EVA: Shinji Ikari Returns from Tiga

Chapter 178 I also like Ikari-kun! Even more than you!
As the dormitory door suddenly opened, Misato Katsuragi and Rei Ayanami fell into the bedroom together.

Judging from their awkward and hurried posture, these two people must have been eavesdropping by leaning against the door, and then Shinji Ikari discovered them and opened the door, which is why they ended up in such an embarrassing state.

"What are you doing, Misato-nee..."

Seeing Shinji Ikari's ambiguous smile, Asuka instantly understood... why this jerk had proposed such an absurd bet!

This intuitive, beast-like guy must have sensed the presence of Katsuragi Misato and Ayanami Rei the moment they entered the apartment, and that's why he made this bet that he couldn't lose!
Rei Ayanami, who was still sitting on the floor in a daze, looked away with a slightly guilty expression, unwilling to look directly at Asuka's face... It can be judged that coming here to cause trouble was not Rei Ayanami's intention... At least this girl would not do it on her own initiative.

Therefore, there can only be one culprit!

"It's all your fault!"

"Eh...? Whoa! Asuka! Calm down...! Calm down, ahhh!"

Enraged, he leaped up and delivered a righteous flying kick to Misato Katsuragi.

"Oh dear, although there's an old Japanese saying that interfering with someone's love will get you kicked by a horse... well, Misato-nee didn't get kicked by a horse, but was kicked by a wild beast that's far more ferocious than a horse."

A few minutes later, Asuka kicked and punched Misato Katsuragi out of the apartment again... Shinji Ikari quipped leisurely.

"Who are you calling a beast?!"

The three of them sat together in Shinji Ikari's bedroom, an awkward silence filling the air.

Asuka gave Shinji a resentful look... The current atmosphere couldn't possibly continue... She was still wearing that bright red bridal lingerie, looking like an idiot.

"I'm going to change my clothes..."

He could only sigh deeply and walk back to his room to change into normal clothes.

"…………"

"…………"

With Asuka gone, only Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami remained... The atmosphere became even more awkward and silent.

"sorry………………"

After a long silence, Rei Ayanami finally mustered up her courage and spoke up. Not only did she speak, but she even stood up and bowed respectfully to Shinji Ikari in apology.

"Okay, okay, why are you apologizing all day long... You didn't do anything wrong. It's Mimi-nee's fault, and she already got a good kick from Asuka. Let's just let this go."

Shinji Ikari waved his hand leisurely. From his perspective, he actually hoped that Misato Katsuragi would bring Rei Ayanami to cause trouble, otherwise it would be quite difficult for him to appease Asuka.

"But—if it weren't for us, you, and...Asuka...wouldn't there be..."

At this point, Rei Ayanami's face flushed a rare rosy blush... It seems that this little girl has investigated what Asuka plans to do to her.

Well, I don't know if it was Misato Katsuragi or Hikaru Toki who taught her... I can only hope she wasn't taught any strange knowledge.

"No, I won't do anything with Asuka, whether you come or not."

"……Why?"

Now it was Rei Ayanami's turn to ask the question in return... because Asuka is a very charming girl... passionate, energetic... and has a lifestyle that makes people proud...

Even though she is the same sex, she often finds herself drawn to Asuka's forthright personality.

Not to mention Shinji Ikari, who is of the opposite sex... Moreover, Rei Ayanami knows better than anyone else... Shinji Ikari definitely has feelings for Asuka that go beyond friendship or being colleagues!

Logically speaking, with such a beautiful atmosphere, such perfect timing, and Asuka's proactive attack with her winning lingerie, there seemed to be no reason for Asuka not to win over Shinji. But Shinji... "Because, wouldn't that make you sad... or lonely? I won't do anything that would make you unhappy."

Shinji Ikari waved his hand dismissively and looked at Rei Ayanami's crimson eyes with sincere eyes.

"Eh……?"

Is it because of...myself?

This unexpected answer left Rei Ayanami stunned... Why—

…Clearly, all I want is for Shinji Ikari to be happy. Logically speaking, even if the person by Shinji's side isn't me, it doesn't matter!
Then why would this man say that he is both in pain and lonely?

"That's what you said because of your expression, you idiot."

He saw through Rei Ayanami's disguise at a glance... He saw through this girl... who deliberately put on a magnanimous and tolerant appearance... but in reality, she had a possessiveness that was no less than Asuka's.

"Not to mention, we kissed before... so, you kissed me just a few days ago, and today you're going to sleep with other girls... for me, it's a bit... um... psychologically unacceptable."

"…………!"

So cute!

This is the voice in Rei Ayanami's mind right now... Looking at the blushing, shy... yet maintaining a pure heart... showing a completely different side of Ikari Makoto... existing simply as an innocent little boy, Ikari Shinji!
Even though Rei Ayanami's face didn't react, her body almost wanted to kiss him again.

but…………

"what?!"

With a thud, Asuka, now dressed in her sailor uniform, kicked the door open and entered.

That brat! Just a few minutes ago she was complaining about Meili eavesdropping on other people's conversations, and now she's doing the same thing, eavesdropping at the door herself, isn't she?

"Ali, what did you just say?!?!"

However, it's clear that Asuka's current target is Rei Ayanami, because...

"You kissed him?! You kissed this idiot?!"

"kindness…"

Rei Ayanami nodded calmly... This completely indifferent attitude made Asuka feel deceived!

Because… I was filled with guilt towards Rei Ayanami for lying to her about leaving, and for thinking about winning over Shinji Ikari…

But this girl! She'd already quietly run ahead of me!?
"W-When did this happen?! How come I didn't know about it!"

"On that very night, the night you asked us to hold a war meeting."

"?!?!"

So you're basically holding your own Shinji Ikari strategy meeting... and you're the one who benefits in the end?!
While he was dealing with Mari Makinami to prevent her from raiding his house... Rei Ayanami raided it instead!?

Why would you do something like this?!

Asuka's hysterical screams and distorted voice...

"Because... I like Ikari-kun too! I like him even more than you do."

(End of this chapter)