Echoes of Greatness

As the memories of his past lingered, Kageyama couldn't shake off the feeling that his old habits were not just nostalgic reminders of his past, but the very same habits that had made him a formidable opponent on the court. The tapping of his hands on his thighs, the muttering of his mantra, and the intense focus that came with it - these were the things that had made others worry about him, that had made them question his sanity and his abilities. He thought back to the days when he was still a part of Karasuno High School's volleyball team, and how his intense training sessions with Daichi had pushed him to his limits. The way he would analyze every move, every spike, and every block, until he could execute them flawlessly. The way he would drive himself to exhaustion, until his body and mind were screaming for rest. Oikawa, who was still sitting beside him, seemed to sense the change in Kageyama's demeanor. "You okay, Kageyama?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. Kageyama nodded, his eyes still fixed on some distant point. "Yeah, I'm fine," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. But Oikawa wasn't convinced. He knew that Kageyama was struggling with something, and he could see the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. "Kageyama, listen to me," Oikawa said, his voice firm but gentle. "Those habits of yours, they're not just old habits. They're what make you, you. They're what make you a great player, and what make you a great teammate." Kageyama turned to look at Oikawa, his eyes searching for reassurance. "But what if they're not just habits?" he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty. "What if they're a part of who I am, and what if that's what scares people?" Oikawa's expression softened, and he reached out to place a hand on Kageyama's shoulder. "Kageyama, I think that's what makes you so special," he said. "You're not just a volleyball player, you're a complex person with complex emotions and habits. And it's okay to be complex, it's okay to be yourself." Kageyama looked at Oikawa, feeling a sense of gratitude and understanding. He knew that Oikawa was right, and that he didn't have to change who he was to fit in with the team. He could be himself, quirks and all, and still be a valuable member of the team. As he thought about this, Kageyama felt a sense of resolve wash over him. He knew that he still had a lot to learn, and that he would make mistakes along the way. But with Oikawa by his side, and the team's support, he felt like he could overcome anything. The music started playing again, and Kageyama couldn't help but smile. He knew that he was on the right path, and that he was exactly where he was meant to be. But little did he know, his journey was far from over, and the echoes of his greatness were only just beginning to resonate.