**Chapter 1: Beneath the Shield of Love**

I lay quietly, my small body nestled beneath Hange's worn shirt, the soft fabric a comforting barrier against the overwhelming sensory assaults of the world outside. The gentle hum of the artificial placenta attached to my feeding tube was a soothing white noise, a constant reminder of the medical marvel that kept me alive, a testament to my fragile existence. As a premature baby, I had been gifted this second chance at life, but it came with its own set of challenges – severe autism spectrum disorder, hypersensitivity to every sound, sight, and touch, and the loss of sight in both eyes, hidden behind bandages to protect them from the harsh lights that threatened to overwhelm me. My face, a map of scars, was a reminder of the abuse I had suffered at the hands of my father, a painful past that I kept hidden behind a mask, except for Hange, my beloved boyfriend, the Dragon Emperor, and Yakuza Prince. He was the only one who had ever seen the real me, the only one who had ever made me feel safe enough to reveal my disfigured face. As I breathed in, the scent of Hange's sweat and cologne enveloped me, a potent mix that usually made my heart skip a beat. But today, it was the anxiety that gnawed at my gut, a familiar dread that had become a constant companion. I was scared, so scared of being alone, of being abandoned like my father had abandoned me when I was just a baby. The memory of his departure still lingered, a raw wound that Hange's love had not yet fully healed. Hange's hand moved, his fingers gently stroking my hair, and I let out a soft sigh, my body relaxing into his touch. He was the captain of the football team, a popular and powerful figure in school, and his status came with its own set of challenges. There were always security guards around him, a necessary precaution to keep me safe from the prying eyes and wagging tongues of our classmates. I shifted slightly, the artificial placenta and feeding tube shifting with me, a reminder of my dependence on technology to survive. Hange's shirt was my shield, my protection from the world outside, and I clung to it, desperate to stay hidden, to stay safe. As I peeked out from beneath the shirt, I caught a glimpse of Hange's profile, his strong jawline and piercing eyes a sight that usually made my heart flutter. But today, I was too anxious, too scared of what the day might bring. "Good morning, Kobu," he whispered, using the nickname he had given me, a term of endearment that only he used. I smiled, a small, tentative smile, and Hange's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled back. His hand moved, his fingers tracing the contours of my face, a gentle touch that sent shivers down my spine. "Are you ready for today?" he asked, his voice low and soothing. I hesitated, my heart racing with anxiety. I didn't know if I was ready, if I could face whatever challenges lay ahead. But with Hange by my side, I felt a sense of courage, a sense of determination. I nodded, a small, almost imperceptible movement, and Hange's smile grew wider. "I'll always be here for you, Kobu," he whispered, his breath warm against my skin. "You're not alone." And in that moment, I knew that as long as Hange was by my side, I could face anything, no matter how daunting, no matter how scary.