Asuka has fallen into a coma already before Armisael. Kaworu has hence arrived earlier. And Ritsuko has explicitly told Shinji Rei's genetic source. So now, during Christmas season, Shinji spends much time with Kaworu, but he has no idea how to act around Rei. And remains completely unaware what it is he's feeling for Kaworu. (Will now be extended to "EoE".)