Chapter one

14 0 1
                                    

(3rd person) pov

The spring air in Shiratorizawa is crisp and cool, carrying the faint scent of cherry blossoms that drift like pink snow across the school grounds. Students move lazily between classes, some laughing, some deep in conversation, and others savoring the rare moments of peace between their studies. Semi Eita, one of Shiratorizawa's third-year volleyball players, walks across campus with his bag slung over his shoulder. His mind is mostly on tomorrow's practice, bracing himself for yet another intense session under Coach Washijō's watchful eye.

But as he rounds the corner to the main building, his attention is caught by a familiar figure standing by the courtyard—Ushijima Wakatoshi's younger sister. She's talking with a friend, her laugh soft but contagious. There's something captivating about her today, though Semi can't quite place what's different. Her school uniform is the same as always, but her hair catches the sunlight, framing her face in a way that seems to draw everyone's attention without her even trying.

He's seen her around many times before, naturally. She often stops by the gym to support her brother, the team's ace. But he's never really paid her much attention, never allowed himself to. After all, she's Ushijima's little sister—practically off-limits. And yet, today, there's something about the way she stands, her expression animated as she laughs with her friend, that makes him want to linger.

Semi shakes his head, breaking himself out of the spell. He's probably just caught off guard by her presence, he tells himself, and quickly heads to class. Still, he can't quite shake the way her laugh sounded, light and free, or how her eyes sparkled in the afternoon light. He keeps telling himself it's just a passing thought, but it stays with him, even as he sits through his next class, the teacher's words a distant hum.

Later that day, as the team gathers for practice, Semi catches sight of her again. She's standing in the entrance to the gym, a familiar sight by now, but this time, he can't seem to look away. She's cheering for her brother, her voice warm and encouraging as she calls out, "You've got this, Wakatoshi!" She watches every move with focused, unwavering attention, much like her brother's demeanor on the court. But unlike Ushijima's usual stoic presence, she has a quiet warmth that draws people in, making her approachable, a stark contrast to her older brother's intimidating aura.

Semi finds himself distracted, stealing glances her way even as he sets up for drills. He tries to keep his focus on the court, but his mind keeps drifting. The intensity of Ushijima's spikes, the drills Coach Washijō is calling out—all of it fades into the background when she's around. He watches as she leans a little closer to the court, her eyes gleaming with pride every time Ushijima lands a perfect hit. Semi's heartbeat picks up, though he doesn't understand why. He doesn't want to admit it, but there's something undeniably magnetic about her presence.

During a water break, Semi catches himself glancing over at her again. She's talking with Tendou, who's making her laugh with one of his strange jokes, and Semi feels a twinge of envy, though he can't quite place why. He tells himself it's just the nerves from practice, from the intensity of Coach Washijō's training. But every time she laughs, his heart seems to stutter, his focus slipping just a little more.

"Hey, Semi," Tendou calls out, waving him over with a grin, clearly noticing his distraction. "Y/n was just telling me she's planning on coming to our next game. Looks like we've got a new fan, huh?"

Semi feels his face heat up, though he laughs it off as he approaches. "That's cool. I mean, who wouldn't want to watch us?" he jokes, hoping to mask the hint of excitement in his voice.

You turn to him with a warm smile, and his heart skips a beat. "Of course! I'm always cheering for you guys," you say, your eyes sparkling. "Wakatoshi talks about the team all the time, so I know how much work you all put in. I want to be there to support everyone."

Her words are genuine, and Semi feels an unfamiliar flutter in his chest. He's so used to fans cheering for Ushijima—the powerhouse, the ace. But hearing her say she's cheering for all of them, for him, catches him off guard. It's just a few words, but they somehow make him feel noticed in a way he hasn't before.

As practice wraps up, Semi finds himself dawdling a bit, hoping for an excuse to talk to her one last time before she leaves. He lingers, pretending to adjust his shoes as he watches her say goodbye to Ushijima. Just as she turns to leave, she catches him watching and gives him a small, shy wave.

"See you tomorrow, Semi," she says with a soft smile, her voice carrying just enough warmth to make his heart race.

He nods, feeling oddly light as he watches her walk away, the cherry blossoms drifting around her.


Hey guys! It's Jen again! I know this chapter is short, and as I said in my AN in the beginning I'm keeping this story short! 

People tend to say that I'm too mature for my age, I became like this because of all the bullying and stuff going on, I feel like writing is the only place I find peace and can express my feelings. I hope you guys are well and remember you are always loved! See you in the next chapter!

Semi x readerWhere stories live. Discover now