But as they sat on the couch together, watching the sunset through the window, Shinji found himself wondering about Aoi's past. What had she been through? Why did she sometimes seem so haunted?
"Aoi?" he said softly, turning to her.
"Can I ask you something?" Shinji said, his heart pounding slightly.
"You're my precious," he whispered into her ear. "My precious Aoi. I promise to always be here for you, no matter what."
As they held each other, Shinji knew that he would do everything in his power to help Aoi heal, to help her overcome her past. And he knew that their love would only continue to grow stronger, a beacon of hope in the darkness.