Secret Message - SemiShira

31

We sat there, with the menu in between us

Shirabu's Pov

I sat with Semi in the band room, the familiar sound of his strumming filling the air. It had become a routine for me now – just popping in to watch him practice

Mid-strum, Semi glanced up at me, his fingers pausing over the strings. "Do you have any song recommendations?" he asked, his eyes meeting mine.

I took a moment to consider his question. I hadn't really thought about specific songs that I wanted to hear him play up close. "Do you know 'Cigarettes After Sex'?" I asked.

A smile tugged at the corner of Semi's lips. "Yeah, I do. Which song?"

"'Sunsetz,'" I replied, a faint beat in my heart playing

Semi nodded and began tuning his guitar, his fingers moving deftly over the strings. He looked at me for a brief second, a silent signal that he was ready.

Then, the melody began. The chords of the song filled the room, and I was instantly amazed. Hearing it live, played by Semi, was an experience unlike any other.

Semi's voice joined the music, his singing adding a layer of emotion to the already mesmerizing tune.

I sat there, utterly engrossed in his performance.

However, my reverie was interrupted by the sudden ringing of my phone. Apologetically, I spoke, "I'm sorry, I need to take this."

Semi's fingers stilled on the strings, a curious look in his eyes as he nodded in acknowledgement.

"Hey Kai," I answered, my gaze still on Semi as he watched me.

As I spoke with Kai, I could sense Semi's gaze on me, with curiosity. Kai's words seemed to hold a sense of urgency, and after a quick conversation, I hung up the phone.

Turning my attention back to Semi, I explained, "Kai needs to tell me something urgently."

Semi's expression remained neutral, but I could see a hint of concern in his eyes. "I'll come with you," he offered.

I shook my head, realizing that Kai had mentioned it needed to be a private conversation. "No, he said privately."

Semi's brow arched slightly, "Well, that sounds a bit sketchy."

I chuckled at his reaction. "It's alright, I'll be quick."

He smiled warmly at me. "Alright, just call me if you need me."

With a nod, I left the band room, Semi's music still lingering in the air around me as I headed to meet Kai

"Hey, Kai, what's up?" I greeted him as I approached him in the cafeteria.

He looked up and offered a small smile. "Oh, Shirabu. Hey."

I took a seat next to him, my curiosity piqued by the serious expression on his face. "What's with the look?"

"I found out that I'll be leaving a week earlier," he replied somberly.

"Oh..." I murmured, processing the news. "So, you'll be going next week?"

Kai nodded, his gaze fixed on something distant.

An awkward silence settled between us

"I wanted to give you something before I left," Kai finally spoke, breaking the silence. He pulled out a small item from his pocket. "It's a matching cord bracelet. I didn't know what else to get you."

"Kai, you really didn't have to do that," I said, touched by his gesture.

He met my gaze, his eyes sincere. "Shirabu, I'm going to miss you so much. You've always been the one friend I could turn to."

I sighed, a mixture of emotions swirling within me. "Kai..."

"Could I get one hug?" Kai's voice was soft, almost pleading.

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. I leaned in, wrapping my arms around him in a warm embrace. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that this might be the last time we'd be so close as friends.

"I'll miss you too, Kai," I said as we pulled apart, a smile tugging at my lips.

We continued talking for a short while, reminiscing about our shared memories. Eventually, I excused myself,

This fake dating thing could end now. Kai is leaving, I thought as I headed back. We could end everything now

As I re-entered the room, Semi was still engrossed in playing his guitar. He glanced up at me. "What happened?"

I hesitated, contemplating whether to share the truth or not. But I decided to keep it vague for now. "Just had a little chat about something," I replied, taking a seat beside him.

Semi raised an eyebrow, a grin forming on his lips. "Wow, very urgent, I can tell."

I chuckled, appreciating his attempt to lighten the mood. Little did he know, that seemingly casual conversation with Kai had stirred up quite a whirlwind of emotions within me.

777 Words