I managed to not keep glancing back and forth between Misato and Asuka's doorway.  Finally, I look at the floor before speaking.<strong>"It's . . . well . . . I've never done . . . that before."</strong>I stammer out, finally looking at Misato's face.<strong>"I know she doesn't seem to like me very much, and she probably really doesn't want to think about it.  But-"</strong>I pause, as if trying to come up with the right thing to say.<strong>"Maybe it would be better if I tried to talk with her about it first.  If not, then will you settle for me?"</strong>I echo Misato's words, giving her an unusually determined look.