Rei Ayanami is one of the central characters in the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise and a pilot of Evangelion Unit-00. In the manga of Neon Genesis Evangelion Rei is more willing for human contact than in her anime version. Shinji's interactions with her might be the main reason why is she more open. And by the time of the battle with the Angel Armisael manga shows us that Rei is in love with Shinji, and Shinji reciprocates this affection to some degree. But still, manga keeps this topic unclear on what Shenji feels for Rei and where their relationship is going. Most likely that Shenji also loves Rei. A fanart Evangelion progress bar for YouTube with Rei Ayanami showing Love.