In the dimly lit NERV living quarters, Asuka Langley Soryu lounged on the couch with her arms crossed and her trademark smirk plastered across her face. The eyepatch over her left eye seemed to add an extra layer of intensity to her already fiery demeanor.

"I've finally figured it out," she announced, breaking the silence.

Shinji, who was cautiously sipping tea at the dining table, glanced over nervously. "Figured what out?"

Misato, sitting nearby with a beer in hand, perked up. "Oh, this ought to be good. What's on your mind, Asuka?"

Asuka straightened up, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "I've realized there are people out there who are actually worthy of admiration. People who aren't spineless or insufferably annoying." She shot a pointed glare at Shinji.

Shinji shrank in his seat, muttering, "Was that really necessary…?"

Misato chuckled, clearly amused. "Okay, so who's this paragon of virtue you're talking about? Spill it."

"Not that it's any of your business," Asuka began with a smug tone, "but I've discovered someone who's got real guts. Someone who actually does things instead of whining all the time."

Shinji flinched. "I get it, Asuka. You think I'm useless. You don't have to keep saying it."

Misato leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "Alright, alright. Who is it, Asuka? Don't keep us in suspense."

Asuka hesitated for a moment, as though trying to decide whether to reveal her secret. Finally, with a flourish, she leaned back and said confidently, "His name is Ash Ketchum."

Both Shinji and Misato blinked at her, thoroughly confused.

"Ash… who?" Misato asked, trying to place the name.

"Ketchum," Asuka repeated, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. "He's a Pokémon trainer. Traveled the world, defeated countless strong opponents, and actually wins battles. Unlike some people around here."

Shinji furrowed his brow. "Wait, what's a Pokémon?"

Misato laughed, clearly enjoying the absurdity of the situation. "So let me get this straight. You're crushing on some guy who trains… what, monsters or something? And you've never even met him?"

Asuka huffed, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It's not a crush, Misato! I just respect his determination and skill. And for your information, he's not just some random trainer. He's the champion."

"Champion of what, exactly?" Shinji asked, now more confused than ever.

"Of the Pokémon World Coronation Series, duh!" Asuka snapped, as if Shinji's ignorance was a personal offense. "He beat the strongest trainers in the world, and he's only a teenager. He's way more accomplished than you'll ever be, Shinji!"

Misato stifled a laugh behind her beer can. "Wow, Shinji, you've been one-upped by a kid from another dimension. How does that feel?"

Shinji slumped further into his chair, muttering, "I didn't even do anything…"

Asuka, seemingly emboldened by the reactions, continued. "And another thing! He's brave, kind, and actually knows how to handle himself in tough situations. He'd be a much better EVA pilot than… well, you know."

Misato leaned back, grinning. "Sounds like you've got it bad, Asuka. Maybe we should find a way to introduce you two."

"Don't be ridiculous," Asuka snapped, her face turning red. "It's not like I'm obsessed or anything! I just happen to think he's impressive, that's all!"

Shinji looked at Misato helplessly, as if begging her to change the subject. Misato, however, was having far too much fun.

"Well, if he's so great," Misato teased, "maybe you should let him take your spot as the Second Child."

"Ha! Like anyone could replace me!" Asuka shot back, though her confident smirk faltered ever so slightly.

Shinji sighed, resigning himself to yet another day of being verbally trampled by Asuka. Meanwhile, Misato chuckled and raised her beer in a mock toast.

"To Ash Ketchum," she said with a wink, "the guy who's managed to impress Asuka Langley Soryu. That's no small feat."

Asuka groaned in frustration. "You're impossible, Misato!"

Next day...

In the dimly lit girls' Eva pilot dressing room, Mari Makinami Illustrious leaned casually against a locker with an amused smirk plastered on her face as she watched Asuka grumble and mutter to herself.

"So," Mari began, twirling a strand of her hair playfully, "I heard a little birdie chirp about you having a thing for some boy from another dimension. Care to spill the beans, Princess?"

Asuka froze mid-motion with her fingers clenching the edge of her locker door. She whipped around, her one visible eye narrowing into a glare. "Who told you that?" she demanded, her voice sharp and accusing.

Mari chuckled, clearly enjoying the reaction. "Does it matter? The important thing is, you've got a crush! Aww, it's so cute!" She clasped her hands together mockingly. "Asuka Langley Soryu, the fierce Second Child, taken down by some kid named… what was it? Oh, Ash Ketchum?"

Asuka's face turned bright red. "Shut up, Four Eyes! And stop saying his name like that!"

"Oh, why not? Ash Ketchum, Ash Ketchum," Mari sang, her grin widening. "Come on, Asuka, you've got to admit, it's adorable. You're practically glowing!"

"Ugh! That's it!" Asuka snapped, slamming her locker shut with a loud clang. "Who told you? Was it that spineless idiot, Shinji? I knew he couldn't keep his big mouth shut!"

Mari's smile faltered slightly, and she tilted her head at Asuka. "Wow, harsh much? Poor Shinji's done nothing wrong, you know. You really should cut him some slack."

"Excuse me?" Asuka barked, crossing her arms. "Don't tell me you have a thing for him, too! Ugh, of course you would, with your weird tastes!"

Mari shrugged with a playful glint in her eye. "And what if I do? Shinji's sweet, considerate, and honestly kind of adorable in his own awkward way." She leaned in closer. "But we're not talking about me, are we? We're talking about you and your Pokémon Trainer Boy Wonder."

Asuka groaned. "I swear, if I find out Shinji—"

"It wasn't Shinji," Mari interrupted, rolling her eyes. "You're barking up the wrong tree, Princess. It was Misato."

Asuka's jaw dropped, and she sputtered incoherently for a moment before slamming a fist into the nearest locker. "Of course it was Misato! I can't trust either of those idiots to keep a secret! She's worse than Shinji!"

Mari laughed. "Oh, come on, you've got to admit it's hilarious. Misato letting it slip is so on-brand for her."

"It's not hilarious!" Asuka snapped, stomping her foot. "This is humiliating!"

Mari grinned, giving Asuka a teasing pat on the shoulder. "Oh, relax, Asuka. It's not the end of the world. Besides, if he's really as great as you say, maybe it's time you own up to it. Who knows? He might even like you back."

"Like that would happen!" Asuka retorted, her face burning brighter than ever.

Mari winked. "Stranger things have happened, Princess. Stranger things."

Asuka let out a frustrated growl. "Shut up, you Four Eyes freak!"