Chapter 74: A Fading Glow

A Fading Glow The days turned into weeks, and Kageyama couldn't help but notice the changes in his own body. At first, it was subtle - a slight decrease in appetite, a faint paleness to his skin. He brushed it off as stress from the team's recent games, but as the weeks went by, the changes became more pronounced. He was getting lanky, his limbs stretching out like a growing plant. His skin was losing its healthy glow, taking on a wan, almost translucent quality. He could see the definition of his cheekbones and jawline more clearly now, and his eyes seemed sunken. Oikawa noticed it too, and his expression would darken with concern whenever Kageyama mentioned feeling tired or off. He would insist on Kageyama taking extra rest, pushing him to eat more and sleep better, but no matter what they did, Kageyama just couldn't seem to shake off the fatigue. As they walked through the streets, Oikawa would glance at him, his eyes scanning Kageyama's face and body with a mixture of worry and curiosity. Kageyama could sense his gaze, feel his eyes on him like a gentle touch. He knew Oikawa was trying to understand what was happening to him, but he couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious about his changing appearance. One evening, as they sat on the bench overlooking the waterfront, Oikawa took Kageyama's hand in his. "Hey, have you been to the doctor?" he asked, his voice low and gentle. Kageyama shook his head, feeling a little embarrassed. "No, I haven't had the chance. I've been busy with practice and games." Oikawa nodded, his eyes serious. "We need to get you checked out, then. I don't like the look of this." He squeezed Kageyama's hand, his touch warm and reassuring. Kageyama smiled weakly, trying to reassure him. "I'm fine, Oikawa. I just need to get some rest, that's all." But Oikawa's expression remained skeptical. He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Kageyama, I care about you. I want you to be healthy and happy. If there's something going on, I want to help you figure it out." Kageyama's heart swelled with emotion as he looked at Oikawa. He could see the concern etched on his face, the genuine care in his eyes. He felt a lump form in his throat as he replied, "I'll go see a doctor, okay? I promise." Oikawa's face relaxed into a gentle smile. "Good. I'll go with you, if you want." As they sat there, the stars twinkling above, Kageyama felt a sense of gratitude towards Oikawa. He was lucky to have him by his side, to have someone who cared about him so deeply. But as he glanced down at his own hands, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. His skin looked pale and fragile, his fingers long and thin. He felt like he was fading away, like a ghostly apparition haunting the streets of Karasuno. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, and Oikawa's grip on his hand tightened. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice low and concerned. Kageyama hesitated, unsure of how to articulate his fears. But as he looked into Oikawa's eyes, he knew he had to be honest. "I don't know, Oikawa. I just feel...different. Like I'm disappearing or something." Oikawa's expression softened, and he pulled Kageyama into a gentle hug. "You're not disappearing, Kageyama. You're still here, still with me. And we'll figure this out together, okay?" His voice was warm and soothing, a balm to Kageyama's frazzled nerves. Kageyama nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. With Oikawa by his side, he knew he could face whatever was happening to him. And as they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, he felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he would be okay after all.