Echoes of Tomorrow.

SEVENTEEN

The hospital room felt like a sanctuary, a place where the outside world's hustle and bustle could not penetrate. Ushijima had arranged for a small television to be brought in, set up on a stand at the foot of Tendou's bed. Tonight was special—they were going to watch a volleyball game together, just as Tendou had wished.

"Ready?" Ushijima asked, holding the remote.

Tendou nodded, his face pale but lit up with anticipation. "Ready."

Ushijima turned on the TV, and the familiar sounds of the volleyball court filled the room. The crowd's cheers, the squeak of shoes on the court, the powerful thud of the ball hitting the floor—it was like stepping back into their own past. Tendou's eyes sparkled with a mixture of nostalgia and excitement as he watched the players warm up.

"Do you remember our last game together?" Tendou asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ushijima smiled, a rare softness in his eyes. "Of course. We gave it everything we had."

Tendou chuckled weakly. "And we won. It was one of the best moments of my life."

As the game began, they settled into a comfortable silence, their attention focused on the screen. The players moved with precision and grace, each serve and spike a testament to their skill and dedication. Tendou's eyes followed every movement, his fingers twitching slightly as if he were back on the court himself.

For a while, it was easy to forget the hospital room, the machines, and the looming reality of Tendou's illness. They were just two friends watching a game they loved, sharing in the excitement and thrill of each point.

"Look at that spike," Tendou said, his voice filled with awe. "Reminds me of you, Ushiwaka."

Ushijima chuckled. "You've always been the better blocker."

Tendou's smile widened, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "We made a good team, didn't we?"

"The best," Ushijima agreed.

As the game progressed, Tendou's energy began to wane, but he fought to stay awake, determined to enjoy every moment. Ushijima noticed and gently placed a hand on Tendou's shoulder.

"It's okay to rest," Ushijima said softly.

Tendou shook his head, a stubborn glint in his eyes. "Not yet. I want to see the end."

Ushijima respected his wish, staying close and offering silent support. They watched the game together, their hearts beating in sync with the rhythm of the match. The tension built as the teams battled for the final points, each serve and return bringing them closer to the conclusion.

When the final whistle blew and the winning team erupted in cheers, Tendou let out a contented sigh. "That was amazing," he whispered, his voice tinged with both exhaustion and satisfaction.

Ushijima nodded, his own heart heavy with a mix of emotions. "It was."

Tendou's eyes fluttered closed, his body relaxing against the pillows. "Thank you for this, Ushiwaka. It means everything to me."

Ushijima leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Tendou's forehead. "I'm here for everything."

Tendou's breathing slowed, his hand reaching out to grasp Ushijima's. "I love you, Ushiwaka."

"I love you too, Tendou," Ushijima whispered, his voice breaking. "Always."

In the quiet that followed, the only sounds were the soft beeping of the machines and Tendou's steady breathing. Ushijima stayed by his side, holding his hand, cherishing the precious moments they had just shared.

As Tendou drifted off to sleep, Ushijima reflected on their journey together. The games they had played, the dreams they had chased, and the memories they had created. This final game, watched in a small hospital room, would forever be etched in his heart as a symbol of their enduring bond.

No matter what the future held, Ushijima knew that Tendou would always be with him, in every memory, in every moment of joy and sorrow. And as the night deepened, he whispered a silent promise to honor Tendou's legacy, to live a life filled with the same passion and love that Tendou had brought into his own.