Chapter 116 148: Rei Ayanami’s Home.

"Eh? Misato-san isn't eating dinner? Going to bed so early—is she not feeling well?"

Not long after, Rei Ayanami and Asuka returned, sitting down for dinner as usual, only to find someone missing.

Shinji stared at her with a peculiar look, thinking to himself that this was quite a hassle. He had just gotten things settled with Asuka, and now Katsuragi Misato was having a meltdown. Was this the price one had to pay for pursuing a better life?

"Uh, you-you-you, what are you looking at me for?"

"Nothing. She's just thinking through some problems. It won't take long for her to figure it out."

Shinji lowered his head to eat, confident in that fact.

Misato was, at the very least, an adult. Regardless of how she felt now, she would be back to normal by tomorrow. Adults knew how to practice empathy and regulate their emotions. Misato would soon realize that she couldn't stop him and would understand the logic in his words.

Even if she chose to be selfish, she wouldn't cause trouble; instead, she would work even harder to improve his survival rate.

"As for a little girl like you, you probably won't figure it out."

"Ha? Who's a little girl? What kind of inexplicable nonsense are you spouting?"

Shinji ignored her. He glanced at Rei, whose expression had shifted slightly, and suddenly realized why he didn't let these two know too much.

Their concern would be far more intense. If it were Rei, for example, she would genuinely dare to self-destruct the Doors of Guf just to keep him by her side, which would only make things worse.

"Day off tomorrow?"

Shinji skillfully changed the subject.

"Yeah, there's going to be a New Year's fireworks festival at Mt. Futago tomorrow, so we have the day off."

Asuka became excited at the mention, waving her hands. "I've already planned to head out at noon with the Class Rep and the others. You aren't going to the Headquarters again, are you?"

"I have some business with Dr. Akagi, but I'll be able to make it by the evening."

Shinji saw Asuka's expression dim for a moment before it cleared away.

"That's fine, that's fine. Come early, okay? I'll definitely have plenty of people hitting on me, so don't come crying if you're late."

"Using reverse psychology?"

"Who's playing reverse psychology with you? I'm serious. If I find a boyfriend by then, you'll have nowhere to cry."

Asuka wrinkled her nose, but Shinji just gave a light hum and ignored her.

'Becoming a couple requires mutual affection. You said it in Low Gothic(German) several times—did you really think I didn't hear you?'

"Um, Ikari-kun, have you prepared your clothes?"

Before Asuka could fly into a rage, Rei suddenly spoke up, smoothly diverting the conversation once again.

"Clothes? What clothes?"

"Obviously for the New Year's festival! Damn it, I didn't even think about that."

Asuka slapped her forehead, looking as if she couldn't bear to watch.

She suddenly realized Shinji was the most monotonously dressed person around. Even Rei, who had stuck to her school uniform for an eternity, had become more varied in her choices under everyone's influence. Right now, she was wearing a light-colored T-shirt and denim shorts that hit right at the hip, completely exposing her straight, snow-white legs.

'To be honest, this stupid doll is even paler than me, and her legs seem longer... no, no, obviously mine are longer.'

Asuka shook her head, pointing at Shinji. "Why do you wear the same thing all day, every day? Exactly how many sets of school uniforms did you buy?"

Shinji looked at himself. He had worn a white short-sleeved shirt and black trousers for as long as he could remember. But he was used to it; during his service, he'd only had a suit of power armor and a simple tunic.

"Ten sets. Is there a problem?"

"The problem is massive, okay? You're always talking about how monotonous Rei's clothes are, but she's changed. Why can't you?"

"I'm used to it."

"Can't you change a habit?"

"No. It's too much trouble. Simplicity is also proof of loyalty."

Asuka was nearly gasping for air, infuriated by this stubborn, hard-headed idiot. She wanted nothing more than to drag him to a clothing store right now and properly outfit him in vibrant clothes—it was a total waste of a perfectly decent face.

Just as she was about to lash out, Rei gave her a light kick, and she collected herself.

'Trying to convince this stubborn jerk is a delusion. I have to use my brain.'

"Ahem, Shinji, tell me—what is the New Year's festival?"

"A ritual to wish for a better life in the future."

Shinji answered seriously.

"You Astartes set a lot of store by rituals, right?"

"Hmm, yes. But our rituals are a bit different from the New Year's festival; they are more focused on..."

"Stop, stop. If you value them, then you've got it right."

Asuka quickly raised a hand to stop him; otherwise, this story would drag on until bedtime. "Since you value it, shouldn't you show some respect for the New Year's festival? I heard that when men in Japan attend such rituals, they need to wear formal attire."

"Formal attire?"

"The most magnificent, ritualistic outfit there is! Just like ours."

Asuka gestured, obviously referring to a yukata, but she saw Shinji fall into deep thought.

'The most magnificent, ritualistic outfit?'

"Alright, I understand."

"That's more like it."

Asuka smiled at first, then thought of something and hurriedly asked, "How do you intend to execute this idea?"

"I'm planning to contact the Logistics Department to make a lightweight version that serves only as decoration. Consider your wish granted."

Shinji sketched a few strokes, producing a rough draft, and handed the drawing—which could be called exquisite—to Asuka. Rei leaned over to look as well.

It was a suit of towering power armor, painted crimson, adorned with various decorations, and featuring a laurel wreath on the helmet.

The Imperial Aquila on the chest and the Blood Raven insignia on the shoulder plates left no doubt as to its solemnity and loyalty.

'As expected. I never should have had any expectations for this idiot.'

"How is it? Considering body proportions, this is the smallest size I can accept. It is absolutely magnificent and solemn. In such an important setting, we will become the focus of everyone's attention."

Shinji's tone was filled with excitement.

'Yeah, and then we'll both be stared at like monkeys, and we won't be able to do anything else.'

"Rejected. Just wear those clothes you have on. I don't want to suffer any psychic damage."

"Are you dissatisfied with my aesthetics?"

Shinji was a bit surprised. This design was proof of how much he valued the occasion.

"Duh! Any Earthling would be dissatisfied!"

"Terra is also Earth. Why would they be dissatisfied?"

The two began their daily bickering. Rei, however, took a long look at Shinji. The excitement on the youth's face had been etched into her mind, and she quietly tucked the drawing away.

No one noticed her small action. After eating, the two who had been arguing resumed their usual state. A few days later, an unconvinced Asuka was still pestering Shinji for a one-on-one duel. Rei sat on the side, quietly watching them play "Old Maid." Before long, Asuka's face was once again covered in paper strips.

'You cheated! This isn't scientific! How could you possibly have such good luck?'

The girl protested. The youth cast a look of disdain that clearly said, "You are truly foolish." Rei didn't even need to imagine the ensuing plot: someone, frustrated by her own incompetence, would immediately enter "pick on the soft target" mode and insist on playing another round.

Rei didn't have such great luck, and she didn't have superpowers for playing cards, so she soon ended up in a stalemate with Asuka. Those slightly sharp, triumphant laughs returned.

"Hahaha! I won! See, it's not that mysterious after all!"

"But you only won one more time. If we keep going, I can win it back."

"A win is a win! I'll leave your chance for revenge until tomorrow. It's getting late, hurry back to bed. I'm going to go take a bath."

Asuka stretched, looked at Shinji as he stood up, and narrowed her eyes, emphasizing: "Our doors are right next to each other. Delivering her back must not take more than two minutes. Remember—only two minutes!"

No one rebelled against her overbearing style. It was just like the card games; if she kept losing, she'd change the rules in a couple of days. As they spent more time together, this had become their daily routine. They spent almost every day like this.

Arguing, making up, "German learning"... it was an infinite loop. Under Shinji's deliberate "indulgence," the part played by the Angels was rapidly decreasing. Just like now, all Rei was thinking about was how to handle "German learning" tomorrow, rather than those deeper, darker futures.

Her own origins, the evolution of humanity—these things seemed to drift further away amidst the noise, and if she wasn't careful, she would lose sight of them entirely.

Opening the door, the night wind blew. Rei finally managed to struggle out of Asuka's spiral and turned slightly to look to her right. The entire Tokyo-3 was shrouded in the night, but the brilliant lights made one forget it was darkness.

"What's wrong? Something on your mind?"

"No. Back in the old city, the night was pitch black. I suddenly realized that humanity created electric lights just to use their radiance to dispel the fear of the night, making people forget they are standing in a darkness where they cannot see their own fingers."

The night wind stirred the girl's icy-blue, slightly wavy hair, and her fair face held a philosophical air.

Shinji turned his head to look at the city lights. Rei was like this occasionally—always able to say something quite profound, just like that time she said, "Dreams are the continuation of reality; reality is the end of dreams." Even he had to think carefully about such things.

"Are you saying my existence dispelled the darkness, placing you in the light, to the point where you don't even care to think about those terrifying things?"

"Isn't that true?"

"Of course. It is my honor."

Shinji bowed his head with grace, enough to make Asuka lose her composure if she were there. He slowly raised his hand, feeling the texture of the icy-blue hair strands brushing through his fingers. Rei narrowed her eyes, quiet as a kitten enjoying being petted.

"No need for thanks. You only need to look at the light before you. As for what hides in the places the light cannot reach, leave the thinking and the resolving to me."

"Mm. Every time Ikari-kun says these things, I feel very secure—as if I've abandoned all thought and become a fool."

Rei kept her eyes narrowed. The beautiful atmosphere was building, but it was quickly dissipated by a "Time is running out!" from next door.

"Ikari-kun, take me to see Dr. Akagi another day. I definitely need to ask her for a favor."

"You want her to help you research that 'drowsy tea' again? Forget it. I'll handle Asuka's problem as soon as possible. She'll be able to let go of her mental knots soon."

Shinji returned to his door and waved his hand. "Get some rest. See you tomorrow."

Bang.

The door closed. Rei stood at the entrance for a long time before muttering, "If you untie her knots, I'm the one who's going to be in trouble."

But that "See you tomorrow" left her in a great mood. Tomorrow was the New Year's festival; there would surely be many happy memories. The sense of anticipation instantly washed away her hostility.

She opened her own door. What met her eyes was a neat room, incomparable to the "dog kennel" she'd lived in in the old city.

Refreshing decorations, a few lush green plants, and a group photo of the band on the wall, with Rei standing in the middle, wearing a subtle smile.

She took a glance, changed her shoes, and walked in. The half-open wardrobe by the wall was filled with colorful dresses—all bought with the help of her friends, a large portion of which Asuka had chosen for her.

That girl was overbearing, but one had to admit her taste was good, and she had taught her many things.

'Forget it. I'll let you off this time.'

Rei hummed softly and opened the refrigerator. It was filled with food and drinks—a countless improvement over the old days of only water and medicine, when not even a single cup could be found in the house.

She grabbed a carton of milk and downed it. She touched her chest and muttered, "The Class Rep said if I drink more milk, I'll grow bigger. Why isn't there any reaction? Asuka uses this for her 'learning' every time."

Rei seemed quite concerned about this. A moment later, she sighed, grabbed the remote, and pressed a button. Beautiful singing filled the room. This sound system was a gift from Ibuki Maya. After using it a few times, she had gotten used to it; it made her mood much brighter.

She walked into the bedroom, stepping in rhythm. The bed was made neatly, and a cat plushie sat by the pillow. Seeing it, Rei's eyes softened until they seemed ready to drip water.

She stroked the yukata hanging on the wall and opened the first drawer of her nightstand. Inside was an array of various items.

At the very top were many candid photos of Shinji—some lost in thought, some angry, some indifferent. Beside the photos were all sorts of small trinkets.

White stockings, the black trousers he'd worn, hand-drawn sketches, his room key, the Blood Raven banner she'd taken from the school festival, and even some plastic bags—the food packaging from the first time he'd shared his snacks with her during their first date. There were also various books, all without exception marked by someone with the words: "XX Corruption, Reading Forbidden."

These miscellaneous items contained every memory, yet the only thing missing was the original eyeglass case.

Some things had already been overwritten; that man had even been deleted from her memory. Rei smiled when she saw these things, then took out the drawing she'd just received and placed it gently on top.

[The bathwater is ready, the bathwater is ready. Hurry and take a bath. Staying up late is the enemy of beauty.]

The electronic voice interrupted her. This was the smart system Chiharu had helped her set up.

It was very convenient—so convenient that she had never imagined a place to sleep could be this comfortable, subverting her initial common sense.

"But this is what's right. This is the life a human should have."

Rei carefully closed the drawer. This was her deepest-hidden secret. Because the only person who knew the situation—the Class Rep—had told her that this was stalker-like behavior and would make people hate her, she considered this drawer more important than the room in the Terminal Dogma.

She took off her clothes one by one, placing them neatly to the side. Her snow-white skin was fully exposed to the air. Rei picked up her towel, walked a few steps, then turned back, pounced naked onto the bed, and kissed the cat plushie. Only then, feeling satisfied, did she go to take her bath.

"Mm. See you tomorrow."

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