Shinji Ikari, returned from Warhammer

There are two missed text messages in total, this is the second one. The first one was from Hikaru Toki, which I already read and marked as read but don't show up anymore.

"Some minor interactions with the Self-Defense Forces, they've developed some gadgets there, it's up to you whether you go or not." Shinji Ikari's expression was nonchalant; what he didn't say was that he had applied for this mission specifically for her.

Fortunately, the text message arrived in time; MAGI is truly loyal.

Asuka took off her slippers and sat cross-legged on the bed. Her pink feet gleamed with a smooth sheen, and her neatly trimmed toenails were painted with red nail polish, which made Shinji Ikari frown slightly, but her brows quickly relaxed.

Five slender toes are neatly clustered together, with fine, soft gaps between them. The five rosy, smooth toe pads, with their tender, pale pink flesh, resemble double-petaled flower stamens, exquisitely beautiful. The smooth, delicate, rosy heel, like a goose egg, gradually transitions in color from the sole of the foot to a lotus-white hue as it descends to the calf.

"The Self-Defense Forces and us? Could something serious have happened?" Asuka, who was just a natural-born member, was unaware of the secret, unspeakable relationship between headquarters and the Self-Defense Forces.

"Our business is the most important thing. It's fine if you don't want to go." Shinji Ikari turned and walked to the refrigerator. Surprisingly, the hotel room had Oyada's sake, ice, and syrup. Shinji didn't bother with anything fancy. He poured a glass and handed it to Asuka, "Want some?"

"I'm not old enough to drink yet," Asuka said, but she still obediently took the wine glass from Shinji Ikari and sat quietly on the edge of the bed.

Asuka tentatively took a small sip, hesitated for a while before looking up, "Sometimes do you feel like I'm crazy?"

Shinji Ikari did not answer her question directly, but said, "That's normal. People with stable minds can't pilot EVAs."

“That’s not what I meant. I meant, am I being too willful? I’m the one who’s competitive, but in the end, I’m the one who’s running away.” Asuka lowered her eyes under Shinji Ikari’s gaze. “And yet, you all have to bear all of this.”

Asuka wasn't unaware that her attempt to evade the experiment would only cause trouble for Misato Katsuragi and Shinji Ikari. Being suspected of being corrupted by an Angel was never a trivial matter; according to internal rules, her best outcome would be stripping her of her Second Child status and restricting her freedom of action and personal liberty, not the leisurely life she was currently enjoying.

But Shinji Ikari said nothing, and his silent acceptance of everything gave Asuka the feeling of an old father.

"Asuka," Shinji Ikari called her name.

He looked at the girl before him, trying to see into her heart through her eyes, but Asuka's expression was uncertain. Shinji Ikari realized that Asuka had shed her dazzling daytime facade, revealing her true self beneath.

The girl inside the shell was pale and thin, completely unlike the radiant princess she usually was.

Shinji Ikari flicked her forehead, and the slight pain on her scalp forced Asuka to look up, glaring angrily at the boy in front of her.

"I've said it before, just be yourself."

"How arrogant of you to say such things, because you can do anything, right? If I were you, wouldn't I be less anxious?" Asuka gritted her teeth, unable to resist turning her head away.

Shinji Ikari simply smiled at Asuka's dishonesty and resentment. He pinched her smooth cheek and leaned closer to her, saying, "Because Asuka is Asuka. Whether you run away or face it, it's up to you to decide how you live your life."

Asuka finally raised her head and stared blankly at Shinji Ikari, who was smiling at her.

"So whatever the outcome, Asuka, your choice is meaningful."

Asuka looked at the boy in front of her, suddenly raised her head, then abruptly turned it away. She didn't know what she wanted to do or say, and in the end, she could only gulp down the sake in her cup until a blush quickly spread across her cheeks.

"Ugh, so spicy! What a terrible drink, Ooyada!" Asuka exhaled a slightly chilly aroma of sake, her face flushed as she stared at Shinji Ikari, awkwardly changing the subject.

“Don’t drink so fast,” Shinji Ikari chuckled, patting her back. “For a young girl like you who has never drunk alcohol before, sake doesn’t taste very good. There are two bottles of Resley from the Hainler Estate in the fridge. I think they were given to Akagi by someone else, and then Akagi gave them to Misato.”

Asuka watched Shinji Ikari pull out a tissue to wipe the wine stains from the corner of her mouth. She didn't know if she had resolved her inner conflict, but she understood. Shinji Ikari was Shinji Ikari; only his choices were meaningful.

"Let's kiss," Asuka suddenly said.

Shinji Ikari's movements seemed to have been paused. Sometimes he felt like he couldn't figure out Asuka's thoughts. Her ideas were like the clouds in the sky, changing shapes unpredictably.

Without waiting for his response, Asuka kissed him first. The warmth of the girl's body, the slightly cool spiritual root tinged with ice, and the faint floral scent instantly enveloped Shinji Ikari.

After a long while, Asuka pursed her lips, trying to savor the taste, but her mouth seemed to be filled with the fiery flavor of sake.

Perhaps due to the alcohol, Asuka picked up the bottle of Oyasada sake next to her, and also took a preserved plum from the fruit plate next to her, popping it into her mouth. Then she filled her glass with sake, added some ice and honey, and handed it to Shinji Ikari.

“Here, this is for you.” Although Asuka didn’t say it, Shinji Ikari understood what she meant.

Before Shinji could even take the glass, Asuka pulled back. "I don't want to drink your saliva. You should drink mine instead," Asuka said, taking out a preserved plum and stuffing it into Shinji's mouth before taking a sip of her own drink.

The doorbell rang, but Asuka ignored it and instead wrapped her arms around Shinji's neck, exchanging their things.

"Shinji, are you asleep? It's me." Hikaru Toki's light voice came from outside the door.

Asuka's eyes widened, and she spat out a mouthful of sake with a mixture of plum and honey flavors. Shinji Ikari felt utterly hopeless, looking at Asuka's seemingly furious expression, thinking that this was the end for them.

"Oh no, why is Hikaru-chan here?" Asuka asked Shinji in a panic, her voice low and anxious.

Shinji Ikari turned his head in surprise, looking at Asuka beside him, who was clutching her hair. Her beautiful eyes were filled with panic and fear. In an instant, his previously shattered courage slowly returned to her.

Shinji Ikari coughed twice. Since Asuka hadn't misunderstood, things were much easier. All he had to do now was openly open the door and bring Hikari in, and everything would be fine; there was no chance of trouble at home.

"It's okay, I'll..." "Oh no, I absolutely can't let her see me like this, it's too embarrassing!" Asuka turned around and crawled into the quilt, covering herself with the blankets to hide her presence.

"Why are you panicking, friend?" Shinji Ikari didn't quite understand Asuka's thought process. "I'm not panicking, why are you?"

But as the doorbell rang again, he could only shout, "Coming, coming!" to calm Asuka down before opening the door.

"...Shinji-kun."

Hikaru Toki stood outside the door, his eyes lowered, and he lowered his head shyly.

Shinji Ikari composed himself. In truth, after several frank encounters, Hikari Toki had remained unforgettable to him. Her breasts were quite ample, and after a month or so of physical growth, they seemed to have become even rounder.

The full, rounded area almost burst the bath towel. The cleavage, which seemed deep enough to fit several fingers, was also quite deep, and from above, the youthful curves of her breasts were practically bursting out.

But, my dear class president, why are you wearing a bath towel? If Asuka sees me, I won't be able to explain myself at all... Shinji Ikari thought to himself, but Hikari Toki had already entered the room.

"Shinji-kun, it's better to handle some things here."

Her hands gripped the edge of the bath towel tightly. Even though the towel was securely tied, she still felt a little flustered. It was the first time she had come to the boy's room on her own initiative. Although she was trying to avoid being caught by Suzuhara Sakura, her heart was also filled with trepidation and excitement. Hikaru felt like a good student trying to skip class, harboring fear of crossing the line while also looking forward to the unknown world.

“Shinji-kun, I think…” Hikaru Toki began to speak tenderly, but Shinji Ikari abruptly interrupted her, “I don’t care what you think, I care what I think!”

Hikari's keen observation should have detected something amiss with such an abrupt statement, but she was in a special state at the moment, her legs rubbing back and forth inside the towel. Instead, Hikari felt that Shinji Ikari was absolutely right. After all, they were practically an old married couple. There was no need to be too reserved. Thinking this, Hikari looked frankly at Shinji, only to find him giving her a knowing glance as he looked towards the bed.

Hikaru Tomoe blushed instantly. Shinji was being far too eager.

“Okay, I understand.” Hikaru nods seriously to Shinji Ikari.

Shinji Ikari smiled as he looked at Hikari Toki, who had understood his implication that "Asuka is in bed." The next second, however, he saw Hikari Toki loosen her grip and untie the towel, revealing her youthful and exquisite body as the white towel slid off her smooth skin.

And the ketone body moved toward him.

“Shinji-kun…” Hikari gently leaned against Shinji Ikari’s chest, their skin touching, feeling the pounding of his heart. Hikari couldn’t help but smile happily. She hadn’t expected that Shinji, who was usually so frank, would have such a fast heartbeat after she took the initiative.

The only thing that puzzled him was why Shinji Ikari, who was always so eager to take the lead, hadn't made a move yet. He was just gently wrapping his arm around her waist and bringing his mouth close to her ear.

"Asuka is in bed right now," Shinji Ikari whispered in her ear.

As if anticipating this, Shinji Ikari covered her mouth, preventing Hikari from screaming. A few seconds later, Hikari herself covered her mouth in horror, staring intently at the bed behind Shinji Ikari. Upon closer inspection, the raised part of the bedding was indeed the outline of a person.

Instead, Shinji Ikari gently stroked her smooth, radiant back, slowly moving downwards. "Class President, I remember you were going to tell me about Anika tonight. What exactly is it?"

"No, I feel it's too late. I'll tell you tomorrow." Hikari turned to run away, but Shinji Ikari held her tightly around the waist. After struggling several times to no avail, she could only stare resentfully at the boy with a bright smile on his face.

"Just say what you want to say. There are plans for tomorrow." Shinji Ikari continued his little actions.

"Because, Asuka... appears brave and confident on the outside, but is actually very fragile inside..."

“Yes, I know,” Shinji Ikari said.

"I hope you can help her more, umm... take care of her, ha... she's a girl as passionate as a flame, yet proud..."

“Yes, I know,” Shinji Ikari continued.

"...She always demands perfection from herself until she's satisfied. Her usual arrogance is just a facade. I can sense that she has feelings for you... So, please... ignore her typical tough exterior but soft heart, and try to get closer to her heart, oh!"

Under the influence of Kato Taka's golden touch, Hikari collapsed limply into Shinji Ikari's arms. She didn't cry out, because in the end, she covered her mouth herself to prevent herself from losing control of her words.

But this was not the end. Before Hikaru could catch his breath, the doorbell rang again.

At that moment, Hikari finally broke free from Shinji Ikari's control. Instinctively, she crawled into the wardrobe next to her and quickly closed the door.

Shinji Ikari smiled, reluctantly picked up the towel next to him, stuffed it into the closet, and then walked towards the entrance.

"Coming, coming." Shinji Ikari opened the door with practiced ease, but paused slightly in surprise. Because this time, there were two people standing in the doorway, not one.

On the left is Rei Ayanami, wearing a blue summer yukata with white cranes, a red sun, and cloud patterns, and the name of the current inn is embroidered on the sleeves; while on the right is Sakura Suzuhara, wearing a black women's sailor uniform, a collarless pullover style, probably a school uniform, and she is looking at Shinji Ikari with her big, bright eyes, who is only wearing a towel around his crotch.

Why did the two of them come together?

"Soryu-kun is missing." Rei Ayanami was the first to state her purpose.

203: Asuka is sleeping

"Looking for Asuka?" Shinji Ikari's brows furrowed slightly. If it were just Rei Ayanami, it would actually be a small favor for him. He could pick up Asuka for him. However, Sakura Suzuhara, standing next to Rei Ayanami, said with her hands behind her back, looking quite charming.

“Same here,” Sakura Suzuhara looked up at Shinji Ikari. “When I got up just now, I found that Hikaru-chan was missing. I was wondering if she had come to see Nii-san.”

"The squad leader might be at the observation deck. Are you going to look for her?" Shinji Ikari said with a smile.

"If it's just about seeing the night view, then there's no need for that." Sakura Suzuhara stuck out her tongue, seemingly not really concerned about Hikaru's whereabouts, just looking for a topic of conversation, "Did you just take a shower, nii-san?"

"Yeah, after the sauna, I rinsed my whole body." Shinji Ikari's expression was quite natural.

"Taking a sauna can help with weight loss, boost metabolism, and strengthen immunity. But with Nii-san's body, he probably doesn't need these functions. There's a strong smell of alcohol in your room." Suzuhara Sakura craned her neck to look inside, perhaps still wondering if Hikaru Toki was there, especially scrutinizing the bulges in the bedding.

"I just had a few drinks with some friends, are you still awake?" Shinji Ikari stepped aside to make way. Keeping a lady waiting outside the door for too long is a breach of etiquette for a nobleman.

"Friend, who is it?" Suzuhara Sakura's gaze did not leave the bedding.

Shinji Ikari walked to the bedside, put his index finger to his lips to signal them to be quiet. Then he lifted a corner of the blanket, revealing Asuka's sleeping face.

Asuka hadn't expected herself to be such a lightweight when it came to alcohol. She had planned to hide under the covers from Hikaru, but she ended up falling asleep as she lay there.

Shinji Ikari walked to the edge of the bed, took a pillow and placed it under Asuka's head, then lifted a corner of the blanket to cover Asuka's body before turning to look at the two people behind him.

Shinji Ikari's gaze held a hint of regret, for Sakura Suzuhara was standing beside the wardrobe, tugging at the corner of a towel sticking out from inside. A few seconds later, the wardrobe door opened, revealing Hikaru Toki with an awkward smile.

"Hi." Hikaru Tōki tightened the towel around his body, and in a short moment, everything was exposed.

"Let's go, I'll take you to get some late-night snacks," Shinji Ikari invited.

Ten minutes later, back at the same observation deck, Shinji Ikari turned on the lights. On his way there, he'd picked out a bottle of ice wine from the wine cabinet. Shinji didn't have any other thoughts; he was just worried that the night breeze would be cool and might help him ward off the chill.

Hikaru Toki sat opposite Shinji Ikari with his legs together, wearing only a bath towel to avoid revealing any skin.

In contrast, Rei Ayanami and Sakura Suzuhara were much more casual.

Rei Ayanami sat upright next to Hikaru Toki with the posture of a model student, her gaze calmly fixed on the distance.

Sakura Suzuhara clung to Shinji Ikari's neck like a koala, hanging on his back. She had originally wanted to sit in Shinji's lap, but after he politely declined, she could only cling to him like this.

"Ayanami-kun, this is for you." Hikaru Toki took the iced wine from Shinji Ikari and then handed it to Rei Ayanami.

But to everyone's surprise, Rei Ayanami took the bottle and gulped down almost half of it. Both Sakura Suzuhara and Hikaru Toki were astonished to see this expressionless heroine drinking so heartily.

"Is Rei Ayanami such a heavy drinker?" Hikaru stammered a little. She wasn't old enough to drink alcohol yet. She and Sakura Suzuhara were already nervous about drinking alcoholic beverages with Shinji Ikari, but seeing Rei Ayanami down half a bottle and still not stopping, she realized what a true drinking champion was.