"An Unexpected Encounter"
Part 2
As I turned my head to locate the speaker, my ears perked up, and I could sense the vibrations of his voice through the air molecules around me. I could feel the intensity of his gaze on me, and my skin prickled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. My fingers tightened around the armrests of my wheelchair, and I took a deep breath, trying to prepare myself for what was to come. The flight attendant's voice trembled slightly as she explained the situation to Prince Hange. "I apologize, Your Highness, but we've had to move this passenger to a different seat. His original seat in first class was... ah... specially designed for his sensory needs." I could sense her nervousness, and I wondered what Prince Hange's reputation was like, beyond the stories I had heard. Prince Hange's eyes narrowed as he looked at me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. But to my surprise, he didn't seem angry or dismissive. Instead, he looked... intrigued. He took a step closer to me, his movements fluid and controlled, like a predator stalking its prey. "I see," he said, his voice low and smooth. "And what are your sensory needs, young man?" I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal to this stranger, but there was something about Prince Hange's gentle tone that put me at ease. I took a deep breath and explained my autism and blindness, trying to convey the complexity of my experiences. As I spoke, I could sense Prince Hange's interest growing. He nodded thoughtfully, his eyes never leaving mine, and I felt a sense of wonder at the way he seemed to be truly listening to me. "I think I can help," he said, turning to the flight attendant. "I'll give up my seat in first class. He can take my place." The flight attendant looked stunned. "But, Your Highness, I don't think that's possible..." Prince Hange raised a hand, and she fell silent. "I'm sure it's possible," he said, his voice firm but polite. "I'll take the seat in economy. Arrange for this young man to have my seat in first class." As the flight attendant scurried off to make the arrangements, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Part of me was grateful to Prince Hange for his kindness, but another part of me was wary. Who was this man, really? And what did he want in return for his help? I thought back to the stories I had heard about Prince Hange, about his role as the leader of the Yakuza and the Elder Dragon King. I wondered if there was more to him than met the eye. As I was wheeled into my new seat in first class, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. The adjustable lighting and noise-cancelling headphones were a welcome relief, and I settled in, feeling a sense of comfort and security wash over me. I glanced over to see Prince Hange settling into the economy seat, his eyes locked on mine. He smiled, a small, enigmatic smile, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. The plane took off, and as we soared into the skies, I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. What had I gotten myself into, and what would be the consequences of Prince Hange's kindness? I thought about my Obachan, and how she always told me that kindness and generosity can come with a price. I wondered if I would have to pay that price, and what it would mean for my journey. As the flight attendants began to serve the drinks, Prince Hange caught my eye again, and I felt a sense of trepidation. What did he want from me, really? And why had he chosen to help me in such a selfless way? I decided to observe him, to see if I could learn more about him. I focused on the sounds around me, trying to pick up any clues that might reveal his intentions. The flight attendants chatted and laughed as they served the drinks, but I tuned them out, focusing on Prince Hange. He seemed to be watching me still, his eyes narrowed in thought. I felt a sense of unease, but also a sense of curiosity. Who was this man, and what did he want from me? I was determined to find out.