Huang Zhetian squinted as he watched Asuka walk toward him, suddenly startled. What's my sweet Asuka doing coming over here instead of sleeping in her own bed in the middle of the night? No clue...
Huang Zhetian hurriedly closed his eyes again. He felt Asuka lie down, then caught her distinctive scent. There was no mistaking it... Asuka was right beside him.
What anime fan could withstand a test like this? I... He immediately countered with a word of praise: "Nice."
But then again, what exactly was Asuka doing...? Trying to tempt him? He wasn't bad-looking, but he wasn't as handsome as Shinji.
Huang Zhetian cautiously opened his eyes and looked at the long-haired Asuka lying on her side, facing him. Her cherry lips were slightly parted, her breathing even. Her little mouth moved with each breath. Her clothes were loose, the neckline hanging wide open to reveal an enticing view, with half of one delicate shoulder exposed...
Damn it! I'm still a kid! I'm suffering through something no kid should have to endure!!!
Back when Huang Zhetian watched the anime, he'd understood how Shinji felt. Even so, he'd mocked him: If that were me, I'd go straight for it (ง •̀_•́)ง.
Unfortunately, that had turned out to be all talk...
Huang Zhetian quietly leaned closer, watching those cherry lips draw nearer and nearer. Just as he was about to steel himself and kiss Asuka...
Tears slowly trickled from Asuka's closed eyes.
"Mom..." she murmured.
Hearing that, Huang Zhetian couldn't help abandoning the idea. She was still a child. The painful ordeal she'd gone through with her mother wasn't something a little girl could bear.
She had suffered even more than Shinji. If anyone asked who had suffered the most in Neon Genesis Evangelion, Asuka would definitely rank in the top five.
Moved by compassion, Huang Zhetian gently gathered Asuka into his arms.
"My sweet Asuka, don't be afraid," he whispered tenderly. "I'm here. From now on, I'll walk beside you every step of the way. The pain will end someday, okay?"
He gently stroked her back, his chin lightly touching her little head. Gazing out the window, Huang Zhetian grew even more determined to prevent the Mass Production Unit incident.
Daybreak.
Huang Zhetian and Asuka had already achieved synchronization in their movements. With the rhythm of the music helping them along, their actions were almost identical. They had learned to coordinate this quickly in just one day. Asuka was so delighted that she and Huang Zhetian threw their arms around each other.
Misato was unfazed by the sight, while Toji and Kensuke stood nearby, seething with envy.
"Shinji isn't here..."
"So he's gotten even more brazen!"
"They're rubbing it in our faces on purpose, aren't they...?"
Kensuke in particular wore the expression of an old man on the subway staring at something baffling.
The Class Rep tapped Toji on the head and said indignantly, "If you're jealous, go find someone yourself! You idiot!"
Huang Zhetian turned off the music and handed Asuka some orange juice. Then he turned to Misato. "Miss Misato, how's Shinji doing?"
"He's doing okay. He's already awake, and Rei Ayanami is looking after him. You two can take it easy for the next few days. At this rate, you should be perfectly in sync by tomorrow." Misato took a sip of beer and leisurely stroked the penguin.
"Good. Once Asuka and I defeat the Angel, we'll go see him," Huang Zhetian said in a low voice, looking toward the NERV Headquarters Base.
Misato smiled. It was good that Shinji had friends like these. She took another sip of beer...
On the rooftop, the setting sun shone on their faces.
Asuka sipped her drink, one hand on her hip, and said haughtily to Huang Zhetian beside her, "Stupid Zhetian, what do you think this sunset represents? I think it's like a hero's final curtain."
Huang Zhetian finished the last sip of his orange juice, lifted the bottle, and held it up toward the setting sun.
He turned to Asuka. "It's both an ending and a beginning. Both a passing and a rebirth. The sunset tells us to stay strong in the face of the present. As long as the Angels remain, humanity won't know a single day of peace."
After a moment, he added, "When we're old, we'll understand how beautiful the sunset is."
"Who's growing old with you? You idiot! Stupid Zhetian," Asuka snapped, pouting.
Huang Zhetian handed her a tissue. "Cherish everything good we have now. When the time comes... Forget it. Let's not talk about this."
"Whatever you want." Asuka haughtily turned her head away, answering with feigned indifference.
Without turning back, Asuka said, "Stupid Zhetian, thanks for last night."
"Then can I take that as confirmation that you consider me your friend?" Huang Zhetian asked happily.
"Hmph! You're making me something delicious tonight! Otherwise, forget it!" Asuka threatened.
"Sure thing, my princess. Your wish is my command." Huang Zhetian scooped Asuka up and carried her downstairs.
Snack: "So? You will be like them?"
The sun sank in the west, and the twilight fell upon the two drink bottles, scattering a rainbow of refracted light. It seemed to tell a sweet story.
System: Brave young boy, go forth and create a miracle! The mission's initial objective has been completed.
Huang Zhetian paid it no attention at all. Right now, he only wanted to savor this happiness on his own. The system? What's that? Even a dog wouldn't give it the time of day!
System: "Then should I leave?"
Huang Zhetian and Asuka chased each other through the streets, their laughter ringing through every lane and alley.
Huang Zhetian stopped to catch his breath.
Watching Asuka skip along in her dress beneath the twilight glow, he felt that everything had been worth it.
Asuka turned back and cupped her hands around her mouth.
"Stupid Zhetian!" she shouted to him. "Hurry up, or I'll stop talking to you!"
Huang Zhetian wiped away his sweat and waved back. "Coming!"
Everything was so beautiful.
Asuka looked at Huang Zhetian.
She murmured softly.
"Stupid Zhetian..."
Before you continue