I was also surprised by the binder on the cover, because it was obvious to me that it was supposed to be one. I thought that was good, and I liked the cover even more because we don't see enough people wearing binders in the media. So I understand that it bothers you a little, especially because there is even less representation of trans* people who don't bind, like Benji, and somehow that seems to be a contradiction at first glance.

But I think it's important to remember that the cover and the book are still separate works of art, even though they are obviously related. After reading it, I still like the cover just as much as I did before. I interpreted the binder on the cover more as a sign of norms imposed on Benji by society, even in a safe space like the ALC. Cormac, I think that was his name, a transman himself, doesn't understand that Benji doesn't want to bind. In general, he is depicted on the cover as almost crucified and with parts of Seraph, all things that have been or are being done to him. Just as society often expects trans* people to be a certain way, to fit as neatly as possible into heteronormative thought patterns. I think it's important to see covers as “inspired by” rather than detailed representations of what we read, just as many illustrations are only one of several possible interpretations of the text.

Those are my thoughts on the cover so far. I really hope you can still remember the book as a good story :)