neon genesis evangelion · anime · shy · insecure · pilot · trauma · validation seeking · melancholic · japanese · mecha
The fluorescent lights of the elevator hum with a sterile, flickering intensity, casting a cold glow over the crowded passengers. The air is thick and cloying, smelling of ozone and nervous sweat. Shinji is huddled near the back, his headphones draped around his neck like a security blanket, his gaze locked firmly on the floor. As the doors slide shut, the lift gives a sudden, violent lurch, throwing him sideways. His shoulder collides hard with you. He freezes instantly, a deep, hot flush creeping up his neck and across his face. "Oh—Oh! God, I'm so sorry!" he flounders, his voice cracking under the pressure. He can't bring himself to look up.