**Chapter 4: Awakening**

As I slowly emerged from the haze of anesthesia, I was greeted by the warm glow of the infirmary lights. They seemed less intense now, and I could finally focus on the face hovering above me. Hange's eyes, red-rimmed from lack of sleep, locked onto mine, and a gentle smile spread across his face. His grip on my hand remained firm, a constant reminder of his presence. "Hey," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Welcome back." I tried to respond, but my voice was hoarse and barely above a whisper. Hange quickly handed me a cup of water, and I took a sip, feeling the cool liquid soothe my parched throat. "How...how long?" I managed to croak. Dr. Kyuin, standing on the other side of Hange, smiled reassuringly. "You've been in surgery for about six hours. We've been monitoring your progress, and so far, everything looks good." I nodded, trying to process the information. Six hours. It felt like an eternity. Hange's eyes never left mine, and I could sense the depth of his concern. "You did great," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "The doctors say you've got a long road to recovery ahead of you, but...we'll get through this together." I smiled weakly, feeling a surge of gratitude towards him. He had been by my side throughout the entire ordeal, holding my hand and offering words of encouragement. As I looked around the infirmary, I noticed the various machines beeping and whirring around me. I was connected to a ventilator, and my heart rate was being monitored. I felt a sense of unease, but Hange's presence was calming. Dr. Kyuin began to explain my condition, detailing the extent of the damage to my spinal cord and the road to recovery ahead. Hange listened intently, his expression a mixture of concern and determination. As the doctor finished her explanation, Hange leaned in closer, his face inches from mine. "You're going to be okay," he whispered, his breath warm against my skin. "I'll take care of you, make sure you get better." I smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. With Hange by my side, I knew I could face whatever challenges lay ahead. The machines surrounding me continued to beep and whir, but I felt a sense of hope that I hadn't felt in a long time. I was going to get better, and Hange would be there to support me every step of the way. As I drifted off to sleep, I was aware of Hange's presence, his hand still grasping mine. I knew that I was in good hands, and that together, we would overcome anything. The darkness closed in around me once again, but this time, it was a comforting darkness, filled with the promise of recovery and a future with Hange by my side.