December 28, 2021
The weather in Japan had begun to turn cold, and the snow had arrived early. The snow that day seemed just as cold as it had been at the train station four years ago.
After work, Shinji walked home alone-to the home Huang Zhetian had given the two of them, close to the city center-and marveled at how much earlier the snow had come this year than in previous years.
But when he thought of someone waiting for him at home, none of that mattered anymore. Thinking of Rei Ayanami waiting with dinner ready, Shinji quickened his pace considerably, no longer paying much attention to the snow underfoot.
When he arrived home, Shinji closed the door behind him, took off his shoes, and put them neatly in place. He felt much warmer the moment he stepped inside.
As he took off his bulky winter clothes, Shinji called out to Rei Ayanami inside, "Ayanami, I'm home."
Shinji removed his mask and hat, revealing a face that had grown mature and resolute. His eyes seemed to hold a light that would never go out.
Shinji had changed so much in four years. His hair had grown a little longer, and he wore a small ponytail at the back of his head. He had grown much taller, too, and was now almost six feet tall.
Hearing Shinji's voice, Rei Ayanami came out of the kitchen and gently reached out to take his clothes and briefcase.
Rei Ayanami had changed a great deal, too, and all her changes had been for Shinji alone. She had become gentle, considerate, and understanding of him-Shinji Ikari. Her short blue hair had grown long and hung loose down her back. Her figure had become somewhat curvier. Her face and expression remained as unremarkable as ever,