Chapter Text
Kageyama Tobio was born on the winter solstice.
The day when night overtakes the day. The day when light yields to darkness.
Perhaps it was a sign of the darkness that would reign over Kageyama Tobio's life.
When Kageyama Tobio’s life began, his mother’s had already ended.
Kageyama was told that he looked just like his mother, from his deep blue eyes to his silky black hair. He was told that his mother had been kind, caring and considerate. He was told that everyone loved her.
He was told that if it weren't for him, his mother would've still been alive.
On Kageyama Tobio's eighth birthday, his soulmarks showed.
His family was known for being part of the 1% of society that didn't have soulmarks. His grandparents. His mother. His father. Even his sister. For a while, Kageyama felt relieved, knowing that he belonged to someone.
The relief lasted until his father's resentment started to seep.
When Kageyama Tobio turned nine, his sister decided to move to Tokyo.
Kageyama was left with a father who didn't want him. A father who held resentment for things that were outside of Kageyama's control.
The insults and bruises started when his sister left.
When Kageyama Tobio turned ten, he met his grandfather.
His grandfather was kind and told him about his mother and his grandmother. He taught Kageyama the beauty of love. Soulmark or not.
His grandfather also introduced Kageyama to volleyball.
When Kageyama Tobio turned eleven, his father left.
His father left for another woman, leaving Kageyama in his grandfather's care.
For the first time, Kageyama learned what it was like to live with someone who loved him.
When Kageyama Tobio turned twelve, he was rejected by his soulmates.
He was told he didn't belong in their duo. That they didn't have room for a third.
Kageyama had never known pain like that existed.
When Kageyama Tobio turned thirteen, he spent his birthday at the hospital.
He spent the day next to his grandfather's bed, watching as his breath slowed to a halt.
Instead of celebrating his life, he commemorated a death.
When Kageyama Tobio turned fourteen, his team left him in the dust.
It wasn't surprising, but it still hurt to be ostracised so publicly.
Perhaps he deserved it, for pushing his team to the point of no return.
When Kageyama Tobio turned fifteen, the life that held on a thin thread finally fell.