A/n: I've been reading a lot of Angsty Haikyuu fanfics on AOO (archives of our own) and I wanted to try writing one myself.

I'm so sorry for doing this to the precious baby birb, Hinata. My heart is in pain as I write this.

Here's the opening chapter for now. Comment and let me know what you think!

No one was really sure when it started, but lately Hinata Shouyou has been distancing himself from his volleyball team. The first year was usually bouncing off the walls, similar to a baby bird. He was quite known for his bubbly and outgoing personality, so it didn't exactly take a genius to figure out something was wrong with the little red head when he started becoming reserved.

-----

The first sign was a couple weeks ago. Usually, Kageyama would meet up with Hinata on their way to morning practice and the duo would end up racing each other to the school. But one day, Hinata didn't show up. Kageyama had simply shrugged it off, thinking that the small middle blocker had simply overslept. When the blue eyed setter arrived at school that morning, Hinata had already been waiting on the stairs that led to the club room. Kageyama felt angered by the fact that Hinata had gotten to school before him, therefore winning in their daily morning race. "Oi, dumbass." Kageyama had called, seeing his partner flinch at the sound of his voice. "What time did you get here?" As the first year setter approached the sun child, he noticed something was off right away.

Instead of gloating about his instantaneous win that morning, Kageyama noticed how Hinata looked completely and utterly exhausted, as if the latter hadn't gotten any sleep the night before. "Hey..Kageyama." Hinata had greeted quietly, which was unusual in itself. Hinata was just born a naturally loud and bright person. And currently, the boy sitting on the stairs was not the Hinata that Kageyama knew. Instead of glowing ginger hair, the color seemed dull in a way that Kageyama just couldn't describe. Hinata's skin was pale, which was hard to tell considering that Hinata's normal complexion was as pale as it came. Dark purple bags appeared to sink the small first year's eyes into his skull. But what really bothered Kageyama was Hinata's eyes themselves. Usually, Hinata's golden brown eyes glowed with determination and passion, lighting up everything in their line of sight. But as of right now, Hinata's eyes just looked dead, void of any emotion. That alone caused a shiver to run down Kageyama's spine.

"Hinata." The raven haired teen called the attention of his friend. Hinata stared at him. "What's wrong?" Kageyama asked, seriously concerned. Hinata just shook his head though, running his right hand through his hair. Kageyama almost wanted to punch the ginger when he was flashed a small, weak smile. But Kageyama only saw the fakeness.

Needless to say that when the rest of the team--as well as Coach Ukai and Takeda-sensei--had arrived, everyone was thrown off by both Hinata's appearance and lack of spirit. The little ball of energy was no more, missing every single one of Kageyama's tosses. It was like Hinata wasn't even with them. His mind was clearly somewhere else. Ukai was worried about the sudden 'off day' that Hinata was having, so he resorted to pulling Hinata off the court for the day.

Everyone was taken aback when Hinata had thrown a fit. "NO! I'M STAYING!" The ginger yelled weakly.

"Hinata, in your condition right now, you're at a risk of hurting others and more importantly, yourself." Ukai tried to explain calmly. It was obvious that Hinata was fragile at the moment, so Ukai had to restrain himself from yelling at the teen boy. "You can play again when I see that you're feeling better. For now, sit back and rest." Hinata had opened his mouth to argue, but was immediately silenced when a hand was placed on his left shoulder. He turned to see who it was, only to find that it was his captain. Daichi's dark brown eyes willed the small middle blocker off the court with a small frown tugging at his lips. With that, Hinata clicked his tongue and sat in the farthest corner away from everyone.

Reluctantly after that, everyone else resumed practice, though the air was thick with tension. Every now and then, they would sneak glances toward Hinata. The ginger was not watching them practice. Instead, his head was bowed in between his knees and his hands ruffling his hair with exasperation.

They were worried.

-----

The second sign came a couple days after the first, on a Monday.

Hinata was doing a little better. Some color had returned to his face and his eyes no longer seemed to sink into his head. The bags under his eyes were less prominent, though they still ghosted the under portion of the ginger's eyes.

The small middle blocker walked into practice that morning, late. No one scolded him, or even bothered bringing it up. The volleyball team greeted Hinata like they usually would, but what they were not expecting was Hinata bowing at a perfect ninety degree angle in front of them. "I'm sorry for the way I acted on Friday." He apologized in the quietest voice ever heard from the sun child.

Sugawara stepped forward, patting his underclassman's head and signaled for the first year to stand up straight. "Don't mind, Hinata." The ashen haired third year smiled brightly, in hopes of easing a bit of the tension in the gym. What the other's noticed was that Sugawara didn't ask why the ginger acted the way he did. And they understood. It was too soon.

And practice semi went back to normal. Tension was still high, and many pairs of eyes lingered on Hinata's small frame for a minute or so during breaks. Hinata wasn't smiling still, nor was he bouncing around annoying the other first years. Instead, he kept his distance from the team and only interacted with them when he was approached first. Even then, he only gave one worded responses.

Kageyama noticed that Hinata had begun doing the same during classes. The ginger was pushing away his friends. He quickly disappeared as soon as the bell rang for lunch, and when Kageyama tried going after him, Hinata just sped up. It was only then, that Kageyama cursed his partner's agility and stamina. Even when the raven haired setter tried looking for Hinata throughout lunch period, the boy was nowhere to be found. The bell rang again an hour later, telling students to return back to their classes for the next half of the day. Kageyama didn't see Hinata again until right before the teacher entered the room.

Hinata had scurried in quickly, head down and not making eye contact with anyone. When Hinata took his seat, Kageyama leaned forward to whisper toward his teammate. "Oi, dumbass. Where were you during lunch?" Kageyama had questioned. Dull golden eyes glanced his way for a second, before he was shrugged off and the teacher walked in.

It only got weirder as the day went on.

Practice had come to an end, for the most part. Ukai had dismissed the bunch of rowdy teenagers for individual practice. Ukai had left early to take care of the Foot Hill Store at the bottom of the hill, while his mom cleaned out the storage area. Takeda had also taken his leave, with the excuse of needing extra time to correct homework in his classes. That left Daichi and Sugawara to lock up the gym after everyone decides to finally call quits for the night.

"Hinata." Kageyama called out to the ginger, who was making his way toward the door. The others watched the scene from the corners of their eyes. "Let's practice our new quick." The blue eyed first year stated. His eyes watched sharply, catching the way Hinata's shoulders twitched as if he'd been caught stealing.

Hinata turned around fully, rubbing the back of his neck with his right hand. "I can't Kageyama. I actually need to leave early today, so.." The first year whispered, eyes staring intently at the waxed wooden floors. Hinata glanced up for a mere second, catching sight of Kageyama's piercing blue eyes, and flinched. As if to cover up his reaction, Hinata smiled smally, like he's been doing lately.

And god. They hated it.

It was so clearly, utterly fake. It made the team's skin crawl with discomfort. It simply wasn't their Hinata.

When Hinata got no replies of protest, he quickly escaped out the gym.

And it became a usual thing. Hinata would bolt out of the gym as soon as everyone was dismissed for individual practice.

-----

A week and a half had gone by since Hinata's strange behavior started. And everyone on the volleyball team was scared for their little ginger haired teammate. Takeda spoke to Hinata's teachers on a daily basis, trying to find anything out about the aforementioned student's sudden change in behavior. But oddly enough, no one had heard a thing. Ukai was forced to continuously pull Hinata off the court due to the baby crow's mental and physical state deteriorating. Each time, Hinata would try to convince him that he was okay and that he could continue playing, but Ukai couldn't take the risk. And Hinata would frown, and leave the gym. They all pretended like they hadn't heard the screams of frustration and anguish on these particular days.

Daichi, being the team captain, was at a complete loss. He didn't know how to help his hurting junior. At first he had tried waiting to see if Hinata would come to him, maybe tell him what was wrong. But that only stayed a dream of hope. Hinata never came to him, and as far as he was concerned, the ginger didn't go to anyone else. Daichi wasn't sure what to do. He didn't know who to ask, because clearly, no one else knew either.

Sugawara was beyond worried for Hinata. Probably more so than anyone else. Besides Tanaka, Sugawara had been on Hinata's side since the beginning of the year. The ginger was very precious to the ashen haired teen, like a younger brother that Sugawara never got. So seeing his brotherly figure hurting like he was, Sugawara was pained too.

Asahi felt just like anyone else. He was worried. Never had he imagined Hinata, of all people, to be so broken and lost. The first year was always bouncing here and there, declaring his rivalry with everyone in sight. Asahi missed the way Hinata would grin up at him, telling him that we was the coolest ace ever and that Hinata wouldn't lose to him. Somehow, Asahi wanted to help Hinata, just like the way Hinata's spirit helped him stand on the court again.

Tanaka was in pieces. His head was muddled by thoughts of Hinata being bullied and too scared to say anything to his senpai. Sometimes, Tanaka couldn't help the morbid thoughts that flooded his mind. He was scared for Hinata. Tanaka wondered why the ginger wouldn't come to him because Hinata would always hint--or even flat out say it--that he would always come to Tanaka if someone was messing with him. So why was this different?

Nishinoya didn't even know what to think. To him, Hinata was the only underclassman that really, undoubtedly looked up to him as an upperclassman. Hinata was similar to him in lots of ways, for instance the way they were so genuine and radiated positive energy. With Hinata now being so quiet and distant, it caused Nishinoya to think that he had to be positive enough for the two of them. It felt like he wasn't allowed to openly show his concern for Hinata because he had to comfort the rest of his team by staying positive. It was tiring. He wanted Hinata back.

Yamaguchi was worried about everyone, not just Hinata. The team was constantly surrounded by an air of tension and stress. He found it rather depressing, but he was not like Hinata or Nishinoya. He couldn't say anything to cheer up the team. Yamaguchi knew his words wouldn't reach them. He had to idly stand by and watch his teammates--no, his friends--slowly destroy themselves. And Yamaguchi didn't blame Hinata. Oh god, of course not. Hinata was the one hurting the most, but that still didn't change the fact that everyone was being affected negatively.

Tsukishima may come off as a jerk most of the time, but he did care for his team. Not that he'd admit that to anyone. He saw how much his team needed the light that Hinata constantly radiated. Now that it was taken away from them, they were all left in the dark, blind and cold. So Tsukishima observed Hinata closely, trying to pick out anything that might give away why he had started acting the way he did. But even for someone as keen and intelligent as Tsukishima, the blonde couldn't see anything. All he saw were the telltale signs of exhaustion. Of course, he knew that there was something more. Maybe Hinata was a better liar than they all gave him credit for.

Kageyama didn't know how to react to everything that was going on. Sure, he admitted that he was worried for his partner, but what use is that? Hinata was still hurting and there was nothing that he could do to alleviate some of that pain. Kageyama's tried helping Hinata out, like siding with the ginger when Ukai wanted to pull that latter off the court. He'd argue that Hinata was still okay for a couple for spikes. But it always ended the same way. Hinata was forced off the court. Kageyama would feel the urge to chase after him, knowing what would come next. The screams. The painful, soul cutting screams filled with such distress. They echoed in Kageyama's head every time he closed his eyes. He didn't know what else he could do to help. The team was slowly falling apart and Kageyama was powerless to stop it.

-----

The third sign was the worst one yet.

It scared them all. It made their blood run cold.

It made them question, 'Why?'

On Thursday afternoon, into the second week of Hinata's strange behavior, the ginger was that last to arrive in the club room. But even that had become a usual thing now. There were no more rowdy races between Kageyama and Hinata. So when the tiny middle blocker entered the room, everyone whispered their greetings toward him. Their eyes following Hinata's small frame as he settled in that farthest corner away from everyone.

It was normal.

Hinata would come in late, set his bag down in the farthest corner, and sluggishly undress--practically waiting for everyone else to leave before he completely unclothed himself. This time was just a bit different though. Everyone moved slower than usual in undressing, taking their time. Their eyes glued to Hinata.

The one that was being stared at, flinched under everyone's predatory gaze. Hinata felt uncomfortable. He just wanted to take his bag and run home. The ginger tried going slower in undressing, waiting for his teammates to leave. But they didn't. So with a heavy heart and tears pooling at the corners of golden brown eyes, Hinata stripped himself of his school uniform. He thanked his past self for deciding to wear a long sleeve under his uniform. Hinata rummaged through his bag and pulled out his practice shorts, and quickly slipping them on. He slipped on his outdoor shoes and quietly whispered, "I'll be leaving first then.." With that, Hinata was the first to leave.

Kageyama watched quietly as Hinata squirmed under the heat of the white long sleeved shirt he was wearing. Shimizu had offered the boy some water, and Hinata took it, greedily gulping the contents down. The raven haired teen heard Shimizu speak, "Why don't you change into a tshirt, Hinata?"

The middle blocker flinched, flashing that fake smile again. "I'm okay." Was all he said, before rushing back onto the court to escape any further confrontation.

"Hinata, maybe you should go change." Sugawara tried again, and Kageyama assumed that the third year heard Shimizu's suggestion as well. "We don't want you passing out from overheating your body." He said calmly. Sugawara reached up to lightly place his hand on Hinata's shoulder. But Hinata noticeably flinched backward, eyes wide. Fear underlying the brown hues of Hinata's eyes. Everyone took note of the panic that seemed to flash across the ginger's face, and how Hinata's breath had quickened.

Asahi frowned at the sight. He knew the symptoms well. Beads of sweat began forming on the side of Hinata's temple. The way the first year's eyes crinkled at the corners, wanting to shut them closed but too scared to lose sight of what was in front of him. How Hinata's fists clenched and unclenched. Especially the way the boy's chest heaved up and down, slowly becoming faster and faster with each breath. Asahi tried to voice out his suspicion, but his tongue wouldn't form words. Instead, he watched helplessly as his teammates, coach, advisor, and manager began to crowd the scared baby crow.

But finally seeing Hinata collapse to the ground and curl in on himself was enough to get Asahi moving. He pushed through the others, "Get back." He didn't even recognize his own voice, deep, demanding, calm. Asahi bent down in front of Hinata, about a foot away. "Hinata." He cooed softly, not making any movements to touch the first year. Asahi called the ginger's name again, quieter, so only Hinata could have possibly heard him. Golden brown eyes looked back at him through damp orange locks. Hinata's figure shook, and Asahi could hear his panting becoming more and more strained. "Hinata, you have to breathe, okay?" Asahi made a move this time, ever so slowly reaching out. He froze when Hinata's breath hitched again and the tremors became worse. Still the two did not break eye contact. "I'm not going to do anything, Hinata. I just want to help. And I need you to breath. Can you do that?" By the end of Asahi's sentence, he had successfully managed to place a hand on Hinata's shoulder. Hinata nodded faintly. Asahi took deep breaths, along with Hinata, who was finally calming down from his panic attack. Still, Asahi stared directly into the younger boy's eyes. And after another silent minute, Hinata was breathing normally again. The tremors wracking his small figure had stopped. Now, Hinata just looked exhausted with his half lidded eyes and the way he leaned into Asahi's touch. It was the first time in a long time that they'd seen Hinata willingly accept hand-to-hand contact.

"Nice job, Asahi." Daichi praised with a thin smile. Hinata's eyes were closed and the boys breathing was slow. He was asleep.

Asahi smiled back, lifting Hinata and carrying the first year to the side. Shimizu had pulled off her jacket and folded it for Hinata to sleep on. The giant ace carefully set the ginger down. "I used to have panic attacks a lot as a kid." He whispered, sheepishly.

"I'm sorry." Everyone turned at the sound of Sugawara apologizing. "I triggered it."

"Don't apologize Suga-san." Nishinoya patted the third year setter's back. "It's not like you meant to do it." Sugawara nodded, giving his underclassman a small smile.

"We should change his shirt." Ukai suggested, seeing the way that sweat still stuck to Hinata's skin. "We can't have him overheating." There was a small murmur of agreement.

Tsukishima had returned from the club room, holding one of Hinata's practice shirts in his hand. He handed it to Sugawara. Asahi lifted Hinata's upper body carefully, letting Sugawara easily reach to remove Hinata's long sleeve. But it wasn't long until the ashen haired teen stopped, hands frozen halfway from pulling off the shirt. There before them, was their precious teammate, student, and friend. He was sleeping peacefully after a bad panic attack, but what had made them freeze was the sight of bandages being wrapped around Hinata's torso.

The team held their breaths.

Slowly--and now even more carefully than before--Sugawara pulled the white long sleeve over Hinata's head. The setter froze once more. He faintly heard someone turning away and gagging. He also hear the gasps and sobs that broke past his friend's lips. But Sugawara's mind was completely blank. His honey brown eyes wide, as he scanned Hinata's body.

The ginger's body was skinny, too skinny. The outline of his ribs were peaking through the skin. Hinata's body was no longer the toned one they knew. Bandages were sloppily wrapped around the majority of Hinata's upper body. Sploches of dark red, almost black, looking spots bled through the dirtied bandages, both on Hinata's back and stomach.

Sugawara barely registered Shimizu taking place besides him, a first aid kit at her side. He barely noticed when Asahi's place was taken by Takeda. Nor did he notice when he was lifted to his feet and ushered outside with the rest of the team. "Suga. Suga. Suga!" Sugawara blinked, his eyes focusing on the blur in front of him. It was Daichi, who's eyes were just as wide as his. "Suga, are you okay?" Daichi questioned. It took a moment for the words to process in his head. Just then, Sugawara heard the others. He heard sobbing, probably from Asahi and Yamaguchi. He heard Nishinoya and Tanaka cursing whoever caused those wounds littering Hinata's abdomen. He heard Kageyama and Tsukishima mutually agreeing on plans to kill whoever hurt Shinata. He hear Ennoshita muttering 'no' over and over again, under his breath. He heard Kinoshita and Narita quietly asking themselves, 'why didn't we notice sooner?' He heard Ukai's muffled voice through the closed doors of the second gym, talking to someone on the phone. He heard Takeda's soft but stern instructions guiding Shimizu through thoroughly cleaning Hinata's injuries. "Suga!" Sugawara turned his eyes back to Daichi, who was still staring at him.

"I'm not okay." Sugawara breathed out. "God, I'm not okay." He was pulled into a hug by Daichi. "Who...who would do that? T-to Hinata....of all people..?"

Daichi's voice cracked as he spoke. "I don't know. But we'll find them. We'll turn them in." He said surely. "We'll be there for Hinata now, and help him."

"We're not just going to stand by anymore."

A/n: Continue, or maybe not...?