Eisuke's PoV

I held her tight in my arms. My dear Elli. I never wanted to let go. 'Dammit father. Why are you doing this to me?' Seeing the sorrowful look on her face pained me deeply.

"Please continue to practice with the guys and do your best." I say to her in a gentle tone. I just wanted Elli to be happy. To do her best and succeed. I wanted her to reach her dreams and most of all I wanted to keep that precious smile of hers on her face. I wanted to protect it.

That's what made leaving her all the harder. I felt like I was robbing her of the smile I adored so much. I still wasn't entirely sure of Elli's feelings towards me but I knew I was someone special to her. And for myself, I loved her with my whole heart. Having her so vulnerable and clingy right now makes me want to kiss her and hold her and soothe her pain.

I went to grab a thick document I had been preparing these past couple of days for when I would be away.

"Here." I handed them to Elli. Her eyes widened with surprise. Her face was adorable when she looked clueless.

"Those are lyrics for you to sing. I wrote you those songs so you can sing them solo. I trust you will be able to perform them well." A smile crept over my lips as I gently traced a finger down her cheek.

Though she looked hesitant, Elli looked happy to receive that document from me. It was unbelievably cute and made me want to kiss her even more. Those sweet cherry red lips of hers that look so inviting.

'I'm going to miss that smile of hers. Her voice. Her smell. Everything. I hope I can return soon.' I was in turmoil inside. I really did not want to leave her behind. If only I could take her with me.

"Hah. I really don't want to go. I don't want to leave you." I mutter and Elli cocks her head inquisitivly and questions me but I quickly turn away and act dumb.

I just hope even when I'm gone she won't stray from her goal and fall behind. I will do my best to be back for the competition. I will practice and prepare on my own but if she loses her will to do so that would be trouble.

"Elli...promise me you will never give up on your dreams." Unable to stay away from her any longer I reach out and grab her pulling her back on the bed with me and sit her on my lap.

I felt her body jump in response and I couldn't help but smiling though she couldn't see. Her whole body was heating up in my arms. I knew she probably looked very embarrassed right at this moment and her face is probably very red.

"Um, you mean finding my sister?" She says in a shaky voice probably from nerves.

I immediately shook my head and hold her a little closer, "No. I trust you will find her but I'm talking about your real dream."

Elli tensed up in my arm and seemed to have trouble speaking. I was amazed she didn't even realize what her real dream was. She was acting so clueless that I wanted to tease her.

I chuckle as I say, "I'm talking about your dream to make others happy through singing." My lips curl into a smirk and I lean in a little closer to better sense her reaction and Elli was indeed surprised by my words.

She went on to tell me how much she adored her sister and how she inspired her to want to make others smile. It's just like how I want her to keep smiling...

"I can tell you adore your sister." I lean in closer and whisper in her ear making her reply come out in the cutest squeak. I had to use all my willpower to stop myself from laughing aloud.

"Eisuke?" Elli suddenly spoke my name. Her tone taking on a sudden meekness and uncertainty.

"Mm?"

"Will you... Will you still keep in contact with me even while you are gone?" I was surprised to hear her ask me that and in such a shy and shaky voice.

My eyes widened for a moment in shock before wrapping both of my arms around her and placing my head on her shoulder, "Of course. I'll need to make sure you are behaving after all." I teased her while smirking.

Though that wasn't what I really wanted to say. ...I wasn't sure how to speak my true feelings. I wanted to hear her voice everyday to give me the strength to continue. To finish my task and return to her. But there was no way I could say that.

But Elli's reaction following my words was a pleasant surprise. The way she puffed out her cheeks only made me want to tease her more and I couldn't help but burst out in laughter. Though it only made the parting all that much harder.

I couldn't be sad now. I had to finish my preparations and I didn't want to show any weakness in front of her. I had to be strong for Elli because I knew she was struggling with this and If I showed my true feelings it would only burden her more.

My heart ached seeing the sadness in her eyes. It was like she was saying goodbye to her lover forever. It hurt to watch her look so deeply pained and knowing I'm the one causing this pain. I finished my preparations with her by my side but never speaking a word. I didn't know what I could say and anything I thought of just made it all the harder so I kept silent.

I grabbed a white envelope from my drawer before leaving my bedroom. I looked my room over one last time from my door. This was where I had spent the past several months. So much happened during this time. I never thought when I came here my life would change so drastically and my heart would be stolen by such a strong willed woman. I had much to be thankful for during my time here.

I tucked the white envelope in my jacket pocket before closing my door and heading to the car. The envelope was something I wanted to give Elli for a long time but never found the courage to do so. It was a love song of soughts that contained my feelings for her. It is written for a duet because it is meant for us to sing together. Though that would be far too embarrassing to actually do and I'm sure she would feel the same way. I just want her to read it and hope she understands what the letter means; I hope she realizes the letter contains my feelings of love. I want her to realize just how important she is to me. But I don't know when I will be able to give it to her... I need to know just how she feels about me... I want her to give me a clsar sign and no more mixed signals. It's so frustrating not being able to understand what she is telling me.

I headed outside and everyone had gathered to see me off. Elli stood a bit off to the side from the guys looking rather timid and forlorn.

I asked Soryu to take care of her as he was my most trusted friend even if I knew he held feelings towards Elli too. I trusted him to understand how I felt but I still couldn't help but feel a twinge of worry. But I wanted to believe our friendship was stronger than the worry I felt.

I then turned to Elli. She looked to be lost deep in thought. Her expressions constantly changing as if she was at battle with herself.

"Elli?" I called out to her again and again but still she continued to be lost to this world as her inner battle continued.

Seeing no other way I grabbed her shoulders and gently shook her as I called out her name and finally she snapped out of it. Elli's eyes went wide as saucers as she looked at me in shock and confusion.

"It's time for me to go. Keep smiling for me. Okay?" I did my best to force a smile though I so badly wanted to take her in my arms and soothe her and tell her it will be okay. But I fought that desire.

Elli, however, just looked at me with teary eyes and was unable to form any words. Her small, soft lips were quivering and her shoulders slightly shaking. She could cry at any moment and knowing that pained me greatly. My chest squeezed painfully and I found it hard to breath but I couldn't stop now.

"Hey cheer up. I promise we will see each other again." I lightly flicked her forehead while smiling. I was doing my best to stay strong for her and try bring a smile to her face.

"Y-Yes..." Elli did her best to smile for me but seeing how forced it was only made my chest squeeze painfully.

I let out a little sight before flashing her one last smile and turning around. Not wanting to cause her any more pain I decided I'd best be off and avoid dragging out this torturous farwell any longer than it needs be. Though I wish I could have heard her voice call my name one last time.. Spoken from her lips directly. It's just not the same over the phone.

But I knew that was a pointless wish and trudged along to the car with heavy steps.

But then... I heard her voice call out to me stopping me in my tracks. My heart instantly sped up at her call. The moment I turned around she had lept into my arms with a great force. I was quite surprised to see her right in front of me now but I welcomed her into my arms gently wrapping them around her.

Elli looked at me with her big, round, teary eyes that looked to be pleading with me. She was begging me to stay but that was one wish I couldn't grant. And yet she somehow fulfilled mine as she called out my name desperately over and over again as she sobbed in my arms.

"Oh, Elli. Didn't I tell you to behave?" I'm not even gone yet and here you are causing trouble." I sighed a little as I gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. Her soft, beautiful cheeks.

I didn't want to let her go. This was my last chance before I went to let her know how I really felt. If I didn't take this chance I just may regret it forever.

Before Elli even had a chance to respond I had sealed her lips with a kiss. Her lips tasted so sweet and yet so sad as the kiss was mixed with tears. I was worried Elli might object to my kiss but it was quite the opposite. She welcomed my kiss closing her eyes and allowing me to do as I please as she held my body for support. My tongue found its way into her mouth. We just simply stood there tasting one another as if time had ceased to exist and we were the only two alive. I didn't want to let her go or part from her lips but all good things must come to an end and so I pulled my lips away.

I couldn't help but smile a little in delight after that satisfying kiss and seeing the look on her face after such an intense kiss. It was adorable. The way her cheeks were flushed and her desperate breaths. It was all so adorable.

Now I knew just how she felt. I had finally been given the sign I so desperately wanted, "I didn't think you you would come chasing me so soon." I chuckled and pulled out the envelope from my chest and in one swift motion thrusted it into her hands.

"Read that when you are alone." I flashed her a smirk, though I was glad to finally have given it to her.

Elli still stood there speechless. Still reeling after the sweet kiss we just shared. My heart was still beating out of control from the pleasure and heat of the kiss. I could still taste her lips and feel the sensation of her lips on mine. I'd be sure to remember it while I'm gone.

"Heh. You sure make the cutest faces." I muttered as I admired her adorable expressions before leaning in close, "Wait for me. I promise I will return." I whispered and wanting to taste her lips one last time I gave her a small, sweet peck on the lips before heading to my car.

I had to keep that promise. I knew I had to come back to her. I wanted to see her smile again. I wanted to be with Elli and achieve our dreams together. I wanted to walk down this path with her by my side.

I got in my car, gently tracing my lips with my finger while smiling as I remembered the kiss we just shared. It would be something forever burned in my memory.