[Thanks to the stutter, he already knows who asked, but he'll humor him. If it was anyone else the answer would be akin to any number of the short, cryptic things he's handed Shinji in the past, but he figures if he asked outright he deserves a real answer, so here goes.]

Shinji-kun has a kind heart. He cares about people, even the ones who give him little reason to, even if it isn't often returned. He's someone who wants to see the good in everything, even when it's elusive. Who doesn't want to believe the world is harsh, even though it has been. He's someone who wants to make it better.

He loves music as much as I do, and he plays it beautifully. It's fun playing with him. I like seeing him smile. He accepts me. We were both alone, and he accepted me as his friend. He's someone I like spending time with. Being near him makes me happy.

Isn't that someone who deserves my love?