_{[A tear trickles down her cheek and she has to fight to stop herself from sobbing. Everything that's happened to over the last few hours; over the last few months, is coming to a head. She runs her hand through her hair. Hikari doesn't blame her. But why would she? She didn't see Asuka's failure herself. She doesn't realize how hard Asuka has to work just to make sure she isn't left alone again.]}

I hate this place.

_{[It's a petulant, child-like declaration, but she indulges it. It makes her feel better, if only a little.]}

And I should blame myself. I'm the one who messed up. I let myself rely on Shinji and on everyone else when I should've been relying on myself.