**Chapter 2: The Calm Before the Storm**

As Hange continued walking, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. We were almost at our lockers, and I couldn't wait to get to our first class. I had a lot of therapy sessions scheduled for the day, and I was dreading them. The thought of being in a crowded room with all those people, even with Hange by my side, made me anxious. But for now, I was safe in Hange's arms. I could smell the fabric softener he used on his clothes, and it was like a warm hug for my senses. I inhaled deeply, feeling my tension ease. As we approached our lockers, I heard the sound of lockers slamming and students laughing. Hange guided me through the chaos, his hand on my shoulder reassuring me that everything was okay. "Okay, baby, we're here," he said, opening the locker and pulling out my books for our first class. "I've got everything we need. Let's get you settled in." I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Hange. He was always so careful with me, always making sure I was comfortable and safe. I was lucky to have him. As he helped me get my books and supplies, I heard a group of students approaching. I tensed, my heart racing as I recognized the sound of their footsteps. It was a group of popular girls from school, and they were notorious for being mean-spirited. Hange sensed my tension and pulled me closer. "Don't worry, baby," he whispered. "I've got you. They're not going to bother you." But I knew better. These girls had a history of bullying students like me, students with disabilities or differences. I had seen them mock and tease others, and I knew they wouldn't hesitate to do the same to me. The girls approached, their high heels clicking on the floor. "Well, well, well, look what we have here," one of them sneered. "The famous Dragon Emperor and his...pet." Hange's grip on my shoulder tightened, and I could feel his anger radiating towards them. "Leave us alone," he growled. But the girls just laughed, their voices shrill and mocking. "Oh, come on, Hange," one of them said. "We just want to see the little freak's face." My heart sank, and I felt a wave of fear wash over me. I didn't like being stared at, didn't like being the center of attention. And these girls were making it worse, their words cutting deep. Hange's security guards stepped forward, their faces stern. "I think it's time for you girls to leave," one of them said. The girls snickered and walked away, but not before one of them whispered, "We'll be watching you, freak." I shuddered, feeling a chill run down my spine. Hange pulled me closer, his arms wrapping around me like a shield. "It's okay, baby," he whispered. "I'm here. I won't let anything happen to you." I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. With Hange by my side, I knew I could face anything. But as we walked into our first class, I couldn't shake off the feeling that today was going to be a lot harder than I had anticipated.