Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ Between the Fiery Mind and Cold Heart ❯ Fiery Confession; A Casual Date ( Chapter 7 )

Between the Fiery Mind and Cold Heart

Note: Finally, summer break has arrived in Philippines! Ah… free from the pains of study and homework ^_^. Please forgive me for my very late update. Chapter 8 is on development and it'll be posted up in a few days or a week from the time I add this in the story. I've had a LONG writer's block since my summer break started, mostly because I'm busy with other things such as PS2, going out for a change of pace, and spending time with my folks to meet relatives and their friends. O_O

Remember that I've said the title for this chapter back then if you read the summary for this in Chapter 6? It was supposed to be 'A Newcomer in Class', but I've decided for that to be the title for Chapter 8 instead. I had this in mind as I changed the situation for this chapter (It took me the past few weeks changing the content for this chapter by listening to the Evangelion soundtrack in my PC and cassette tape. It's my source of inspiration in keeping up with the story aside from your reviews of you readers ^_^). My apologies to you readers if the title of the chapter (and the summary) wasn't you expected as I said in the end of Chapter 6, and also for the VERY late update.

Anyway, ladies and gentlemen, I present you…

Chapter 7 - Fiery Confession: A Casual Date

Legend:

Word - denotes character's thoughts

<Word> - denotes sound effect

[Word] - denotes concept of setting, time

[March 12, 2015, Sunday - present time]

<RI----------NG>

"Zzz…"

<RI----------NG>

"Zzz… oh man… not now… jeez…"

Shinji reluctantly silenced his alarm clock as he groggily woke up. Ah crap, not again. Today's a weekend --- stupid of me to forget turning off the alarm, he thought. He traced his finger to the calendar posted on his bedroom wall. Hmm… March 12, 2015, Sunday. Weekend at last. Huh? Oh yeah, isn't that the day for Kensuke's chat mate to arrive here in Tokyo-3? I wonder what she's like… she looks cute with those eyeglasses. Hmm, come to think of it she really resembles a bit like him, he thought back at the time when he first laid his eyes on Megan's picture, which Kensuke showed in class.

He rubbed off traces of sleep from his eyes and groggily made his way to the bathroom of the Ikari residence. After 15 minutes of a warm shower, he dressed himself up with his regular clothes consisting of a blue shirt, red shorts, and slippers. Usually he'd prefer white for his shirt color, but ever since having Rei as a girlfriend, he decided to wear blue for her; it was her favorite color. The same thing went for his shorts --- since having Asuka as a close childhood friend, he also decided to wear red for her as well. Rei… I wonder how she's doing? I'll give her a call after breakfast. What about Asuka? Hmm, I should also pay her a visit as well. Hmm… smells good, I'm starving, he changed his thought as soon as the aroma of breakfast whiffed in his nose. He went downstairs to the dining room to appease his stomach.

"Ohayo gozaimasu, otousan, okasan," he greeted his parents.

Gendo Ikari was reading the daily newspaper. He simply nodded and gave a low grunt to greet back his son. Yui Ikari was placing breakfast on the dining table. She smiled at her son and gave a peck on his cheek.

"Good-morning, Shinji. You don't need to be so formal with us, no?" Yui ruffled her son's dark brown hair lovingly.

"Yes, okasan. Er, I mean, mom. Gomen, it's just a daily habit of mine. Hmm! What's for breakfast?" Shinji asked his mother.

"Well, I made scrambled eggs with mixed fried rice. Also, I cooked chicken tempura and green salad."

"It smells delicious, dear," Gendo added. He set aside the newspaper he was reading and started helping himself to the delicious food.

"Hey! No fair, otousan, er, dad!" Shinji exclaimed. He joined in to take his share of the meal.

Yui rolled over her eyes as she watched the two men hungrily devouring the cooked meal she made. Sigh… the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Oh well, at least they're happy tasting my food, she thought.

"So, how are your classes going, Shinji?" she asked as the family sat down for breakfast.

"Oh… well, they're ok. Sometimes the lessons get boring and the professor gives the same lecture now and then," he rolled his eyes at the thought of his daily school routine in the classroom of Tokyo-3 high.

"Son, believe us, me and your father went through that stage despite of it not being to our liking. We each had our share of joys and pains when we managed to finish high school and get ready for college," Yui said. "Isn't that right, dear?" she asked to the direction of Gendo, who was contemplating the breakfast he was slowly eating.

He nodded in agreement.

"Anyway, please try to focus on your studies. It's for your own future, yes?" she ruffled Shinji's hair.

"Okay, okasan, I get the picture. Mmm, breakfast tastes great as always!" he replied with a slight smile on his face.

<BEEP-BEEP! BEEP-BEEP> An alarm rang from his watch.

He checked the time --- 11:00 AM. "Oh yeah, I'm going to pay Asuka a visit today, mom," he added. He took his plate and glass and placed them on the sink in the family's kitchen (the Japanese are used to eating their meals properly with chopsticks instead of the spoon/fork).

"Well, that's nice of you paying your close childhood friend once in a while, right son?" Gendo suddenly said with a mischievous wink to his son, who had emerged from the kitchen.

"Otousan! It's not what you think!" Shinji exclaimed with a slight blush on his cheeks.

"Ha, ha, ha! Well, that's my boy. But what about Rei?" Yui asked. She too was getting interested in her son's love life.

"She's um… a good friend of mine," he replied, not wanting his parents to know that he and Rei were on. "Anyway, I have to go! Thanks for breakfast, mom." He kissed her on the cheek and gave his father a small hug. Then, he made a beeline to his room to change. After around 5 minutes of changing, he went downstairs wearing a red polo with a white undershirt, Levi's Type-1 blue jeans with a belt, and Nike rubber shoes (Author: well, I've got to add some fashion sense to our main character, yes? ^_^). Seeing his look, his parents had questioning looks on their faces. It was a slight surprise to them to see their son starting to pick out his sense of fashion.

"What is it?" Shinji asked, confused by their looks.

"Oh, um, it's nothing son! Have a good time with Asuka, and say 'hi' to her parents for us," Yui said.

"Sure thing, ja ne!" He greeted goodbye to his parents. With that, he left his house and walked next door to the Sohryu residence.

In the Sohryu residence, a certain auburn-haired German/Japanese girl was busy in thought as she was writing in her diary. Asuka Langley Sohryu felt doubt in her heart as she recalled the time when her baka childhood friend paid more attention to the quiet, reserved, blue-haired beauty she had known as Wondergirl in class. That baka… what is it that he sees in her that I don't have? Why is he like that when it comes to her! Grr… why… but what about our special moment together at the park? No, there's no way he'd forget that, she thought deeply.

March 12, 2015

Dear Diary,

Sigh… I feel like Shinji is drifting away from me slowly as time passes. He's been paying more attention to Wondergirl rather than me these past days in class. Although I usually throw my mockery and insults to him whenever I see him catching peeks at her, deep down, I long for his attention and time with me. Ever since that moment we had in the park 2 years ago, I grow more close to him than I've realized. He was the person who welcomed me with open arms and promised that he'd never leave me in his life.

<PLOP> (A teardrop splatters on the page of her diary)

I just wish that he'd find no one else better than I would and choose me to be with him. I can only hope that day would come and for me to have him as my boyfriend not just close childhood friend as well.

But that doesn't mean I won't give up! I, Asuka Langley Sohryu, must win his heart and knock Wondergirl out of the competition! I can't stay feeling down inside forever.

Asuka

"I won't lose to Wondergirl! Shinji… please… please choose me," Asuka quietly said to herself. She wiped off a tear from her eye with her hand.

<DING-DONG> Shinji pressed the doorbell of the Sohryu residence.

"Now who could that be?" Kyoko said. She opened the front door to find Shinji, dressed up casually, ready for an outing. "Well! Shinji! Nice to see you! What's with the fashion you're wearing?" She raised a mischievous eyebrow to him.

"W-w-well, Kyoko-san, um, I came by to see Asuka. Is she here?"

"Asuka? Yes, she's here in her room upstairs. Please come in and take a seat." Shinji walked inside and sat down on the living room sofa, waiting patiently for his childhood friend. Hmm, I wonder what she's doing there? I hope I didn't come in a bad time, he thought. Kyoko went upstairs to Asuka's bedroom and knocked on her door. "Asuka! You've got company downstairs!" Inside, Asuka regained her composure and closed her diary. What? I wonder who that could be, she thought. "Ok, mama, I'm coming!" she replied. She proceeded to fix herself. Kyoko went back downstairs to the living room and began a small chit-chat with Shinji, as he was waiting.

"Well, Shinji, what brings you here today?" She began.

"Ha, ha, Kyoko-san, I figured I'd pay a visit to Asuka today once in a while and see how she's doing."

"Oh? Is that so? Well, she's pretty much her lively self everyday. You know, the sound of your name always brings a small blush on her face, despite of what she usually thinks of you."

"Really? I didn't know it was unusual for her." A slight hint of surprise poured onto Shinji's face. Hmm, I guess she grew attached to me since that day. Sigh… what're my feelings for her? Are they the same as the ones I have for Rei? Damn, now that I've Rei as my girlfriend, what about Asuka? I… I'm not sure if I can handle both of them, he thought.

"You look dressed up today. What's the occasion?"

"Oh this? Um, I was wondering if I could take her out today."

"Hmm? You mean like a date, right Shinji?"

An anime-style sweatdrop began to form on Shinji's head as his eyes turned wide in slight surprise.

"You could say that. I-Is that OK with you?" He meekly asked.

"Shinji dear, we know that Asuka's been such a close childhood friend to you. So don't worry about it. Besides, me and Hejiko trust you so much in taking care of her. You can take her out given the right time for that, yes?"

Shinji's saucer-eyes reverted back to its original state. Whew, what a relief, he thought. "Arigato, Kyoko-san. I'll make sure she has a great time with me."

Kyoko smiled at his response. "Well, I'm just making sure my daughter deserves the best in life. Speaking of which," she turned towards the direction of her daughter's bedroom upstairs, "Asuka! Come downstairs! Your guest is waiting!"

<TAP-TAP-TAP-TAP…> Asuka's footsteps were heard as she finally arrived.

"Okay, mama! Sorry, I just had to fix myself!" Asuka exclaimed to her mother. Wearing a yellow shirt, white shorts, and sandals she looked pretty even in her regular clothes. Her auburn-colored hair was braided into two cute ponytails. "Okay, mama, who is it that's waiting for me---" Her eyes focused on the dressed-up form of her baka childhood friend, Shinji Ikari, sitting in the sofa.

"H-h-huh? Shinji?"

She was suddenly speechless at the sight of him. His clothes made him look dashing, but his well-groomed facial features made him look handsome --- dark-brown, short-trimmed hair, deep-blue eyes, firm but clear skin.

"Hey there, Asuka. You're looking great as always," Shinji greeted her with a smile and waved at her with his hand. That baka, her usual thought said. Deep inside, she was happy to see him. "Of course! I, Asuka Langley Sohryu, always try to look my best everyday!" she smiled, bringing back her usual self.

"Well, it looks like you two have some catching up to do, no? I have to head back to Tokyo-3 Hospital for my night shift," Kyoko said.

As she was about to go upstairs to get changed, Shinji noted, "Oh, Kyoko-san, my parents told me to say 'hi' to you."

"Thank you Shinji. I'm planning to invite you and your parents here for dinner some time, if you're not busy."

"Oh not at all, Kyoko-san. Me and my parents are honored." Shinji politely bowed in appreciation to her.

"Oh Shinji, you don't need to be so formal please. I'll be looking forward to that. Well, I'm off, so you two have fun!" With that, Kyoko went upstairs to the family bedroom.

"AHEM… Okay you baka, care to explain to me why you're all dressed up?" Asuka asked after her mother disappeared. Her hands were on her hips, and she was waiting for an answer. He's so handsome when he's dressed up like that. I wonder… no, it can't be! Hey, he's wearing my favorite color, she thought happily.

Masaka… same as always. But I've got to admit she looks stunning when she's on her regular clothes… Shinji's eyes widened after seeing a faint outline of her bra through her shirt. …What the hell am I thinking? I didn't come here to gawk over her, Shinji thought. He shook his head to remove arousing thoughts over the auburn-haired German/Japanese beauty. Giving a small cough, he answered, "Well, I decided to pay you a visit today and was wondering if you're not doing anything in particular today. As to me getting dressed up, I'm going out to the movies. Kensuke told me that one anime series was turned into a movie, so I decided to check it out. But before that, I want to ask you out, if that's fine with you."

Silence filled in the atmosphere between the two teenagers. Shinji's response hit Asuka like a pile of bricks, leaving her stunned and speechless.

<DOKI-DOKI… DOKI-DOKI… DOKI-DOKI…> In an instant, Asuka's heart was beating twice its normal rate.

"You're… asking… me… out?"

"Um, yeah. Are you feeling alright, Asuka?"

Mein gott! I can't believe it! Yes, was the thought that formed in Asuka's mind. Realizing that he was asking her out on a date, she instantly smiled and joyfully wrapped her arms around him.

"N-N-Nani?"

Shinji was taken back by the action and his mouth curved akwardly upwards.

"You really mean it?" she asked.

Their arms were wrapped around each other, suddenly raising both their body temperatures due to their emotions: Asuka --- joy, love, hope. Shinji --- confusion, uncertainty, surprise. Wow… I didn't know she'd feel that way about a date! Talk about instant jackpot. She's… so… beautiful, Shinji fixed his eyes on hers and admired her attractive features.

<DOKI-DOKI-DOKI… DOKI-DOKI-DOKI… DOKI-DOKI-DOKI…> Shinji's heart was beginning to beat rapidly as well --- at a rate of three times.

Is this a dream? I can't believe we'd get to spend some time alone together! Hmm, I don't mind wherever he takes me out, just as long as I'm with him, thought Asuka, whose eyes were also drawn to Shinji's. For a minute, they gazed upon each other and settled in comfort by that position. Finally, Shinji broke the silence.

"Yes… I do mean it. So I take it to be a 'yes' from you then?" He grinned mischievously at her.

"Of course, you baka… give me a few minutes to get changed," she grinned back and playfully smacked him lightly on his arm.

She then went back upstairs to her room to get changed. Hmm… I better be careful with what I do with Asuka and Rei. But, I've just got to see from both sides and decide on an answer for that moment, he deeply thought, as he sat down once more on the sofa. He looked around the living room and saw several family pictures of the Sohryu family. Most of them were that of the new family --- Hejiko, Kyoko, and Asuka --- each with several poses showing love, care, support, and bonding. I'm glad she's having a happy life… hmm, I'll have to call Rei later after this, he thought. Speaking of Rei, since I've been honest with her about our relationship, I… might as well tell Asuka about it after this. Sigh… but it can't be helped, I can't hide it from her forever, she's bound to know it sooner or later. Oh man… what a nutshell I'm in, he smacked his forehead at the thought.

[Tokyo-3 movie theater]

At 2 PM in the afternoon, the two teens finally arrived in front of the Tokyo-3 movie theater. Asuka happily clung to Shinji's arm as he walked up to the ticket booth to buy their tickets.

"Two tickets please, Slam Dunk: The Interhigh."

"That'll be Y2000 in total." Shinji took out four, crisp Y500 bills from his wallet and paid for their tickets.

After receiving them, Asuka worriedly asked, "You didn't have to pay for both of us. Why don't you let me pay for myself next time?"

"Asuka, don't worry about the money. I've saved up my allowance for the past few months. I'm not that much of a money-spender, so I have a few needs and wants. And besides, I'm glad that I've enough for our date today," he replied.

"But…"

"Don't be a worry-wart, okay? C'mon, let's get in and enjoy the movie." Shinji reached hold of her hand and smiled. Asuka was surprised by the action, but enjoyed the attention he was starting to give her. "Baka… well, be sure to treat the great Asuka Langley Sohryu properly!" She exclaimed as she smiled back.

"Of course. Shall we?"

They made their way inside and took their seats, as the film was about to start. Hmm… it seems baka Shinji here has some tastes in movies, huh. It's been a while since I last saw him enjoy what he does, Asuka thought as she gave a observant glance at her date. He was into the movie by the looks of his face.

"Woah… check out that basketball player no. 10, Askua! I think he's the main character of the movie… his name's Sakuragi Hanamichi," He commented, amazed as the character called Sakuragi was doing his famous 'hun-hun' defense (Author: For those of you readers unfamiliar with Slam Dunk, it's a comedy/action sports anime series telling how Sakuragi Hanamichi, a junior-high school student, began to appreciate and enjoy basketball in Shohoku High. Anyway, normally in basketball a player guards his selected 'man', or opposing team member, and tries to prevent him from scoring a goal in their team's basket. But to Sakuragi, his natural athletic-like prowess enables him to instantly 'flash' many figures of himself --- literally! O_O In this state, to an opponent, he becomes like a giant wall and makes it hard to score over him. See episode 3 of the TV series for info) on his selected 'man'.

Asuka shifted her attention to the movie. "What the?! How the heck does he do that?" she exclaimed. She, too, was beginning to get into the movie as well. "Well, it could be possible in real life. But then again, it's only a movie," Shinji replied.

He noticed that the redhead was leaning her head comfortably on his shoulder. Better make the best out of this date then. I want her to enjoy as much as I do, he thought. He squeezed gently her hand with his and took in the fragrance of her hair.

"I never thought you'd smell this terrific," he whispered to her ear.

Her eyes shot-up wide at the remark and a faint blush rose on her cheeks. "Baka Shinji, you know I try to look my best everyday, you know? Hmm… I never thought you'd be a bit forward, eh?" She whispered back, hinting at their intertwined hands.

Shinji's face flushed up a bit at her remark.

"Ha, ha… w-well, let's just say that you deserve the best of my attention," he whispered once more, as they settled in the movie.

[2 hours later, 5:00 PM]

"Mein gott! That was terrific at how they played back there!" Asuka exclaimed.

"What you'd expect? Team Shohoku played their heart out --- they really were determined to win. Also, they love the game as well," Shinji replied. The two teens were strolling by a line of small stores near the theater after enjoying the movie.

"Say, how come you began to get worked up into the movie? I'd never figured you to be a sportsaholic type," Asuka asked.

"Well, it was my father who first taught me how to play the game. I then started to play regularly at lunch breaks in Tokyo-3 High with some of the higher yr levels. It remains one of my favorite sports to do aside from chess, badminton, ping-pong, and bowling," he replied.

"Sheesh! You played that many sports?! You should've join the sports club then!"

"Ha, ha… well, I did consider joining the club back then, but decided not to. It's just that… well, I don't want everyone to realize that I'm naturally good with what I do and then suddenly judge me by that."

"Why is that so? That surprises me."

"It happened years ago when I was 1st yr in another high school. Everyone started to praise me like I was exceptionally good. I then realized that I couldn't feel support from them… sigh… it sounds corny for a reason, huh?" Shinji's eyebrows arched and his smile turned into a frown as he recalled that time.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up a bad time," Asuka apologized as she realized she brought up a bad recollection of his past to him. She placed her hand on his shoulder for support.

"No it's ok." He smiled towards her and delicately caressed her cheek with his hand. <DOKI-DOKI... DOKI-DOKI... DOKI-DOKI...> Asuka's heart was threatening to burst. "Well, after that," he continued, "I had my parents transfer me to Tokyo-3 Jr. High. Since then, it's been a quiet school life for me… until I met you, Kensuke, Touji, Hikari, and Rei." Shimatta, Shinji thought --- his eyes widened as he realized his mistake in mentioning Rei to the list.

"Oh Shinji… hey, wait a sec, why's Wondergirl along there?" Asuka's face switched from happy to jealous as she heard her rival's name mentioned by her ideal boyfriend.

"Rei's, er, a-also a friend to me, you see. B-besides, without the all of you, my social life would get dull, yeah?

"Is that so? Well… that's good to hear." Sigh… no way I'm letting wondergirl getting her hands on my Shinji! Just you wait and see, she thought as she sadly looked at her object of love and interest. "Why're you looking sad, Asuka? I… I haven't gotten a girlfriend yet. Besides, I'm going to need some time to decide on that," Shinji calmly added to ease his date's worry.

"Speaking of which, you want to grab a bite to eat? I have something to do at around 6 PM. Gomen if our date didn't turn out long as expected."

"Me? Well, I'm feeling a little hungry myself. I don't mind what place you'll chose for us to eat."

"Hmm…" Shinji scratched his chin as he thought of an ideal joint to eat. As his eyes wandered left to right searching, a small sign caught his attention. "How about there?" he pointed towards the sign. The teens walked closer to see the food joint carrying the sign --- HEN LIN (Author: it's a popular food joint dealing with Chinese meals on the go, like fast food. It does exist and can be found in the Philippines. Come to think of it, I think it's an original restaurant brand there also). They walked inside and went towards the counter to take their order. "Welcome to Hen Lin! May I take your order?" one of the employees greeted them.

"Hmm… I'll have the 'Shark's fin' combo meal please," Shinji ordered.

"And you miss?"

"The 'Canton noodle' special," Asuka ordered.

"Anything else?"

"No, thank you."

"That'll be Y3000." Shinji paid the cashier. After 15 minutes, their orders were ready and they settled themselves down in one of the seats. As Shinji helped himself to his meal, Asuka couldn't help but stare happily at him. Baka… you don't know how much this means to me, she thought. She smiled as she continued staring. Shinji felt uneasy as he ate his meal. What's with this stare she's giving me? Could it be… sigh… what should I do? Hmm, might as well talk things straight with her then, he thought. He suddenly stopped eating and looked at her.

"Asuka, are you alright? What're you staring at me like that for?"

"H-huh? I, um… you look peaceful when you're eating like that," she said. A slight blush developed on her face as she realized their eyes met one another.

"Peaceful? I see." Shinji looked downwards at his meal. There's no turning back now, I have to take the initiative! He then took her hands with his own and looked at her beautiful face.

<DOKI-DOKI…> once again, Asuka's heart began to beat twice rapidly.

"Asuka… I… just want you to know that…"

<DOKI-DOKI… DOKI-DOKI…> That what, you baka? Oh say it isn't so! The thought formed on her mind as she braced for those special words.

"That…"

<DOKI-DOKI… DOKI-DOKI… DOKI-DOKI…>

"… I find you to be the most attractive and charming childhood friend I ever had. Throughout the time when we first met each other in childhood, I've grown to like you as well. I'm happy to say that to you."

Oh Shinji. Asuka smiled at the remark and felt her heart becoming very warm.

"However… I… just can't bear to hurt you in any possible way. I have to be honest with you."

Huh? No…

Shinji took a deep breath as he was about to lay down the news about him and Rei. "Asuka… I have a girlfriend now."

<DOKI-DOKI… DOKI… DOKI…> Asuka's heart suddenly beated at its normal rate. No… that can't be… Her eyes widened in surprise at the revelation. "That… can't be… who?" she asked as her smile turned into upside down.

"It's… Rei."

Asuka felt her heart being stabbed through with a knife. "Wondergirl?! OF ALL THE PEOPLE WHY HER?!" She exclaimed. Tears threatened to pour out from her eyes. "Baka… why? What is it in her that she has that I don't?!"

"Asuka…" Shinji felt his heart split into two as he saw her emotions running through her face. He couldn't help but curse himself for telling her this. But… it was better than lying to her about it. No! What have I done?! Damnit! I must fix this! He placed a finger on her lips to hush her up. "Wait… let me explain. I've fallen in love with her since that day she suddenly asked me that. To you it might look like she just simply asked me to be her boyfriend in an instant, but no. When I saw her angelic face, I felt something that warmed my heart… it was love." NO! Damn you, Wondergirl, for stealing Shinji away from me! She couldn't hold her tears any longer as she listened to his explanation.

"You might think that… my heart was won by her. No, it wasn't completely lost to her. You see," He caressed her cheek with his hand and continued, "you have a hold of my heart as well. Do you remember our moment in the park before? That I said you'd always be part of my heart? Well… you always were." Asuka mustered all of her willpower to stop her tears as she heard the last words said.

"Asuka… I… I'm in love with you besides Rei."

W-w-what… what do you mean by that? Confusion etched into her face as she struggled to understand. "Y-y-you mean that? Then, why it's not possible between us?!" she asked him pleadingly, never letting go his hand. "Asuka… I'm in an awkward situation right now between you and Rei. I… I can't help but wonder how I've gotten myself into this. But I realized… that it was the both of you that captured my heart. And now, I'm uncertain with who I should be with on a relationship."

"Shinji…"

"Asuka… please… give me time to decide on this. I know that I'd end up hurting one and being with the other. So, don't cry… okay?" He wiped off her tears with his hand. "I think that it's possible between us… but I'll need time for the both of you. Besides, the great Asuka Langley Sohryu never gives up, right?" Shinji grinned mischievously to cheer her up and brought her hand towards his cheek, feeling her skin and warmth.

"<Sniff> Baka… but, thank you for being honest with me. I feel hope for the both of us. I'd never imagine you'd feel like this towards me." She smiled back.

The teens then resumed eating. After an hour, they left the restaurant and walked back towards the Sohryu residence, walking with their hands intertwined with each other.

[6:00 PM, Sohryu Residence]

The two teens arrived at the Sohryu residence. As Shinji walked Askua to the door, she stopped and looked downwards on the floor.

"Asuka… daijoubu ka? I'm sorry if my confession hurted you. I… couldn't bear hiding it from you, not after all we've been through back then," Shinji said guiltly, his eyes set downward on the doorstep.

"No, it's not that, Shinji. I'm just thinking what I should have done to win your heart before Wondergirl did at the first place," she replied.

"Asuka… please, don't worry yourself over that. I care a lot about you as much as I do with Rei. You're carrying a piece of my heart as well." He took her hand and placed it on the center of his chest, where his heart was beating.

"Shinji… then… please… make this date memorable as it ends, so that I don't have to imagine this as a dream when I wake up the next day."

Asuka closed her eyes and wrapped her arms over his head, holding it firmly.

"Asuka… aishiteru."

Shinji took the hint and sealed her lips with his. He wrapped his arms around her waist as they basked in the uncertain, memorable love that flowed through them. They let out a small moan as their tongues flickered amongst each other, taking in their taste. After remaining in that position for five minutes, they finally broke their kiss.

"Aishiteru, Shinji."

Asuka embraced him once more, before entering inside and closing the door. Asuka… damn, now what I've gotten myself into… my heart feels like it's being torn into two, he thought. He looked at his watch --- 6:10 PM.

"<Sigh> Time to go home and make that call to Rei," he said to himself. He looked once more at the front door before turning around and walking back home.

[6:13 PM, Ikari Residence]

<SLAM!>

"Tadaima!" Shinji greeted. He removed his shoes and took out his slippers from the shoe rack. He wore them and walked to the living room.

"Huh? What's this?"

He found a small note near the telephone.

"Dear Shinji,

Your father's staying late at work and I have late shift at Tokyo-3 Hospital. I made dinner and left it wrapped in the microwave. How did your visit to Asuka go? Don't bother waiting for us. Love you.

Mom"

"Sigh… well, I better check out my dinner then."

He went to the kitchen and opened the microwave. Inside, he found his dinner wrapped and warm in a plate. Unwrapping it, he saw it to be sushi, fried rice, and veggie stir-fry, neatly done in obento-style. Mmm… delicious as always, he thought. After finishing it up, he washed his dishes and went to the bathroom upstairs to refresh himself. After a 15-minute shower, he went to his room and changed into his regular clothes. He lied down on his bed and reached for his telephone. He dialed the number of the Ayanami residence.

<BEEP… BEEP… BEEP…>

"Moshi-moshi, Ayanami residence."

"Good evening, may I speak to Rei?"

"Ah, Shinji! Nice of you to call. You're looking for Rei? Hang on a second," Ritsuko said. She put the telephone down and went upstairs to her daughter's room.

"Rei! Someone's on the phone, and he wants you!" she exclaimed, knocking on the door.

Inside, Rei was gazing outside the window, thinking of her love. "Hmm? Mom? I'll be right there," she replied. I wonder who'd call me at this time of night. Unless… a faint smile traced on her lips. Shinji. She immediately rushed downstairs towards the living room and picked up the telephone.

"Woah! Well, well, I guess I didn't need to say who exactly he is on the phone, eh?" Ritsuko commented after almost being knocked down by her daughter's rush.

Rei blushed and began to speak on the phone.

"Is that you Shinji?"

"H-huh? A-Ayanami, no, er, Rei-chan?"

Shinji stuttered upon hearing her sweet voice. Rei giggled on the other line as she heard her love stuttering with surprise.

"Ahem. Rei-chan, it's me," he said.

"I know that, silly."

"Heh, heh… well, I'm just surprised to hear your voice. I'm glad to be calling you tonight. Anyway, I just called to see how you're doing."

"Well, it's fine and quiet here as usual. I feel happy that you're thinking of me by calling by." She placed her hand on her heart and smiled.

<DOKI-DOKI… DOKI-DOKI…> Shinji felt his heart quicken and smiled as well.

"It's no problem, Rei-chan. I'm just glad to hear you alright. Well, I'll see you at school tomorrow. Oyasumi."

"Oyasumi, Shinji-kun. Me too." Rei hanged up the phone. I hope he likes the obento I'll make for him at lunch in school tomorrow, she thought.

"Hmm… I'll have to invite Shinji here for dinner some other time. He seems like a nice and caring person," Ritsuko said, adjusting her eyeglass.

"Yes, Mom he is. I'm glad I met him," Rei replied with her smile evident on her face.

On the other side, Shinji hanged his phone down and looked up at the ceiling of his room. Rei… Asuka… my feelings for them are all mixed up. Now what do I do? Sigh… I cannot leave both of them. Oh shoot, have class tomorrow. Hmm, I wonder what Kensuke's chat mate will be like tomorrow? He sure has the hots for her, he thought.

"Aye… this is giving me a headache. I'll turn in for the night."

He switched his lights off and drifted off to peaceful slumber.

Author's Note: If you readers were expecting the arrival of Megan Kimiko in this chapter, sorry. She'll be coming in the next chapter rather. I'll be having Misato there as well as Shinji's professor for all subjects and change the boring class atmosphere ^_^.

Hmm… I have to say that Shinji couldn't bear to lie to Asuka about his relationship with Rei. She was bound to know it sooner or later. However, aside from his confession, he decided to let Asuka know that he loves her as much as Rei. Yikes! Sorry if the situation turned out complicated, but I've now decided for this story to be a love triangle - Shinji+Rei, Shinji+Asuka.

Notice how Rei's personality is starting to change? She's opening herself up bit by bit to others, thanks to that day with Shinji (Refer to Chapter 4: Startling Surprises). She knows that Shinji's being honest with his love for Asuka, so she's ok about it. What she worries now is whom he'll decide to be with… this is where you readers come in. Please fill me in your choice: Rei or Asuka? Shinji now has declared his love for both of them. The only question is… how long can he maintain it for the both of them?

As always, please R+R! Much of your reviews are appreciated for me to continue on with the story.