Truly uncharted territory for the both of them! But what Shinji does know is that, despite the completely botched execution, this... was probably the best outcome he could have hoped for, wasn't it? Even if he can't understand why Kai would agree to it, now that it's come to this, he definitely, definitely doesn't want to let go of him.

That just means they're going to have to be patient with each other while they try to figure out what will change and what won't. It should work out, though, they've both been nothing but patient with each other so far.

Patience that is rewarded with another little smooch! Wow! Shinji offers a surprised little hum in return, not quite the same reaction as that gasp from before, but still a nice, positive reaction regardless. How did he manage to get so lucky? Goodness...

"I think," he says carefully, turning his head a little to make sure he's not just going to let himself mumble this next thought into Kai's shoulder, "I might need to cool off for a bit."

The water, once nice and warm and doing a comfortable job of getting his blood flowing, has become kind of oppressive in the face of all of these unexpected confessions and affectionate gestures also kicking his heart rate up. It's. A lot.