**Chapter 1: Fractured Identity**

I whimpered softly, my body trembling beneath the worn, fabric suit that hung loosely from my frail frame. My fingers clutched at the mask that covered my face, a habitual gesture that brought me a fleeting sense of comfort. The world around me was a cacophony of sounds, a never-ending assault on my sensitive ears. Every creak of the wooden floor, every murmur of the Survey Corps members, sent shivers down my spine. As I stood there, frozen in anxiety, I couldn't help but think of Hange, my beloved boyfriend and section commander. He was the only one who truly understood me, the only one who saw beyond the mask that hid my disfigured face. My heart ached with love and gratitude for him, and I felt a pang of fear at the thought of being separated from him. The memories of my past flooded my mind, and I felt a wave of sadness wash over me. My father had abandoned me when I was just a baby, leaving me with a deep-seated fear of being alone. The pain of his rejection still lingered, a raw wound that refused to heal. I was diagnosed with severe autism spectrum disorder, which made everyday interactions a daunting task. The world was too bright, too loud, and too overwhelming. My blindness wasn't just physical; it was a sensory blindness, a desperate attempt to shut out the world that seemed to conspire against me. I felt like a newborn baby, mentally and emotionally, unable to cope with the complexities of the world. Hange's voice cut through the chaos, a gentle whisper that soothed my frazzled nerves. "Hey, little one, it's okay. I'm here." He wrapped a reassuring arm around my shoulders, and I leaned into his touch, craving the comfort it brought. But even Hange's presence couldn't shield me from the cruel taunts of the other Survey Corps members. They loved to tease me, to mock my quirks and my disability. They didn't understand me, and they didn't care to. I felt a lump form in my throat as I recalled their hurtful words, their jeers and snickers. And then, disaster struck. One of the bullies, a burly man with a cruel grin, reached out and ripped my mask off. I whimpered, my body shuddering as I felt the cool air on my disfigured face. I tried to cover myself, to hide from the world, but it was too late. The world seemed to slow down as I felt Hange's eyes on me, his gaze burning with anger and compassion. He strode forward, his movements swift and deadly, and grabbed the bullies by the throat. "How dare you bully my little boy," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "Do you have any idea what he's gone through?" I felt a wave of shame wash over me, mixed with a deep-seated fear. I was exposed, vulnerable, and completely at the mercy of the world. My sensory overload intensified, and I started to feel sick. A high fever raged through my body, leaving me weak and trembling. Hange's face appeared before me, his eyes filled with concern. "We need to get you out of here," he whispered, scooping me into his arms. "Your condition is getting worse. I have no choice but to retire you early from the Survey Corps." I nodded, my body wracked with sobs. I knew I couldn't keep going on like this. The world was too much for me, and I needed Hange's protection, his love, and his care. As we walked away from the chaos, I knew that my life was about to change forever. But I also knew that I had Hange by my side, and that gave me the strength to face whatever came next.