Life's little Mind Game

A/N: Here is chapter 1 of LLMG! I started this fic when I was in eight grade, and now I'm in college. (Yeah..tons of stuff has happened so updates have been a bit slow) however, now this story is rounding up to it's end. So due to this parts of the story will be edited, only with additional material, just so things are bit neater.

Edited: 5/25/13

Full Summary: Sakura Kinomoto and Syaoran Li are starting their second year of Highschool. After both of them had woken up late, it was a race to make it on time. But unlucky for them, they ran into each other, literally. Tomoyo wants to do some matchmaking and drags Eriol into the mix. But- fate has some other, more unconventional plans. In the end will Sakura fall for Syaoran, or will it be the other way around?

Sakura Kinomoto is not a typical girl. She's clumsy, dense, sweet and horribly innocent. The world doesn't have any people like that right? Nope they exist and Sakura Kinomoto is one of them. With her honey-colored hair, emerald eyes, and sweet pink bow lips, of course there are a lot of guys that have a crush on her. But to this day Sakura has never dated anyone, ever. But she's had a crush, a very significant one. Today was the day her reality was turned upside down, by a certain boy name Syaoran Li. Oh, wait. I should probably introduce myself. I'm the one who complied together this strange love story, for I know these people better than anyone else. In fact you'll see how I significantly contributed to this strange tale. Now let's get started now shall we?

Introduction: Sakura

School had already ended and I was not on my way home, no of course I wasn't. Today I had been asked by the first person I have ever disliked to meet after school. Yes, you heard that right, the first person I have ever disliked, in my life, ever. I'm a people person. I like people and people like me. All was well with the world until I met him, the bane of my existence. The only person who could make me publicly express my loathing. So why am I here if I hate him so much? Moral obligation. I find it extremely rude to not fulfill a promise to someone, even if I hate this person. I'm a good girl what can I say?

The ticking of the clock at the back of the classroom filled the room. It made me eerily aware that everyone was already on their way home. Only a few of the school's clubs remained, but they resided in the old-school building. Me, I believe that only a few people were still here, which means that if he doesn't get here soon, I'm leaving. There's no way I'm spending the night here. Ever read a Shoujo manga? Or even a horror manga? Well then you'll understand my reasoning.

I checked my watch, come to think of it he said he wanted to meet at 3:30. I guess he doesn't know how to tell time, it's almost 4:00 now. I sighed and began to drum my fingers on my desk. I decided to sit at my usual spot by the window, that way I could daydream until he got here. Lot of good that did. This cloudy glare is beginning to get on my nerves.

Right now I should be at the Twin Bells with my friends buying Birthday presents for Naoko. But out of the goodness of my own heart I am here waiting, for a boy who probably won't come.

"This is so stupid, why am I doing this?" I asked myself aloud slapping a hand onto my forehead. It seems like a scene from a typical teen movie, the heroine is stood up by a jerky jock. I wanted to laugh at myself. I should just leave now but….I don't want to just yet. I get the feeling something must be wrong. He may be a jerk or more like inconsiderate, but he didn't seem the type to be mean enough to stand me up. I should probably introduce myself now.

My name is Kinomoto Sakura. Most people call me a klutz, mostly due to the fact I have this uncanny ability to run into things without ever really seeing them. I'm also a cheerleader. Yes I know that is weird due to my tendency to well, have everything humanly possible go wrong when I'm walking down the hall. But-strangely I am actually good when it comes to gymnastics. No, I'm not making that up, I'm the captain of the cheer team.

That's not the only strange thing about me. I have a friend you see, no they're not imaginary. Her name is Tomoyo Daidouji, and she literally films my almost every move. Luckily for me, she's kinda slowed down her "kawaii Sakura-chan" time after she began dating another strange friend of mine, Eriol Hiiragizawa.

Oh right! One last thing. My family isn't really conventional. I live with my Father and have an older brother who goes to Tokyo University. My father is an archaeologist so he travels around the world most of the time. Because of this I am mostly home alone, but usually whenever my brother finds time, he either stays with me or comes and fixes me meals when Dad's away.

Many could say that I am just a typical girl living in the small town of Tomoeda. (Wait, I'm contradicting myself aren't I?) Scratch that, I am not typical. Far from really. I tend to narrate my life to myself, least that's what it feels like I'm doing right now. But this is not the main reason I am not typical, the main reason is that I know many not so typical people.

This brings me to the matter at hand, I am actually still waiting for that inconsiderate not so typical boy. How we met did not give either of us a good first impression of the other, in fact I came to really dislike him. I have never disliked someone before so this was new. I guess I should go ahead and tell you how we met huh? Sorry I tend to ramble. It all started on my first day of High school.

:.:My Knight in shinning armor has come for me! Or maybe ..not.:.:

It was the first day of school after winter break. I was officially a sophomore. Go me! However, instead of being elated , I was beyond exhausted. It didn't really help that I stayed up past midnight watching Tomoyo's montage of videos she had shot of me as a freshmen. All I can say is that I definitely do not need a yearbook. She pretty much recorded everything.

So as you'd expect I woke up late, and immediately was in a painic. After I was dressed and out of bed I rushed out the door. I was quite a sight to behold with a piece of toast in my mouth running like mad through the streets. Touya moved out last summer, so it's pretty much just been me in the house when Dad's on another excavation. It can get lonely but I don't really mind all that much. If my family's happy, I'm happy.

Usually I get to school on time but today that didn't happen. Because I was in such a panic trying to get to school I neglected to watch where I was going. Before I knew what was happening I found myself on the cold, hard ,asphalt with pain all down my midsection. I touched my tailbone and it felt tender. Now I knew there would be a bruise there. Wincing in pain I looked up to see who or what I crashed into.

I looked ahead to see a a boy, in the same predicament as me. Late for school and clearly in pain. He was rubbing the back of his head, wincing as he stifled a slight groan. His messy brown hair hung in his eyes, so I couldn't really make out his face. But his tomoeda high uniform was enough for me realize that he probably was someone I had met before. Hopefully he'll let this slide...

The boy suddenly looked up his jagged bangs tugging up from his deep amber eyes. His dark eyebrows were scrunched up in a frown. Now I knew I had never seen this boy before. Quickly I blurted out an apology.

"I'm really sorry! Are you okay?" I asked, trying not to blush at thinking how handsome he was.

"Hey you klutz watch were you're going." He said with a scoff and a hint of resentment in his tone. Immediately my impression of him changed. Okay, nice to meet you too Mr. not nice guy. To me he seemed to give off the "I'm so much better than you" vibe. I really don't like those types of people very much. Before I could even utter a retort, he began to pick up his things.

"Wait a sec-" I watched in shock as he picked up his bag and began to walk off. As he began to leave me in the dust, I promptly pushed myself up off the ground. Lightly dusting off my skirt I picked up my schoolbag, still fuming from the sudden display of blatant selfishness. Never in my life had someone just been so-so mean! I mean sure I knew there were really mean people in the world but really...not even checking if I was okay? That's just... not human!

Well, it's not like I had time worry about Mr. all high and mighty all day, so I too headed off to class, hoping that somehow I could sneak in without being noticed.

x.x.x.x

After I had limped into my homeroom barely on time I felt as if the worst of it was over. In the end the incident didn't make me late so all is fine for now. I sat down at my desk that was second to the last row, directly by the window. I must say I have the best spot in class. Personally I find homeroom the best time to daydream. That's where I recount my dreams so I can write them down later. It'd be too obvious if I wrote them down in class, so, memorization is key! Daydreaming is what i look forward to the most during my boring and dull schooldays, besides cheer practice that is.

I looked over at Tomoyo, my seatmate as well as best friend on my way to my seat. She was as per usual worrying her little raven-haired head off. I softly mouthed to her that I was okay. She seemed to take me for me word, for she soon positioned herself looking straight on towards the blackboard like the perfect student she is.

I sighed in relief once I sat down, now I could finally rest my aching body. Apparently that fall had hurt more than my tail-bone. It had just taken five minutes for the rest of my body to wake up. I'll definitely have to check for more bruises later.

"So Sakura-chan what happened? It seems you had a bad start?" I heard a soft voice as me. I turned to see Tomoyo smiling at me softly. Apparently she wasn't satisfied by my vague answer. She just knows me too well. I've known Tomoyo for almost my whole life. We met in 3rd grade but, we're also cousins. Tomoyo tucked a stray strand of her long hair behind her ear. I could tell by how her amethyst eyes were twinkling that she was not going to take a simple explanation without a fight.

I didn't want to worry her so I smiled at Tomoyo as if nothing was wrong. "I'm fine don't worry. I did have a bad start but I'm not going to let that ruin my day!"

"Well that's great and all Sakura-chan but you seem like you're not feeling well." Tomoyo's face faltered and it made me want to tell her everything. Tomoyo always is so nice to me and I hate lying to her but it's for her own good…right?

"Hello Class! I'm your new teacher, Nakaoji Masayuki! Please treat me kindly!" our new homeroom teacher introduced himself suddenly. I didn't even notice he was there. He seemed more like a student than a teacher. With his reddish brown hair and black thin rimmed glasses, he looked more like a pop-singer who was just moonlighting as a teacher. The girls were sure to be fawning over him by the end of the day. I could already see Chiharu staring longingly at him. Though, I can't really blame her, even though he is my teacher I must admit he is pretty attractive...

"As sophmores you all pretty much know each other I assume, so no need for introductions..." He continued then paused to look at the attendance sheet.

"O, right we do have a transfer student from Hong Kong. You can come in now, sorry I forgot about you!" He said cheerfully motioning for the student to come in.

I always like to meet new people so I finally felt as if this day would get better and maybe I'd make a new friend. I am pretty much friends with everyone in class, except for maybe a few new faces that were in other classes before now. I always found it strange that despite changing years, most of my friends remained in the same class with me. I'm just lucky I guess. Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without them.

Tomoyo turned to me and whispered into my ear, " I wonder if it's a guy Sakura-chan! If it is I sure hope he's cute! You need a boyfriend ASAP!" she said then sat back in her seat smiling mischievously. I blushed slightly at the thought of a boyfriend, sure of course I wanted one but it's so embarrassing! I mean sure, most of my friends already are couples. Chiharu started dating Yamazaki-kun last year, Rika has some secret boyfriend that she says we can't meet till "we're at least old enough to understand love" whatever the heck that means, and Naoko has a long distance relationship with a boy we went to middle school with. It's literally just me and Tomoyo who are single, but that's probably going to change soon.

While I was daydreaming again, I guess the new student already entered because when I came back to reality the girls where gasping and acting flirtatious. I personally think that is a certain cry for attention and screams "desperate." It's clearly not a good look to have if you want a decent boyfriend, like me. Curious by nature, I looked up at the board and read that his name was Li Syaoran. Sounds Chinese, actually come to think of it I think that boy I ran into looked like he might be Chinese.

"Okay Li-kun, um let's see….Ah there's a seat behind Kinomoto! You go sit there okay?" I heard Masayuki-sensei say across the room. I turned my attention to the figure that was walking towards me. My breath hitched in my throat and I felt lightheaded. A slight gasp escaped my lips as I noticed him staring at me too. Yep, it was the boy I ran into earlier.

The silence between us was broken before we knew it.

"What? You!" We both said in perfect unison, okay now that is scary. Mostly he looked as if he had seen a ghost, me…I looked about the same I bet. Suddenly his expression changed.

"Huh so it's the klutz from earlier." The boy who I now know as Syaoran Li stated with a smirk.

I fumed and really wanted now more than ever for this fog to turn into a prince. He really has no manners.

"I'm sorry that I ran into you. But you really should know that it's common courtesy to help a girl up if she falls." I told him narrowing my eyes.

Li just smirked then took his seat behind me. "Hmm I never heard that before. It seems you fell for me at first sight." He whispered in my ear. I felt my face grow hot and my hair stand up on end. Why must my prince be so arrogant?

"Y-you can't actually believe I would fall for you right? I-I mean you're such an arrogant jerk. You don't even deserve my forgiveness." I sputtered out nervously. I could feel him smirking at me still. Wait...I just acknowledged in a way that I did kinda-sorta fall for me. Ugh!

Li just continued to smirk at me as I fumed at his sudden realization. Darn him. His gaze forever burning into the back of my mind was too much for me to handle. I quickly averted my eyes.

"Oh I believe you're the one who should ask for forgiveness uh…what was your name again?"

"…..Kinomoto Sakura." I replied to him plainly. Clearly he has looks but not brain either that or he is more focused on himself than other people. I'd say it's probably the latter.

"Uh right Kinomoto…." I heard him cough behind me. He was obviously now going to shut up. He ruined his little chance to retort, or so I thought.

"Kinomoto You still owe me an apology." He stated as if it was obvious I should do it now. I wanted to slap him! After the way he's acted no way!

"I will not, and I mean will not, ever, ever, ever apologize to you again! I already did you selfish egotistical jerk! If anything I deserve and apology from you!" I shouted turning around to glare at him. I then gave him my brother's signature death glare, but all he did was smirk at me. Before I could even think of some way to make him cringe Nakaoji-sensei interrupted.

"Li-kun, Kinomoto-chan, will you please deal with your matter later? Class is about to start." He said firmly. I narrowed my eyes at Li and in response his smile just got wider. I rolled my eyes in response then opened my notebook to start taking notes.

It didn't take long for it to hit me...I...just made a fool of myself in front of the whole class on the first day of sophmore year. Everyone's eyes were on me, and him. Slowly I sunk into my seat, pulling my notebook up to hide my tomato red face. Darn you Li.

~x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\ x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x~

Class was over before I knew it. All sensei did was talk about the things planned for the year, and since it is high school; it had to be something not fun filled. So when the bell rang signaling for break I walked over to where my best friend Tomoyo was sitting.

"Oh hey Sakura-chan!" she said cheerfully. I smiled back at her warmly, I'm not going to let Prince Ego ruin my whole day.

"Sakura, how did you know the transfer student? You two sure seemed to be going at each other." She laughed. Ugh Tomoyo I really don't need that right now, and here I thought maybe she would not ask me about it. Why did I assume this? Because... I was really hoping that it wouldn't happen. I'm in the denial phase okay?

"Well Li-kun and I bumped into each other on the way here. That's all." I laughed nervously. I sure didn't want to tell her that I thought he was hot at first, until he opened his mouth that is. But…I think she noticed because Tomoyo had an evil smile on her face."What?" I asked with a gulp. Tomoyo laid her hand on my shoulder then shook her head.

"You know Sakura; this may be the start of a great friendship." She laughed. I then gaped like a guppy.

"How can you say that? He is such a jerk! He even had the nerve to say that I fell for him!" I huffed .

"Hehehe Sakura that was a joke you know." Tomoyo laughed once again.

"Yeah and it wasn't funny." I mumbled softly. "Okay maybe it was funny, but in a really lame way."

"Well cheer up Sakura; he may not be that bad." Tomoyo said patting me on the back.

"Yeah, I sure hope you're right." I sighed then turned my head to find that tons and I mean tons of girls were talking to Li. One word, disgust. I am thoroughly disgusted.

"So you used to live in Hong-Kong? That's so cool!"a girl spoke up. This girl is Miki Asahara. She has long dark hair and blue eyes. Almost every guy in the school loves her, and half the girls hate her. Miki is known for being...well to put it in nicer terms, she's easy? Okay I'll just say it, we call her a slut. She's dated half the guys in junior year, so they say.

"Um thanks…but actually I like Japan a lot better." Li said with a smile. Seems like he fell for the act, I really wished he was a nice guy. If he was, it sure would be a heck of a lot easier for me. As I continued to observe I spotted Yamazaki Takashi come up to his desk. Putting a hand on the corner of the desk he cheekily smiled at him.

"So Li, why did you come here to Japan?" Yamazaki Takashi, the guy labeled as the class liar/clown, asked. Takashi is Chiharu's boyfriend, though I probably will never understand why they were together. Takashi lies all the time and then Chiharu whacks him for it. I guess it's a very…complicated relationship. Or maybe he's a masochist I don't really know for sure. Either way, their relationship is weird. Li seemed to politely answer his question which sadly made me upset again. How come I'm the only one he's been mean to?

"Oh I just wanted to try something new. I mean if you had the opportunity to go live somewhere else for a while you would, wouldn't you? I wanted a change of scenery. " Li said with a slight shrug. Again, nice response.

Li turned to me and smiled at me almost mockingly, it was like he knew I was upset about being the only one treated badly. I shivered and turned away quickly. He's totally just messing with me.

"Hey Sakura what's wrong?" Tomoyo asked me with a worried look. "He seems like an okay guy."

"Ugh Tomoyo you have no idea how wrong you are about him." I grumbled clenching my fists. I swear one day Li will regret this day! He's clearly messing with me for his own amusement. Otherwise, why would he be nice to everyone else but not me?

"Hmm don't be so sure about that. You know everything I say is usually right. I bet…he likes you!" She laughed. I knew she was teasing, I had long since given up on the traditional saying "boys are mean because they like you."

"For my sake I hope that you are." I looked over at Li again. Eriol Hiiragizawa was talking to him too. Hmm seems like Eriol's up to something again. Eriol Hiiragizawa is a transfer student as well. He came all the way from England to further his studies. He's a genius and an all around nice guy. We've been friends since the first day of fifth grade when he was introduced to the class.

"Hey Tomoyo, looks like Eriol's talking to Li." I stated with a smile.

Tomoyo turned in his direction immediately. She has a crush on Hiiragizawa. And I for one know he has a little crush on her too. But the thing is he's a real mastermind when it comes to schemes. Tomoyo Daidouji, the mastermind matchmaker paired with, Eriol Hiiragizawa, the genius schemer, it's not a good combination. I sure hope they never team up against me, they did with Chiharu and Yamazaki….they are a cute couple, but let's just say it was like a tornado until they got to that point.

"Oh you're just trying to distract me! Wait a second he's coming over!" Tomoyo said constantly tapping me on the shoulder. Sure enough, Eriol was coming over. The bispecticaled boy, with the ever-present smile on his face sauntered over, stopping right in front of Tomoyo.

"Hi Eriol what's up?" I asked trying to keep the subject off said irritation still taking glances at me. Darn you Li. Darn you. I already know you're teasing me so stop it.

"Hello Sakura-chan. Daidouji-san. Do you have a moment?" Eriol asked, glancing at Tomoyo.

Tomoyo almost jumped out of her seat, but I put a hand on her shoulder forcing her to sit down. "H-Hi-Hi! Hiiragizawa-kun!" she shouted. I think she destroyed my eardrums…because I can hardly hear now! And Tomoyo that was a very delayed response. Too delayed if you ask me.

Eriol gave me the look. The look that said, "I'll take it from here Sakura." It was a look that I'd seen many times during our doubles for tennis practice. It was the cue for me to step back. I nodded in response, you totally got the floor buddy.

"Uh okay…You know I'll just leave you two alone okay? I want to get a drink anyway." I sighed then waved them off.

I knew what this would lead to, sweet, scheming, Tomoyo getting her first boyfriend. Somehow that look he had just had the moment written all over it. After all, Eriol's not cliche. He'll just ask her out straight up, no questions asked. No time to think about that, I have to think of a way to avoid that Li! I must not let him get to me! I have to improve my High school life.

As I turned the corner, my eyes grew wide as I saw "him" right next to the vending machine were I was supposed to get my soda. I could have sword he was still swarmed by groupies.

"Oh I guess the Klutz followed me." He stated with a smirk. I stifled a whimper. It really hurt my feelings for him to call me that. I know I am but…why does he have to keep reminding me?

It took a few minutes to actually catch what he said. Hey wait a sec… I did not follow Him! He followed me- Hey wait he wouldn't have been able to since he was here first, but hey! That's not the point!

"Hmph! In your dreams Li. I just wanted a soda now move." I said calmly. I silently praised myself. Maybe I should treat him like he treated me! Maybe if I do that he'd become my slave out of fear. Yeah...that's a pipe dream.

While I was pondering he moved out of the way and I got my soda, thank goodness, cause I was about to die of thirst. I inserted the coin into the slot and got my cherry coke then turned to be on my way back to the classroom. Hopefully Eriol actually got to the point and asked Tomoyo out, otherwise it meant another year of the hopeless unending insanity of my friend dragging me everywhere and make me try on clothes that I do not want to try on! I Tell you, I'm sick and tired of trying on clothes! I mean really I already have so much that my closet has overflowed into my drawer! Ehem back to reality.

So just as I was about to leave someone stoped me, no "something" did. Yes, he is now a something because I hate him, well not really….maybe dislike? Yes, no one should get on Sakura Kinomoto's bad side. Believe me you do not want to mess with me!

So just as I was saying, I was stopped by "something's" arm across me, barricading me in the not too friendly corner.

"What now Li? I have class next and would like to return to my friends." I said plainly and tried to glare at this "something", and , yes he just smirked at me! No one should be able to resist the Kinomoto glare! I got it from my brother and believe me, he is good.

"So Kinomoto, why were you staring at me earlier?" He asked me, I could hear the light laugh in his voice. I gulped hoping that my act hadn't been found out.

"Guessing at how I found out? Well it's obvious, your monster stare could be felt a mile away."

Monster? I wanted to cry, Touya calls me that and hearing it from someone else made it seem like it was true. This is when I lost my mind I think. I don't know why he made me so angry but he did.

"Hmm you think I'm a monster well Li, look at yourself in the mirror every once in a while! So if you want to know why I was looking at you? Because you were clearly looking at me. Li stop being full of yourself and get a life!" When I shouted this at him, and when I saw his face, I knew I had said too much. He hadn't really done anything...really, besides just be a jerk.

"Hey you know, I may have said a bit too much. I don't even know you that well either. So sorry." I mumbled. I couldn't believe I just did that, I'm never the type to scream at someone I don't know that well. We just met after all, I should give him a chance to be nice. I looked back up at him and saw that he was slightly smiling at me. I blinked a couple times in shock.

"Oh, you are just too cute Kinomoto. You thought I was upset at your little comment? That's just too sweet. Well little girl, you are wrong." He said then patted my head. I was in so much shock that I just stood there as he walked away.

"Kinomoto, you really are something. I'm looking forward to this semester." I heard him say behind me. I screamed inside my head then drank all my soda in one gulp. I sure hope that meeting him hasn't lessened my life span.

~x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\ x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x\x/x~

After taking my long walk to the classroom I realized that I should be the bigger person and just let it go. Besides he's…just a guy. So I walked back into the classroom with my head held high. As soon as I entered I saw that Tomoyo and Eriol were talking. They were both smiling so I guess everything turned out okay.

I walked over to my seat, Li was already there, smiling and conversing with Yamazaki. He's not a bad guy, that Yamazaki. He waved at me as soon as he noticed where Li was looking. I smiled back at him and waved as well, then also smiled straight at Li. Li looked at me like he had seen a ghost, looks like this is the best thing to do.

I walked over to Tomoyo, Eriol had left earlier I suppose, because Tomoyo was waiting for me, a glowing smile gracing her face.

"Ah! The light is too much!" I joked. Tomoyo smirked at me. I return it gladly.

"Sakura-chan, you really are an interesting person." She said with a soft smile. "You ran into Li-kun right?"

"Yeah, you saw him go down the hall before I did didn't you?" I groaned. Yes, of course she would know, she's Tomoyo.

"Yep." She smiled that usual, 'oh yes I did but I didn't tell you because it seemed fun.', kind of look.

"Gee Tomoyo you could Have told me." I stated rolling my eyes.

"Oh Sakura, you know I wouldn't have been able to film your angry face if I didn't!" she squealed, Her eyes sparkling. And before I knew it she took out her camera, like always she circled around me filming the moment she dubbed, "Ultra Kawaii Sakura-chan" moment. She started this about 2 weeks after we met. I've gotten used to it.

~x~

A/N:….if you read this far I love you. Please review and/or continue on to read chapter 2! This chapter was originally three chapters, so, that's why it's a bit longer than most of the chapters. The next chapter is from Syaoran's perspective.