"In my Shadow" - Miya Atsumu Angst (with happy end)

Chapter 3: Nightfall

For everyone who prefers hearing the story there is an audiobook version at the bottom of the chapter.

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"Rin!?" Osamu called out as he guided Atsumu over to the couch.
His expression was determined but Atsumu could see the shock he caused him showing up like this reflected in his eyes. This was exactly what he tried to avoid.

Everyone, always worried about him. He caused them pain simply because his imagination was getting the better of him. He had no real proof that someone was following him.
He could have misplaced his things and maybe he forgot that he opened the window... Maybe... But that would mean...

Had he really lost his mind? What was wrong with him?! And why so suddenly?

In the span of a week, his health had deteriorated and the paranoia had his heart jump in his throat almost every waking moment. It had been only a week but he was already an utter wreck.

"Rin?!" Osamu shouted again.

"I'm sorry."
Atsumu's voice was thin and he weakly pulled his knees to his chest. He had no energy anymore to pretend. He felt empty and drained, and yet the tension didn't ease. At this point never did anymore.

"Shut yer trap. Yer obviously not thinking clearly if ya think ya have to apologize fer this."
Atsumu's heart beat a little better hearing how in his worry Osamu's dialect became more apparent. It was familiar and comforting.
"Ri–!"

"Samu! We talked about this...
"Don't wake me up early on my off days. I don't care if you have to. I don't want to."
A very grumpy Suna walked into the room, eyes half closed and looking as though he would lie down any moment on the spot and fall asleep again.

Osamu sighed though even in this state there was no real annoyance behind it. Atsumh dared say there was a brief look of fondness flashing over his face at the middle blocker's appearance, despite his distress.
"It's an emergency," he explained quickly.

"A what...?"
Suna blinked confused at the silver-haired before his gaze finally found the blonde twin and took in his state.

"I just need an hour, the Sato-san will strive and can take over for me in the shop. Please look out for him until then."

Atsumu had half a mind to protest saying that he wasn't a child but he saw how that might not be very convincing at the moment. And he didn't have the energy anymore to say anything at all.

Suna nodded slowly, perplexed. Seeing Atsumu so utterly broken was the last thing he expected to be confronted with this morning. He was still in shock when Osamu thanked him with a quick kiss on the cheek and turned around to leave.
And then, suddenly, it was quiet.

It was odd. He wasn't awake enough for this. It took his mind multiple long seconds to take in and process what was happening.

Meanwhile, Atsumu simply tried to make himself as small as possible on the couch and tried to forget everything about this. He tried to forget the ever-looming presence of a threat dangling above his head like a guillotine, he wasn't sure was reality or imagination.

He tried to ignore any incoming consequences for being an awful boyfriend and suddenly disappearing without a trace. Though maybe they'd welcome that after everything that happened recently.
It must be nice to finally not have the constantly anxious and distressed presence that he had become around for once.