"Sorry, sorry!" Nozomi says with a laugh, but doesn't release her hold or slow her pace. Continuing as she were, she drags Eli towards the side of the building, to stand beneath the shade of a tree. In truth, it doesn't really matter where they do this, as almost all the students have already returned home. The courtyard is empty as far as the eye can see; there's no one here to listen.

Nozomi looks up at the sounds of the tree's leaves rustling gently in the early evening breeze, and sees the sun beginning to dip beneath the horizon. It's a nice set-up for a confession, she thinks with a mute laugh.

"Listen, Elichi..." Her hands let go of Eli's wrists, and she struggles to keep the smile on her face. Short and simple, she tells herself, but her throat grows as dry as sandpaper as soon as the words threaten to leave it. And it's hard, fighting the urge to preface it with a hundred and one excuses and apologies.

Nozomi ducks her head, squeezing her eyes shut at the ground as she attempts to put her thoughts back in order. I'm sorry. I don't mean anything by this. Please don't take it to mean I'm asking anything of you. I know I should've told you sooner. Please don't be disgusted. I'm not going to try anything, I promise. I'm sorry.

No, no, none of that. She knows what it is she has to say. The rest can follow once it's out of her mouth. Otherwise, she'll never get around to saying the most important thing.

Sucking in a breath, Nozomi straightens back up, and looks Eli straight in the eye as she forces out the words:

"I like you."