**Chapter 3: A Fragile Peace**

The hours ticked by at a glacial pace, each one stretching out like an eternity as I lay in bed, my ears straining to hear the sound of Hange's return. I had drifted off into a fitful sleep, only to be jolted awake by the slightest creak of the floorboards or the soft rustle of the curtains. My mind was on high alert, waiting for the sound of his footsteps, the rustle of his clothes, or the gentle knock on the door that would signal his return. As the darkness outside began to recede, and the first hints of dawn crept into the room, I finally heard the sound I had been waiting for – the soft creak of the door, followed by the gentle thud of Hange's footsteps on the floor. My heart swelled with relief as I saw him standing in the doorway, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep, but a small smile playing on his lips as he took in the sight of me, lying in bed, looking more relaxed than I had in hours. "Hey," he said, his voice low and husky, as he moved towards me, a steaming cup of coffee in one hand, and a small plate of toast in the other. I smiled, feeling a surge of love for him, as he set the cup and plate down on the bedside table, and climbed into bed beside me. He pulled me into his arms, and I felt a sense of completion, like I was finally home. As we sipped our coffee, and nibbled on the toast, I realized that the storm outside had passed, leaving behind a fragile peace, one that was both calming and unsettling. The world outside seemed to have moved on, oblivious to the turmoil that had ravaged my heart just hours before. But as I looked at Hange, I knew that the peace was fragile, that it could shatter at any moment, and we would be back to facing whatever challenges lay ahead. I glanced at him, and saw that he was watching me, his eyes searching mine, as if he could see the turmoil brewing inside me. "What are you thinking?" he asked, his voice low, his fingers intertwining with mine. I hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the fears and doubts that were swirling inside me. But as I looked into his eyes, I knew that I had to try. "I was thinking," I said, my voice barely above a whisper, "that we're not out of the woods yet. That there are still challenges ahead, and I'm scared." Hange's expression softened, and he pulled me closer, his chest a warm, solid presence against my side. "I know," he said, his voice gentle. "But we'll face them together, okay? We'll take it one step at a time, and we'll get through it, as long as we have each other." As he spoke, I felt a sense of determination rising up inside me, a sense of purpose that I hadn't felt in hours. I knew that with Hange by my side, I could face anything, that together, we could overcome even the most daunting challenges. And as we lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, I knew that the fragile peace would hold, at least for now, and that we would face whatever tomorrow brought, together, and unafraid.