Eli feels that not in her throat grow the size of a big rock when Nozomi starts crying. She brings up her other hand to her back, wanting to comfort, but stops just short. What could she possibly offer Nozomi right now, when she is the very reason she's crying. She feels her own eyes watering.

In this moment, Eli has never hated herself more.

"I'm so sorry, Nozomi." Without another thought, Eli pulls Nozomi to her and wraps her arms around her. "Please don't cry."