Nozomi watches the smile drain from Eli's face, and thinks: Ah. There it is.

"I know." Her shoulders shudder as she laughs. The sound is a little too thin. "I'm sorry," she says, finally allowing the thoughts contained within her mind to spill. "Please don't misunderstand. I'm not going to ask for anything. I just..." She tilts her head with a smile, forcing lightness into her voice that doesn't sound like it belongs there. "... wanted to say it, I guess? Hehe."