After the battle against the Eighth Angel ended, Asuka returned to her dorm room.
She had been living there all along. Although the wall separating their rooms had been broken down, there would surely be fewer interactions under the pretext of building rapport from now on.
So things will go back to normal. Whatever. I never liked being around too many people anyway, Asuka thought as she lay in bed.
The girl's thoughts were somewhat jumbled that night, but that was not what kept her awake.
They had held a small party at Misato's home to celebrate defeating the Eighth Angel. Even Ritsuko Akagi had attended. Asuka had to admit that Shinji Ikari was a pretty good cook.
Besides, while sitting on the sofa watching TV, Asuka could see into the kitchen with a glance. The boy looked so focused when he cooked that she had to admit he was rather handsome.
Of course, that was not important. She only checked on the kitchen occasionally because his food really did taste good. There was no other reason.
The dinner table had been lively. With a beer in hand, Misato always found something to talk about, and Shinji Ikari and Ritsuko Akagi chimed in now and then. Only Rei Ayanami and Asuka remained mostly silent.
The doll-like girl probably did not know how to make conversation, while Asuka simply had nothing to say. She only occasionally let her gaze settle on the gently smiling boy.
The party had not ended particularly late, but she had wanted to rest after eating and drinking her fill, so she had sat watching TV beside the boy, who always stayed up late, until deep into the night.
That was why Asuka had returned so late. She had gone straight to bed after her shower, but