Chapter 92 124: Just Jump Off the Building!

Since when was she here? Has she undergone special training from the Security Department?

Asuka's mouth twitched. She had a sudden, illusory feeling that her secrets had been seen through and could never be hidden again. Her eyes darted around, deciding that she absolutely could not lose in terms of momentum.

"What are you doing following me all stealthily? When did you get here?"

"From the moment you left the classroom."

'Huh? From the classroom? Are you a ghost?'

Asuka's eyes widened, her brain working at full capacity to find a way to counter-attack, only to hear Rei Ayanami add another silent blow.

"And, you were the one who stole a march."

'Stole? Me?!'

Her first reaction was indignation. How could anything this young lady does be called "stealing"? But Asuka, at the very least, possessed a sense of shame. Deep down, she had to admit that it was exactly because she had overheard their conversation that she gritted her teeth and rushed out, inviting Shinji regardless of face.

Stare—

Under the scrutiny of those crimson eyes, Asuka turned her head away and scratched her cheek.

"You damn love rival (German)."

"Ah?"

"I said, that—that's because as a Disciplinary Committee member, I am naturally burdened with the responsibility to interfere in all impure relationships!"

"Right, right. Your 'interference' involves seizing the initiative and plagiarizing ideas."

"Nonsense! I was making plans as early as last night!"

Asuka grew frantic, but as the words left her mouth, she immediately choked them back and looked quickly behind her.

Shinji had somehow obtained a cup of tea and was sitting there slowly savoring it, while simultaneously providing critiques to the members of the Handicraft Club. The group of people frantically taking notes made the scene look somewhat like a theater.

'Safe, safe. This idiot isn't a normal person.'

Asuka breathed a sigh of relief, then looked back at Rei. She had heard her—Rei was looking at her with narrowed eyes, an expression that made Asuka very displeased. She thrust her chest out.

'This lady likes this guy a little, and I made a plan. What are you going to do about it? If you push me too far, I'll clear everything up today. With that guy's personality, he definitely won't choose anyone.

We'll all be losers together!'

Throwing a tantrum was her ultimate move, but unfortunately, Rei Ayanami didn't give her the chance to unleash her "Ultimate." She asked coldly:

"Done being stubborn? When are you planning to jump?"

"Huh? Jump what?"

"You told me that if you liked Ikari-kun, you will jump off the building."

Rei Ayanami produced a notebook from somewhere and flipped to a certain page. "You said it twice in total. The first time was on the school building rooftop, the second time was at home. I've recorded them precisely down to the hour. Ikari-kun follows the vow of keeping one's word; choose a place to jump."

Cold sweat instantly broke out on Asuka's forehead. If anyone else said such a thing, it would be taken as a joke, but the seriousness in those red eyes made her shudder.

'This isn't an earthling. She really will make me jump. No, wait, I was just joking!

Seek help? The one behind me isn't an earthling either. He's all about vows and loyalty; he probably won't stop her.'

An image flashed through her mind: she would be standing pitifully on the edge of the rooftop, flanked by a triumphant Rei and a regretful-looking Shinji who would be saying something like, 'To die for a vow is a worthy death. Go in peace; I will take good care of Unit-02.'

'No, no, no.

If I'm stubborn it's no good, but if I'm not, my life is in danger?'

Her brain overloaded to the point her eyes looked like Rinnegan. Rei took a step forward and grabbed her hand. Asuka shuddered, then had a sudden flash of inspiration.

"Hmph! My meaning was that as a Disciplinary Committee member, I had to shatter your delusions! To that end, I specifically made a plan. A dull-witted idiot like you is completely within my control—including your stalking, it's all part of the plan!"

'I... what am I saying? Have I been infected by the Idiot Virus too?'

On the surface, Asuka stood with her hands on her hips, looking haughty, but in her heart, she was weeping, feeling "human disqualified."

Rei Ayanami looked shocked, then confused, then looked her up and down. Finally, she actually revealed a hint of pity. This pity almost made Asuka sink to her knees and pound the ground with her fists.

'Wooo, what did I do to deserve this? I should have stayed in Germany.'

"Within your control? Part of the plan? What are you talking about?"

At that moment, the man's voice came. Shinji's ears had caught the keywords, and he followed the scent. His gaze held no confusion, only deep vigilance. He looked at the humiliated and angry Asuka, then at Rei, whose lips were curled up in pleasure. He sniffed the air.

The scent of a "Blue-Skinned Swindler" was off the charts. Legend has it that even if the galaxy is destroyed, there will still be a bird-beak saying, "All is according to plan."

"Nothing! Just this idiot pestering me!"

Asuka felt as though a savior had arrived. She lunged behind Shinji. Just as she was about to act smug to regain some dignity, Rei followed her.

"What are you doing coming over here? Out, out!"

"The space behind Ikari-kun is my position. You are the one who should get out."

"Huh? I was here first!"

Shinji stood there like a titan, feeling two soft bodies shifting and pushing behind his back. He looked around to see the passersby all staring, clenching their fists and gnashing their teeth.

'Murderous intent?'

He saw several youths whose eyes looked like they were about to bleed tears of blood. He was full of questions, thinking this was uncalled for, but he also knew the two behind him were drawing massive amounts of aggro.

"Enough. Where is your dignity as Pilots? If you keep this up, I'll help you find your 'dignity'."

Seeing Shinji getting angry, the two decisively stopped their squabble, knowing this guy really would grab one in each hand and drag them back to the classroom.

"Speak. What exactly were you two discussing?"

"I wanted to invite you to stroll through the campus, but Asuka stole a march on me." Rei Ayanami returned to her cold state, being the first to tattle.

"It's because you're dull-witted..."

Asuka only managed a few words before Shinji glared at her, instantly silencing her muttering.

Shinji thought for a moment and then nodded.

"That's simple. I'll accompany you next."

"Hahaha, there isn't enough time! And you promised me you'd go to the Photography Club. Is the Great Astartes prepared to break his word?"

Asuka finally grew triumphant. Through a series of accidents, her plan really seemed to be blessed by some Dark God.

The smile on Rei's face stiffened. Her lightless red eyes looked over, and her right hand moved toward her lower back.

"W-What are you doing?"

Asuka jumped behind Shinji again, poking her head out. This "yandere" look was terrifying; she was afraid Rei would pull out a knife and "disassemble" her.

Shinji stepped forward, pressed down on Rei's hand, and said calmly, "Let's go together then. That is the best solution."

"Huh? Why should—"

Asuka was about to object when she saw Rei pull her hand away. She quickly opened her mouth: "Okay, okay, okay! I don't object!"

Being a nuisance was fine, but she wouldn't do anything suicidal. Sure enough, light returned to Rei's eyes as she pondered for a moment.

"Okay."

Under the forceful mediation of an Astartes, the deal was finally struck. The three walked toward the Photography Club, though the road was far from peaceful.

As if in a direct contest, seeing Rei quietly hold Shinji's hand, Asuka frowned and hugged his arm directly. Rei glanced at her, then hugged the other arm.

The two continued to escalate. If the Photography Club had been any further, they might have climbed onto Shinji's shoulders. By the time they arrived, Kensuke Aida was packing up. Seeing Shinji approach, he was first surprised, then stared closely; he felt the combination was very strange.

Two girls were practically hanging off the boy's arms. The latter didn't speak, walking forward with a steady, expressionless face, seemingly not feeling the weight at all. This look...

It was like an old father leading a pair of mischievous daughters.

"Shinji, sometimes I really feel like you have it hard."

"It is nothing. As an Astartes, sacrifice is only natural."

Kensuke was choked by the response. He thought to himself that the line of people wanting to "sacrifice" in his place could probably stretch from the school building to the outskirts of

Tokyo-3. He sighed; sometimes, looking at the youth's solemn face, he couldn't tell if he was being humble-bragging or if he truly thought that way.

"Photos?"

"Yes. Rehearsal starts in five minutes. One group photo is enough."

"What?! Why only one? I thought of so many great poses..."

Asuka had barely started complaining before a glare made her shrink back. She could only pout.

"I just wanted to take a photo with you alone (German)."

Shinji ignored her, seemingly knowing how much trouble it was to let women take photos, so he set limits in advance. He then looked at the hesitant Rei Ayanami.

"Time is limited. Speak plainly."

"Uh, never mind. I don't have time to change clothes anyway."

Asuka's ears perked up. Seeing Rei wearing only a plain school uniform while looking at her own outfit, her mood improved significantly.

"Kensuke, hurry up. Take it just like this."

Kensuke Aida came over with his DSLR. He was used to Asuka's style and looked around.

"I have backdrops there. I can Photoshop a background for you later. Any requests?"

"Why is taking a photo so much trouble?"

Shinji looked back. It was afternoon; most people had gone to the auditorium to watch the shows, leaving the steps and the school building behind them perfectly exposed.

"Today, as students, we will use the school building as the background. You two, come here."

He beckoned them over and stood at the bottom of the steps. He saw Asuka stride over, while Rei seemed to be dragging her feet, her face filled with nervousness.

"What is it, Rei?"

"I... it's my first time taking a photo. Uh, the kind that isn't for an ID."

Rei smoothed her long hair, which now reached her back. She felt completely out of place. Then, she realized Shinji had also frozen.

'That's right. It's my first time, too.'

A Chapter has no military rank for a "Photographer." He didn't know what a normal photo was supposed to be like. He felt empty-handed and lacked the protection of Power Armor, so he quickly pulled out his Rosarius and gripped it in his hand. Only then did he feel slightly better.

Seeing the two of them nervous, Asuka—as a normal person—became nervous too. She suddenly remembered this was her first time taking a photo with a boy, and she didn't know where to put her hands.

Kensuke Aida was stunned.

'I have a DSLR in my hand, not a man-portable rocket launcher. Is there any need to be this lost?'

Taking a group photo was as simple as breathing for normal people, but for these three, it held different meanings. Fortunately, as the president of the Photography Club, Kensuke quickly had an idea.

"Uh, relax. Pick the pose and expression you find most comfortable. It'll be over in a second."

'Most comfortable?'

The three thought for a moment and looked toward the lens simultaneously. Seeing that strange sight, Kensuke didn't bother saying anything else this time.

"Three, two, one... everyone say 'Cheese'!"

Click.

The flash of light lasted only a moment, but it was precisely this second...

...that turned into eternity.

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