The Lyric

Sakura walked into the crowded room. It smelled of alcohol and sweat. Everywhere, people danced, talked, laughed. But Sakura was not there to enjoy the party. In fact, she didn't know why she was there. But somehow, her feet led her through the crowd, past a few giggling girls, up the staircase, past the boy puking into the washroom toilet, and finally halted at a door.

Who's house was this anyway?

She felt her hand reach the doorknob. This seemed all to familiar. She knew what was going to happen next. Don't open the door, she told herself, but it was too late. Her eyes had already set themselves upon the scene inside..

It was the third night she had had that dream, or nightmare. Sakura woke up, sweaty, teary-eyed, and nervous. She glanced at the clock. Ten thirty-seven AM.

It had been a week since she moved into her New York apartment. She had decided that today was the day she'd start working, regardless of the scenes that haunted her in her sleep. She got out of bed and took out her notebook from the desk drawer. She flipped open to a new page and sat down on her bedroom windowsill. It was wide enough to support her comfortably and large enough to spread her legs the full length. Even though most of the view was of the apartment building next to hers, she also had a slight view of the street.

Five minutes past, and it felt like forever. Her mind kept returning to the figures that had been there behind that door. No, she needed to work. There were no signs of life on the street. A few birds came and went, but nothing that truly inspired a story. Sakura tapped her pencil on her forehead. It had been a while since she last had a productive idea. In her old city, Tomoeda, she wrote a really popular love story which was an instant success. Her popularity as an author grew more with every copy sold, but Sakura wasn't satisfied, not with that book. Especially not with the way it ended.

It's been a year since the publication and she hadn't come up with another idea. She didn't want to become known as a one hit writer. And she also wanted to write something better than her last, something more real, something close to her, more healing for her heart. Her sudden move to America was unanticipated, but it was something Sakura knew she had to do. Maybe this huge change in her life would eliminate her writer's block.

Seven days, six nights, and not one worthy idea. Sakura stared off into the distance, well not really. She stared at the building with the black curtained window. Today, though, one of the curtains was pulled to the side. From where Sakura was seated, she could see through the window, and gazed intently as someone illuminated the room. It had dark green walls with pictures and paper pinned to them. She saw a part of the bed, which wasn't even made up properly. Maybe the person who lived there liked their room messy.

Then he came into her view. It appeared as if he had just taken a shower, for he was walking naked, rubbing a towel on his chocolate brown hair. Sakura blushed and got off her windowsill. That guy, the one I met on my first day.. She turned even more red, realizing that Syaoran had walked into his room completely naked, and the fact that she saw everything.. literally everything.

She covered her face, embarrassed. It suddenly felt really hot in her room. I need to take a walk, she told herself. Sakura changed out of her pink strawberry pajamas, fixed her make up, grabbed her coat, her silk scarf, packed her bag, and walked out her apartment door.

Fifteen minutes later, she was her way down the stairs, trying to get the image of his body out of her mind. It had been the first time she'd ever seen such a sight. Not even her brother, Touya, had walked around the house, stripped of all his clothes.

Touya.. Sakura stumbled and tripped down the stairs. "Damnit," She waited for the familiar sound of her brother's teasing comments and it took her a few seconds or so to realize her brother wasn't there with her. The thought made her heart feel a bit empty, but it was her choice to leave her family behind. Her heart sank.

She got back on her feet, looking around to see if anyone saw her. Relieved that she was alone, she continued down to the front door.

Sakura finally got outside. The cold autumn air surprised her as she breathed it in. She adjusted her scarf more tightly around her neck as she walked down the outdoor apartment stairs.

"Oh, you're going somewhere, too?" said a voice from her left. Sakura turned to see it was Syaoran, the one who saved her scarf from death, coming out of his apartment, too. He walked over to her and smiled. "Remember me?"

Sakura noticed his hair was still a bit damp, and the image of his bare body came back into her mind. Uncontrollably, she blushed. "Yeah," she replied shyly, as she tried to hide her cheeks. "You're Syaoran."

"Yep. And you're Sakura." He smiled even bigger, and Sakura couldn't help but stare. She looked at him, with his sweater, skinny jeans, and black sneakers with a guitar case strapped around his body. And then his clothes seemed to disappear, and she was turning red all over again. "It's pretty cold out here, eh? Your cheeks are pretty red."

"Yeah," Sakura laughed nervously. "It's cold.." Thank goodness he didn't realize anything.

"Where you headed?" he asked.

"Umm," Sakura thought about that for a moment. Where was she going? "I'm not sure, I guess I'm just out for a walk, haha."

"That's cool," Syaoran replied. "May I join you?" he pointed to the guitar case hanging from his back. "Well, actually, do you want to come with me? I usually practice today and I'd love some company."

"Yeah, definitely. I have to get used to the surroundings before I start class this Thursday." Sakura said, cheerfully. It was nice to have a companion in this new world of hers.

Eriol sat at his desk, glasses on his desk, palms rubbing his forehead. In front of him sat the elegant 23-year-old long-haired beauty, Tomoyo Daidouji. She was as kind as the crazy ex-girlfriend he had dumped not too long ago– which was not kind at all. Cold and unsympathetic, Tomoyo glared at him with her amythest-colored eyes.

"I know you're pretty big-time around here, Mr. Hiiragizawa, but I am even more important." She was a fiesty one, always commanding respect and obedience. No wonder no one wanted to sign her, despite her exceedingly amazing musical talent. No one could stand her. She continued, "You are lucky to be my manager, in my opinion. So please, if I refuse to make an appearance, then I refuse. Maybe if the venues were larger and more public, then you wouldn't have to deal with my justified outbursts."

Tomoyo crossed her arms, her lips in a tight frown. Eriol couldn't take any more of her tantrums. What was wrong with making a small appearance in one of the well-known cafe's? She might be celebrity material, but she definitely wasn't going anywhere with this selfish attitude of hers.

He put his hands down on the desk before he spoke. "If you don't want to go, then don't. It isn't my career on the line. I have a million other prospects. The only reason I'm stuck with you is because the higher-ups begged me to. So if you don't want to make an appearance, by all means, do what you want." Eriol paused and scrutinized her glare. "But just so you know, I honestly don't care about you." He smirked.

Tomoyo flared her nostrils. She didn't say anything as she stood up abruptly and strutted out the door, not forgetting to slam it as hard as her skinny arms could manage.

Maybe Eriol was too harsh on her. He bit his lip, kind of regretting saying that he didn't care. That and of course if Tomoyo's popularity went down, his job would be in jeopardy. He sighed and collapsed onto his desk. Why was he stuck with this girl?

"Syaoran!" a high-pitched scream was heard after they walked into the cafe. It seemed as if Sakura was the only one to notice this strange welcoming, for no other heads turned to see where the yelling came from. Maybe it was a normal occurrence every time Syaoran walked into the cafe. Her thoughts stopped as she saw the girl she had met the other day with Syaoran. Her long black hair and her red eyes, yes, Sakura recognized her. She was also wearing an apron, and Sakura concluded she worked here.

Proud of herself and her deductions, Sakura turned to Syaoran, whose cheeks were a bit pink, embarrassed. "Meilin always does that." he whispered to her before walking towards the counter. Sakura followed.

The couple embraced, followed by a few hello's to the other workers. After a minute or two, Meilin noticed Sakura standing there. She frowned. "Hello." Meilin said, not at all welcoming.

Sakura managed a meek smile and replied, "Hi, nice cafe you got here."

"Thank you." Meilin replied curtly. Sakura knew she wasn't welcome. Meilin made sure of that.

The two had been sitting at a table for 20 minutes now. Sakura enjoyed the peace when Meilin wasn't around to make things awkward. Syaoran was busy paying attention to the live performances being held on the small stage in the corner. It seemed The Hungry Hippo was more than just a cafe. Cool and jazzy during the day, but during the evening the bistro turned into a more upbeat restaurant.

Sakura had taken out her notebook, jotting down ideas. From time to time, she would eavesdrop on other people's conversations, and if she liked what she heard, she'd jot that down as well.

"Our next performance will be done by none other than our Syaoran Li and his acoustic guitar! Give it up!" The crowd started clapping.

Sakura looked up from her notebook as Syaoran stood up, making his way to the stage. She looked confused. Is this what he meant by practice?

Syaoran made it to the stage, sitting on the bar stool and adjusting his microphone. He slung the guitar strap around his body and took a hold of the mic. "Hey, everyone. Hope you're having a good time. Uhh.."

Sakura looked around at the crowd. Everyone's eyes were on him, unlike the other performances, where people would listen, but not really pay attention. Maybe it was because he was so handsome..

"I recently wrote this song," Syaoran continued. "Recently, being this morning in the shower." The crowd laughed. Some random person whooted. Syaoran smiled at the response. Sakura wondered why she couldn't keep her eyes off of him. "I haven't been here in awhile, and that's because I haven't come up with anything worth sharing. But today I'll share with you this short little– I don't think I'd call it a song.." Syaoran strummed his guitar, making sure it was properly tuned. "Anyway, I'll stop talking. Here it is.. I think I'll call it Hello."

Syaoran's eyes met Sakura's before he started playing. The song was cheerful, with a catchy chorus, and really cute lyrics. Stuff about meeting new people, wondering where things will lead.

"You can't help who you meet, you have a say in who will stay," Syaoran sang. "But if it's meant to be, it's meant to be, and it will find a way.."

His voice was magical. His lyrics made their way into her heart. You can't help who you meet.. No. You can't. It definitely wasn't Sakura's choice to meet him, the reason why she moved away from Tomoeda, from her peaceful life. She was relating herself too much to this song.

"So I say hello to all the people I haven't met yet, to fill the spaces of those who have left me," he strummed slower. "Hello to the smiles, the pain, the tears, the jokes, the moments, that soon will be. Hello.. hello, hello."

The crowd cheered. Syaoran bowed and walked back to their table. "That was amazing!" Sakura complimented, an honest smile on her face. "I didn't know you were so talented!"

Syaoran smiled. "I'm glad you liked it."

"Um.." a shy voice came from behind Syaoran. The two turned their heads. She had long wavy brown hair, hazel eyes, and a petite frame. Her skin was fair and she was holding a small notepad.

"Elize!" Syaoran recognized her. "Hey, haven't seen you in a while." He stood up and hugged her.

"Yeah," she giggled. "It's been a while. You did great up there."

"Thank you," he replied as he sat back down. "Care to join us?" He pushed the extra chair away from the table so Elize could sit down. "Oh! I'd like you to meet Sakura, my neighbour."

Sakura, startled by the introduction, smiled at Elize. "Nice to meet you." She held her hand out and they shook hands.

"Elize." she replied.

Syaoran stood up, noticing Meilin's flailing arms down at the counter. She was calling him over. "I'll be right back." He sighed.

"Take your time." Sakura smiled as he left.

When Syaoran was gone, Elize spoke in a harsher tone than when Syaoran was around. "So you just moved here?"

Sakura nodded her head. "I came from Japan. I'm here to study about American writing and such. I'll be starting later this week."

Totally ignoring what she had just said, Elize asked another question, "So there's no relationship between you and Syaoran at all? I mean, get real. Who doesn't want Syaoran?"

Sakura frowned. What kind of question was that? "Uh.." she thought about it. "We are aquaintances?" They weren't close enough to be friends, but they weren't total strangers.

Elize smiled. "Good. Keep it that way. Let me tell you, when Syaoran breaks up with pretty little china girl over there," her eyes pointed to Meilin. "I will be the one he runs to, okay?" She got up to leave. "I'll see you around, hopefully not."

Where was all this hostility coming from? First Meilin, and now this Elize girl. It was quite clear that Sakura did not come on a date with Syaoran to his girlfriend's workplace. So why were these girls acting so feisty?

But Sakura had to admit, she was a bit jealous when Syaoran hugged them both, but she was only a bit jealous..

I think.

Tomoyo stood at the edge of the crowd at The Hungry Hippo. She was supposed to make a small live appearance here, but cancelled it earlier with Eriol. Now she was just wasting time, checking out the sights, when she happened to come across the small restaurant.

When Tomoyo entered, a guy with messy chocolate-colored hair was singing with his guitar. He was decent looking, Tomoyo concluded. His voice was decent. Everything about him was just.. decent. Eriol really expected her to perform for a place like this?

The reason why she was still in the bistro was not because of the food, nor the music. No. What caught her eye was the brunette which the singer walked up to and sat down with. She would remember those emerald eyes anywhere.

"Sakura.." she said to herself.

What exactly was she doing here? Tomoyo had left their town in order to pursue her singing career, and also to get away from the small-city drama..

And for some reason, God had decided to put one of her biggest problems in the town she currently lived in, far far away from home. How ironic was that.

Tomoyo had to be careful, she couldn't face her yet. She didn't want Sakura knowing she was in town.

An hour after his performance, Syaoran and Sakura left The Hungry Hippo. They decided to grab a small bite to eat before going home. They walked by a New York Asian place and Sakura had to try it out.

"So what do you think of America so far?" Syaoran asked after they had their orders taken.

"It's very diverse," Sakura replied, playing with her fork. She was starving. "I can't wait until my classes start though."

"Oh yeah, you said they started Thursday? But I thought you already graduated."

The fact that he remembered what he told her made her smile, but she quickly shook all thoughts like that out of her head. "Yeah, I have graduated, but I'm kind of having a writer's block right now, and I need something to do."

"Maybe I should enroll into music classes."

"No! You don't need them," Sakura put a reassuring hand on Syaoran's own. "I don't know you that well, and I've only heard one song of yours, but really, you're good. Your lyrics spoke to me.. you don't need classes!"

"Thanks, Sakura." Syaoran smiled, tightening his grip around Sakura's palm. It was then that she suddenly realized she was holding his hand, and she took it away abruptly, blushing.

The food came. Sakura, elated, was happy for the distraction.

Finally, the two reached their apartments. It was getting closer to winter, for it was nearly 5:00 pm and the sun was setting. The streetlights were beginning to turn on. Sakura turned to her new friend.

"Thanks for today, Syaoran." Sakura bowed slightly.

"No biggie. We should do it again sometime. Oh.." Syaoran suddenly reached into his pocket. He pulled out a sleek black cell phone. "What's your number?" He gave his phone for Sakura to input her details.

Sakura took out her purple BlackBerry from her purse and gave it to Syaoran. Something about this made Sakura blush profusely, and she faked a cough to make it seem like she was getting sick. Her cheeks were red and she could hear her heart beating in her ears.

They returned each others phones. Sakura tried not to make eye contacts with the amber-eyed singer. "So I'll see you around?" he said, adjusting his guitar case which was strapped around his body.

"Yeah, I'll see you. Thanks for today."

Out of nowhere, Sakura walked up to Syaoran, and on her tippy-toes, she kissed him on the cheek. Suddenly feeling embarrassed, Sakura pulled back, waved good bye, and ran to her apartment door, fumbling to find the key. She dared not look back.

Syaoran stood there, smiling. Sure he was shocked at the newcomer's brave actions, but maybe this would be the start of a good friendship.

In her room, Sakura sat at the windowsill. Still feeling embarrassed about what she had done, she buried her face in a pillow and screamed.

It's not that I like him.. she convinced herself. He's just attractive, and a really nice person! And he sings and plays so well.. what's not to like about him?

She knew it wasn't any more than physical attraction. How could she like another when her heart hasn't fully healed from..

..Yukito..

Sakura let a tear slip down her face before she wiped it away and opened the window to get fresh air. As soon as she felt the breeze on her face, she heard the familiar sound of the guitar. Sakura opened it a little wider. It was definitely Syaoran. She stopped breathing, hoping to hear the melody he was playing a little better.

And sure enough, it was the nameless song that Sakura forgot to ask about. She lay back on the wall, comfortable, jotted a few things down in the notebook that lay beside her on the desk, and nodded off into sleep.

What ? Sakura and Tomoyo aren't friends ? No, they aren't. I don't want them to be. Haha ! I had Chapter 2 written and posted before, but I didn't like where the story would go, so I changed it. (: Anyway, happy March !