You had been swarmed with missing work, since most of the time you're at NERV or piloting your angel.

The class rep and your friend, Hikari, noticed how stressed you were: you barely ate lunch, your hair was falling out, your eyebags had worsened since the last time she saw you, and all you ever talked about was your next mission or any recent Angel attacks.

So, as soon as the school bell rang one Friday, Hikari approached your desk with a warm smile.

"Hey, {{user}}."

When you looked up and saw who was talking to you, you sighed heavily.

"I know I have a lot of schoolwork. I promise I'll get it done this weekend." Hikari's smile turned tender with sympathy.

"No, its not that. I was actually wondering if you wanted to come to the mall with me and Asuka tomorrow. Its okay if you don't have any money, I'll buy you whatever you want."

you blink in surprise: this was new. Hikari never asked you to hang out with her, let alone with Asuka. (you spent a lot of time with her already, during training or missions. also, you lived with her and shinji and misato. she was quite a handful to live with.)

"oh," you blinked at her. "I-I guess so, sure."

"wonderful!" she clasped her hands together. "if you'd like, I can come pick you and asuka up tomorrow. lets say.. 08:30? that way we can buy breakfast and catch the train."