Eisuke took Elli to a nice restaurant that overlooked the city. Unable to see the menu on her own, Eisuke helped Elli to order her meal. Elli felt really nervous being alone with him even though she lived with. But this was different, he actually took her out, just the two of them. Eisuke described the interior of the restaurant, he was acting as Elli's eyes. "The sky is beautiful tonight." Eisuke said, looking outside. "Really?" Elli asked. "Mmm." Eisuke muttered and for some reason Elli looked forlorn. "I've...never seen the sky. Many people tell me how magnificent it is. I've always wanted to see it for myself." She said, her voice tinged with sadness as she directed her gaze upwards as if she was looking at the sky, "But all I see is darkness... wherever I look." She sighed sadly. Eisuke blinked a few times at her words and had a sudden thought, "Wait, have you always been blind?" He asked with his eyes wide. Elli flinched at his question, that was something she hadn't told him yet, in fact she had told him much about herself at all. "...Yes." She looked downwards and weakly nodded her head.
After that, Eisuke didn't say another word about her condition and instead the pair enjoyed a lighthearted conversation until it was time to go home. That was the first time any one had ever taken her out to dinner or shown an actual interest in her. All kinds of emotions were playing up within Elli, she wasn't sure how to feel any more.
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One day at work, Elli was tending to one of the rooms when she overheard a conversation. Some of the maids didn't take to kindly to how Eisuke treated Elli. Many were jealous and wouldn't treat her very nicely. They were determined to split Elli apart from him.
"Did you hear? It won't be long before Eisuke kicks that blind girl out." One of the maids said with a smug look. "Don't know why he even bothered with her in the first place but we all knew it he would come to his senses sooner or later." Another said with a chuckle. "Yeah, I heard he only did it out of pity for her. He never really cared much for her in the first place." All the girls nodded their heads, wicked smiles played on their faces as they walked off. They purposely made sure Elli was in earshot if their conversation.
Elli was crushed. It felt like a knife to the heart. She didn't want to believe them but she also didn't know if it was a lie or not. It made her feel very uncomfortable, Elli could no longer concentrate on her work and instead fell to the floor in a heap, tears streaming down her face. "I knew it... No one loves me. It's always out of pity. Why am I so useless...? Why was I born like this... Even my parents didn't care for me. That's why they dumped me..." Elli remained on the floor, her sobs filled the room.
"Hmm." Baba had just been walking past when he heard the sound of someone crying and poked his head into the room, "Elli?" He looked surprised to see her crying on the floor. Baba hurried to her side, "What's wrong?" He asked. Elli knew he was there but she really didn't feel like speaking. She looked up towards him with lifeless eyes, "It's...hic...nothing..." She shook her head and brought a hand to her mouth. "It's definitely not nothing." The usually calm Baba looked surprisingly serious as he looked at her.
"...I just want to be left alone." Elli whispered and Baba's head snapped back, "No." He said bluntly, "I won't leave you when you are in such a state." He fervently shook his head and then wrapped his arms around her which caused her to jump in surprise. "Baba...?" She muttered. "Something happened didn't it?" He asked in such a way that forced her to speak, "Yes..." She nodded. Elli went on to explain what the girls had said and Baba immediately looked upset, "It's a lie. Well, I admit I thought something similar myself but I don't think it's the case at all. Boss is...he acts completely different when it comes to you." Baba said assuringly. "Really...?" She muttered. 'Is that true?' Elli still had her doubts but decided to trust in Baba for now. With her tears finally subsiding, Baba smiled, patted her on the head and left the room.
Little did she know that Eisuke happened to witness their little exchange.
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