The locker room was quiet, heavy with disappointment, as Kuroo silently slipped out. The sounds of his teammates' voices faded behind him, but the weight of the loss hung stubbornly in the air, clinging to his shoulders. He rubbed a hand over his neck, exhaling slowly as he scanned the crowd just outside.

And then he saw you. You were standing a few paces away, waiting patiently, your eyes meeting his the moment he stepped out. Kuroo's face softened, and he felt a mixture of relief and vulnerability flood over him. He tried to flash his usual smirk, but it was half-hearted at best.