𝚃𝙾𝙱𝙸𝙾'𝚂 𝙱𝚁𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁

Chapter 22*

Y/N sighed quietly, leaning back against the wall. It was silent between him and the middle blocker. While the (h/c)-ette focused on calming himself down, Kuroo was drowning in worry.

It made him feel useless not knowing what he could do to help. It seemed that Y/N picked up on his worry. "Don't worry about me..." he said. "I'm... going to be fine."

Kuroo noticed how the (h/c)-ette cast his gaze down to the floor. "Do you... want to talk about it...? I'm willing to listen..."

Y/N thought for a second before sighing. He looked at the blank wall in front of him, ready to spill out what he wanted to get out of his system. "My grandpa... He passed away today..."

The middle blocker's eyes widened. "I was really close with him... He was the only one who ever really cared about me... After that incident with Tobio, my family-- they-- ...they turned on me like I was some kind of criminal."

He clenched his fists as he recalled the memories. "But he stood by me no matter what... The only person who bothered to call to see how I was. He never stopped caring. But, I-- I pushed everyone away..."

Y/N bit his lip to stop it from quivering. "I hate myself for pushing away the only person who cared..."

He could feel his anger bubbling up, so he took some deep breaths. "Y/N..."

The (h/c)-ette shook his head. "I'm fine," he said.

But, he wasn't. His anger was beginning to grow worse when he remembered the phone call from earlier. "Just when you think things can't get any worse, you got fake parents coming up to scratch at your door."

Ideas of what he could do ran throughout Kuroo's mind. He wasn't sure what he could do or what was considered the best for the situation. But that feeling disappeared when Y/N unclenched his fists, exhaling heavily. 

"I'm tired..." he muttered. "The corners of my eyes burn... and I feel a headache coming on..."

Kuroo slid closer and reached out. He pulled the (h/c)-ette close just until his head was laying on his shoulder. "It's okay... Rest for a bit. The others won't be back for a while..."

Y/N didn't say anything. He was too tired to refuse the offer. He let his body relax, his eyes closing. For a moment, he felt at peace.

--

"/N... Hey... Hey Y/N..."

The (h/c)-ette heard the voice grow louder as he regained consciousness. He blinked slowly, trying to adjust his vision. Gradually, his surroundings began to grow familiar to him. He sat up, holding his hand up to his head.

"The others are going to be here soon," Kuroo said.

"Okay..."

Y/N ran his hand through his hair, still feeling a headache. Though, it seemed to have calmed down a bit. "Why don't you take a shower? You might feel a little better afterward."

The wing spiker nodded his head slowly. "Yeah... I'll do that..."

Kuroo stood up from the floor and extended his hand out. Y/N grabbed hold and was lifted to his feet. He stumbled a bit but managed to regain his balance.

"Are you going to be okay going on your own?"

"Yeah..." Y/N responded. "I'll be fine..."

He walked carefully toward the door and opened it. It seemed that the others hadn't returned yet. But, as Kuroo said, they were most likely already on their way. 

Still worried, the middle blocker walked behind him, there to catch him if the (h/c)-haired wing spiker managed to lose his balance again.

Just as they reached the cabin's entrance, the door was opened. There stood Y/N's teammates. "Captain! There you are. We'd been wondering where you went."

Y/N didn't say anything and slipped past his teammates. Some turned to look at Kuroo, hoping he might have some answer for their captain's lack of response. But before he could open his mouth, the coach walked toward the front of the group.

"All of you, step inside."

The team did as told and walked into the cabin, Kuroo excusing himself shortly after. They watched as the middle blocker left, their gazes returning to their coach. It didn't take them long to pick up on their coach's serious demeanor.

"I don't like to tell other's business, but I need you all to know that Kageyama is currently dealing with a loss."

That's when the entire vibe of the room changed, each one letting the information they just received sink in. "Respect his wishes should he ask for some space. Be on your best behavior as well. He doesn't need to deal with everyone's nonsense right now. Am I understood?"

They all nodded. Coach Goro sighed. "Well then, get ready for bed. Curfew's in half an hour."

That was the last thing the coach said before heading toward his room. The mood in the room was still heavy. A few turned to F/N, who was standing near the back of the group.

"F/N--"

The setter shook his head. "He needs some time to himself. I think the last thing he wants is someone's pity. So, just... don't treat him differently."

F/N then sat down near his futon. The others shared a look before following suit. The once lively cabin was now left unusually quiet.

--

The sound of running water filled the locker room. Y/N stood under the shower head, cool water running down his face and body. His gaze was on the floor, watching as the water disappeared down the drain.

"Y/N. Hello!"

"Grandpa...?"

"How are you, my boy?"

"But-- How did you--"

"A friend of yours. F/N was his name, I believe."

"F/N..."

"I was worried that you would be struggling out there by yourself. So, I thought I would figure out some way to reach out."

"I'm okay... Really."

"I know... But still. You left carrying a large weight. It's only natural that I would worry about you. You're not dealing with this on your own, alright?"

Y/N reached out and turned the water off. He grabbed the towel and dried himself off. Once he was changed into a fresh pair of clothes, he left the quiet locker room behind. 

Night had long since fallen. Y/N's gaze trailed up. The stars were twinkling brightly in the sky, the moon showering its dim light onto the camp.

"I'm sorry..." he mumbled under his breath.

He then looked away, scared that the tears would return the longer he stood looking up at the night sky. He silently opened the door to his team's cabin and stepped inside.

It surprised him that the majority were already sleeping while the rest were quietly using their phones. It had become the norm to see them hyper, their fun only ending when the coach warned them about curfew for the third time.

The wing spiker came to the conclusion that the team now knew. But, he shook off the thoughts. Right now, his body was feeling heavy. He reached his futon and laid down, pulling the sheets over himself.

F/N, who had been observing his friend, pulled up his own blanket.

Hopefully... He'll feel better soon...