Rising beyond Shadows (Shirabu x reader)

Confession under the stars

3rd person pov

The weekend at the beach house had created unforgettable memories for everyone, but it also left a lingering sense of closeness among the team. Hana and Taichi, in particular, had spent most of the retreat together, often disappearing for walks or deep in quiet conversations.

Now, back at school, their newfound connection was unmistakable. Hana was glowing in a way you hadn't seen before, and Taichi seemed gentler and more attentive whenever she was around. You and Rose couldn't help but exchange glances and knowing smiles whenever the two were together, and the rest of the team quickly picked up on the change.

One Friday evening after practice, Taichi asked Hana to meet him outside under the school's sakura trees. You and Rose tried to convince her to go in her nicest outfit, half-teasing, half-serious, but Hana waved you both off with a shy smile, brushing off your comments even as her cheeks turned a soft pink.

When she arrived at the meeting spot, Taichi was already waiting, nervously kicking at the dirt beneath his feet. The glow of the streetlamp cast a warm light over his face, and he looked up when he saw her, his eyes lighting up.

"Hana, thanks for coming," he said, his voice softer than usual.

She smiled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Of course. So, what's up?" she asked, trying to sound casual but feeling her heart race at the tender way he looked at her.

Taichi took a deep breath, rubbing the back of his neck. "I've been meaning to say something... I don't want to make things awkward, but—" He paused, swallowing hard before looking at her directly. "I really like you, Hana. Spending time with you has made me realize I want to be more than just friends."

Hana blinked, momentarily stunned. She had sensed something special blossoming between them over the past few weeks, but hearing him say it out loud was different. A warmth spread across her face, and she couldn't help the smile that blossomed.

"Taichi... I really like you too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

The relief in Taichi's face was immediate, and he broke into a wide grin, his usual confident air giving way to an endearing, shy expression. "Then... would it be okay if we tried this? You know, as a couple?" he asked, a bit bashfully.

Hana nodded, the happiness evident in her eyes. "I'd like that a lot."

[Time-skip to Monday~]

The following Monday, Hana and Taichi walked into school together, both sporting slightly bashful smiles and occasionally exchanging soft looks. It didn't take long for everyone to notice the new couple. Rose nudged you, and you shared an excited grin, knowing that the moment had finally come.

Tendō was the first to point it out during practice, smirking at the pair. "So, looks like we have a new power couple, huh?" he teased, his voice loud enough for the entire gym to hear.

Taichi rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile as he glanced at Hana. "Well, yeah, I guess you could say that," he said, earning a cheer from Goshiki and a proud nod from Ushijima.

"Finally," muttered Shirabu, though he wore a rare, almost pleased smile. He caught your eye, giving a subtle nod as if to say, "Our friends are happy, and that's all that matters."

The team wasted no time celebrating. After practice, you all went out to a small restaurant nearby, ordering a mix of everyone's favorite dishes and spending the evening laughing, teasing, and exchanging stories. Hana and Taichi's relationship had become the highlight of the night, and seeing them so happy brought a lightheartedness to the team.

As everyone laughed, Rose leaned over and whispered, "Who would have thought Taichi would finally find his soft side?"

You giggled, glancing at Taichi, who was holding Hana's hand under the table. "He needed someone like Hana, someone to bring out that side of him."

Rose grinned, her gaze lingering on Semi, who was engrossed in conversation with Ushijima. "Seems like love's in the air," she mused, a soft blush coloring her cheeks.

You raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to Rose's comment than met the eye. "Oh? Are we talking about someone specific?"

She shrugged, her blush deepening. "Maybe. Let's just say... Semi's not as cold as I thought he was," she admitted, a shy smile playing on her lips.

Seeing both of your friends so happy made your heart feel light, and you felt Shirabu's gaze settle on you from across the table. When you looked his way, he offered a gentle smile, and in that brief exchange, you felt his quiet, reassuring presence—a silent promise that he was there, always.