SUNSET GLOW
Chapter One
"A wise girl kisses but doesn't love,
listens but doesn't believe,
and leaves before she is left." --Marilyn Monroe
To say that Syaoran Li ran out of girls' hearts to play with is an understatement.
Of course, that had to be it. What more reason could he have for his actions caught everybody's attention in the cafeteria. His steps, almost echoing despite the loud chatter, was like a death march as he crossed the cafeteria towards a lone girl sitting quietly unaware of the attention.
Sakura Kinomoto.
Unlike every student in Seiju Private Academy, she strays away from the usual bullying, partying, or any illegal behavior. The school made up of rich, snotty juveniles except for the maybe the scholars and her. The only difference was that Seiju is not their prison, but more or less a playground.
Murmurs about the oblivious girl started.
Compared to everyone, she got a clean record. Not that the rest doesn't since their parents spent thousands bribing them out of trouble. Sakura Kinomoto moved a year ago and no one got any information about her past whatsoever.
It's almost as if she just appeared out of nowhere.
She wasn't a scholar judging by how everyone knows she's the worst student in calculus.
So she must be a normal student. But where did she get the money to pay for a private school such as Seiju?
Like a shiny new toy, everyone's attention was drawn to her when she moved last year. She is pretty and definitely mysterious. Most of the male student body tried to get her attention. Some non-jealous girls tried befriending her. Unfortunately, none ended up victorious.
No one knows if it's her nature or just an act but she seemed to be oblivious to everyone. Almost giving off the vibe that she's too good for anyone.
One thing to learn about Seiju students is they are one way or another self-centered. If they thought themselves special, what more would they feel as someone enters the picture thinking she are more special than they?
So they started rumors.
Sakura Kinomoto is an illegitimate child.
Sakura Kinomoto paid her tuition with stolen money.
Sakura Kinomoto is actually poor.
Sakura Kinomoto is not from this planet.
Sakura Kinomoto doesn't have a soul.
Sakura Kinomoto thinks she's too good for anyone.
Most rumors are really ridiculous, but one of the rumors actually have some truth to it.
Sakura Kinomoto is a psycho.
Apparently, someone saw Sakura Kinomoto going to a psychiatrist office. It created a great buzz for a few days but as usual, students leaned to newer things after awhile.
And that's when Sakura Kinomoto started blending in. No longer was there rumors about her, but still got her dosage of bullying every once in a while just like some scholar students. That's what's normal… for the life of the students to doesn't claim high status, money, and power that is.
Finally, he was in front of her. She remained staring outside the cafeteria window at the pouring snow outside.
"Kinomoto?"
She sighed but didn't look at him.
Everyone else clung to Syaoran Li's words.
"Kinomoto?" he spoke a bit louder.
She still stared outside.
When Syaoran brought his hands to his hair and heave a sigh in frustration, he stopped from jumping back in surprise when Sakura's clear emerald eyes look up at his. He never got really close to her before.
Her body is petite, her features very fragile-like and innocent yet somehow she intimidates everyone by just one look.
Syaoran was no exception.
"Yes?" her melodic, yet lightly raspy voice echoed. Syaoran guessed it was from the lack of speaking to people.
Now everyone clung to her every word.
It was the first time the two have acknowledge each other's presence although they've had some classes ever since Sakura transferred to Seiju. No one expected for the socialite heartthrob Syaoran Li to seek out the mysterious psycho Sakura Kinomoto.
In a snap, Syaoran's confidence resurfaced and he flashed a smile he used a million times to melt a girl's heart. In the corner of his eyes, he saw his friends watching hoping they'll win the bet.
They had no faith in him.
They said Sakura Kinomoto can never fall for his playboy charms.
Something about her being always… out of it.
He could almost hear them snickering.
"Are you free this Saturday?" he asked smoothly, his smile never fading.
Sakura's face remained passive like she's still staring outside the window. One… Two… Three… Fifteen… Sixteen seconds… how long does it take for her to reply?
Syaoran Li's smile dangerously turned into a frown.
When he thought she was about to reply, all she did was shift her attention back to the window again.
Who wanted to have a date with a mental person anyway?
Stuffing both his hands to his pockets angrily, Syaoran turned to the awaiting amused faces of his friends.
"Yes."
Syaoran staggered on his step.
Was he imagining things?
Before he could regain back his composure and ask out the peculiar girl, she stood up.
"The Swirl. Three o'clock on Saturday," was her words before walking out of the cafeteria.
Everyone who heard the conversation gaped speechless.
And of course once again, Syaoran Li was no exception.
AN: comments are always welcome :) feel generous and review. CCS isn't mine but this plot is mine.