@HYBRID_BEING What else? He was working. It couldn't be helped. Japan is very much a work oriented society, especially for men. Furthermore, Asuka would know Kei didn't even consider their meeting any romantic date. She's not delusional. That being said, Asuka has a bit mean personality, so it's possible she will still mock him or make him do something as a compensation.
@Kaarme
Yeah, i understand his reasons are valid (even the job one since it's Japan). For the sake of men's solidarity i should have probably taken his side, but maybe his circumstances were shown somewhat one-sided to make me feel sympathetic (i guess that comes with format). I was thinking that kind of drama could have been a nice trigger for Kei to start looking at Asuka differently.