After his identity as Unit-01's pilot got exposed, Shinji Ikari instantly became the school's celebrity.
Kids this age were extremely interested in such things.
Especially Kensuke Aida—kept begging Shinji to bring him to tour the base. Other classmates' gazes locked firmly on him throughout every following class.
Made Shinji somewhat uncomfortable.
This feeling of being the center of attention—he'd never experienced it before.
Constantly watched by classmates with curious gazes made him very nervous. Internally prayed Natsuki-san could wake up faster.
Only at dismissal time did he relax slightly.
Sunset fell. After melodious bell chimes, classmates left the classroom one by one.
"I'm heading out, Shinji-kun. See you tomorrow~"
"Bye~"
"Shinji-kun, should I bring you lunch tomorrow?"
"Ah... thanks, but no need."
Many departing classmates greeted Shinji. Shinji responded to each.
Under Natsuki's guidance, he was now trying to embrace his life. So got along relatively well with classmates. Just embarrassed easily. But this actually attracted some girls' favor.
Special identity. Delicate appearance. Polite manner. Such a person being popular in class—guaranteed.
After all classmates left, Shinji patted his chest. Long exhale.
"Socializing... really is exhausting."
"But fun." He smiled.
In his past life, he'd never tried socializing with classmates like this. This feeling of being curious about, being liked—truly wonderful.
In the classroom, besides him, only Rei Ayanami remained waiting for him.
They'd go for physical examinations together next.
"Let's go, Ayanami-san." Shinji came to Rei Ayanami's side. Wanted to help her up.
Rei Ayanami still had bandages. Seemed injuries not healed. He thought he could help her.
Rei Ayanami heard Shinji's voice. Slowly turned her head. Ruby-like eyes seemingly showing no emotion.
"Why?" She asked. Voice very soft.
"Eh?" Shinji froze. Didn't know what she was asking.
But quickly, he reacted. Perhaps she was asking why he exposed his identity.
"This... no one told me to keep it secret. Sorry." Shinji scratched his head. Said with some apology.
Shinji thought he'd violated organizational rules.
But after he said this, Rei Ayanami only shook her head.
"Not that."
"Why."
"Why talk so much with them?" Rei Ayanami asked in a faint voice.
She couldn't understand Shinji Ikari's behavior. Or rather—she didn't quite understand most people's behavioral logic.
She was like a simple doll. Couldn't understand these emotion-related things.
"Why talk so much with them? Hmm... I think it's basic courtesy." Shinji contemplated. Answered.
Classmates were very enthusiastic toward him. So out of basic courtesy, he should respond.
If before, he'd be at a loss. Deliberately keep distance from classmates.
But now with dreams and goals, he didn't want to immerse in loneliness anymore. Like Natsuki-san said—he had to keep moving forward.
"Courtesy?"
"What is courtesy?" Rei Ayanami asked again.
Hearing her ask this, Shinji thought she was teasing him.
After all, how could a normal person not know what courtesy was?
But looking at Rei Ayanami's innocent eyes and delicate features, he felt she wasn't lying. She truly seemed to not know what courtesy was.
Too strange...
Shinji felt this girl seemingly didn't possess "common sense."
And explaining common sense things—would take considerable effort.
"I'll explain on the way." Shinji glanced at the time. Extended his hand to Rei Ayanami.
Dr. Ritsuko Akagi would urge them soon.
Rei Ayanami looked at Shinji's extended hand. Froze for seconds.
Then as if just understanding, passed over her uninjured hand. Let Shinji help her up.
She remembered—this behavior seemed called "help."
And after others helped oneself—
Should say...
"Thank you." Rei Ayanami said softly to Shinji after standing.
"Ah... you're welcome." Shinji released his hand dazedly. Thought so she didn't lack all common sense.
Also wondered internally why NERV had someone like her.
Why she became a pilot.
Why she had so many injuries.
This girl named Rei Ayanami had too many suspicious points. And Shinji's intuition told him—figuring out this girl's background would reveal NERV's inside story.
'Natsuki-san helps me so much. I must help Natsuki-san too.' Shinji told himself internally.
Natsuki-san wanted information about this world. Naturally, the more the better.
He'd decided to uncover what NERV concealed.
The two took transportation to NERV headquarters' hidden entrance.
Following Ritsuko Akagi's instructions, they arrived at the base's laboratory door.
"This is it." Shinji stood at the white door. Glanced at the lab's sign. Confirmed.
"Looks like we part here." He turned toward Rei Ayanami who came with him. She still had to go to deeper rooms.
Rei Ayanami silently nodded.
She and Shinji were ultimately different.
Watching Rei Ayanami's departing back, Shinji had an impulse to call her back.
But ultimately restrained himself.
The laboratory door opened. He walked in.
Inside was a specialized room with various body testing instruments. Ritsuko Akagi wore a loose white lab coat. Held a tablet for testing data. Had waited for him long.
"Shin..." She just wanted to greet Shinji. Tell him to prepare.
Saw the usually aloof and intelligent Dr. Connie actually approach proactively.
Completely different from the persona she'd encountered. Very enthusiastically said to Shinji Ikari: "Hello, Shinji-kun."
"The physical abnormality examination will start soon. Any discomfort in your body now?"
"If you're uncomfortable, we can wait. No rush."
Speaking, led Shinji Ikari to the pre-prepared rest area.
This series of operations stunned Ritsuko Akagi.
She remembered they should be meeting for the first time.
Where's your aloofness? Your reserve? Your intelligent persona?
She really wanted to ask—in time she didn't know about, what exactly happened?
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