𝚃𝙾𝙱𝙸𝙾'𝚂 𝙱𝚁𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁

Chapter 23*

Morning came, the sun shining its light into the cabin. Y/N slowly stirred awake, turning onto his side. He blinked multiple times, adjusting his vision. When everything became less hazy, he could see that most of the others were already awake.

The (h/c)-ette sat up, pushing his blanket off of himself. A sigh left his lips as he got up. F/N walked over when he noticed that his friend was awake. "Morning, Y/N."

"Morning..." the wing spiker replied, heading off toward the storage room to get his stuff.

Behind him, the others were glancing in each other's directions, unsure of what to do or say. They didn't forget their coach's words.

"Respect his wishes should he ask for some space. He doesn't need to deal with everyone's nonsense right now."

Still, they didn't know how they were supposed to act. Yes, the (h/c)-ette most likely wanted space, but what if it also made him feel isolated? Like, they were avoiding him. It was an understatement to say that they were a tight-knit group, but still... Outside of his captain persona, little was really known about the sort of person Y/N was.

That alone made them feel like strangers. Like they never really got to know the real him. Just an empty shell filled with whatever he wanted people to see.

--

Y/N ran his hand through his messy hair, fixing it as he looked into the mirror.

"Grandpa... passed away."

"I realize how close you both were..."

"Come on, Y/N. Just a little more."

"If you keep telling yourself that you can't, you'll never push past your limits. Now, come on!"

Y/N shook his head as if trying to push away the memories that appeared in his mind. But, no matter how much he tried to think of other things, the thoughts would always make their way back. Everything that happened came rushing back out.

News of grandfather's death... Tobio... His parents... They all had opened up Pandora's box that Y/N had hidden deep within his memories. His (e/c) eyes trailed away from his reflection in the mirror. He couldn't stand the nauseating sight of himself.

What's wrong with me? I've gotten this far already, so why am I letting myself fall this low now?

He clenched his fists tightly, wanting to punch himself if it meant he'd snap back to his usual self. But it didn't seem like a possibility. Right now, his mind was running a million miles an hour with no likelihood of slowing down any time soon. Y/N grabbed his stuff and left, feeling the need for some fresh air.

--

Y/N now stood at the door to Nekoma's cabin. It hadn't yet sunk in why he chose to come there. Rather, he had mindlessly walked over. He was about to turn around and go elsewhere until he heard a familiar voice nearby.

"Y/N?"

The (h/c)-ette turned around, seeing the black-haired middle blocker standing a few feet away from him. "Are you okay?" Kuroo asked, seeing how out-of-it the wing spiker seemed.

"I... I don't..."

Kuroo walked closer but was taken by surprise when he was suddenly hugged. "Y/N...?"

"I don't want to be alone right now..." Y/N mumbled quietly under his breath.

It was faint but just loud enough for Kuroo to hear. He returned the hug, excepting Y/N's unexpected affection. "I understand..."

Kuroo could hear voices nearby. Thinking quickly, he led the (h/c)-ette into his team's cabin, which was now completely vacant. He sat down in a more comfortable place, keeping Y/N close by.