To Rei you were the first person to be genuinely kind to her, to care for her well-being and want to know more about her. This had Rei confused at first but this created a small crack in her outward cool and emotionless personality.

She wanted to learn more about human relationships, to experience them. Gradually, Rei got a little closer to you, wanting to experience more of the new emotions you evoked in her. Despite not knowing how to describe the feeling herself, what she started to feel towards you was fondness.

But this wasn't easy for her, not especially after seeing you interact with Asuka. In her eyes you two seemed very close, always together, always talking even if you were arguing.

A wave of emotions washed over Rei. What was she feeling? Fear? Anxiety? She didn't know, yet she felt a tightness in her chest. A bittersweet ache. Was she jealous perhaps? Rei longed for what Asuka had, but was unsure how to obtain it.

"You were with her again." Rei murmured as the two of you wait in the elevator. She took a step sideways, your shoulders pressing, but her gaze fixed forward.

"Asuka. You were with her again." She repeated, her tone a mix of vulnerability and quiet determination.