EVA: Shinji Ikari Returns from Tiga

Chapter 113 Asuka's Fleeting Happy Times
—Lying lazily on the sofa.

The television was playing a boring program... The slightly hot weather made the only skirt she wore clung tightly to her skin.

Too lazy to move... I didn't even want to turn on the air conditioner; the air was filled with the slightly sour smell of evaporating sweat.

"...Should we change the channel?"

But the originally boring time... became a little different because of the presence of others.

"…Need not."

Rei Ayanami was sitting on the sofa, hugging her legs... Since she was lying down, she obediently squatted on the edge of the sofa.

If he just hooked his foot forward a little more... he could touch the fair skin of this girl who was even more slender than himself...

Originally, I really disliked her... because of the competitive relationship and antagonistic consciousness among the eligible individuals... I harbored a malice towards Rei Ayanami that was mixed with jealousy and disdain.

So, I never imagined that I could be able to share a room with her so harmoniously.

Was it because of that idiot's intervention...?
Or is it because you find this child quite likable...?
Or perhaps... it's because my current life is too blissful... so I've come to include her in my life out of love for her.

"...Is it interesting?"

Asuka noticed Rei Ayanami's profile as she stared intently at the television screen, and found herself paying even more attention to that incredibly serious face than to the middle-aged bald man's talk show on TV.

"Do not."

"Then why don't you change the channel...!"

I couldn't help but complain... It seems that as soon as I open my mouth, my tone involuntarily becomes rude.

"Because... Asuka seems to really like this show."

"How could that be... Even an idiot like Shinji wouldn't watch such an outdated show! I bet only Hikaru or Suzuhara would like it!"

What does this guy really think of me?
"...Is that so?"

Rei Ayanami's expression didn't change at all... her eyes remained fixed on the talk show on the TV.

Asuka herself... didn't change the channel, but continued watching with Rei Ayanami.

...It was unbearably hot weather, incredibly boring TV programs, and a girl I used to hate...

But at this very moment—a wave of indescribable satisfaction welled up deep within Asuka's heart…

I won't tell her.

I won't tell Rei Ayanami... I won't tell Misato... and I definitely won't tell that idiot Shinji.

Actually…deep down inside—these incredibly boring times…

It makes me feel very comfortable... I can't find any reason or cause... I feel very relaxed.

And so... I watched the same boring show with that idiot Ali... breathing the same sour-smelling air...

When evening came... that idiot Misato came back... and they complained about the hot weather together...

Then the idiot Misato exclaimed, "Why aren't you turning on the air conditioning in this heat?!"

Then I'll eat some chilled watermelon... When that idiot Shinji comes back, this time I'm going to beat Ali to it and tell that idiot—

"Welcome home!"

I wonder... what kind of expression Shinji, that idiot, would have had back then...

It's something to look forward to just thinking about it.

Happy and peaceful times... make people so comfortable that they want this kind of life to last... last... forever.

...Ah, no.

No, no...

Mom, I shouldn't have such thoughts... right?
Because... as long as I have this thought, it will definitely happen ——————

"bell!!!!"

As if responding to Asuka's premonition... both Asuka and Rei's phones... emitted a piercing buzz at the same time.

The pleasant heat that lingered in the room seemed to drop several degrees in an instant, replaced by an uncomfortable coolness.

"..."

Yes, it's like a curse... Whenever Asuka's life is too happy, something unexpected will inevitably happen.

"Yes, I am Ayanami. Um... Asuka is next to me... um, I understand."

Because of her inner unease and resistance... for a moment she dared not reach out to touch the phone, but... Rei Ayanami showed no consideration for her feelings...

He stood up, and with his usual calm expression, picked up his phone.

"I understand, I'll be right there—"

Then… on Rei Ayanami’s face… she saw a grim reality that made Asuka’s inner unease a stark reality.

"...Who is it?"

I really didn't want to ask... but I also knew that this was a fact I had to face.

"It's Miss Misato. She wants us to prepare to head to the base immediately... The intelligence agents are already on their way, get in the car in five minutes. Get dressed."

Rei Ayanami's tone remained as indifferent as ever... After speaking, she turned and went back to her bedroom to put on her coat.

"Why…"

And yet, with a slight tremor, I asked that foolish question.

"It's the apostle—the tenth apostle, attacking."

"The Tenth Apostle..."

My breathing became rapid... If it were my old self, I should have been extremely excited...

But right now, I feel no joy whatsoever... only an unshakeable unease.

"...!"

It seemed that only now did they notice the wavering deep in Asuka's eyes... Rei Ayanami forced out a clumsy smile.

"Don't worry... Asuka, you'll be fine."

It's immediately obvious that it's a clumsy imitation of Shinji Ikari... Shinji's idiot smile, rude... savage, but full of a steadfastness and determination that makes people feel they can rely on him.

"——————I will protect you."

At this moment—Shinji the idiot isn't here… so does Ali want to take his place and put her mind at ease?

Honestly—how could I be so pathetic?!
"Hmph! I'm the one protecting you, aren't I...!! Idiot!!"

As if to wake up from my own shamelessness... I slapped my cheek.

The searing pain solidified Asuka's resolve...

With that idiot Shinji not around, I... must protect Rei Ayanami.

"Didi——!"

Outside the door, the urgent sound of car horns could be heard.

That's proof that NERV staff had already driven the car to the door... Pretty quick, from the time I answered the phone until now... less than four minutes.

Did you not prepare yourself mentally at all...?
Unexpectedly, his phone rang again... and the name displayed on the screen was... Shinji the Idiot.

"Hey!"

I couldn't even stop the corners of my mouth from turning up... How could I be so dependent on this idiot?

"Asuka...you guys now..."

"You idiot Shinji! Where have you been?! The Angels are attacking...!"

Unaware that her voice could almost be described as coquettish.

“I know. I’m on my way back… However, since it’s another aerial apostle, I’m worried about electromagnetic interference, so I can’t use a plane and have to drive back. It’ll probably take another thirty minutes… I’m not on-site, so I’ll have to improvise… I’ll leave it to you to make the judgment on the spot, Asuka!”

...Just a completely formulaic, template-like encouragement...and it was only said by this idiot...

That's how you can so effectively ignite your fighting spirit!

"Okay! Leave it to me—!!"

(End of this chapter)