A fuel injector includes an injector body comprising an internal injector cavity, a flow passageway, and a drain conduit. The flow passageway is in fluid communication with at least one injector orifice. The fuel injector further includes a valve assembly comprising a valve seat and a valve member in fluid communication with the fuel circuit. The valve member is configured to move between an open position allowing fuel flow through the at least one injector orifice and a closed position inhibiting fuel flow through the at least one injector orifice. The fuel injector also includes a nozzle valve element fluidly coupled to the valve assembly, an actuator operably coupled to the valve assembly and the nozzle valve element, and a flexible member configured to elastically deform in response to pressure in the fuel injector. The flexible member is configured to inhibit flow to the drain circuit during an injection event.