**Chapter 3: In the Still of the Night**

The darkness seemed to swallow us whole as Hange led me to the bedroom, but with him by my side, I felt a sense of security that I hadn't felt in a long time. He helped me onto the bed, and I felt the softness of the mattress envelop me. I lay back, feeling the weight of my exhaustion bearing down on me. Hange moved around the room, his footsteps quiet on the floor. I heard the sound of clothes being discarded, and then the soft rustle of sheets as he climbed into bed beside me. He pulled me close, his arms wrapping around me like a warm cocoon. As we lay there, I felt his chest rise and fall with each breath, a soothing rhythm that seemed to lull me into a state of relaxation. I snuggled deeper into his arms, feeling the warmth of his body seep into mine. "Sleep, sweetheart," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "I've got you." I felt my eyelids growing heavy, and I let them drift shut. But even as I began to drift off to sleep, I was aware of Hange's presence around me. I could feel his fingers tracing gentle patterns on my skin, his touch sending shivers down my spine. As I slept, I was vaguely aware of the sound of Hange's breathing, the gentle rustle of the sheets as he shifted positions. It was a comforting sound, one that seemed to anchor me to reality. But as the night wore on, I began to stir. I was aware of a presence in the room, a presence that didn't feel quite right. I sat up with a start, my heart racing. "Hange?" I whispered, my voice trembling. There was no response. I strained my ears, trying to pick up the sound of his breathing, but it was gone. I was alone in the darkness. I threw off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet dangling in the air. I reached out, trying to find Hange's warm body, but he was nowhere to be found. A shiver ran down my spine as I realized that I was alone. I had no idea where Hange had gone, or why he had left me. All I knew was that I was alone, and I was scared.