EVA: Shinji Ikari Returns from Tiga

Chapter 177 Asuka has fallen hopelessly in love with Shinji Ikari!

—I like Ayanami, but I also like myself…

This seems to be the first time Asuka has heard Shinji Ikari mention her feelings so directly.

Although it certainly wouldn't be just me... but when I heard him say he liked me... I still felt an unshakable and indescribable joy deep in my heart.

"What's that!"

…Clearly, my heart has already accepted it; or rather…the humble me, as long as I can feel the warmth of the boy in front of me…is already happy enough.

"If you're a boy, just say it clearly! Don't hesitate and stammer!"

But... why is it that my own mouth... even though I thought I had become frank, at this moment I have to completely go against my true feelings and utter words that I hate?
If this continues, won't he... hate me?
"You say you like Rei, and you say you like me...! What do you want from me?!"

—I didn’t want to say these things…I didn’t want to make things difficult for him…What I really wanted to say was that it didn’t matter if I was with Xiaoli…I just needed you to be with me.

"You better watch out! Keep your eyes on me!!"

But what came out of her mouth was... Please, only look at me.

Ah... I'm so sorry, Xiaoli... I'm such a terrible girl.

"How is it... it's always been like this."

But... faced with his own hysterical cries, Shinji Ikari showed no sign of disgust or aversion... calmly accepting his own willfulness.

“I know Asuka needs someone to be with you… so I will be with you. But I also know that Rei is actually a very lonely person, so if I really hug you tonight as you wish… that child will definitely be holding back a lot of anger, but won’t say anything… To be honest, Rei hiding in a corner and torturing herself is more troublesome than Asuka. At least you will tell me your feelings properly… I like that.”

"...Here we go again...!"

Cunning, so very cunning…!
At times like this, I can indulge my whims as if nothing's wrong... It was just a casual remark, but with just one word like "like," it made me incredibly happy!
"If you're going to choose... Rei! Then just reject me properly—! Abandon me!!!"

Finally… tears streamed uncontrollably down my face…

She specifically bought what she thought men would like as a "winning" bra online, and even knelt down and begged everyone else to leave... to create a space just for the two of them...

Why did I have to go through all this?
Because I like him... I don't even know when it started, but I've hopelessly fallen for this idiot.

I like how he nonchalantly affirms his own worth…

I like how he keeps me company in the dead of night when I'm feeling down...

I like that he can guide me out of hiding when I'm confused...

I admire how he can point me to a new path time and time again when I feel lost in life.

If it weren't for this idiot, and with only the weak, powerless, and awful Asuka... we would never have been able to take this step.

She might become withdrawn after losing to an apostle, throw tantrums when not being comforted by others, and feel despair because she is just a clone…

Yes! Asuka has fallen hopelessly in love with Shinji Ikari!
It was Shinji Ikari who allowed me to savor the happiness of the present moment—so…so…so!!

"Why leave me with so many unfulfilled hopes?!" "Eh, I didn't choose Ayanami."

This bastard actually handled it with such an effortless attitude!

Seeing Asuka crying uncontrollably, Shinji Ikari sighed and handed her a tissue from the table.

Asuka, like a cat that had just breathed out, grabbed it... without giving Shinji Ikari a chance to help wipe it off.

"Well, what I mean is... I don't mean to choose between the two of you. If the roles were reversed tonight and Rei Ayanami was here... I would have the same attitude."

Well, for Shinji Ikari right now... a kiss on the cheek or forehead is already the limit. Even the last kiss was initiated by Rei Ayanami...

Asking a 15-year-old boy with absolutely zero dating experience to fast-forward to doing things that everyone loves is really asking too much.

“…I won’t do that!”

Faced with Shinji Ikari's hypothesis, Asuka gave a fierce rejection.

"It was because I begged them... begged Ali... that they obediently left, giving us some space to be alone. If our positions were reversed, no matter how much Ali begged me... I wouldn't leave you..."

Asuka's voice grew softer and softer, and her expression became increasingly guilty... She knew that she was being completely hypocritical; Rei Ayanami had taken her feelings into consideration and left on her own initiative... yet she was completely ungrateful.

But—everything else doesn't matter…anything else is fine…except, when it comes to this idiot! Absolutely not! Absolutely no compromise!

"…I'm sorry, I'm just that kind of troublesome woman…with a terrible personality, selfishness, willfulness, and small breasts. It's understandable that you wouldn't like it…"

Feeling guilty towards Rei Ayanami, Asuka became somewhat depressed. Instinctively, she grabbed Shinji Ikari's blankets, wrapped them around herself for a sense of security, and smelled the lingering scent of Shinji on the blankets.

"No, not at all... Asuka. I feel great... Happiness is something you have to grasp yourself. Although I can't reciprocate your hug... I'm absolutely right about your attitude—and you don't need to feel so guilty... because I bet Rei feels the same way you do."

"Huh—? What do you mean?"

I have absolutely no idea whether Shinji Ikari is comforting me or if he really thinks that way. How does he really view me and Rei Ayanami?

"Alright then! Asuka, I'll make a bet with you... If no one bothers us within five minutes, I'll do as you asked... whether it's a kiss or a hug... whatever you like. I'll keep you company until dawn tonight."

"!"

Asuka blushed slightly at how bluntly and explicitly this idiot had spoken.

"But if someone comes to bother you, you have to... well, you have to not be affected by what happened tonight, and continue to maintain a friendly relationship with Ayanami... Don't think about those messy things by yourself, okay?"

"Uh-huh!"

Upon hearing this answer, Asuka nodded heavily... because she didn't want to ruin her relationship with Rei Ayanami... she also really liked Rei Ayanami.

Having received this satisfactory answer, Shinji Ikari went and opened the bedroom door.

"What are you doing, Misato-nee?"

(End of this chapter)