Chapter 2: A New Day, A New Adventure

The warmth of Hange's hug lingered on my skin as he carefully got out of bed, lifting me into his arms. I snuggled into his chest, feeling the familiar beat of his heart against my ear. He walked over to the window and pulled back the curtains, letting in a flood of sunlight that I could only imagine. The sounds of the city outside grew louder, a cacophony of car horns, chatter, and construction. "Today's going to be a great day," Hange said, his voice full of enthusiasm. I could sense the excitement in his voice, and it was infectious. I smiled, feeling a sense of anticipation build within me. As he set me down on the bed, I heard the rustle of clothes being pulled out of the closet. Hange was getting ready for the day, and I knew that meant I had to get dressed too. He helped me into a simple but comfortable outfit, making sure I was clean and presentable. I heard the sound of the shower turning on, and Hange's voice called out to me. "Come on, my little one. Let's get you cleaned up." He scooped me up and carried me into the bathroom, where the warm water and soothing sounds of the shower awaited. The sensation of the water on my skin was calming, and Hange's gentle hands washing my hair and body made me feel relaxed. I leaned into his touch, enjoying the sensation of being cared for. As we finished up, Hange wrapped me in a warm towel and carried me back to the bedroom. I heard the sound of a tray being set down on the bedside table, and the delicious aroma of breakfast wafted up to me. "Eat up, my little one," Hange said, feeding me small bites of food. I savored each morsel, enjoying the taste and texture of the meal. As we finished breakfast, Hange's phone rang. He answered it, exchanging a few words with whoever was on the other end. I recognized the voice of Laphicet, one of Hange's business associates. Hange listened for a moment before responding. "Yes, I'll be there. And I'll bring...my guest." He hung up the phone and turned to me. "It seems we have an appointment, my little one. Are you ready to meet some new people?" I hesitated, unsure of what to expect. But with Hange by my side, I felt a sense of courage. I nodded, or at least, I tried to. Hange smiled and kissed my forehead. "Don't worry, I'll be right there with you," he said. "We'll face whatever comes next, together."