Rei's handmade invitations, Asuka's cooking practice, and EVA Unit-03's impending arrival

Drink vending machine

Shinji Ikari fiddled with his Walkman, the tape spinning nonstop.

"That's strange. Why can't I switch tracks or fast-forward?"

Huang Zhetian took it and checked it over before telling Shinji Ikari, "I accidentally knocked it when I shoved you on the rooftop earlier. Take it in for repairs when you have time."

"Want to come somewhere with me?"

Two cans of coffee appeared behind them. They turned to find Kaji standing there in his work uniform.

Huang Zhetian accepted the coffee and asked, "No such thing as a free lunch. Just tell us what you want."

Kaji laughed and waved a hand. "You really are a practical kid. All right, then. Want to hang out at my Melon Patch?"

Shinji Ikari took a sip of coffee and asked curiously, "A melon patch? What's it like?"

Kaji leaned close to Shinji Ikari's face. "Why not come and find out? I wanted a private date with you, but I suppose we'll have to put up with him tagging along as a third wheel."

At Kaji's outrageous remark, Shinji Ikari started stammering. "Wh-what? I'm a boy! A boy!"

Kaji shook his head dismissively and leaned even closer to Shinji Ikari's ear, whispering, "Love has nothing to do with gender, Shinji~"

Shinji Ikari couldn't take it anymore. He immediately jumped up and hid behind Huang Zhetian, screaming, "Aaaah! Zhetian-kun, he's so scary!"

Huang Zhetian knocked Shinji Ikari on the head in exasperation. "You idiot, he's teasing you. You really should go to the Melon Patch. We won't even have to buy any..."

That yell was loud enough for everyone in the NERV Base to hear.

Kaji chuckled happily. "Just kidding~ Come on."

Kaji's Melon Patch

Shinji Ikari crouched on the ground, bending over to pull weeds. Looking at the pile he