Sorry for the long wait... I lost my thumbdrive... my stories are all in that thumbdrive... I almost cry because I don't have any backup except in that pendrive... Than goodness I found it back after a week searching for it... hehehe...
Okay... on to the story... )
Chapter 4: Sawada, the Fortuneteller
"Thanks but I need to go back to work," Touya explained as Hana got up.
"Let's go then," Hana bent her knees to let her face be in front of Touya's face. She smiled and walked towards the car. They got into the car and left the restaurant.
"Touya, can I ask you something?" Hana blushed as her hands stayed on her knees.
"Of course," Touya assured Hana but she kept silent as she was unsure and afraid to ask him directly.
"Do you hate me?" Touya looked at the side mirror.
"You've been asking this question for the third time and what's your point for asking this question? Are you playing around with me or are you trying to get different answers each time you ask that question?" Hana sighed with relief as she had said it. Touya chuckled and smiled.
"I just love your reaction when I ask that question. You look… cute and innocent," Touya explained. Hana blushed redder as she thought to herself that she shouldn't ask the reason why.
"Is that why you kissed me last night?" Hana murmured but was heard clearly by Touya.
"Maybe but maybe not. I don't know either," Touya scratched his head. He stopped in front of the Kikyo Corp. building as Hana got out the car.
"Thanks," Hana said and left the car, still blushing. She went to her office when her secretary asked, "Akimine-san, why are you looking so flush?"
"No, nothing. Could you give me my schedule for today?" Hana said without looking at the secretary.
"You have a lunch appointment at 1 with the Li Corporation about the mall in Osaka. The next appointment is to meet the bridal house's manager for the latest design to be imported to Singapore at 2 and 4, you need to meet Fujiwara-san. She just made the appointment when you left with that AJ Company agent. You also have a dinner to be attended. It's held by the KK Corp. for their 20th anniversary," the secretary said. Hana nodded as she looked through some files on her table, which needed to be signed.
"Thanks. You may go now," Hana said with a smile hovered on her face. Hana sighed deeply as another serene smile held her in her own memory while she was thinking about what had happened that day and the day before. Before she got to be with herself, her secretary came in and told her that someone wanted to meet her. Without asking who he or she was, she asked the secretary to let him or her get inside. It was a shock when Izumi came in and stood in front of Hana.
"Hana, I'm sorry," Izumi said as Hana looked up at him.
"Well, may I know who are you?" Hana said as she looked back at her documents.
"Hana, please don't do this to me. I'm sorry, okay?," Izumi said again but Hana just ignored his pleas. Izumi sighed as he sat down on the chair.
"Did I ask you to sit down, Mr…" Hana lifted her brow.
"Hana!!!!!!!!" Izumi hit the table with his fist.
"If you're going to use violence, I'll just have to call the security," Hana said without looking at him.
"Hana, I'll do anything if you give me another chance," Izumi pleaded again.
"Anything?" Hana looked at him.
"Yes, everything," Izumi assured.
"Then, apologize to everyone INCLUDING Touya, Syaoran and Sakura," Hana smiled.
"NO WAY! Apologizing to Touya is unexceptional. I rather jump from a ninth floor building than doing something which will make me look like a fool," Izumi said as Hana gripped her pen.
"If you don't want to do it, you can leave now and never come back, Mr… what's your name?" Hana said and looked through her documents again. She opened her drawer and took out a notebook from it. She read it as Izumi sat in front of her, thinking hard.
"Okay, I'll do it," Izumi sat and left her office.
"Finally," Hana leaned on her chair and sighed with relief. She took her phone and dialed Izumi's number.
"Hana?" Izumi's voice heard.
"Izumi, we're going to get lunch at Grand Royal Hotel at one sharp," Hana said.
"Thanks for forgiving me," Izumi said with a smile.
"Okay then. Bye," Hana hung up. Hana looked at her watch, which showed exactly 11.30. She went to Shinji's office to talk about the project of new software by a computer company under Hana's management.
"Uncle Shinji," Hana knocked the door.
"Come in," Shinji said as Hana opened the door. Shinji looked at her with his serious eyes but Hana just gave her most beautiful smile to her beloved uncle.
"How's the breakfast?" Shinji asked as Hana suddenly stopped and looked at him.
"Fine, just fine," Hana answered and sat in front of him.
"Uncle Shinji, did … did Aunt Yuyue tell you anything?" Hana stuttered.
"Oh, she told me … everything," Shinji said in a rare moment of candor. He smiled as Hana looked on the floor with shame.
"Evil Aunt Yuyue," she whispered to herself.
"What's about the software proposal? Have you finished it?" Shinji came back to his usual serious face. Hana nodded her head and gave a file to him.
"This is the proposal. This software is designed to give users faster access to the programs and can block more virus than the last software," Hana explained as Shinji looked through the proposal.
"The budget is too high. 1000 millions yen," Shinji said.
"But we have made a survey and it shows that we'll made a healthy profit up to 80," Hana pointed at the survey she has made with her subordinates. Shinji nodded his head and looked at Hana.
"You'll bring this proposal to the Board of Directors tomorrow," Shinji said as Hana smiled happily.
"Thanks, Uncle Shinji," Hana said.
"Hana, you're a profitable lady to this corporation," Shinji said before Hana left his office.
"Domo arigatou," Hana said as she closed the door. She looked at her watch and left Kikyo building after telling her secretary that she was going to the Grand Royal Hotel.
"Have a nice day, Akimine-san," the secretary said with a smile.
"Thanks, Junko," Hana said and left.
"God, thanks for giving me a nice, kind and beautiful lady as the CEO," Junko said when a girl with brown hair heard her.
"Junko, stop that. You've been doing that everyday since Akimine-san came here. Stop showing so much dislike for Shinji-san," the girl smiled.
"Well, Shinji-san is too serious and his niece is so nice. Which one will you choose, Raku if you were me?" Junko said with a smirk.
"Oh, you are just jealous that I'm the secretary of the CEO and you are the secretary of that serious looking and cold-hearted Shinji-san, right?" Junko grinned evilly. Raku stomped angrily out of the counter and went back to her place.
Sakura
"Syaoran, hurry up. We're going to be late. Stop playing around. Let go of me," Sakura said as she tried to get loose from his hug.
"Give me a kiss, then I'll let you go," Syaoran said huskily.
"Ah!!!" a scream was heard.
"Warning! Not a scene to be watched by children," Hikari said as she closed her eyes with her tiny hands. Sakura smiled as Syaoran slowly loose his hug.
"You can open your eyes now, Hikari," Sakura said as she ruffled Hikari's hair. Hikari looked through her fingers and smiled.
"You wait here first with Aunt Azusa, okay," Sakura said. Hikari nodded obediently.
"Give me a kiss," Sakura said as Hikari kissed her cheeks.
"Otou-san, I want to give you a kiss too," Hikari looked up at Syaoran. Syaoran squatted in front of her and let Hikari kissed his cheeks.
"Be a good girl, okay?" Syaoran said when Hikari gave him a V-sign.
"Be a gentleman, okay?" Hikari said to him teasingly. Syaoran tickled her on her waist, which made her laughed uncontrollably.
"Ikidasho," Sakura said to Syaoran. She walked towards Azusa and left Hikari with her.
"Please take care of her. I won't be long. Thanks, Azusa," Sakura thanked her as Azusa smiled.
"How can I refuse to take care a cute girl like her?" Azusa pinched Hikari's cheeks.
"You're cute too, Aunt Azusa," Hikari said.
"Oh… kawaii ne!!" Azusa said with starry eyes.
"I'll be going then," Sakura said with a sweatdrop.
"Ja ne, Okaa-san, Otou-san," Hikari waved at them as Sakura waved back. They went to the lift and walked to the car park.
"Where are we going to meet Hana?" Syaoran asked as he started the engine.
"Grand Royal Hotel," Sakura said as she looked through the file for the last time.
"I really need to talk about the 'thing' happened just now, please just don't that in public or in front of Hikari," Sakura said as Syaoran just smiled.
"I'm sorry, I can't promise that," Syaoran said as he tried to concentrate on his driving.
"HENTAI!!" Sakura screamed and pinched his arm.
"Ouch! I'm driving. Are you trying to get us both killed?" Syaoran smiled playfully.
"I hate you. Drive carefully," Sakura warned with a glare.
"You're the one who make me drive dangerously," Syaoran explained.
"LI XIAO LANG!! Make sure we reach the hotel safely. No more hentai things," Sakura said with folded arms.
"You started it, Li Sakura," Syaoran chuckled at Sakura's reaction. Sakura looked at her window and pouted angrily.
"Syaoran, stop here," Sakura said as Syaoran looked at her with shocked. She can't be mad just because he said something like that.
"Sakura, please don't be mad, okay? I'm sorry," Syaoran pleaded.
"What on earth are you talking about, Syaoran? We have arrived," Sakura pointed at the hotel. Syaoran felt so embarrassed that he couldn't say another word. They left the car and walked into the hotel where they went to the restaurant there. Hana waved at them as Sakura waved at her back. They walked towards Hana who was sitting with someone.
"Hi, Hana. Hi, Sato-san?" Sakura said as she was shocked to meet Izumi there.
"Hi, Sakura, Xiao Lang," Hana said with a smile as Sakura and Syaoran looked at her with shocked. No one except his family called him with the name Xiao Lang. He wanted to ask her but Hana already started to talk.
"Izumi got something to tell you two," Hana said as she looked at Izumi who was in a bad mood. He was thinking they were going to get lunch together, just the two of them. Izumi stayed silent as Sakura and Syaoran sat on the chair. Hana looked at him as she jabbed her finger in his ribs.
"Don't you want to tell them something, Mr…?" Hana said with her innocent look.
"I'm sorry for what I've done to you," Izumi finally said it as Syaoran smirked at him.
"I was waiting for that," Syaoran said sarcastically but Sakura shot him with her glare.
"I'm sorry too," Sakura said.
"Let's order something first," Hana said as Izumi just sat there silently. Hana waved at the waitress who came with a smile.
"What would you like to order, Madam?" the waitress asked.
"Sakura, Syaoran, please make your order. I'm still full. I would like a cup of black coffee, no sugar please," Hana said as Sakura and Syaoran looked at her with shocked again. This couldn't be just a coincidence.
"You hate bitter things. Why bother to order such a thing?" Izumi looked at her as Hana he knew hate everything bitter that she even ran away from eating her pills when she got sick.
"I am?" Hana asked with a puzzled look.
"Give us a cup of mocha and cappuccino, please," Sakura said.
"I would like a cup of tea," Izumi ordered without bother to look at the waitress. The waitress left their table.
"You never take anything tastes bitter. You hate coffee, you love tea, you hate pills, you love sweet, you love ice-cream, you love chocolate, and you love lollypop. That's Hana I knew," Izumi said as he looked at Hana who couldn't say anything. It was like she was in the wrong body.
"Chikane told me the same thing. Maybe you're right. I've changed. A lot," Hana said with a bitter smile. Izumi just looked at Hana. It seemed like he didn't know her anymore. She had changed too much that he could feel that she doesn't love him anymore.
"She doesn't know anything about her past, so how can she not love me anymore? No one knows that Hana and I almost break up. I'm sorry, Hana. But I can never forget you. Not in a million years," Izumi spoke to himself. The waitress came back with their orders.
"So, how's the mall?" Hana asked curiously.
"Well, it goes pretty well," Syaoran answered.
"Here is the document about the mall, 96 percent of the construction has been done and we are only waiting for the CF," Sakura said and opened the file and showed some pictures of the building. Hana was looking serious as she listened to Sakura carefully. Syaoran was staring at Hana carefully too. Hana's serious face reminded him the exact face of Mei Xi and this couldn't just be his feeling or his daydream. His intuition told him that she is Mei Xi. No one called him Xiao Lang except his family and Hana could not just knew his Chinese name without knowing Chinese herself. Hana felt that Syaoran was staring at her but she just ignored him but it was making her tensed and more tensed as she tried her best to listen to Sakura.
"Sakura, excuse me. Syaoran, do you have anything to say to me?" Hana said as she looked at Syaoran who was coming back to his senses.
"Nothing, nothing important," Syaoran said with a smile as he tried to hide his embarrassment as he thought Hana didn't realize that he was looking at her with enthusiasm.
"You keep looking at her? What are you up to, Li?" Izumi said as he too was looking at Hana but it seemed Hana didn't notice him.
"Nothing, it just that she reminds me of someone, that's all. Is my answer good enough, Sato?" Syaoran said with a sarcastic manner. Izumi rolled his eyes and looked through the antique glass window. His anger was rising up and he did not want to show it in front of Hana and of course after he apologized to the man who was making his anger boiled up again. Sakura pinched Syaoran's rib with her innocent angry smile as Syaoran quickly talking. Sakura gave her 'we-are-going-to talk-about-this-later' look.
"Reminds you of someone?" Hana asked with curiosity suddenly built up in her.
"It's nothing, really," Syaoran tried to assure Hana but Hana was determined to know Syaoran's someone.
"Well, it just that you remind me of Mei Xi with that serious look on your face," Syaoran finally told the truth as he could see how determine Hana was.
"Oh…" Hana said without enthusiasms. Now, she hated Mei Xi because her resemblance with Mei Xi made her feel that they are her friend now just because of her resemblance of Mei Xi. That's all.
"Hana, can I go on?" Sakura asked as she looked at Hana who was nodding. She kept on talking about the mall but Hana was not listening anymore, not after Syaoran talked about her resemblance to Mei Xi. They talked and talked as Izumi stayed silent. He didn't know how to take Hana's attention from their conversation. He was getting bored and he finally broke it when his phone rang.
"Hello. Yes, it's me. What? Okay, I'll be there in a minute," Izumi said and hung up.
"I'm sorry, Hana but I really have to go now. There's a problem in my office," Izumi said and left without waiting for Hana's answer. Hana smiled at him when he left as she knew Izumi will always be like that each time he got a problem. Nothing could get in his way. Not even her. He likes winning and she also knew how he hates losing. It was not his style to lose. That's not Sato Izumi.
"Why are you smiling, Hana?" Sakura asked as Hana leaned on her chair.
"He is one workaholic I knew for all of my life. He always likes that. When there's a problem, no one can get in his way, not even me. That's one thing I like about him," Hana said as she drank up her coffee. She put the cup down and looked at Sakura and Syaoran with a warm smile.
"Is there anymore you want to tell me about the mall? If not, then I would have to go to the bridal house," Hana explained. She looked at Sakura who was shaking her head.
"That's all, Hana," Sakura said with a smile. Syaoran looked at Hana with shocked.
"Why are you going to the bridal house? Are you getting married with that Sato?" Syaoran asked.
"There's nothing like that. I need to take the design to be imported to Singapore," Hana looked at Syaoran who was looking really shocked when she said she was going to the bridal house. Syaoran felt so embarrassed that he forgot to ask how Hana knew his Chinese name.
"I have to go now and can I bring this file with me?" Hana asked Sakura who was grinning wickedly at Syaoran. Sakura nodded as she got up when Hana get up from her chair.
"It was nice to have a project with you, Sakura, Syaoran," Hana said and left after saying her goodbyes.
"Are you still feel embarrassed, 'uncle'?" Sakura looked at Syaoran who smiled at her.
"I feel like killing myself right now, aunty," Syaoran said as he got up from his chair.
"I'm not that old that you have to call me aunty," Sakura showed her fist at Syaoran who grinned nervously. Maybe this is one thing about girls that every man should know, never call them aunty or names that make them sound old.
"Let's go. Hikari is waiting for us, remember?" Syaoran said as Sakura glared at him and turned away. They left the hotel and went back to the office to fetch Hikari. Aimi was not in town for she went to meet her former classmates in Kobe. Hana went to the bridal house to meet the manager. She reached the place after ten minutes of driving. She walked into the shop and three girls came to her, telling her all about the designs, which suits her best. At last, the girls gave her some space to speak.
"Can I meet the manager, please? I'm not here for any wedding, I'm here for the latest design to be imported to Singapore. I've got an appointment with your manager at 2," Hana said as one of the girls walked towards an office. After a few moments, a thin woman with up-to-date clothes came with a smile on her lips.
"I'm pleased to meet you, my dear," the woman said and hugged Hana tightly.
"I'm too, Sawako-san," Hana spoke as she tried to breathe. Sawako let her go and started talking about her latest design.
"Well, this gown will get the attention for modern wedding these days and this gown will be sold out in one week. I guarantee you," Sawako said as she pointed at the gowns. She talked with enthusiasm. Hana listened as she looked at the gowns and finally came to the end of the conversation after about an hour listening to Sawako's chatter.
"Thanks, Sawako-san. I'll take these designs to my uncle afterwards," Hana said with a smile.
"Do you want to do some fortune teller? My sister, Sawada is here. I tell her all about you and she really wants to meet you," Sawako said eagerly and before Hana could decline it, she was pulled into a room where a woman wearing a hood sat on the chair with a crystal ball on the table. Hana suddenly felt her heartbeat became faster after looking at the woman.
"Don't be afraid, my child. Sit down," Sawada said as Sawako made Hana sat on the chair in front of Sawada.
"Give me your hand," Sawada said as Hana just followed her instruction. Sawada looked at her hand and turned her eyes to look at Hana's frighten face.
"You are meant for this body even though this isn't your real one. You will go through a difficult life. Many bad things will happen. You must be careful especially to someone close to you and strangers. When you get your memories back, many things will have to be sacrificed. You'll be forced to marry someone but you'll be happy with your future husband. You have a special power but still you don't get the chance to discover it. You had used it but you can't remember it. You have made an exchange with a soul. Be careful with this soul. She may cause your second time death," Sawada said as Hana listened carefully. Sawako sat beside Hana and listened to her too.
"Wow, is this all true, Sawada?" Sawako asked as Sawada looked at her with angry face.
"If you don't believe me, get out from this room," Sawada said as she gritted her teeth.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. Hana?" Sawako said as Hana just sat there because somehow she could feel that Sawada was telling the truth. How did she know that she has lost her memories.
"Huh?" Hana said as she looked at Sawako with a blank face.
"Are you okay?" Sawako asked.
"I'm fine. I'd better be going," Hana said with a smile.
"Here, don't forget the design," Sawako said and gave Hana a hug but Hana was not be able to hug her back as she still thinking about what Sawada was talking about. She left the room with Sawako following her to her car.
"Hana, don't take her words too seriously. Sometimes she may be wrong," Sawako patted her shoulder. Hana smiled and got into her car.
"Yes, maybe it was just a coincidence and Sawako said she told her sister about me. So, maybe that's how she knew something about me," Hana chuckled at how stupid she could be tricked by a fortune teller. She drove to her office to give her uncle the design.
She reached the building just after about three minutes driving. She parked the car and went to her office.
"Junko, do I have any call?" Hana asked. Junko shook her head and smiled. Hana smiled back and went straight into her office. She sat on the chair and sighed deeply. It was a tiring day for her. Suddenly, she was feeling a little tired that she fell asleep. Hana looked at her clothes, which was a white dress with beautiful flower decoration. She saw someone too. Their faces were the same but the girl was looking so sad. The girl looked at her eye to eye. Her sad eyes were turned into anger when she saw Hana.
"Get away from Touya! I don't want you to be near him. I've given my body to you but what do you do to pay me? You just want to be with Touya again. You gave me your memory but what can I do with it when Touya can't see me?" the girl said as Hana just listen to her. She was feeling a bit confused.
"I'm the real Hana! You're nothing!" the girl said angrily.
"What are you talking about? I'm not Hana," Hana asked.
"You're not Akimine Hana. You're a soul who takes my body with the exchange of your memory to me. Don't try to fool me, Mei Xi! Now I know who you really are! Now you got Touya and Izumi. Are you happy now?!" the girl said again as she moved towards Hana who was frightened by her sudden outburst.
"Huh… Huh…" Hana suddenly snapped from her nightmare and the first thing she saw was Junko. Junko looked at her with some kind of weird and worried look on her face.
"Akimine-san, what's wrong? You were saying that you're not Hana and you were sweating too much," Junko explained as Hana still panting. Her heartbeat was so fast that moment. It was like someone who wanted to kill her was chasing her.
"No, I'm fine. It's just a nightmare. I'm sorry if I worried you," Hana smiled weakly.
"Oh, Shinji-san wants to meet you. He was asking about the CF of Kikyo's Marine Park," Junko said as Hana listened to her.
"Thanks, Junko. I'll be there in a minute," Hana said as she leaned on the chair. Junko left her to get some rest after what she'd been through just now.
"You are meant for this body even though this isn't your real one. When you get your memories back, many things will have to be sacrificed. You have made an exchange with a soul. Be careful with this soul. She may cause your second death," suddenly Sawada's voice was some kind playing on her ears. Maybe she did telling the truth but this is 21st century. No such thing will exist but what if there are unusual things like souls and ghosts in this world?
"Who was that girl? Why was she telling that I'm not Hana and she was the real Hana?" Hana tried hard to think but no answer came to her. She just wanted to get over it and meet her uncle. She took some files and left her office. She went to Shinji's office and knocked the door.
"Come in," Shinji's voice was heard.
"So, how's my niece today? You don't look too well," Yuyue said as Hana suddenly came back to her senses. She did not realize that her aunt was there.
"What are you doing here, Aunt Yuyue?" Hana asked with surprised.
"Well, just say that I miss you so much," Yuyue said with a grin that made Hana to think twice.
"Oh," Hana said and nodded her head slowly. She sat beside Yuyue and put the file on the table.
"What do you mean with 'oh'?" Yuyue looked at Hana who was looking at her too.
"Nothing," Hana said with a frown on her forehead as she thought what she did wrong.
"Well, you not acting right today because you would always say 'don't you have any work to do? You're a busy businesswoman.' Have you gotten sick or do you have any problem?" Yuyue asked worriedly.
"Don't worry. I won't be sick. I have a lot of things to be done in this company. So, I've do be healthy every day. Twenty four seven," Hana said with her determine dark hazel eyes.
"Shinji, what did you do to Hana? Are you turning her into a workaholic? No, no. This can't be true. How could you give her too much work? Shinji, you're cruel. She's your niece, don't you remember that?" Yuyue said as she took Shinji's collar into her hands.
"Behave yourself, Yuyue. I don't have time to talk nonsense with you. You're overreacting. There's nothing wrong with Hana. She's a hardworking girl that you are," Shinji said.
"What's there in life if you just put it to work? Sometimes we need to be relaxed too," Yuyue said as she pouted.
"What's there in life if you keep acting immature? Sometimes we need to think about reality too," Shinji argued.
"Shinji, how could you say that? Are you telling me that I'm an immature? For God's sake, I'm your wife. How could you say that I'm an immature?" Yuyue walked towards him.
"Yes. I'm telling that you're an immature and Hana is more matured than you are. Hana is more matures than Hana before the coma," Shinji said as Hana was shocked to hear what he just said. Suddenly, she recalled the dream she just had. Why the girl was mad with her? Why did she call her Mei Xi? Is it true that she had changed so much? Even her uncle said she had changed. Even Chikane told her that she had changed. Is her changes had to do with the girl in her dream? She just wanted to know the whole truth even if it might as well hurt her. She hates to be so stressed up and thinking about things that may cause her to get crazy.
"So, about the Kikyo Marine Park, do we have the CF yet?" Shinji asked as Hana still with her thoughts.
"Hana, are you listening to me?" Shinji asked but still Hana did not answer him. He nudged her shoulder until she realized that her uncle was talking to her.
"I'm sorry. What did you say, uncle?" Hana asked with embarrassment.
"Maybe you should get a rest for now. You've been working so hard lately and you still need to attend a dinner tonight," Shinji said and closed his file.
"How about Kikyo Marine Park?" Hana looked at her uncle with shocked. His expression was not making her felt relief. It was making her felt uneasy.
"Thanks, uncle," Hana said and left the office. She went to her office and took her coat. She said her goodbyes to her staff and drove to Chikane's Florist House.
"You're early," Chikane said as she looked at her watch. Hana smiled and sat on the chair but her eyes were not focused on anything. It was flying around in her thought.
"Hana, what's wrong with you? Did you remember something?" Chikane said with curiosity. Hana shook her head and smiled.
"Then why are you looking so weak?" Chikane was feeling uneasy with Hana's attitude.
"I've got a dream. There's this girl who keeps telling me that I'm not Akimine Hana. She called me Mei Xi," Hana said as Chikane was shocked to hear something unusual like that.
"Okay, this is weird," Chikane sat beside Hana who looked at her as if she wanted to cry right there.
"She wanted to kill me," Hana cried and hugged Chikane. Chikane was clueless and she was not a psychic. So, she did not know how to deal with this kind of situation.
"Maybe that was only a nightmare. You're thinking too much," Chikane ruffled her hair to soothe her but her cry became more uncontrollably. Her hug was getting tighter. Chikane could not do anything to stop her crying. Hana she knew was so happy-go-lucky that she hardly saw her crying so much like this. Even if she was feeling so sad, she will always smile at her. But this Hana is different from the Hana she knew. Hana she knew did not like to think too hard. She just wanted to lead a simple and happy life. But this Hana was thinking too hard and was leading a difficult life with no past and memories. Maybe that made she felt like crying. With that kind of nightmare, she must be so stressed. Even Sakura and the others were telling that she was the resemblance of Mei Xi. Izumi was giving Hana stress too with his jealousy. Chikane just let her cry her heart out, let her throw away all her pain, let her be herself for once in a time.
"Chika-chan, I'm sorry for being so weak," Hana said and smiled.
"Please don't say that. I'm happy that you come to me when you're weak. I used to be such a crybaby before you're in coma. And it will be you who will comfort me," Chikane explained as Hana sighed deeply.
"I don't know what to say. I just feel like crying today," Hana stood up and walked towards the flowers, which were put in front of Hana.
"This smells nice," Hana said as she smelled the flowers. She was smiling so warm that Chikane was feeling relief that anything that had caused her to cry was gone for now. Chikane could not tell the future, so she just has to wait and see what the future has in store for her.
"I'd better leave. I still need to go to a dinner party. I'm sorry for everything," Hana smiled. This time her smile was a true smile. When she smiled like that, it's as if she got some glow all around her. Chikane nodded her head. Hana hugged her tightly before she left.
"You're my best friend forever, Chika-chan," Hana said and left the florist.
"You're my best friend forever too, Hana-chan," Chikane said and waved at her when she left.
Hana's House
"Hana, there you are. Don't you have to be ready for the dinner?" Yuyue asked when she saw Hana was still sitting in the garden. Hana turned at her and smiled. She stood and stretched her arms. She walked to her room and the shower was heard which told Yuyue that Hana was taking her bath. Hana was acting weirder and weirder these days. Yuyue was trying to find some answers for her changing behaviour. But she still can't find any. All she can do is to act normal. After a few minutes, Hana came out with her short hair in a messy tie using a clip.
"Which one should I wear?" Hana asked with a blue dress in her right hand and a white dress with golden embroidery at the neck and sides, which went to her knees in her left hand.
"The white one," Yuyue answered without thinking. Hana looked at her to assure herself.
"Yes, the white one, my dear. All dress suits you, so don't worry too much," Yuyue explained which made Hana chuckled. She went into her room and wore the dress.
"I'm going now. Bye, Aunt Yuyue," Hana said as she walked towards the door and took a pair of matching shoes out from the shoes cupboard. Yuyue came running towards her.
"Why don't you wait for your uncle? And here, your bracelet," Yuyue asked and gave Hana a silver bracelet with a love charm on it.
"I'm going to get something from the office too. I forgot to bring it home," Hana explained and put the bracelet around her right hand.
"What is it?" Yuyue asked curiously.
"The Marine Park file and some other files which need to be presented this week," Hana said and left the house without waiting another word from Yuyue.
"Hana, this girl is too hardworking. I'll tell Shinji to stop giving her too much work," Yuyue said to herself and walked into her room to talk with Shinji
"Shinji, please don't make Hana so stressed up. She looked so tired," Yuyue said as Shinji wore his tie.
"What are you talking about? I never do like that. She loves her work. That's better than Hana before. So childish and keep playing around. Do you think money comes to you if you just sit and do nothing?" Shinji looked at Yuyue who just stayed silent. Yuyue stood up and left the room with her silent. She was not mad with Shinji. It was just that it was making her thinking about Hana's behaviour after the coma.
Sakura
"Hikari, you're coming with me tonight or Okaa-san can't go home early. Please…" Sakura pleaded Hikari who still sat on her bed.
"Only if you bring Sachi Ne-chan too. I'll be bored there," Hikari looked at her mother.
"I'll bring Sachi," Sakura gave an okay sign. Hikari smiled and put on her dress. Sakura called Mei Xin to ask her to bring Sachi with her to the dinner, which was held by the KK Corp. for their 20th anniversary.
"Okay then. Don't be naughty when you're with Sachi and don't talk to strangers. I don't want you to be kidnap. I love you so much that I can't bear to be apart from you," Sakura said and hugged her tightly.
"Sakura, Hikari, are you done? Let's go, I don't think we can be late," Syaoran said as he straightened his tie.
"We're coming," Sakura said and straightened Hikari's dress. She put Hikari's hair into two ponytails and pinned her front hair with a cherry blossom hairpin.
"Let's go, Hikari. We can't be late. Mr. Sagamoto is very fond of your father. Ikidasho, Sachi will be waiting for you there," Sakura said and Hikari nodded. She ran towards the door, opened it and went straight into her father's open arms.
They walked to the door where Wei was there, waiting for them. Syaoran walked out the house and went to the garage to take a car while Sakura and Hikari waited with Wei. Sakura looked at Wei with an anxious look on her face.
"Wei, can we have a talk later after dinner? Do you have any time for me?" Sakura asked finally.
"I'll always have time for you, Mistress," Wei said and bowed at her. Hikari looked at Wei and smiled happily.
"Ja ne, Grandpa Wei," Hikari gave him a kiss on his cheek.
"Ja ne, Young Mistress," Wei smiled and waved at her when she pulled Sakura with her.
"What were you talking about with Wei just now?" Syaoran asked as he turned left when he reached a corner.
"Nothing much. Are you jealous with an old man, Syaoran?" Sakura teased him as she did not want to continue asking her.
"I know he won't get the chance. You love man like me. Good looking, handsome, masculine…" Syaoran smiled at Sakura when she cut him off.
"Okay, okay, you can stop giving me the description of yourself, Li Syaoran," Sakura laughed.
"Otou-san, concentrate on your driving," Hikari said and looked at her father with a fake angry eyes.
"Yes, madam," Syaoran put his hand on his forehead that made Hikari giggled. They reached the hotel a few seconds later. Syaoran parked the car and went into the hotel with Sakura and Hikari. Sagamoto was waiting for them at the hall's door.
"I've been waiting for you, Syaoran," Sagamoto said as Syaoran smiled and shook hands with him.
"Meet my wife, Li Sakura and my lovely daughter, Li Hikari," Syaoran introduced Sakura and Hikari to Sagamoto.
"You have a beautiful wife and a lovely daughter, Syaoran. You're so lucky," Sagamoto patted his shoulder as Sakura and Hikari blushed a bit.
"Come in, come in," Sagamoto said and brought Sakura, Syaoran and Hikari to meet other guests.
"Here, meet Sawada, Sawako's sister," Sagamoto introduced Sawada who looked at Sakura with her expressionless face. Hikari sat beside Sawada and smiled at her, which gave Sakura no choice to sit with Sawada. Syaoran was stolen by Sagamoto to meet other important guests.
"Sakura, Hana is in danger. As a friend, you should give her a protection from evil," Sawada looked at Sakura who was so clueless at first.
"What are you talking about?" Sakura asked curiously and how did she know that Hana is her friend.
"You have the power to save her from getting killed again. You don't want your brother's beloved to be killed again, don't you? Take good care of her," Sawada explained but still Sakura did not get the meaning behind her words.
"What on earth are you talking about, Sawada? Hana is in danger but what do you mean by getting killed AGAIN? My brother loves Mei Xi not Hana. Or… or are you telling me they are the same person?" Sakura finally came to the conclusion.
"Gomen ne. Is she talking nonsense again? Sawada, stop your fortune telling. You're making people fear you," Sawako said and brought Sawada to a room. Sakura was waiting for the answer when they left.
"I need to meet her soon," Sakura still looked at the door where Sawako and Sawada went in.
"Aunt Sakura," a voice was heard. Sakura looked at where the voice came and saw dark green eyes in front of her. She smiled and gave her a kiss on her cheek.
"Okaa-san, can I follow Sachi Ne-chan?" Hikari pleaded. Sakura nodded but put her hands on Hikari's shoulders.
"But don't talk to strangers," Sakura warned again.
"Sachi, take care of Hikari and be careful," Sakura looked at Sachi who smiled and nodded. She left with Hikari at her side. She was still thinking about Sawada's fortune telling.
"Sakura? Sakura? Sakura!" Tomoyo waved her hand in front of her face and shook her shoulders lightly.
"Huh?" Sakura came back to her senses.
"What are you thinking about? I've been calling you but you did not answer me. Mei Xin is waiting at the verandah," Tomoyo explained as Sakura listened. She smiled and walked with Tomoyo to the verandah.
"Hi, Mei Xin," Sakura looked at Mei Xin who sat on the chair with Yuki on her lap.
"Hi, Sakura. Are you bringing Hikari to make an excuse later?" Mei Xin smiled as Sakura nodded. They giggled at each other.
"You two are evil. Then, what about me?" Tomoyo pouted as Sakura chuckled at her reaction.
"Eriol will find an excuse for you too. Don't worry too much," Mei Xin looked at Tomoyo who smiled.
"Hana is here too," Tomoyo said as Sakura and Mei Xin looked at the direction Tomoyo's eyes were heading. Hana was not looking at them when Sagamoto came to her and shook hands with her.
"Well, you'll have a partner then," Mei Xin said with a grin on her face.
"It's alright then but I'm sure I can go home earlier than her. Sagamoto will try to stop her from going home so early. You know how he loves beautiful innocent girls," Tomoyo sighed deeply.
"That's why Touya here," Sakura said and looked at Touya who finally came.
"Thank God he's here or there's no way Hana is going to get away from Sagamoto," Mei Xin giggled.
"Hana is in danger. Give her a protection from evil. You have the power to save her from getting killed again. You don't want your brother's beloved to be killed again, don't you? Take good care of her," suddenly Sakura remembered Sawada's words. It kept coming back into her mind.
"I need to meet her again. I need to know what she meant," Sakura said to herself when Tomoyo called her again.
"Okay, now tell me what is in your mind. You've been like this for the second time," Tomoyo looked at her with her determined amethyst eyes as Mei Xin just listened to them.
"I met someone just now and she told me that Hana is in danger and Sawada did say that I have the power to save her from getting killed again," Sakura explained as she sat beside Mei Xin. Tomoyo just stayed silent as if she knew it already.
"Getting killed again? That's impossible, Hana is still alive, there's no way she's going to be killed again when she never did been killed unless she's Mei … that mean she is…" Mei Xin could not finish her words when Sagamoto's daughter, Shiki came and asked them to come into the hall.
"Mrs. Li, Mrs. Hiragizawa, Mrs. Kanda, please come in. The ceremony will start soon," Shiki said with a smile. Sakura, Tomoyo and Mei Xin followed her into the hall. Mei Xin's eyes were searching for Hana and she saw her with Sagamoto. Sakura was looking at Hana too but her eyes met with her brother's worried eyes. Suddenly, she felt like walking to where Hana was and pulled her from that Sagamoto. Even Shiki was looking at her father with anger.
"Xiao Lang, could you please help me a bit?" Sakura looked at him with pleading eyes.
"I'll do anything for you," Syaoran said as he knew that Sakura wanted to ask for something big when she started to call him Xiao Lang.
"Distract Sagamoto for a moment. I want Hana to be with me and Touya before she sits beside Sagamoto," Sakura explained.
"Okay, no problem," Syaoran said with an okay-sign. He straightened his coat and walked towards Sagamoto.
"Sagamoto-san, can I talk with you for a moment?" Syaoran looked at Hana and smiled as he talked to Sagamoto. Sagamoto was reluctant to let Hana alone but Syaoran was very serious even though he smiled but his eyes showed seriousness.
"I'm sorry, I have to leave you for a moment, Akimine-san," Sagamoto said and left with Syaoran. Sakura quickly walked to Hana and brought her to her table.
"Thank goodness you're here or Sagamoto won't let me go," Hana smiled and sat beside Mei Xin. Mei Xin looked at her and smiled with lots of meaning behind her lovely smile.
"Yes, he won't let a lovely lady like you go," Tomoyo smiled. She was the only one that did not show any reaction when Sakura told her about Sawada. Did she know it all along? What did Eriol told her when she first met Hana? Find out the truth on next chapter…