A Momentary Distraction

The sun was shining brightly in the hospital courtyard, casting a warm glow over the empty benches and neatly manicured lawn. Kageyama, still feeling a bit drained from his conversation with Hinata and the doctor, walked slowly through the courtyard, lost in thought. He was so caught up in his own mind that he didn't notice Oikawa approaching him until he heard his voice. "Hey, Kageyama. What's going on? You look like you've lost your last friend," Oikawa said, his tone light and teasing. Kageyama forced a smile, not really wanting to talk about his problems. "Just a little down, that's all," Kageyama replied, trying to brush it off. Oikawa's eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer to Kageyama. "Down? You're not just down, you're out. I've seen you play volleyball with more spirit than that. What's going on?" Kageyama sighed, feeling a bit exasperated. "I just have a lot on my mind, okay? Can we just drop it?" Oikawa chuckled and clapped Kageyama on the back. "Drop it? No way. I'm going to help you get your mind off things. Volleyball's the perfect distraction. Trust me, I know." Kageyama raised an eyebrow, but Oikawa's enthusiasm was infectious. "You're on," Kageyama said, a small smile creeping onto his face. Oikawa grinned and led Kageyama to a nearby volleyball court. As they started to play, Kageyama felt his worries slowly fade away. Oikawa was a great player, and Kageyama found himself getting caught up in the game. For a few hours, he forgot about his medication, his therapy sessions, and his struggles. He just focused on the ball, the court, and the thrill of competition. But as soon as they finished playing and Oikawa left, Kageyama was alone with his thoughts again. The voices in his head started to whisper, their words like a cold draft on a winter night. He tried to shake them off, but they only grew louder, more insistent. "You're not good enough," they whispered. "You'll never be good enough." Kageyama felt his anxiety spike, and he clenched his fists, trying to push the thoughts away. But they lingered, refusing to be silenced. He walked back to the hospital room, feeling like he was drowning in his own doubts and fears. Hinata was sitting on the bed, reading a book, and he looked up as Kageyama entered. "Hey, how was your time with Oikawa?" Hinata asked, concern etched on his face. Kageyama forced a smile, not wanting to burden Hinata with his problems. "It was great," Kageyama said, trying to sound convincing. "Oikawa's a great player. I had a lot of fun." Hinata nodded, but Kageyama could see the skepticism in his eyes. As Hinata closed his book and put it aside, Kageyama realized that he couldn't keep pretending that everything was fine. He needed to face his demons head-on, with Hinata's help and support. But for now, he just sat down beside Hinata, feeling the weight of his struggles bearing down on him.