**Chapter 75: Descent into Darkness**

The city lights blurred together as Kageyama walked alone, the comforting presence of Oikawa's arm around his shoulders now a distant memory. The feeling of being watched lingered, a constant itch he couldn't scratch. He quickened his pace, his feet carrying him on autopilot to a familiar address. As he stood before the small, rundown bar, a sense of trepidation washed over him. This was his sanctuary, his refuge from the pressures of being a volleyball star. It was also his poison, the place where he let his demons run wild. Kageyama took a deep breath, the neon sign creaking in the gentle breeze as he pushed open the door. The bartender, a gruff but kind man named Takashi, looked up from his phone and raised an eyebrow. "The usual, Kageyama?" he asked, his voice a low rumble. Kageyama nodded, his eyes scanning the dimly lit room. The patrons were a mix of old men and lost souls, all united in their quest for oblivion. He slid onto a stool, his gaze drifting to the mirror behind the bar. The reflection staring back was a stranger, eyes sunken, skin pale. Takashi handed him a whiskey, and Kageyama downed it in one gulp. The burn was a welcome distraction from the anxiety gnawing at his gut. He ordered another, and another, the liquor numbing his senses. As the night wore on, Kageyama's thoughts grew muddled. He couldn't remember the last time he'd eaten, or slept. His body ached, his muscles screaming in protest as he slumped over the bar. Takashi watched him with a mixture of concern and resignation, having seen this routine play out before. The door swung open, and a figure slipped inside. Kageyama's head jerked up, his eyes locking onto the newcomer. For a moment, he thought it was Oikawa, come to rescue him from his own private hell. But it wasn't Oikawa. It was Tanaka, his teammate. Kageyama's heart sank as Tanaka's eyes met his, a flicker of surprise followed by a calculating gaze. For an instant, they just stared at each other, the air thick with unspoken understanding. Then Tanaka turned away, disappearing into the crowd. Kageyama's grip on the bar tightened as he realized he'd been seen. His secret was no longer safe. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, and he downed another drink, the liquor burning its way down his throat. As the night wore on, Kageyama's world began to spin. He stumbled out of the bar, the city streets blurring together. He had no idea how he'd get home, or if he even wanted to. All he knew was that he needed to escape, to lose himself in the darkness. The neon lights of the city faded into the distance as Kageyama disappeared into the night, his self-destructive spiral accelerating out of control.