EVA: Shinji Ikari Returns from Tiga

Chapter 112 A Day Without Shinji Ikari

"Ah...ha...ah...good morning, ah..."

With a long yawn, Asuka stretched lazily. It felt like ages since she'd slept so soundly… ah… it's probably because of that idiot Shinji yesterday…

I was so exhausted that I went straight to bed without even taking a shower when I got home.

"Ah!! It's already ten o'clock...!! Why didn't that idiot Shinji come and wake me up?!!"

Then I noticed the alarm clock on the table… The hour hand was already past 10, and the minute hand was almost 6… It’s almost 10:30! I’ll skip all my morning classes… Oh right… Today is Saturday.

Because I was playing the simulation battle so intensely yesterday... I completely forgot what day of the week it was...

"Good morning! You idiot Shinji... What are we having for dinner today... Huh?"

Wearing only an outer skirt, she rushed into the living room, intending to comfort her already hungry body... but she didn't see the familiar figure in the living room.

What, in your own bedroom...?
"Good morning."

At this moment, Rei Ayanami, who had just finished taking a shower, came out of the bathroom without any clothes on, wearing only a towel draped over her shoulders... and you could still see the dampness slowly dripping from her fair and slender legs.

This guy… not only does he not have an ounce of fat on his stomach, but he's also completely hairless all over his body, except for his hair! He looks so smooth and beautiful…

Tsk, does that idiot Shinji like this type? What if it's true... then, then, then should I also find time to get my pubic hair removed?

"Hey! Idiot...! Didn't I tell you! Idiot Shinji isn't allowed to run around naked when he's home...!!"

For a moment, Asuka thought Rei Ayanami was going to launch an attack in this way... which of course could not be allowed.

If you're going to use a subtle offensive, you have to make the first move! How could you let that idiot Ali get there first...

"Ikari-kun went out today."

"Eh…?"

“He got up in the morning, made lunch for us…and said lunch was in the pot, just heat it up in the microwave—and then he went out.”

"Going out...? Where did you go? Isn't today Saturday?"

"This morning, Mr. Kenzaki drove over and picked up Ikari. I asked him where he was going, and he said he had to go to Matsushiro Base..."

After giving away the information she already knew, Rei Ayanami went back to her bedroom to get dressed, leaving Asuka alone, lost in thought.

"Wait...! What about Misato?"

Shouting at Rei Ayanami's bedroom door.

“Miss Misato has plans for today; she went to headquarters. Oh, she said… the base will be undergoing a comprehensive disinfection today, so training will be suspended for the day. You don’t need to go to training today.”

'ha…!?'

No school, no training, and those idiots Shinji and Misato aren't here... which means I'll be spending the whole day alone with Rei Ayanami!?
This...this seems to be the first time...

"I'm gonna start now--"

At noon, Asuka and Rei Ayanami sat together at the living room table... Although Shinji Ikari and Misato Katsuragi, who insisted on eating together, weren't there... they could eat by themselves...

But they still decided to continue the habit of eating together.

"Hey, Ali... that idiot Shinji went to Matsushiro Base... (chewing)... Misato also said that the base was being disinfected today... (chewing) It can't be that simple! (swallowing) There's definitely something fishy going on! What do you think!!"

"...(chewing, chewing, chewing)"

"...Hey! Answer me!"

"...(chew, chew, chew)...(swallow). Be quiet while eating."

"You're kidding me! She talks so much when she's eating with that idiot Shinji!"

“…Ikari-kun is different.”

Seeing Rei Ayanami so blatantly applying double standards, Asuka's attention shifted from the Matsushiro base to Rei Ayanami. After all, she hadn't spoken to her alone since the day of the massive blackout during the Eighth Angel's attack.

"...Oh, just put the dishes in the sink, I'll wash them."

"Hey! What do you mean? You're making it sound like I'm lazy and all I do is eat and sleep! Washing dishes is just a simple task! I can do that too!"

"Oh, really? Well then, thank you for your help."

Seeing that the question was about to fall flat, Asuka quickly spoke up... regardless of whether it would be forced or not, she just wanted to ask directly.

"Hey! Ali... I'm asking you... you, you, um... you like that idiot Shinji, right?" "Yeah. I do... and you asked me that last time, Asuka."

As Rei Ayanami put the unfinished food in the refrigerator, she nodded calmly without even raising an eyebrow.

Hey! The last time I asked you this question... you weren't this at ease!

Realizing that during this time... Rei Ayanami must have undergone many changes in her mindset, things she hadn't noticed... she must have become closer to Shinji Ikari.

Even... is it possible that it could develop to a point far exceeding its own limits...?

"Then, then, then...did you...say, say it to that idiot Shinji?"

"say what."

"Of course it means you like him—!!"

That bastard is definitely playing dumb…! He's making a fool of himself… How despicable! Is this what they call the winner's ease and composure?!

Even though she hadn't received an answer yet, she was already certain in her heart that Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami were together... Asuka felt a lump in her throat and wanted to cry.

"No."

"…………Eh?"

"Did not say."

"Why?? You shouldn't have told..."

"No, because there's no need to say it... and besides, I always feel that if I say it... it will make Ikari feel awkward."

When she said this, Rei Ayanami's gaze fell on Asuka's face.

The meaning behind that look... is self-evident.

If he were to forcefully express his feelings... Shinji Ikari would definitely feel awkward considering Asuka's feelings... so he wouldn't ask.

"Because of me..."

Asuka was surprised that Rei Ayanami answered so honestly, and for a moment she didn't know how to respond.

"Asuka, do you like Ikari-kun?"

"………………I like it. Why, is it not allowed?"

After a long silence, Asuka finally blushed and revealed her answer...

Rei Ayanami has already been so frank and open... I shouldn't hide anything from her either.

"Really? That's great."

However, Rei's reaction surprised Asuka... She was genuinely happy?
"Why did you agree to this... If it weren't for me, wouldn't you be happily together with that idiot?"

When Asuka asked her question, Rei Ayanami simply shook her head blankly, indicating that she had never thought that way.

"I'm already very happy with my life right now. And Asuka is very happy that she's fallen in love with someone. So, you can be happy too... It makes me happy for you."

"...!!!"

Rei Ayanami's innocent smile and pure goodwill in praying for herself made Asuka feel like she was still jealous of him... How despicable and vile she was.

"...Me too...I don't hate my current life."

"Is that so...that's good, that's great."

So... there's absolutely no need to worry, nor is there any need to... force Shinji Ikari to make a choice or anything like that.

As long as this kind of life can continue, I'm happy... isn't that right?

so…………

"Asuka...don't worry. I...will protect you."

Faced with Rei Ayanami's determination, Asuka responded with a smile that showed no sign of giving up.

"What nonsense are you talking about, Ali... I'm the one protecting you!"

(End of this chapter)