Chapter 26: Facing the Storm

The silence between Kageyama and Hinata was palpable, like a living, breathing entity that hovered between them. Kageyama could feel Hinata's eyes on him, searching for any sign of what was really going on. He knew he couldn't keep pretending that everything was fine, not when the storm inside him was growing more turbulent by the minute. Hinata set his hand on Kageyama's shoulder, his touch gentle but firm. "Kageyama, what's going on? You can tell me," he said, his voice low and soothing. Kageyama felt a lump form in his throat as he looked at Hinata. He wanted to open up, to let Hinata in, but the words got stuck. He was afraid of being vulnerable, of being seen as weak. But Hinata's eyes were filled with kindness and understanding, and Kageyama felt a tiny crack in his defenses. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to find the right words. "I just feel like I'm failing, Hinata," Kageyama said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not getting better, and I'm not sure if I ever will. The voices in my head, they just won't stop." Hinata's grip on his shoulder tightened. "You're not failing, Kageyama," he said firmly. "You're fighting, and that's all anyone can ask for. And I'm here for you, every step of the way." Kageyama felt a wave of emotion wash over him, and he turned his face into Hinata's shoulder. Hinata wrapped his arms around him, holding him close as Kageyama let out a shuddering breath. As they sat there, Kageyama felt the storm inside him begin to subside. He knew it wouldn't disappear completely, not yet, but with Hinata by his side, he felt like he could face it. The doctor came in a little while later, smiling kindly at Kageyama. "How are you feeling today?" he asked, his eyes taking in Kageyama's red eyes and rumpled hair. Kageyama shrugged, feeling a bit self-conscious. "I'm okay, I guess," he said. The doctor nodded. "I think we're making progress, but I also think you need to be patient with yourself. You're not going to fix everything overnight." Kageyama nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He didn't have to be fixed, not right now. He just had to keep moving forward, with Hinata by his side. As the doctor left, Hinata pulled back and looked at Kageyama. "We're going to get through this, Kageyama," he said, his eyes shining with determination. Kageyama smiled, feeling a tiny spark of hope ignite within him. Maybe, just maybe, he could face the storm after all.