He then said, with a voice that drew Shirabu even more, “Oh hello, like my jacket?” Shirabu had absolutely no time to reply as Semi continued, “You should feel it, it’s boyfriend material.”
Shirabu’s eyes widened, and he could hear the snorts from Taichi and the laughing that was more like screaming from Tendou. His jaw was still dropped, unsure with how to respond. As he was thinking of a response Taichi replied, “Smooth Semi-san, I have never heard someone say that unironically.” Which made everyone, except Shirabu, Semi, and Ushijima burst into laughter.
Once they quieted down, Shirabu looked back at Semi, who was staring at him, waiting for a response. Shirabu smirked, then replied, “Are you sure Semi-san? Anyways, I need a favor, I need you to give Taichi your phone number for me,” Shirabu could feel everyone’s eyes on him, specifically Semi, who seemed uncomfortable. So, he continued, “He’d be a bit too embarrassed to ask this himself, but he needs to know how to get a hold of me in the morning.”
The entire table went silent. Semi’s face turned a bit red, and Shirabu determined he did a good job embarrassing his senpai.
Tendou was the first one to speak, “Oh my gosh, I did not expect that from you Shirabu.”
“Yeah, pick-up lines don’t seem like they’d be your thing,” Yamagata said next rubbing the back of his head, he still seemed uncomfortable.
Taichi then started to laugh uncontrollably. Taichi, the person who seemed to be stone-faced, and only gave the funniest jokes a small snort, was full-blown laughing. He then said, “Shirabu—“ He was unable to finish his sentence from the laughter. But he started motioning to Shirabu’s food. When Shirabu looked down, he saw nothing, so he looked up quizzically, causing Taichi to laugh even harder and begin to hyperventilate.
Shirabu looked at Semi, who was still wide-eyed, staring at his own arm. Shirabu immediately, looked down again but this time to his left arm, only to see the words, ‘Oh hello, like my jacket? You should feel it, it’s boyfriend material.’
“Oh my—“ Reon said.
Tendou was now laughing as well, teasing Semi and Shirabu with words which were incoherent splurges.
Shirabu looked back up and met eyes with Semi who was now staring at him. Semi motioned slightly at his arm, so he stuck it out at the same time Semi stuck his out. Shirabu then saw the words, ‘Are you sure Semi-san? Anyways, I need a favor, I need you to give Taichi your phone number for me. He’d be a bit too embarrassed to ask this himself, but he needs to know how to get a hold of me in the morning.’
They both retracted their arms from one another, then looked at each other wide-eyed. Neither had spoken to each other yet. 10 seconds past, then 20 more. Soon enough it had been a minute, then with no warning both of them began laughing.
It took them a couple minuted to regain composure, then Semi stuck his arm out for Shirabu, “Hello, my name is Semi Eita, but you can just call me Eita.”
“Hi, I’m Shirabu Kenjirou, you can call me Shirabu.”
Semi snorted, then retorted, “Sure thing, ‘Jirou.”
Taichi replied, “Stop flirting, you’re being worse than Ushijima and Tendou.”
Shirabu had to bite his lip to stop himself from blushing.
“Worse? I didn’t realize we were bad.” Ushijima said, clearly oblivious to the meaning of the word worse in Taichi’s sentence.
The other 2nd years started to bug Eita, so Shirabu took this time to take his phone out to message Yahaba. He had to tell his best friend, and in the process rub it into his face that his first words were better.
Shiraboo
Guess what.
Yaha-Nah
Hmm, you discovered that you should be at Aoba Johsai instead
Shiraboo
Nah, that would be an idiot's decision
Yaha-Nah
Rude…
Anyways, what?
Shriaboo
I met my soulmate!
Yaha-Nah
Let me guess, he called you salty.
Shiraboo
Nah, he used a pickup line on me
Yaha-Nah
…
Shiraboo
Uh huh. And it was a good one… well it was funny.
Yaha-Nah
What exactly did you both say?
I’m now kinda curious
Shiraboo
Backstory is that he is the setter for Shiratorizawa
So, he went to sit down with me and the rest of the team
Yaha-Nah
Why were you with the rest of the team?
Shiraboo
Oh, I forgot, I made friends with Taichi, he’s a fellow first year.
Yaha-Nah
Ahh, I see.
Anyways carry on.
Shiraboo
He walked up and looks at me, then he says,
‘Oh hello, like my jacket? You should feel it, it’s boyfriend material.’
Yaha-Nah
Oh my goodness, that’s on your skin
FOREVER
XD
Shiraboo
Better than being called a creampuff.
Anyways, I of course decided to reply in the most embarrassing manner for him
Yaha-Nah
Of course you did.
Not surprised
Shiraboo
So he forever has the words,
‘Are you sure Semi-san? Anyways, I need a favor, I need you to give Taichi your phone number for me. He’d be a bit too embarrassed to ask this himself, but he needs to know how to get a hold of me in the morning.’
On him.
Yaha-Nah
Oh my gosh. You’re terrible.
Shiraboo
Yeah, yeah.
Anyways, I better get back to talking to them.
Just wanted to tell you.
Yaha-Nah
Alright, speak to you eventually
:|
Shiraboo
Hopefully not soon.
Shirabu put back his phone, then focused back into the conversation, sneaking looks at Semi for the rest of the time, he could tell where Taichi got his idea that the two setters, were going to kill each other. There personalities were very similar in the worst of ways. He didn't care though he was happy. Not only did Ushijima tell him he should be on the team, he made friends with the team, made stone-faced Taichi laugh (which apparently was much harder than he thought, as Tendou took a video of it, and Taichi later said "That is the first time I've ever laughed like that." Shirabu doesn't even get what's super funny about it though.), and just before the end of lunch, Semi and Shirabu's eyes met.
Semi smiled warmly towards Shirabu, it filled him up with joy, it made him feel different than he ever had before. Shirabu was ready to get used to this; used to Semi as his soulmate.