"There are still some things to explain about returning to the ship. These are the village records Miss Misato asked me to make, including the families of Wille personnel. There's also a letter Toji wrote to his sister. I think it says something like 'take care of yourself'..."
Kensuke Aida handed Huang Zhetian the USB drive and envelope, explaining what they were.
With a turn of his wrist, Huang Zhetian stored them in his System Inventory.
"Don't worry. I'll get these to them."
"By the way, where's the bigwig's son?"
"He went to see Ayanami."
Late that night.
Ayanami and Shinji Ikari sat side by side outside the courtyard, looking up at the moon in the night sky.
"Ikari-kun, could you take me back to that place tomorrow?"
"Sure."
"Ikari-kun, I washed a set of clothes for you. Put them on for me when we get there."
"Sure."
"Ikari-kun, do the clothes I wore today look nice?"
"They do."
"Ikari-kun, I'm so sleepy."
"Then get some rest. See you tomorrow."
"Okay."
Shinji Ikari got up to leave, but reluctant to go, he turned back for another look.
Ayanami held her hands together against her chest and watched him with a smile.
Tilting her head slightly, Ayanami asked, "Ikari-kun, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just thought time was passing so quickly."
"I think so too."
"See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow."
Back in Yan's room, the oil lamp gave off a warm, faint glow.
Looking at the soundly sleeping Yan, Ayanami reached out and gently touched her little cheek with a fingertip.
Suddenly, she felt something strange in her palm and opened her hand to look.
There was a small crimson ring, its center as dark as a black hole.
Ayanami's eyes widened, her pupils trembling involuntarily.
Her palm felt wet. Tears