Haikyuu - Songfic Series

Semi Eita x Reader - Millions

Semi Eita was nothing if not knowledgeable. He was a top student, and a great setter. Even though he had been benched for Shirabu, he knew exactly why that decision was made and what his weaknesses were when compared to the younger player.

But the decision really did bother him. All of his natural skill was going to be wasted now unless he got sent in as a pinch server. All of those practices...amounted to nothing now.

That afternoon, the former setter was a mess. You found him outside your house, standing there with his hands in his pockets and looking like a lost puppy.

He took a long time to speak even after you invited him in, but eventually he couldn't hold it in any longer.

"Why do you like me?"

The question took you by surprise. You two had been dating for several months, so he obviously had an idea of what you liked about him.

"Well, there are a lot of reasons. You're incredibly smart, and even though you can be a hothead, you're really passionate about the things you like. You have a bit of a soft side that you only show when you're comfortable with someone..."

"But...I'm not the best."

And that was it.

The ash blond liked knowledge and analysis to be his guide, because it allowed him to keep a level head, but to be cut from the regular lineup wasn't something he could stay calm about, even if he wanted to. It made him feel angry and worthless to be the only one getting replaced like this. He was suddenly aware of his shortcomings and he couldn't stop noticing them.

And he was even more worried that this change might affect your relationship and you would eventually choose to replace him too.

"Neither is Shirabu," you pointed out. "He's just what the team needs right now: a steadier player who isn't likely to make reckless plays."

His brows furrowed slightly. "You think my plays are reckless?"

"I think you're confident enough in your skills to take risks. That's your style, that's what you're good at. And that's the Semi I like."

Your talk seemed to cheer him up somewhat.

He continued practicing just as hard as the other regulars. Even if he couldn't play regularly, both the coach and assistant coach had told him he would be a great pinch, so he still had a chance to play. If things got tough, he would remind them all why they needed him on the team.

At least, that was the plan. Until Shiratorizawa went head to head against that Karasuno team.

He hated not being in the lineup. He hated not being respected by Shirabu. He hated not being able to do anything to help.

He hated losing.

But he couldn't do anything about it.



He left the gym that night after their punishment drills to see you already waiting for him.

"(Y/N)? It's late."

"I know."

"I take it you saw the game?"

You nodded slowly. You'd watched it on TV. And heard about it a lot afterwards. It was one of the biggest upsets imaginable, but he already knew that.

He sighed heavily and started walking past, eager to go home and fall sleep after today.

"You're still a winner."

He turned back towards you. "Eh?"

"You lost this one game, but all you have to do is keep fighting. You can keep playing--"

"It's okay," he interrupted. "I knew when they took me off the team that I wouldn't be doing much this year. But I've had a lot of time for other things, and to figure out where my future is heading. Volleyball isn't a big part of it."

Then what is?"

He smiled slightly. "You."

"Semi!"

"There are maybe a dozen reasons for me to keep playing volleyball, but there are over a million reasons to stay with you and invest my energy in our relationship instead. And I think that's a new risk I'm willing to take."

You couldn't fight the smile on your own face. "I love you."

"I know," He gently tugged on your hand. "Now come on, let's get you home."

And despite the loss that day, as he led the way through the starry night with your hand firmly clasped in his own, he really did feel like a winner.