Disclaimer: I do not own Card Captor Sakura. I also do not own the lyrics to the song "Sakura" by Aliee.
Chapter One: "Hello Little Girl"
"Li Syaoran," the announcer simply said accompanied by a frenzy of screams.
Images flashed of Syaoran smiling, Syaoran waving at cameras, and posing in different modeling campaigns.
"Li Syaoran, Asia's top idol and heart throb, came into stardom in early 2010, and now five years later he has created an empire." More images of Syaoran flashed on the screen. "Starting out in the industry as a model, Li-san quickly rose with his good looks and charm. However, he didn't become a household name until he went into acting, and landed the leading role Tanaka Tenshi on the mega hit drama, Prep School Love."
Scenes from the popular drama were highlighted: scenes of Syaoran being angry, crying, and kissing his co-star.
"Becoming a household name, Syaoran landed endorsement deal after endorsement deal such as popular brands like Audi, Gucci, and Chanel to name a few." Images from Syaoran's campaigns flooded the screen. "However, the popular star didn't stop there. He continued to act in dramas for the next couple years, and now just recently he has finished his first movie."
A scene from a press conference from the movie appeared on screen. Syaoran smiled and waved to the crowd, and talked into the microphone about his character.
"The movie really showed off his true acting talent. Up until this point, Li Syaoran had mostly been playing roles as the good looking protagonist in popular romantic comedy dramas. With 'Underground', as the movie was called, Li-san finally got to prove that he could in fact play a grittier character as well."
"So what does this popular idol have in store next? His millions of fans eagerly await his next move, but one thing is clear is that this 24 year old is not going anywhere–"
"Turn it off," a gruff voice said.
"Yes sir," a chauffeur said politely clicking some buttons to make the screen go to black.
"Well I would say this trip was a success," a woman spoke confidently quickly typing things onto her tablet. "We really should get you back to Japan more often. The fans here simply adore you, and not to mention Tokyo is always a hot spot for technology endorsements."
The owner of the gruff voice only nodded, and continued to look out his window. It had been a long day of meetings, photo shoots, and contracts.
"So next on your agenda is we will fly back into Hong Kong where you will meet with TH Entertainment to discuss your record label deal–"
"Record Label?! I thought we talked about this Da-Xie–"
"Syaoran–," she said exasperatedly, but stopped at seeing the look on his face "Fine, Li," she corrected through gritted teeth. "We talked about this. A record label is your next big move. Look at where dramas are pulling from now," she said producing popular Asian magazines from her purse. Pointing to one she said, "Ok Taecyeon started out in the popular boy group 2PM," pointing to another she said, "Kim Hyun Joong started out in SS501," pointing to another she said, "Bi Rain– "
"Okay. Okay I get it, so what's your point?" he asked bored.
"My point is that the music industry is where TV entertainment is pulling from now. It's not enough to be just a model and a good actor. You need the complete package of modeling, acting, and music. Fans are demanding more and more. We need to continue to get your face out there if we are going to stand a chance of keeping you in this industry."
"But I can't sing– "he protested.
"Nonsense, that's what vocal coaches are for," Da-Xie waved him off. "Plus with the equipment available now we can work miracles for your voice."
"But with live shows– "Syaoran tried to say again, but again he got cut off.
"We'll just have you sing over a track. Everyone does it now days. And of course we will have someone write your songs for you– Ah, here we are," she said seeing the car pull up next to the airport terminal already there was a line of paparazzi, and screaming fans awaiting him. Sighing, Syaoran pulled on his sunglasses over his amber eyes. "Now remember," Da-Xie warned grabbing his wrist making him turn towards her. "Act like you love them for heaven's sake."
Putting on his best heart melting smile Syaoran exited the car, and was instantly mobbed by a crowd of screaming girls. Smiling good naturedly he signed autographs, and took pictures with his fans. Security luckily intervened, and steered him clear into the airport terminal. Once he was sure he was out of fan and the camera's line of vision his smile instantly dropped.
Yanking his arms free of the security guards he confidently strode forward with an air of superiority. Watching him walk away one of the security guards remarked. "He really is a good actor to make everyone believe he is such a good person."
"What I wouldn't give to bring him down a couple of notches. Too bad we had to sign that confidentiality agreement," the other one replied giving a frustrated sigh.
Sticking his ear buds in, Syaoran looked down at his phone as he walked towards the private terminal. He had made sure that it was completely shut down for his departure. Frowning, Syaoran saw a text from his mother that read:
Saw the tabloid.
You're not really dating that lingerie model are you?
Before he could reply another message was quickly sent.
Come home Xiao Lang.
We need to discuss your future.
Grinding his teeth Syaoran quickly locked his phone, and stuffed it deep into his pocket. Besides being an Asian mega star, Syaoran was also the sole heir of the Li Corporation. From the tender age of 10 Syaoran had been groomed to take over the family business. Family honor and pride was all he knew for most of his life.
Being the heir, Syaoran wasn't allowed to go to normal school. Private tutors and private lessons was all he knew for the first part of his life. Syaoran learned to keep a mask on at all times. In hind sight, that was probably when his acting abilities began. Always pretending and always being the perfect image of the Li Heir.
He had done what he was supposed to do. At 18 he went to college for business, and finally got the taste of what being a teenager was supposed to be. So at 20 when he got the chance to rebel in the form of a modeling contract he took it and never looked back.
It wasn't even like he enjoyed it. Sure it was fun to jet set around Asia, but mostly he liked rebelling against his parents. At first they were far from understanding, but now five years later they finally came to terms that their son was not interested in the business. Or so he thought, frowning, thinking about his mother's text message.
He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't see an auburn haired girl running straight for him until it was too late. The two collided causing both to fall towards the floor. Angrily ripping out his ear buds, and taking off his sunglasses, Syaoran looked up in time to see a girl sit up. She had short, auburn hair that ended just a little bit past her shoulders and startling emerald green eyes.
Emerald met Amber.
Syaoran waited for the recognition to dawn on her face. He waited for her to sit up excitedly and squeal: "Are you Li Syaoran?!" to which he would have to reply yes, and then he would have to be hugged and cried upon as she exclaimed she couldn't believe it was him. However, much to his surprise, instead of recognition her eyes simply passed over him.
"Sorry!" she said quickly standing and bowing.
Syaoran stood as well and looked at her curiously as he watched her look around frantic for her bag. Why wasn't she fawning over him? Didn't she know he was? Wordlessly he held out a teddy bear backpack. How old was this girl?
"Ah yes, thank you!" she exclaimed taking her bag gratefully. Looking up at him she smiled a sweet smile and shouldered her bag. Blinking she regarded him for a moment.
Ah… here it comes. Syaoran thought readying himself.
"Are you–" she began.
"Yes I am the Li Syao– "he started to say, but stopped at her hearing ask a question.
"Are you on flight T1517? From Tokyo to Hong Kong? I seemed to have lost my way, and I really need to make this connecting flight."
Syaoran stopped himself from falling over. Who was this girl to not recognize him? Sure he hated it when fans fawned all over him, but this was definitely the first.
The girl stared at him for a moment longer before saying; "Oh excuse me, are you on flight T1517 from Tokyo to Hong Kong?" she tried again but this time in perfect Cantonese.
Speechless, Syaoran pointed towards the terminal to their left.
"Wonderful! Thank you!" she called waving and running off.
Syaoran watched her auburn head go, blinking. What just happened?
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"You have got to be kidding me," Syaoran growled to Da-Xie seeing a packed first class. Many eyes locked on him and whispers flew around the first class cabin. Stewardesses nudged one another and giggled.
"I know I'm sorry," Da-Xie apologized. "But something happened with scheduling and we weren't able to secure a private jet. This was all that was left–"
"It's fine," he replied gruffly stalking his way down the aisle towards his seat. He was just about to sit down when he recognized his seat mate. It was the auburn haired girl from before. Turning towards him she looked up and smiled.
"Hello again," she said "Thank you for helping me earlier."
"No problem," he said finally taking his seat.
"Ah, he does speak," she joked. Extending out her hand she introduced, "I'm Kinomoto Sakura."
Syaoran smirked. Now she would definitely know he was. Putting on his sexiest smile that he specifically reserved for shoots he met her hand and shook it firmly. "Li Syaoran," he said confidently.
Again he waited for her to clam up and squeal, but again he was astounded when she shook his hand firmly back and said, "Nice to meet you." Before going back to writing in a small notebook.
Syaoran realized his mouth was hanging open and quickly shut it. Who did this girl think she was? She was sitting next to the biggest star in all of Asia. The guy most girls would kill to meet and all he got was a nice to meet you? Grinding his teeth he found himself saying, "Sakura, huh?"
Not even looking up from her writing she answered, "Yes. I'm named after the cherry blossoms."
"I would think a weed would suit you more," he huffed sitting back in his chair.
Her writing suddenly ceased. Laying down her pen she turned towards him slowly. "Excuse me?"
Smirking he said, "You heard me. Weed suits you better," he said eyes scanning her from head to toe.
Her mouth dropped open in indignation. He fully expected her to cry, and then he would have to comfort her he supposed but again the girl surprised him when she bit out, "Syaoran, huh? Like little wolf? Suits a dog like you."
Now it was his turn to stare at her in indignation. "Do you know who I am?!" he shouted. But seeing the warning look coming from Da-Xie he dropped his voice and whispered it again.
"Why should I know someone as vile as you?" was all she said before turning her back to him and writing in her notebook.
He was about to retort again when the stewardess began going over the pre-flight instructions. Glaring at her out of the corner of his eye, he came to the conclusion that this girl really didn't know who he was. Had she been living under a rock?
For the rest of the flight, Syaoran was consumed by thoughts of this girl. How could he get her to recognize him? Surely she had seen his face somewhere.
Finally he noticed the gentleman across the aisle was reading GQ Magazine, and there on the front cover was Syaoran posing in his underwear.
Coughing loudly to get her attention, he stretched and tilted his head in the man's direction. However, the impudent girl continued to write in her notebook.
Leaning across the aisle Syaoran whispered to the gentleman, "Excuse me. Could I buy that magazine off of you?"
Recognition dawned on the man's face. "Hey aren't you– "
"Yes! Why yes!" Syaoran answered loudly sneaking glances to the girl beside him. "I am indeed THE Li Syaoran."
Seeing that Sakura was still not paying him any attention, Syaoran quickly stuffed some cash into the man's hand. Making a show of opening the magazine loudly, he waited for Sakura to look up.
Smiling triumphantly, Syaoran watched as Sakura stretched and stared at him. However, it was quickly wiped away when she said, "Excuse me THE Li Syaoran-sama, may I please get by so I can use the restroom?"
Once she was gone, Syaoran sat back in his seat defeated. However, he noticed that she had left her notebook on her tray table. Curiosity getting the better of him, he peeked onto the first page and was surprised to see song lyrics.
Sakura hira hira
The leaves will flutter to the ground
It reminds me of the days when you
Were here to hold my hand
And the promises we've made along
Still keeps me hanging on
Hold me now just like other lovers
Sakura maichiru...
Every now and then I remember when
We would ride this train together
And thought these precious moments
Would last forever
Every now and then I look back again
Every time I close my eyes and
The memories are with me
But you're not here with me
I know that is time for me to set free
But there is still an emptiness inside me
My life without you baby it's just hard for me to imagine
Odakyusen no madoni
I see those cherry blossoms
Although you're far away
I can hear you
I can feel you next to me
Sakura hira hira
The leaves will flutter to the ground
It reminds me of the days when you
Were here to hold my hand
And the promises we've made along
Still keeps me hanging on
Hold me now just like other lovers
Sakura maichiru...
Getting over you is what I've tried to do
Can't get you out of my mind
Why can't we be together
Now the way we used to be
Talkin' to my heart trynna explain
Our love has faded away
Just like the seasons go by
And now it's here again
I know that is time for me to set free
But there is still an emptiness inside me
My life without you baby it's just hard for me to imagine
Everytime I look outside the window
I see those cherry blossoms
Although you're far away
I can hear you
I can feel you next to me
Sakura hira hira
The leaves will flutter to the ground
It reminds me of the days when you
Were here to hold my hand
And the promises we've made along
Still keeps me hanging on
Hold me now just like other lovers
Sakura maichiru...
Sakura hira hira
The leaves will flutter to the ground
It reminds me of the days when you
Were here to hold my hand
And the promises we've made along
Still keeps me hanging on
Hold me now just like other lovers
Sakura maichiru...
She was a song writer?
"You know it's rude to go through someone else's stuff without permission," came her voice startling him. Quickly dropping her notebook he swiftly stuffed his ear buds into his ears.
Sakura took her seat next to him once more and gingerly picked up her notebook. It was one of her most prized possessions. It had belonged to her mother before her, and like her mother's it was filled with song lyrics.
Sakura was an aspiring singer. From the age of 3 all she could remember was song. A song that would fill her being that just died to be let out. However, now, most days she mostly just wrote down her songs. She hadn't felt like actually singing them for a long time…. It was too painful.
Sakura sighed and stared out the window and watched as the clouds floated by. It was her first time ever flying, let alone overseas. For most of her life, she had grown up in the states. She was born in Japan, but her family moved to California when she was only 4.
Sakura loved California, and she really enjoyed getting to be raised there. The United States was such a hot bed of activity and culture. She had recently graduated from The University of Irvine California with honors, and as a graduation present her father bought her a trip to Hong Kong.
Thinking of her father only made her feel even guiltier. She had planted the idea of Hong Kong in his head. He would have never let her go if he knew the real reason why she was going…
Glancing over at her seat mate she couldn't help but to frown. It really wasn't like her to be so mean to someone. However, something about this guy really pushed her buttons. Why did he keep saying his name over and over again? Looking at the magazine he had flung down she frowned at the cover. It had a picture of a guy with chestnut hair and smoldering amber eyes. He only had his underwear on, and he was showing off his impressive six pack with one arm draped behind his head lazily.
Glancing back at her seat mate she took in his profile. He had messy, chestnut hair that was sticking out in all directions from beneath a beanie. He had a straight nose, and a strong jaw line. He seemed to be pretty fit as well, but it was hard to tell through the shirt he was wearing.
Shifting back to the magazine once more Sakura frowned but then shrugged her shoulders. Now why couldn't she get stuck sitting next to someone like the guy on the cover?
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"HOEEEEEEEEEE!"
A shrill voice sounded waking Syaoran. Looking around bewilderedly he was surprised to see the girl quickly stuffing all her belongings back into her teddy bear bag. Groggy, he looked up to see most of the passengers had already debarked, and all that was left was himself, Sakura, and Da-Xie who was impatiently trying to get his attention.
"Li, hurry up, we need to get going!"
Syaoran nodded and went to stand, but he was quickly knocked back by a whirlwind of a girl rushing past him. "Sorry!" she called before quickly running off.
Scowling, Syaoran gathered all his belongings and prepared to leave. However, he stopped at seeing a notebook lying on her chair. Picking it up, recognition dawned on him, it was that girl… Sakura's…. book.
Da-Xie was shocked as Syaoran took off after the girl at top speed. However, he was stopped from chasing her abruptly by the line of screaming fans and paparazzi that awaited him. He craned in neck over the crowd, and barely caught a glimpse of the girl disappearing.
Looking down at the notebook in his hand Syaoran opened the first page.
Kinomoto Sakura was written neatly, but also there was another name written as well. Amamiya Nadeshiko.
Now where had he heard that name before?
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Author's Note:
Hello! And welcome to my story. Thank you for taking the time to read it. So the chapter title is "Hello Little Girl" and it's from the Beatles not Into the Woods haha. I decided that since Sakura is a song writer that I would name each chapter after a Beatles song who wrote some of the best songs out there. So Youtube the song with lyrics. I thought it suited the chapter well because of Sakura ignored him. Poor Syaoran haha.
So in my head I kind of based Syaoran's character off of a real life Asian star named Lee Min Ho. Whom I adore and love. Prep School Love was my cheeky way of referring to Boys Before Flowers, Hana Yori Dango, Meteor Garden, ext ext. Underground was also my sly reference to Lee Min Ho's first movie: Gangnam. Please google search him he is gorgeous.
Some of the other stars that I mentioned: Ok Taecyeon, Kim Hyung Joong, and Bi Rain are also huge celebrities (all Korean).
I borrowed the song "Sakura" from the extremely talented Aliee. Ailee is going to be a huge inspiration for this entire fic so I really recommend listening to her songs. This song, in particular, is one of my all-time favorite songs she has done.
Please review! Thank you!
