Silently, Shinji shakes his head. But he doesn't return the envelope. It stays in his hands, trembling like a fragile bird. He can see the pain he's causing Kaworu. That's all he's capable of, isn't he? Even if he does nothing, even if he accepts his misplaced affections...

"I can find my way back," he mumbles. He lifts his gaze to meet Kaworu's. Still, that loving expression is there, mixed in with the hurt. Shinji suddenly feels like crying. He's tired of keeping everyone distant from him. He wants to be helped by someone. Anyone. He wants to apologize to Kaworu again, for killing him and for running away yet again. He wants that warm feeling they shared during the duet back.

Instead, he turns around and begins to pack up his cello, sliding the card into his jacket's pocket.