It was the morning of my graduation. I couldn't believe it was here at last. After resolving my issues with Kat, time seems to have just flown by. On days I wasn't studying I practiced with the guys.

"After today I will have plenty more time to practice." I got dressed and ready to attend my graduation ceremony.

"Congrats, Elli." Baba said, coming up to me and hugging me.

"Did I say you could touch her?" Eisuke growled, ripping Baba off of me and glaring at him. Baba just flashed him an innocent smile.

Ota came up and patted me on the shoulder, "You survived college. I knew you could do it." He smiled, being sure to take his hand away quickly to avoid Eisuke's wrath.

"Good work." Soryu had come up to me, smiling kindly.

"Thanks." I happily bowed my head with a smile. Even Mamoru said his congratulations to me and everyone saw me off with a smile. They would be sure to come to my college to watch me graduate.

I felt pretty emotional about it all. This was finally it. It marked the end of this part of my life. I still had yet to find my sister but today I was going to be earning a degree in music. And thanks to being in Tres Spades I didn't need to look elsewhere. I had much to thank Kanata college for. It helped me get to where I am now. It helped me become a better person and to believe in myself.

When I arrived at the college it was bustling with activity as the preparations for the graduation was underway.

I came across a teary eyed Joelle who was still in disbelief. "Elli… this is really it. Our live here is over. We won't be able to have lunch together any more." Joelle said with a strained voice. She seemed to be taking it harder than I thought.

Though even I was kinda sad at the idea we'd no longer be sharing in meals together. Not at college at least. And after this both bands would be busy practicing for the competition. Although there was one thing I didn't consider… 'If one of us were to win… That means they go to England…' Ultimately, it meant I wouldn't get to see Joelle any more... or Kat. Thinking that was almost depressing. Winning would be the dream of a lifetime and help us in our future goals but at the same time ripping us tragically apart.

If that happens i would only be left with the guys. The more i thought about it the sadder i became. "Ah, nows not the time." I slapped my face and pushed those thoughts from my head. Joelle looked at quizzically, wondering what I was doing. I just smiled and brushed it off saying it's nothing.

"It's time to go. Kat is waiting with the others outside." Joelle said and took my hand before sprinting for the nearest exit outside to the college grounds.

Outside was students and families gathered to see the graduation. I had lined up with Kat, Joelle and the others and graduation was now under way. I was so nervous, I couldn't stop shaking. I spotted Eisuke and the guys in the crowd and it made me only panic more.

'Calm down. There's nothing to worry about. If I plan to be a star in the future this crowd is nothing compared to what awaits.' I gave myself little pep talks to try calm myself and finally it was my turn to accept my diploma. The others had already finished.

I nervously made my way to the front and front of thousands took my diploma in my hands before turning to everyone and waving to the crowds. I then had the opportunity to give a little speech.

I nervously walked up to the microphone, "I-It's an honor to be here with you all. My time at Kanata college was an eventful one but I am grateful of my time here and wouldn't change a thing. It helped me to grow and in doing so I made some wonderful friends. I can't ever thank those who helped me enough. But I'll say it again. Thank you to all my friends." I finally finished and bowed before hurrying away at the sound of applause. I was the only student graduating that day who was not rich. It truly was an honor.

'Ugh. That speech sucked. Though Joelle and Kat didn't do much better.' I giggled thinking back to theirs. They both stuttered so much and could barely get the right words out. But underneath all that I understood the message they were trying to convey, 'I really did change a lot of lives…'

The graduation had now come to an end. I was so relieved it was over. I took one last look at Kanata college, the place that began it all- my changes that is-, with fond memories before leaving with the others.

We all decided we'd go out to dinner that night to celebrate and so we all ended up at some fancy restaurant that I obviously couldn't afford. 'It pays to have rich friends who will cover for you.'

"What a whirlwind these past few years have been." Stephanie said.

"Truly." Mandy nodded, looking through her menu.

"We all changed so much in such a short time." Kat remarked and then looked at me, "All because of one person. To think the peasant would save the rich." Kat teasingly grinned.

I, however, frowned and puffed up my cheeks, "Yeah. How nice of them." I said in a sarcastic tone and everyone started laughing. My displeasure was written all over my face. 'It must come under the job description of being rich. Being a jerk that is.'

As the night went on I noticed something seemed off about Eisuke and it made me worry.

"Is everything alright?" I took my opportunity to ask him when everyone else was preoccupied.

"Huh." Eisuke seemed startled by my sudden question and was lost for a moment, "Yeah. I'm fine." He abruptly replied.

I felt a little disheartened by his attitude. He couldn't hide it from me. I knew something was up and I wanted to know what but the more he tried to hide it the more hurt I felt. 'What could it be that he can't even tell me?'

Not long after that, Eisuke left his seat and went outside. I was unsure if i should follow or not...but of course curiosity got the better of me.

I snuck outside and saw Eisuke standing under a nearby tree with a solemn look as he gazed at the starry sky. It left me speechless. I hadn't expected to see Eisuke looking quite like that. He looked so sad…

"You can stop spying on me. You aren't even doing a very good job. Don't ever consider getting a job as a spy in the future." Eisuke was now smirking while teasing me. The sad look from moments ago was nowhere to be seen.

"Scuse you! I never wanted to be a spy anyway!" I retorted and pursed my lips with a look of indignation. 'Is he hiding his feelings… He has to be. He's masking his troubles...likely because of...me.' I felt pained at the thought of this. I walked up closer to Eisuke.

"It's a nice night, isn't it." Eisuke softly whispered, his eyes fixed on the stars.

"Yeah…" I nodded but my eyes were elsewhere. I was trying to work out what was hidden behind his steel mask. What was he really thinking?

Eisuke must have picked up on my feelings as the next thing I knew my sight was blinded by his chest. Eisuke had enveloped me in his arms.

"Eisuke…?" I softly spoke his name showing my confusion.

Eisuke only squeezed me tighter, "Let's stay like this for just a little longer…" I could hear the pain mixed in his voice as he spoke. Whatever it was it was affecting him greatly. "...I'm sorry…" Eisuke mumbled.

'What did he say?' My heart ached for him. I want so badly to know what was hurting him but Eisuke wouldn't allow it. He only continued to hold me begging for my silence. All Eisuke wanted to do was feel my body against his; he wanted to hold me close and never let me go. It was as if he was telling me "I need you" he needed my comfort, my warmth, my support. I felt so many mixed emotions coming from him and i didn't know how to respond and so i did as he said and remained silent. The two of us held each other for who knows how long.

Holding each other in one another's arms should have been a happy moment and yet this was the opposite. I could feel a sense of dread welling up within and It scared me.