Morning training finished. Shinji returned to the apartment.
Found ingredients from the fridge. Tied on an apron. Prepared today's bento.
Except for transfer day, he basically hadn't gone to school. Angels attacking one after another kept him overwhelmed.
Originally didn't really want to go today either. But hearing Natsuki-san say every moment of youth was worth cherishing, he decided to go.
"...You're cooking?"
Hearing movement in the living room kitchen, Asuka—wearing pajamas, eyes drowsy—opened her door. Walked out. Looked at Shinji's busy back. Asked.
"Yeah. Breakfast and lunch bento."
Shinji turned back.
"So energetic... don't you find these things troublesome?"
Asuka pulled out a living room chair. Sat down. Laid her head on the table. Turned sideways watching Shinji.
"Not at all."
"I find these things fulfilling."
Shinji skillfully dropped starch-coated meat into the pan. Oil temperature perfectly controlled. Fried aroma drifted out.
Compared to his previous life, current life truly made him feel happy.
After Mother reunited with Father, they even called him to live together. But Shinji considered Mother's current situation needed external secrecy. Didn't move there. Continued staying here. Visited during free time.
"Can you eat all that by yourself?"
Asuka saw Shinji preparing three bento boxes. Asked curiously.
Though recent training made Shinji's build slightly more robust, still belonged to the lean type. Didn't look like he could eat much.
"Not just for me."
Shinji put finished dishes into bento boxes one by one.
"Also for Asuka and Ayanami-san."
Hearing there was also her portion, Asuka's delicate cheeks dyed with a hint of red. Turned her head to the other side. No longer looked at Shinji.
That idiot...
Originally coming to Japan, she prepared to make a big splash. Become NERV's ace as the most excellent pilot. Satisfy her inner pride.
Whatever the matter, she liked competing for first place.
She couldn't accept being weaker than others. Because she was afraid.
Afraid of losing value. Afraid of losing the feeling of being needed. Afraid of being abandoned. Just like Father abandoned Mother... and Mother abandoned herself...
She must become first place. Otherwise... she'd lose the meaning of existence.
She originally thought this way.
But after coming to Japan, after meeting Shinji Ikari, she realized her excellence counted for nothing before him.
This boy possessed power beyond her imagination—even beyond reality. Cheerful personality. Popular. Could understand others' thoughts. Wouldn't abandon teammates. Always stood up when she needed him.
Compared to him, Asuka realized she was just a tsundere, domineering young lady.
Originally, her heart would collapse. She'd doubt her existence's meaning. But this idiot didn't care at all about her clumsiness. Didn't care about the barbed words she said to maintain her dignity.
She fell into self-contradiction.
Obviously she'd be severely hit by his excellence. But now... she instead felt a sense of security from his excessive excellence.
That time... beneath deep water. In the dark abyss about to be swallowed by the Sixth Angel. In the most desperate moment. He gave her absolute security.
Her heart was complicated.
On one hand, hated Shinji because of his excellence. On the other hand, liked Shinji because of his excellence.
Every EVA pilot had various psychological problems. But none of them wanted to be this way. Just that no one could bring them salvation all along.
Now, a light saved the boy. And the boy also emitting light under light's guidance would bring them salvation too.
"Idiot Shinji..."
Asuka still faced away from Shinji. Looked at the blue sky outside the window.
Just prepare bento for me alone... why do you have to prepare another portion...
Girls this age always had various thoughts.
"We're heading out."
After eating breakfast and cleaning up, Asuka dragged Shinji to the entrance. Told Misato—who woke slightly later than them—in the living room.
"Alright. Be careful on the road."
Misato took out a beer can from the fridge. Responded.
The two wearing school uniforms walked from the apartment to the station. Boarded a bus with only the driver. Finally arrived at school.
The school once full of vitality and youthful atmosphere now exceptionally desolate. School gate almost no figures visible. Playground not a single person.
Entered Class 2-A.
"Good morning, Shinji."
"Morning."
Simply greeted classmates in the class. Sat in his seat.
Looked around the classroom.
Watched this class originally with over forty people, now only ten-some remaining.
"Must resolve all this. Protect everyone."
Shinji's hand on the desk clenched into a fist. Determined.
From this small classroom, could also deduce what the current world was like.
"Idiot. We just need to do our own jobs well."
"How others are, we can't even care about."
Coming to get her bento, Asuka heard his words. Comforted Shinji in her own way.
This guy already did so much. Still thinking about doing even more.
"No. Not just our jobs."
"My dream is to protect others' dreams."
"Of course, that includes Asuka's dream too."
Shinji said firmly.
I won't disappoint Natsuki-san's expectations of me. He said in his heart.
"...Hmph. Really an idiot."
"Idiot Shinji."
Asuka's gaze toward him somewhat evasive. Holding the bento, quickly returned to her seat.
Then, in Asuka's pursed-lips squinting expression—
Shinji left his seat again. Placed the last bento on Rei's desk.
Watched the gentle smile on Rei's face.
"SNAP!"
The pen Asuka just pulled from her bag instantly broke.
"That idiot..."
She said through gritted teeth.
"Hmph!"
She turned back. No longer paid attention to that side.
She decided. She wouldn't speak a single word to that idiot all day today.
One day... mm... half a day!
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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