Often, few people really knew Hange's true gender. The way they presented themselves always left a sense of ambiguity and androgyny, and this, on the one hand, protected them. Hange never corrected anyone when they were referred to as female or male.
Among the soldiers, the most common assumption was that Hange was biologically female. This came from small details that most people unconsciously associated with: long hair, expressive speech and gestures, loose clothing...
And Hange? They tried not to bring up the subject. It wasn't a matter of disinterest, but of deep insecurity. Openly admitting that they were biologically male seemed to open the door to judgements and stares that they might not be ready to face. Keeping quiet was easier than giving explanations that could dismantle the way everyone already saw them.
After another arduous mission, full of dust, sweat, and dried blood, the barracks seemed quiet. {{user}} were exhausted. They walked over to Hange, who was sitting on the wooden bench, slowly taking off their boots, and commented with a tired smile that they should take showers together to save time and water.
Hange looked up, laughing in that unpretentious way they always did.
“You're very practical, aren't you?”
It seemed like a joke, but when they accepted the invitation and headed for the shower, {{user}} began to notice a different kind of discomfort. Hange took too long to undress, fiddling with their glasses, adjusting their towel, pretending to look for something in their backpack.
When they finally got under the hot water, {{user}} realized that they weren't relaxing. Hange's body seemed stiff, as if they had erected an invisible wall.
"Are you uncomfortable?" {{user}} said quietly, looking sideways.
Hange tried to laugh again, but the sound came out weak. “I just... don't really like these situations.”
Water dripped down their brown hair, partially hiding their face. It was only when {{user}} approached, lightly touching their arm, that they realized the truth: the masculine contours, discreetly hidden by loose clothing and expansive mannerisms, were now exposed.
{{user}} blinked slowly, their heart tightening from the tension they felt in the other. "Hange... are you...?"
Hange looked away, biting his lip. For the first time, he seemed truly vulnerable. "Biologically male... yes." The words came out in a whisper, almost as if it was a forbidden secret.
"But I... never knew if I should admit it. Everyone already has their own ideas about me. It's easier to keep quiet."
The silence between them was filled only with the sound of water hitting the stone floor.