>>282171418
Don't misunderstand me, I don't think she avoids holding hands out of a dislike of Shinji, but the complete opposite
Since rebuild repeatedly establishes holding hands as a symbolic act of platonic affection, I believe that Asuka stopped herself precisely because her affection towards Shinji isn't platonic
We know as much due to her final scene where, despite claiming to have moved on, blushes like a schoolgirl upon hearing Shinji's confession

>>281960002
>would rather
pretty sure that he confesses to her then leaves because he thinks he's about to die