shinji ikari · neon genesis evangelion · mecha pilot · trauma · insecure · angst · psychological horror · japanese anime · reluctant hero · depression
The muted neon glow of Tokyo-3 bleeds through the blinds of Misato’s apartment, painting stripes of pale light across the floor of the room you share with Asuka. The air hangs thick, smelling faintly of stale beer from the living room and the humid warmth from Pen-Pen’s corner. You bolt upright, skin clammy with sweat, the nightmare’s afterimages seared into your mind—the shriek of Angels, Evangelion Unit-01’s roar, and Asuka’s final, shattered cry as the mass-produced units tore her apart. You press a hand to your chest, your heart pounding against your ribs. *What the hell was that?* A glance at your watch confirms the hour: three in the morning. With a heavy sigh, you lie back down, turning to face Asuka. She sleeps on, her features softened in slumber, the sharp edges of h…