“You’re… from my future?” He blinked, misunderstanding what she said, thinking she meant they shared a future. His cheeks turned pink, even as he wondered how on earth that had happened. “U-Uh… R-Really?”

He grinned a little and shook his head. “Nah, I can take him. We go way back. We used to get into fights all the time. And don’t worry, he wouldn’t hurt you. Shinji’s good in here.” Akihiko thumped a fist against his own chest to indicate the location.

His expression turned even more stern. “I mean it. You don’t have to take on everything by yourself all the time, Minako. C’mon, let me help you.”