**If this is your first time reading this, please disregard this message**

I had to revise the first chapter because I have an idea that I think will benefit the story's plot later on. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but this change now will be worth it (i sweaarr). In case you read the previous version and do not feel like re-reading, I basically dismissed anything regarding u's practice and replaced it with a school meeting. So instead of Nozomi and Eli rushing to try and make the last few minutes of practice, they were rushing to try and make it to the meeting. I took out any correlation to u's so they are basically strangers to all the other girls, which you will understand why later in the story. I'm sorry once again, but please continue to read and support my story! Thanks!

She got the call first thing in the morning. Her grandmother was sick and she probably won't make it through this one.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to eliminate the growing anxiety in the pit of her stomach. The lump in her throat also started to build up, but she forced it away in effort to continue her day in peace.

However, today would be more difficult than others and a special someone would immediately pick up on the distance coming from her precious Elichika ~

Nozomi Tojo watched as Eli quietly packed her things after a long day of hustling within the student council. They were both rushing, hoping to make it to the last 15 minutes of a school meeting.

"Did you handle the budget papers?", Eli said while expressing an off, overly stressed expression.

"Yes, they are being approved by the chairwoman."

Eli nodded and got back to attempting to squish all of her many papers into her bag. The frustration and impatience the student council president was showing stood out to Nozomi. She got closer to Eli and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Why don't we skip the meeting today? You're overworking yourself again, Elichika."

Eli remained silent.

"I'll even treat you to your favorite parfait on the way home..", she spoke, simultaneously grazing her thumb over the blonde's shoulder. However, Eli reacted quickly by moving away and heading out the door.

Using a stern and serious voice, Eli mumbled, "This meeting is important. I'll meet you there."

Nozomi's heart stung while Eli walked out the door. She rarely ever spoke at her with a scary voice like that, causing a long sigh to come out of Nozomi. She grabbed her bag and made her way into the hallway. She saw a quick shadow walking at the end of the hall, and realized that it was Eli. Walking in the complete opposite way from the room the meeting was being held in. Being the sneak that she is, she decided to follow. She knew Eli was acting off today and she made it a priority to find out what was wrong.

From a distance, she saw the recognizable silhouette step into the bathroom. Nozomi picked up her pace and stopped before reaching the entrance. She decided to listen from outside before making any sort of action.

"Здравстуй, мама."

Nozomi heard her clearly and surprisingly recognized the Russian words; Eli was greeting her mother. Although the fact Nozomi loves hearing Eli speak in the complex language of Russian, she hoped that the rest would be in Japanese so she could at least understand what she was saying. Luckily, it was.

"I want to go see her, I'm begging you."

Eli spoke seriously, but desperately. Nozomi could just picture Eli frantically pacing the bathroom floors.

"I'll do anything, mother! I swear! I'll find the money! Just let me go.. I just want to see grandmother one last time…"

Nozomi heard Eli's voice crackling. It all made sense to her now, something must be wrong with Eli's grandmother. The violet-haired girl knew Eli's grandmother meant everything to Eli.

However, now that Nozomi knows what's going on, she knows exactly how to fix it.

Knowing Eli would rather be left alone right now as she was still grieving in the bathroom, Nozomi escaped and headed to the meeting. She explained that Eli was going to be even a little later due to excessive work. Later, Eli showed up and acted like nothing was wrong once again. It was painful for Nozomi to watch Eli's terrible acting.

After the meeting Nozomi went into town and did what needed to be done. Hopefully, she'll confront Eli tomorrow before it is too late.

It was noon of the following day, and from the end of the hallway, Nozomi heard the soft cries of her best friend. She approached the classroom and saw the blonde in the seat closest to the window with her head down in between her arms.

As soon as Nozomi took a step into the classroom, Eli looked up and immediately wiped her eyes.

"O-Oh it's you, Nozomi. I was just getting ready to head to the council room.."

Baka Eli tried playing things off and shuffled her things together, looking as if ready to leave.

"Shh..", Nozomi said, walking closer to Eli.

Eli ignored Nozomi and stood up, collecting her things. Nozomi put her hand over Eli's belongings, signaling that she was not going anywhere. Nozomi then went in to comfort the crying girl, wrapping both of her arms around her slightly trembling body.

"N-Nozomi.."

"There's no need for you to pretend to be so strong Elicchi, it's okay for you to cry."

At this point, Eli knew she was right. The tears built up in her eyes once again and she clutched onto the back of Nozomi's shirt and lowered her head onto Nozomi's shoulder. The vice president ran her fingers through the beautiful blonde hair she loved so much.

With her heart beating out of her chest, Nozomi whispered, "I have a surprise for you Elicchi~."

The taller girl broke away from her and curiously looked her in the eye. A bright smile spread across Nozomi's face as she reached in her jacket pocket to retrieve the slips of paper. She took Eli's hand and placed them in her palm.

"For you, your mother, and Arisa."

Eli looked down to the contents now in her hand. Her eyes widened and she gasped when she realized what Nozomi had gotten her.

Plane tickets.

Her hands were shaking as she met the green-eyed girl's gaze, who was still smiling oh so brightly at Eli. Tears once again filled the corners of her eyes. She reacted immediately by wrapping her arms around Nozomi's neck.

"Oh my god, Nozomi! T-Thank you so so much..Oh my god.."

She squeezed Nozomi tightly, while Nozomi reacted by giggling and placing her hands on Eli's waist. With her mood almost changed completely, Eli backed up to be face to face with Nozomi, still resting her arms on Nozomi's shoulders.

"How did you know? How did you get these?"

"I overheard the conversation with you and your mother in the bathroom yesterday. I have been earning more money than I need at the shrine lately.. It's the least I do could do, really! You have always been there for me Elicchi.. you're always by my side.. This is my way of saying thank you."

Eli looked at her, as a sincere, loving smile spread across her own lips. A line of tears streamed simultaneously, Eli was drowning in glee. Nozomi's hand rose to cup Eli's cheek and wipe away the tears with her thumb. Eli's heart fluttered, and a quick decision was made in her mind.

"Nozomi.."

Eli took Nozomi's hand from the side of her face and rose it to her soft lips, placing a gentle kiss of gratitude on her hand.

"If it's okay with you, I would like you to come with me in place of my mother."