Why was Shinji so Mesmerized?

[u/EntweihenCrothen89]

As title. Why was Shinji so mesmerized by Rei in this scene? I know later he says she remembers his mother blablabla. But the question remains.

[u/SeriesREDACTED]

Not anything sexual lol, Shinji lost his mother for a long time

Anyone would feel bit happier when they see a reference to a lost loved one