Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ Between the Fiery Mind and Cold Heart ❯ Side Story: The Feelings in the Date ( Chapter 6 )

Between the Fiery Mind and Cold Heart

Note: Just how well did the date between Touji, the jock, and Hikari, the Class Rep go? Well, I present this side story to explain the answer to that question. Enjoy!

Chapter 6 - Side Story: The Feelings in the Date

Legend:

Word - denotes character's thoughts

<Word> - denotes sound effect

[Word] - denotes concept of setting, time

[Thursday, March 9, 2015]

(Author: The time when the date occurred. We'll start on the part where we left off in Chapter 1 --- the small lunch between the stooges and Shinji on the rooftop of Tokyo-3 High)

"HMMM! De-li-cious! Your mom's a great cook, Shin-man!" exclaimed Touji.

He had taken a bite from a piece of obento that Shinji offered for both he and Kensuke to take a taste. To the jock, it was instant deliciousness; but to the otaku, a deepening mixture of taste and variety washed upon his face. "Damn, Shinji, your mom can sure make a wonderful obento. How does she do it?" he asked Shinji.

"Ha, ha… seriously you two, that's just a regular obento my mom always make for me everyday. She didn't add any special ingredients of that sort to make them delicious. It was her cooking that did the trick," Shinji replied with a sarcastic look on his face. Man, one bite from mom's cooking and these two enjoy it SO well and become amazed, as if it was new to them, he thought. Shinji's obento usually consisted of packed onigiri (packed rice wrapped into small buns with sauce inside), chicken/shrimp tempura, Caesar's salad, sashimi sushi, egg rolls, and a chocolate cake for dessert. Shinji rolled his eyes, as the thought of his mom saying 'But my son should eat PLENTY of food to be growing up into a healthy, vigorous man!' when he complained she was packing a LOT for his obento crossed his mind.

"You're one lucky guy to be having a mom who's a great cook, dude. Compared to anybody else mom's, it tastes good!" exclaimed Touji.

"Ok, ok, guys, enough praising my mom's cooking. Jeez… can we talk about something else other from food? Even though I'm full now, I'm starting to feel a little uneasy in my stomach." Shinji patted his filled-up stomach to prove his point.

"Ha, ha… come on Touji, stop torturing him. Anyway, have you decided to go to Ayanami's place tonight? It was weird seeing her asking you to pay her a visit," inquired Kensuke, who set aside his finished lunch. He wiped his mouth with his handkerchief.

"That? Well, I'm not sure about it. But then again, I've got nothing else to do after school other than helping out my folks with the household chores. Hmm, I guess I'll pay her a visit tonight. Oh yeah… Touji, what about your date with Hikari?"

"Er… to be honest I'm not sure what best place to take her for a date! Please Shin-man, can you lend me your advice? Like you said to me before, 'don't screw up this opportunity'." The jock was on his knees and pleading for Shinji's help. Surprised by the reaction, Shinji assured him with a pat on the shoulder.

"Ok, ok, ok! Come on now don't go begging on me for help like that! Jeez… I'm your buddy, you think I'm leaving you out?" he said.

The jock looked back at him with relief on his face.

"Hmm, let me see. Why don't you take her out to the ramen place I mentioned to you about? That's where I sometimes eat in peace and when I want some time by myself. The ramen there tastes good. Just remember, pal, this is just a simple date with the girl you've been falling in head over heels with." Shinji finished.

"Ok, I'll make sure to dine there with her! Anything else?" the jock asked.

Shinji rolled his eyes over. "Seriously, Touji, is it hard for you to figure out where else you want to take your date? Oh boy… I'll just summarize on how a date should be: dinner, movies, then a romantic place to talk with her like the park, and accompanying her home. Do you get the picture?"

"Yeah, I get the picture! It's just, that it's been so long for me to be on a date."

"Wait a sec, 'so long for you to be on a date'? Huh? So this isn't your first time then? Who was the girl you asked out before?" Shinji stared wide-eyed at the jock with surprise. "Well… yeah, it's true. Before the Class Rep, I went out on a date with a girl from our class named Shoko Nisaido. I went out with her 3 months ago," Touji pulled out a small 1x1 picture of a pretty girl --- short-cut pink hair, brown eyes, milky-color skin, and having a cheerful smile. He continued, "She's weird, well, there were some times when she'd appeared out of nowhere and hug me in an instant! Other from that, she has a cheerful personality. But as months passed, I felt our relationship not going further, and I started to get annoyed by her loving nature."

"Loving nature? What do you mean by that?" Kensuke asked.

"Whenever we're together, she always does something to get my attention! She was practically all over me. When we went out together in Tokyo-3 mall at one time, she was literally clinging to me, fearing that I might leave her. Although I enjoyed the attention given from her, it was starting to turn annoying. The rest, well was history." Touji paused to take a deep breath. He looked up the sky and watched the birds soaring above.

"I see… Touji, I didn't know the relationship went bad for you. But, look on the bright side, you've got another chance, but this time with Hikari! The past is the past, my friend, we have to move on," Shinji assured the jock as he laid his hand on his shoulder. "We all have some bad moments in our past. We can learn from our mistakes and do the right stuff at the present," the otaku added for support.

"Thanks guys, for the support, Shin-man, Ken," Touji said. He gave both of them a hug to show his thanks.

"Okay, Touji, no need to be emotional, we're buddies!" Shinji awkwardly replied as the otaku sweat dropped at the jock's action.

<RI----------NG> The school bell rang, signaling the end of lunchtime. The trio headed back inside class.

[6:00 PM, Evening , Suzuhura residence]

"Hmm, hmm, hmm! Ah, I should give Hikari a good impression," Touji said to himself while looking at his bathroom mirror.

Wetting his hair lightly, he dried it off with a towel and applied gel. With a comb, he fixed his regular hairstyle. He had showered 15 minutes ago, and he wanted to have a clean look. He went into his bedroom and took out the clothes he'd be wearing for the date: white t-shirt, blue polo, light grey pants, white socks, and black leather shoes. After a few minutes, he got ready and sprayed small amounts of cologne to his neck, wrists, and hands. He took one last look at himself at a mirror posted on his bedroom wall. Man, I sure am excited. Crap! Must relax and take things slowly. Ah… a date with the Class Rep, he thought.

"Alright, it's time!"

He went downstairs to living room to greet his parents good-bye.

"Oni-chan! Wow! You look great! Going on a date?" his little 10-year old sister Kimi Suzuhura (Author: those reviewing this story, can you fill me in on her real name? Thanks.) asked. She was a cute sister --- light-brown hair arranged in two ponytails, blue eyes as her brother's, a brighter white skin in contrast with her brother's darker color --- and looked adorable. She was helping out her mom with cooking in the kitchen.

"Well, well, well! I never my son could look handsome! A date, eh? Don't stay out late!" his mother, Yuki Suzuhara, said with a caring tone. She also worked as a nurse in Tokyo-3 Hospital like Yui. She was busy making dinner.

"Yes, Kimi, I'm going on a date tonight," Kimi was about to open her mouth for the question 'Is it Hikari?' so Touji added, "Yes, Kimi, it's Hikari, if you MUST know." Hikari had been a regular visitor in the Suzuhura residence, and was more like a big sister to Kimi. Kimi squealed happily with delight at the answer.

"As to the time, okasan, don't worry, I'll be home before midnight."

He kissed his mom on the cheek and ruffled his sister's hair. His father, Renz Suzuhura, was fixing a medical machine in the living room. "ARGH! Stubborn screw, I'll get you out one way or the other!" he exclaimed at the machine he was repairing. He rummaged through his toolbox for a screwdriver. He was also a NERV biomedical engineer like Gendo.

Touji sweatdropped at the sight of his father's frustration in his work. Sigh, he's such a workaholic! But at least he finds some time for our family. Crap, I'm running out of my allowance… guess I'll have to ask him, he thought. "Otousan? I kinda need some money for my date tonight, and I was wondering if you could…" he asked. Renz hesitated and looked at his well-dressed son.

"Hmm? Ha, ha, a date is it, son? That's my boy! Oh yes, that? Very well, I'll give you Y5000 (Author: I'm not sure at how much regular parents give their children for their allowance there in Japan, so I'll just estimate it at an extent)."

"Arigato, otousan."

Touji hugged him after receiving the money.

"I'll be going!" He grabbed his jacket hanged on a coat rack attached on a closet near the front door. With that, he left his house and proceeded to Hikari's place. After 15 minutes of walking, he finally arrived at her place and pressed the doorbell.

<DING-DONG>

"Coming!"

The front door opened, revealing a sight that stunned the jock. It was Hikari, looking gorgeous in a green shirt with matching color blouse, a floral design etched skirt, and wearing light-colored rubber shoes. Not only was the clothing that froze the jock in place, but her face as well --- black long hair as Asuka's, dark-brown eyes, light spots of freckles on her cheeks.

"K-k-kirei…" was the only word Touji could get out of his mouth. Hikari blushed at the compliment.

"Touji, you look great as well. Shall we?" She asked.

Regaining back his mental power, he shook himself out of his trance state. "O-of course. Well, let's get going then," he replied.

"Onee-san! I'm going now with Touji!" Hikari exclaimed before closing the front door.

"Okay! You two have fun! Don't be late!" Mari Horaki, her big sister, told them back. 3 years older than Hikari, Mari was a college student in Tokyo-3 University.

"Well, miss, how about we have dinner first?" Touji offered his arm to his date. With a slight blush on her cheeks, Hikari held onto his arm and nodded. "Hmm… I'm not the cuisine type of guy when it comes to food, so I was thinking we'd go to this ramen place Shinji mentioned to me. Is it ok with you?" he asked.

"Sure, I don't mind anywhere at all, as long… as I'm with you," she replied, her voice soft.

Touji smiled at her and felt instant fireworks exploding in his mind. Oh man! Way to go, Touji! I hope that place Shin-man recommended to me is good as he says, Touji thought as they walked to the ramen stand. Memorizing the place's address from Shinji's suggestion, Touji managed to bring Hikari there at another 15 minutes. 30 minutes in all… not bad! That's what I call time-conservation, he thought. They took their seats as they arrived.

A few minutes later, a waiter came by to take down their order.

"Welcome to Yukisuka's Ramen! So, what will you be ordering for tonight?" he asked.

"Hmm… I'll have the 'Tempura Delight' ramen," Touji ordered.

"And the lady?" the waiter asked, facing towards Hikari. "I'll have the 'Veggie Lovers' ramen please," Hikari replied.

"What'll be your drinks?"

"Two soft drinks of Coca-Cola, please."

"Thank you for dining with us. Your order will be done in 20 minutes." With that said, he took the menus away from the couple and went into the kitchen to give out their order.

"Are you sure this place is okay with you? We could go somewhere else," Touji asked.

"Iye. I'm sure, please don't worry Suzuhura. I'm glad we'd spend some time together," Hikari replied with joy in her voice.

Kirei… she's gorgeous! Take your time, Touji, take your time. Relax, relax… breathe in, breathe out, he thought in his mind as he gazed at the charming beauty of his date. He calmly took deep breaths to remove his nervousness. "Um… so how's your family doing, Class Rep, er, Hikari?" he asked.

"My sis is doing pretty fine. Sometimes she can be a pain to me, she'd always tease me about you."

She looked down at her hands, her face blushing with embarrassment.

"Oh…" Touji said. He felt confidence growing inside of him and he continued, "I'm sorry if my visits to your place would disturb you. It's my fault."

"Iye, Suzuhura. Don't mind! I always enjoy your company. Please, don't stop coming to my place. It's just that my sis likes to tease me when it comes to my lovelife. But in a way, she's offering her help to me whenever issues like that come into mind."

"So she's in college then?"

"Yeah, she's studying in Tokyo-3 University. She's taking a course on theater and arts, she's hoping to become an actress or an artist."

"Souka. I could see that you have some of her qualities as well. After all you're sisters by blood."

"Yes, we are as well. It's like she has my studious, diligent nature while I have her relaxing, shy nature. When it comes to boys, she's shy at talking with them. Ha, ha, I guess, I was like that when I tried talking to you." She gazed at Touji with a longing look.

"Hikari… to be honest, I didn't know you'd feel that way about me. I considered you as a friend until… now." He clasped his hands over hers as he stared back at her eyes.

"Touji…"

"Ahem… your meals ma'am, sir."

The waiter broke the mood, appearing in an instant with their order. The couple regained their composure and settled themselves to their ramen. Kuso! Damn that waiter for spoiling the mood! Oh well… might as well help ourselves with the food, Touji thought as he ate his 'Tempura Delight' ramen. I might have been a bit hasty toward him… I hope he's okay with that, Hikari thought as she ate her 'Veggie Lovers' ramen. After 13 minutes of eating, the jock paid for their meals and the couple left the restaurant.

Touji looked at his watch. Hmm… 7:03 PM, let me check, first the ramen place, movies, and then the park, Touji recalled his plan he made in his mind for the date. Turning towards Hikari, he asked, "Having fun yet? How about the movies?"

"Hmm… okay, but as long as they're not the sci-fi horror types," she replied.

They went to the local movie theather and watched a romance-comedy love flick. 2 hours later, they walked outside, talking to each other about the movie.

"I can't believe he had to THAT to save her! Why?" Hikari asked.

"Hmm… I think that it was the only way he could think of to save her, seeing that she was about to be wed to another guy her father planned," Touji answered with some thought. Even he was into the movie, despite not watching movies of that genre.

"Sigh… it was sad really. I wonder…"

"What is it, Hikari?"

"What if I was that girl? And you were that guy? Would you do that also for me?"

Touji's eyes turned into saucers for a few seconds, but he calmly answered, "Yes… you know I'd do anything for you… as long as I can escape your classroom duties."

Hikari turned into Class-Rep mode and whacked him over his head.

<WHA-POW>

"Ouch! Okay, okay, I take back the last part! I'd do anything for you, even if I have to be stuck on classroom duties!" Touji rubbed his aching head, which took the impact of the Class Rep's might.

Mmm… he looks cute when he gets punished like that, Hikari thought. She reverted back into her normal self and giggled. "Suzuhura! Arigato… for being there for me." She held onto his arm closer and comfortably before.

The jock checked his watch for the time --- 9:03 PM. Hmm, last place before I see her home is the park, he thought.

"Before I drop you off at your place, can we go to the park?" he asked her.

"Why not? I love the privacy given there," she replied.

They went to Tokyo-3 park and sat on one of the benches near the water fountain. Basking themselves with each other's comfort, they held their grip with each other. Touji watched at the beautiful features of his date's face and realized that she looked even angelic in the moonlight. He brushed a lock of her hair with his hand and delicately stroke her freckled cheek.

<DOKI-DOKI… DOKI-DOKI…> Their hearts beat twice their normal rate.

"Hikari… you're more beautiful under the moonlight."

"Suzuhura… no, Touji… aishiteru."

At that moment, both their faces went up close each other for a deep, loving kiss. A kiss that marked the start of a beautiful relationship between the jock and Class Rep. It was instant at first, but it slowly turned deeper when their tongues managed to find and meet amongst each other. Hikari held her hands over the jock's head while Touji pulled her closer to him by her waist. After 5 minutes, they broke the kiss and looked at each other with smiles on their faces.

"Arigato… Touji."

"Aishiteru, Hikari."

Hikari laid her head down on his chest and hugged him by his waist. Touji in turn embraced her as well, giving her warmth and comfort. He noticed a slight shivering running through her body.

"Are you cold? Here."

He removed his jacket and wrapped her with it. They closed their eyes and kept close to each other in that way.

<BEEP-BEEP! BEEP-BEEP! BEEP-BEEP> Touji's watch rang. He had previously set an alarm on 10:00 PM as the time to take Hikari home. Shaking his head slowly to remove his drowsiness, Touji gently woke up Hikari.

"Well, time for me to get you back home safely, before your mom and sister worry," he told her.

She smiled at him and they proceeded to her house.

After a slow walk lasting an hour, they made it back to her house. Touji checked the time for his watch --- 11:00 PM. "Oh crap! My folks are going to kill me for getting home late," he said to himself. Hikari giggled and cupped his face with her hands. The jock in turn held her hands and felt their softness.

"So… warm."

They intertwined their hands together and gazed at each other's eyes.

"So, did you had a great time?" He asked.

"Of course, silly. It was fun being with you tonight." She replied.

"I'm glad, then."

"Touji… you've been the first guy who cared a lot about me. I can never forget that. Arigato."

"No problem, Hikari. I told you before, I'd do anything for you. As long as you have that smile on your face, then I'm happy."

"I never knew you could be this romantic…"

"Will… you be my girlfriend?"

"!!! Yes! I'd love to!"

With that, they kissed passionately once more.

"See you at school tomorrow, Class Rep."

Touji gave one last kiss on the lips before slowly walking back to his home. Hikari watched at the boy she loved and became close to her heart. A tear of happiness escaped and glided through her cheek. She stepped inside her house and closed the door.

"CHRIST YES! I LOVE HER!" Touji shouted, jumping with joy as he walked his way back home, not caring if the entire neighborhood had heard him. The Class Rep, who was still leaning against the front door, held her hands over her heart as she listened to her now boyfriend's shout. She smiled.

<DOKI-DOKI… DOKI-DOKI… DOKI-DOKI> Her heart was filled with love.

Author's Note: Oh my head… first of all, many apologies to you readers out there for the late update. Aye… well, this coming week will be my finals exam so I'll be practically stuffing my brain with all the knowledge needed to pass. All for the sake of good grades…

Second, when I make a promise (in writing fan-fiction), it's a promise. Proof of this is this latest chapter to be filling in the story a day or so. Whew! Finally able to get that done… let me tell you, it's really difficult coming up a way to start a chapter for this story.

Third, the chapter summary. Well, it looks like the date between the jock and Class Rep went out with a bang at the end! <Sniff, sniff, not again! Have to get another box of Kleenex> Now, they're together, and I'm sure the jock would have no trouble with the teasing he'd get in school about the Class Rep. Ha, ha, but unfortunately, he cannot escape her wrath when trying to avoid classroom duties, as proven by the whack on his head <Ouch. And I thought guys are stronger than girls>.

Okay, now that I've got you filled up on the situation between these two side stories, it's time for the story to be moving on present time! All of this reminiscing is making me feel old, so a change in time is a fresh pace for the story. So the jock's now with the Class Rep, Shinji still uncertain with Rei/Asuka, but what about the military otaku, Kensuke? It looks like it's his turn to be on the romantic spotlight, but not yet. Megan Kimiko is arriving in a few days in Japan! How will she find Tokyo-3 Jr. High and school life there? More importantly, how will she think of the gang and finally be meeting up with her chatmate, Kensuke? Coming soon: Chapter 7: A Newcomer in Class.