**Chapter 16: Fractured Bonds**

The memory of Kageyama's distant eyes lingered, haunting Oikawa as he trudged through the school's empty hallways. The weight of their conversation settled heavy on his shoulders, leaving him with a sense of desperation. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was running out of time, that Kageyama was slipping further and further away. As he turned a corner, he spotted Hinata, leaning against a row of lockers, his eyes fixed intently on a piece of paper in his hand. Oikawa quickened his pace, a spark of hope igniting within him. Maybe Hinata had some insight, some idea that could help him reach Kageyama. "Hinata," Oikawa called out, his voice low and urgent. Hinata looked up, his eyes squinting slightly as he took in Oikawa's troubled expression. "Oikawa, what's wrong?" he asked, tucking the paper into his pocket. Oikawa hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the emotions swirling inside him. "It's Kageyama," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just talked to him, and...I don't know, Hinata. He seems so lost." Hinata's expression softened, and he pushed off the lockers, his eyes locked on Oikawa's. "I've been worried about him too," he said, his voice laced with concern. "He's been distant, even with us. I don't know what's going on, but I think we need to do something." Oikawa nodded, a sense of solidarity forming between them. "We need to talk to the others," he said, his mind racing with possibilities. "Maybe together, we can figure out what's going on and find a way to reach him." As they walked through the hallways, gathering the rest of the team, Oikawa couldn't shake the feeling that they were racing against time. Kageyama's fractures were deepening, and if they didn't act soon, he might lose him forever. The team gathered in the school's courtyard, their faces etched with concern. Oikawa took a deep breath, launching into a recounting of his conversation with Kageyama. The others listened intently, their expressions growing increasingly somber. When he finished, the courtyard fell silent, the only sound the distant chirping of birds. It was Daichi who finally broke the silence, his voice low and resolute. "We need to do something," he said, his eyes scanning the group. "We can't just sit back and watch Kageyama fall apart." The team nodded in agreement, a sense of determination forming among them. They knew it wouldn't be easy, but they were willing to try anything to save their friend. As they began to brainstorm, Oikawa's mind wandered back to Kageyama's words: "You can't help me, Oikawa. No one can." The memory sent a shiver down his spine, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. Together, they hatched a plan, a fragile thread of hope forming between them. It was a long shot, but they had to try. As they dispersed, their faces set with determination, Oikawa couldn't help but wonder: would it be enough to save Kageyama from the darkness that seemed to be consuming him?