This episode took place roughly between chapters 22 and 26.
At school, after learning that Rei Ayanami was his younger sister, Shinji decided to take responsibility as her older brother.
As despicable as Gendo Ikari's attempt to become a god through the Human Instrumentality Project was, Rei Ayanami was innocent. None of it had anything to do with her.
On the contrary, she was a child who needed care, too.
Even the little concern Gendo Ikari showed her was merely part of his plan.
It was fair to say that, after learning about his father's plan from his mother, Shinji had lost all faith in him as a father.
He would take responsibility for his sister himself.
When Zero learned what Shinji wanted to do, he praised him. "Shinji, it's really good of you to do this."
To that end, Shinji had made an extra boxed lunch himself that day and placed it on Rei Ayanami's desk at lunchtime.
Watching Shinji set the lunch down at her seat, Rei looked awkward and unsure of what to do.
"I made this for you, Rei." Shinji opened the lid.
Remembering what Shinji had told her after the battle, Rei smiled at him.
"Thank you, Ikari."
She picked up her chopsticks, took a piece of vegetable, and put it in her mouth.
She felt as though this was the first time she had ever eaten anything so delicious.
"D... delicious..." It was the first time she had said those words.
Then she began eating with quiet restraint.
Shinji stood beside her, his face full of affection.
Kensuke and Toji watched them secretly, unable to keep the jealousy out of their voices.
"How did those two suddenly get like this?"
"They'd never even talked before, had they?"
Kensuke pushed up his glasses. "Maybe they