A Flicker of Frustration

Kageyama's eyes narrowed as he walked alongside Hinata, the concern on his friend's face a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside him. They had been walking in silence for a few minutes, Hinata waiting for Kageyama to open up, but Kageyama's patience was wearing thin. "What's with everyone always saying that, huh?" Kageyama suddenly snapped, his voice low and irritated. "We'll figure it out, we'll get through it together... It's always the same thing, but nothing ever changes. We're still stuck in the same rut, and I'm still just as lost as I was before." Hinata's expression faltered, taken aback by Kageyama's outburst. "Kageyama, I—" "Don't give me that sympathetic look, Hinata," Kageyama cut in, his voice rising. "You don't get it. You're not the one who's been searching for answers for years, only to come up empty-handed. You're not the one who's constantly being told that everything will work out, but it never does." Hinata's eyes widened, and he took a step back, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "Kageyama, calm down—" But Kageyama wasn't having it. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of empty promises, and he couldn't take it anymore. "No, I won't calm down," he spat, his anger and frustration boiling over. "I'm tired of being told that everything will be okay, when it's not. I'm tired of being treated like I'm fragile, like I need to be coddled and protected. I'm tired of being stuck in this limbo, with no way out." Hinata's face went pale, and he looked like he'd been punched in the gut. Kageyama could see the hurt and confusion in his eyes, but he couldn't bring himself to care. For a moment, they just stood there, the tension between them palpable. Finally, Hinata spoke up, his voice barely above a whisper. "Kageyama, I... I didn't mean to make you feel like that. I just wanted to help." Kageyama's anger slowly began to dissipate, replaced by a crushing sense of guilt. He looked at Hinata, seeing the genuine concern and hurt in his eyes, and felt a pang of regret. He knew he hadn't meant to lash out at his friend, but he couldn't help the way he felt. "I know, Hinata," Kageyama said finally, his voice softening. "I'm sorry. I just... I don't know what to do anymore." Hinata's expression softened, and he took a step forward, his eyes locked on Kageyama's. "We'll find a way, Kageyama. Together." But Kageyama just shook his head, a bitter smile spreading across his face. Not again. Not another empty promise.