here you go !! enjoy !!
Then She Happened
Just a little bit closer...
Then the music all of a sudden stopped playing and a high-pitched screech blared out of the speaker, causing Sakura and Syaoran to break apart and look around on what in the world happened.
Everyone just groaned when they saw Touya with a little girl, looking so guilty. Later, they found out that the two were playing tag when Touya tripped on the wire of the boom box, putting a halt on the music and the little girl dropping the microphone, accidentally pointing at the speaker, causing the scandalous and horrible sound of feedback.
Sakura and Syaoran remained standing in the middle of the backyard. They can hear murmurs of people saying that 'darn! They should have kissed!' and blushed at the attention that everyone's giving them.
Sakura can't find her tongue to say something. She's terribly disappointed for this is the second time that they almost kissed. But at the same time, she's also awfully embarrassed because she hasn't forgotten that she wanted and almost kissed her boss.
She then just let out a nervous giggle and was relieved when Syaoran shyly smirked or smiled (she can't tell) back.
After a few minutes of organizing the music again, they somehow managed to put on a fast song that everyone jumped in on the center of the yard and started dancing. Everyone except Syaoran.
He just sat on the dark corner, watching and at the same time, thinking.
'It happened again' he thought to himself. But this time, he's neither mad or angry. It's almost like he sounds defeated.
'What is going on with me?' and he grasped his hair and bowed his head.
"Syaoran...sometimes you'll just have to let your feelings out. You'll just die or explode if you keep it in or fight it"
He looked on his right to see who's talking to him. He saw Eriol.
"Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be dancing with Tomoyo?"
"I would if I didn't see that my bestfriend needs help"
Syaoran smiled a little. Eriol's back! Their friendship is back! And it actually feels good.
"And how can you tell that I need help? I'm just tired...that's all"
"Tired? Are you sure that's it? I don't think so. I think it's something more complex than physical needs"
Syaoran remained quiet. 'Damn... This guy's good'
"You like her, Syaoran. Admit it"
Syaoran curled up his hands. "I don't. I can't"
"And why not? She's a sweet girl. She's pretty and really hot if I say so myself" he joked, trying to make the conversation light.
"You won't understand" was Syaoran's cold reply.
"Of course I will" Eriol stated, disappointed that Syaoran didn't appreciate the joke. "If only you'll tell me"
Syaoran drew in a deep breath. "I told myself never to like another girl again. End of story. There's nothing into it. I just think that I'd rather work on my corporation that to spend all my time trying to make a girl happy"
Eriol scoffed. "You're being stupid then" he smirked. "Any smart man will know that they need someone to comfort them. A girl. Not just for pleasure but for the warmth"
Then Eriol's voice softened. "Syaoran... you need someone. No one can survive this word all alone. It's not a good thing to be lonely and drown yourself with work. What you want and need is someone to take off your burden and load from your back. You know? Someone that will make you smile and even for just a while, make you forget that you have problems"
Syaoran looked at his friend straight in the eye.
"Trust me, I know. I spent a year of my life with no company other than Fujitaka. Don't get me wrong, I like him. But you have no idea how I longed for a woman touch"
Syaoran just remained quiet.
"This has something to do with Keira huh?" Eriol asked. Syaoran nodded hesitantly.
"Care to tell me?" Eriol asked again.
Syaoran cleared his throat and with a whisper explained to Eriol what exactly happened. How everything was set for the wedding, how they thought Keira would be late, how she didn't show up at all and how a messenger said that she ran off with Eriol.
At the mention of his name, Eriol's eyes darkened. "The nerve of that girl. Using me as her getaway ticket"
"Anyway, I never liked or loved a person after that. I just think that it's all bull" Syaoran strongly concluded.
"Well, that's wrong. One bad happening in the past shouldn't restrain you in giving love one more chance. How would you know that there's still future for you if you won't try it?"
Silence occurred as Syaoran swallowed what Eriol said.
"Think about it okay?" Eriol smiled and tapped his shoulder. As if on cue, and as if waiting for Eriol's and Syaoran's conversation to finish, the dancing stopped and a man, whom Syaoran didn't know picked up the microphone.
"Everyone!" his loud voice boomed. "Gather around for I have some important announcements to tell you!"
Everyone hushed up and tried to listen.
"Tomorrow—is the cow festival!!!"
Everyone applauded and cheered but to Syaoran, everything he's hearing is nothing but a blur. 'What's a cow festival?'
"We have decided to do it tomorrow instead of the usual date which is next week. We want Sakura and our new friend Mr. Li to see it or much better, be a part of it! The festival will happen here in this farm, near the stable. We'll use the horse track for the cow race!"
Everyone laughed.
"Now, people who wants to take part will have to register on the booth" and the man pointed on two waving townspeople sitting on a table.
"We will have so much fun tomorrow!" and then he let down the microphone and started chatting again with his comrades.
Eriol stood up with a broad smile in his face. "Aaah! I'm signing in. It's loads of fun. I've done it before. Come on, Syaoran. Don't be a stranger and join in"
"But...I don't even know what on earth is going to happen in a cow festival"
"It's just a race. Practically everyone in Shao town have their own cows. More than one, even. So they bring them in this farm and race. Instead of horses, they use cows"
If you look at it as a city person, you'd be thinking how ridiculous that sounded. But to his own surprise, Syaoran thinks it's pretty cool.
"I would want to see it. But sorry, I don't want to try it"
"Well, it's up to you" Eriol looked at him and ran along to register.
Right after he's gone, Sakura came trotting towards him with a grin on her face.
"Hello, Mr. Li! Are you having a good time?" she inquired.
"Honestly, I'm pretty shocked that I am"
"Really!? Oh, I'm so glad! Well, do you want to join for tomorrow's cow festival? Wait...do you even know what that is?"
"Oh yeah. I know what it is. Eriol just clued me in. But I don't think I want to join it"
Sakura saddened.
"But don't worry, I'll see it. It'd be fun to see some idiots ride cows"
Sakura lightened up and beamed. "Well, sir, I'm really glad that you're here and also that you're back with being friends with Eriol"
Then Sakura turned her back and started walking again. Syaoran watched with interest as Sakura walked away cutely from him...how her hips sway as she takes a step...Then all of a sudden, a man, no bigger than Syaoran blocked Sakura's way with an ugly smirk on his face. As he spoke to Sakura, Syaoran can hear his exact words.
"Hi there, Sakura. I haven't seen you in such a long time. I missed you. Did you miss me?"
Syaoran saw him take hold of Sakura's waist and pulled her closer.
"Back off, Jake! I don't like you! Leave me alone!"
"Why!?" he spoke gruffly. "Is it because of that stuck-up Li guy?"
"Let go of me!" Sakura ordered.
Syaoran looked around. Why aren't people hearing this? Then the realization struck him. Duh! They're in a dark corner remember? So it's up to him to rescue Sakura.
"Jake, please! I want to go back in the yard, let go!"
"I missed you! I just want to hug you" he said.
"You heard her...now let go" Syaoran dangerously growled when he approached the two.
"Speaking of the devil... "Jake muttered. "This is none of your business. Go away"
"I'm afraid I can't do that. I can't just leave Sakura in the hands of a brainless wimp like you"
Jake angered, let go of Sakura and threw a punch at Syaoran. But Syaoran just dodged it ever-so-calmly and not only that, he also caught Jake's fist and twisted it, making him cry out in pain.
"Damn you. Watch...I'll get you later" and he walked away.
Sakura was just watching the whole scene breathlessly. She then found her voice after a whole minute of the event.
"Oh God...thank you Mr. Li. I've been trying to avoid him since the party started but he had me cornered and I didn't know how to—"
"It's fine. But who the hell was he anyway?"
"Uh...his name is Jake. He had been uhm...after me..."
Syaoran scanned the place for Jake and threw him a very nasty look.
"Well, stay away from him. I don't want you anywhere near him. He's trouble"
Sakura blushed, nodded and walked away. She could have sworn that he was so concern.
Syaoran on the other hand was once again watching Sakura walk away. How could he be so concerned?
ooo
"I can't wait for the festival tomorrow" Touya chirped as they all tried to clean up the leftovers from tonight.
"Me too" Tomoyo sleepily added as she picked up a few paper towels that were scattered on the ground.
"Thank goodness that the townspeople chipped in with the cleaning. Awhile ago, you'd be scared if you saw how dirty the yard is"
It is true indeed that they all helped. But cleaning up is never perfect so leftovers are still lying on the ground, waiting to be picked up and chucked on the trash.
"Well Mr. Li thank you so much for being a part of our party. It was an honor" Fujitaka whispered before yawning. "I'll go to sleep, Sakura and Touya. I'm awfully worn out"
And with this, Sakura and Touya ran to him and gave him a goodnight kiss.
"Goodnight, all of you" and he wheeled his wheelchair inside their house.
"I'll turn in too, Sakura" Tomoyo added. "Want to come with me, Touya?"
Touya adorably stretched and took Tomoyo's hand, leaving Sakura and Syaoran stuck together, fixing the tables.
"Um... thank you, Mr. Li"
"What? About Jake?" he murmured.
"Not really. I just want to thank you for tolerating our silliness tonight. I know that professionals like you don't dance the way we do, don't eat and talk the way we do, don't speak with our mouths full, don't blab out nonsense... I really thought that moment you see us, you'll—"
Syaoran decided to interject.
"Go lock myself inside the house, grumble and curse and think why I'm mingling with you people at the first place?"
"Well—yea" Sakura shyly admitted.
"Just be glad that I didn't..." he responded.
"I am glad" she mumbled. "Well, it's all clean. Thank you for helping. Goodnight, Mr. Li"
And Sakura went inside the back door and through the window, Syaoran saw her figure go in her room with a bang.
There goes that feeling again as Syaoran stood quiet and still in the dark of the night. His heart beating wildly and fast.
Something about that voice makes him all jumpy and nervous. Something about that smile makes him want to smile too, and wanting to smile is something that he doesn't do often. There is something within Kinomoto that makes him want to be gentler and kinder so that she'll be impressed. Funny how he wants to impress her...
Ever get those feelings when something is happening and although how much you hate it, dislike it, despise it, disapprove of it and detest it, you have nothing to do but accept it? It is true, that he has no control over things. Because no matter how powerful he really is at his company, he has no magical powers that will make him invulnerable against love...no matter how corny it sounds to him.
Fine, fine...he might...might be attractive to her but love !?
"No way" he talked to himself as he dropped himself on his green bed.
"After everything is over, when we come back, maybe I'll fire her. That way, things will be straightened out and no more issues like this. It's all going in my head and I can't afford to lose focus. I'm here for one reason and one reason only. My job is to make sure that this place is the perfect estate for Mr. Luigi's requirements"
Then he drifted of to sleep.
'...I can't afford to lose focus'. But did he notice that he had forgotten all about the company? He only remembered it when he went inside the room and saw his suitcase that has the logo of Li Corp. in it.
ooo
Sakura rolled on the bed, opened her eyes and looked at the clock. 2:00 am ! How in the world can she not sleep? She's tired. The party ended at midnight...but she can't sleep and her head already hurts. She stared at the ceiling for the longest time, spacing out. After snapping back to reality, she grabbed her teddy bear and looked at it.
"This day had been something huh?" she said. "First, Mr. Li laughed loudly at me, he was a part of the party, he put up with us, he danced with me and he's going to see the cow festival tomorrow. I thought that he was going to think it's dumb but he said himself that he wants to watch it"
As if waiting for an answer, she paused. And resumed talking again.
"Something's changing. It's like he's starting to actually want to be nicer" Sakura smiled at her own joke.
"Well that's good because at least lots of people will like him better than before. He's not scary anymore to start off. He doesn't say mean things to me anymore, no matter how stupid I sound to him. I know I sound idiotic because I can see that he's restraining himself from rolling his eyes"
Then Sakura remembered what he had yelled or threw at her before...
"...Maids don't give hugs to people without any reason. Maids flirt. That's what all low-class people are good at since they don't have anything better to do. They are pathetic..."
"...He'd probably just grow up poor, worthless, homeless and brainless like his sister"
All those bad memories that he etched on her mind...they are starting to fade away. Sakura's always been the forgiving type...and now that she sees him change for the better, something's tugging on her heart that makes her anger and grudge against her boss melt away.
Then she recalled the way they danced. It wasn't long and wasn't that romantic neither but she enjoyed every moment of it. She wasn't that close for she's shy... she can't handle being too close. It would be too awkward and too embarrassing. But still, with all these disadvantages, it was really nice. She can smell his cologne. It smells great! She can identify it wherever she goes... it's like for her, he's the only one who can smell so good like that.
She just smiled to herself as finally, sleep surged in. She looked at the bear once again. "Do you think I can fall for him?"
Then she gave a cheerful scoff. "Nah! That can't be...it's just a small crush...nothing else"
She closed her eyes and fell on a slumber.
But what she doesn't realize is this: She liked him when he was mean, ruthless and despicable. Now that he's starting to act differently, what can stop her from actually falling head over heels?
ooo
"Good morning, Mr. Li!" Touya piped out as Syaoran sat on the table and joined the people for their breakfast.
"Good morning, Touya" he said with a small smile curved at the edge of his lips. "Hello, Fujitaka. Sakura, Tomoyo"
They all smiled at him and nodded. No one really opened their mouths for almost everyone's chewing.
"We hope we didn't tire you out last night" Fujitaka warmly told him.
"Oh no. Actually, to tell you the truth, I had a good time. I wasn't expecting that"
Fujitaka smiled and resumed on eating his eggs and bacon. Sakura and Tomoyo remained quiet but definitely in a good mood that morning. A comfortable silence rested upon all of them as they tried to finish their meals, apparently, each one of them caught up on their own thoughts. The two ladies are definitely thinking of something girly for they have the pink shade on their cheeks. Touya was just chomping the food in front of him like a little boy would.
And Fujitaka...if anything is different with him, he looks a lot, lot healthier than the first time they had seen him. Maybe because of the warmth everybody placed inside his lonely house.
When everyone was done, Tomoyo pleaded for Sakura to let her do the dishes for she haven't had the turn to do it and felt completely guilty for letting her do all the work.
"Fine... but you have to let me help you...even for just wiping them dry"
"Alright, alright" Tomoyo answered, rolling her eyes.
The warm water ran through their hands as they started soaping the dishes that the family used this morning. Before Sakura turned to Tomoyo, she took a glance on what her brother—and Mr.Li are doing. She then found out that Touya decided to show off his coloring skills to Mr. Li. And surprisingly, he was willing to actually watch the little boy.
"Sooo..." Tomoyo started, raising her eyebrows. "I have been dying to talk to you but I just can't find the right time. And don't even try to dodge this conversation because it was you yourself who volunteered to help me. It's your fault, not mine"
Sakura groaned playfully. "I'm stuck with you"
"Yeah! You're right. Now spill!"
"Well, what do you want to know?" Sakura nervously asked as she soaped the third plate.
"What is going on with you and—" she took a glimpse at Syaoran. "—him?"
"What do you mean? Nothing's going on between us"
Tomoyo just stared at Sakura, as she tried to avoid Tomoyo's gaze. But slowly and embarrassingly, her lips started cracking for a broad grin that told Tomoyo everything she needed to know.
"I knew it" Tomoyo excitedly squeaked. "You do like him. Does he like you?!" she asked like a an ecstatic teenager in a hoarse whisper.
"I don't know. But isn't it better to keep that a mystery? I don't think I want to know anyway"
Deep inside her, something's making her scared of the rejection she'll take when Mr. Li find out that she does like him in that way. Because for her, for what she thinks, of course Mr. Li won't return her feelings!
"I'm telling you, it's going to get harder to contain that feeling, Sakura. We all have three more days in this farm. And from what I've noticed, he's really, really different now. Compared from before and from the stories you told me, there's a huge improvement"
Sakura just nodded her head. Tomoyo is right... it is going to be hard to contain and hold herself.
But Sakura just brushed off the thought and smiled.
"But I've noticed that too, you know. He's changing" Sakura softly stated. "He's a lot agreeable now than before"
"True, true" Tomoyo agreed. She then tossed her head back and in the corner of her eye, saw Syaoran and Touya talking things over.
"And look at them right now" Tomoyo requested.
Sakura did what she was told and her heart just dropped from her chest to her stomach as she witnessed the most heartwarming scene she have ever her boss, of course.
Touya was apparently happy, sitting next to Syaoran as he pointed something on the coloring book and Syaoran started discussing it with him.
The two fell silent afterwards and just finished their chores, thinking about things only their own heads can know.
ooo
The day went by faster than they all thought and expected, soon after they had their lunch that people from the town started coming with their cows trailing behind them. The rope being tied on the cows' necks, the people greeted Fujitaka and the company with anxious and excited faces.
"Sakura! Come on!" Chiharu yelled halfway across the house. "Let's go prepare the track!"
"Yeah, Sakura! You too, Tomoyo. We have been told that we, girls are in charge to fix it before the actual race!" Rika added, trying to tame her black hair as it stubbornly follows the direction the wind blows.
"Okay, okay" Sakura answered back "Just hang on a sec"
Then she turned to Syaoran. "Sorry sir" she nervously giggled. ""My friends are terribly excited. Excuse me"
Syaoran stood there on the porch and just nodded at Sakura's permission to go. From what he can see, like twenty feet from him, is the vague image of the track where a whole bunch of people that he doesn't even know gathered up all their cows. He looked at his watch and noticed that it's almost three in the afternoon when the race will happen.
He scanned the place to get the chance to see Eriol. But he's nowhere to be found.
As he watched the people around him bustle up and yell at each other in a loving manner, the feeling of belonging rushed inside him again. People in this farm and in Shao town are so warm and friendly with each other that sometimes, he longs to bring them in the city where it's always about superiority and authority. Maybe that way, they can spread their kindness.
In this particular spot in the world, the word 'love' and 'friendship' actually happens. He's been doing a lot of watching lately and frankly, he was sort of looking for any misunderstanding, for sore people. And so far, he had found none except for that retarded Jake man... but Syaoran decided to not include him among the others.
At the party last night when everyone gobbled up and fought over them in a caring way, it reminded him of a gigantic family who doesn't really care what other's think. They do what they do and they are proud of it, not even caring or being insecure on what others think.
'That's the way the world should be...way I should be' Syaoran thought sadly.
Syaoran continued to stand there and watch the cows try to hustle to fulfill their masters' command of winning. They kept on mooing with affection when their human owners pat their backs and whisper encouraging words.
He smiled.
His train of thoughts were interrupted minutes after as someone called out "Mr. Li! The race is about to start! To get a good seat, you should look for one now!"
Syaoran then found out that it was Yamazaki who had talked to him and he heeded his advice. He walked over to the track to find that outside it, there are layers of plastic seats where audience can observe the festival. Before he took a seat, he checked out the track. It's huge, actually. Like two cars can fit in it and move comfortably. A feeling of excitement unexpectedly flushed in him as he watched the would-be racers of this silly game.
He saw the image of Sakura and wanted to sit with her. He bravely walked up to her and was about to say hi when he saw that everyone surrounding her, even Sakura herself had the look of distress on their faces.
"Hey...what's wrong" he softly asked.
"Oh hi, sir" she responded. "It's just that they can't start the race without the 10th rider. Michi suddenly backed out because he's sick. They are waiting for someone to substitute, not to break the tradition of having ten racers" she explained.
Syaoran thought about it for awhile. That's so... weird and strange. Can't start a race due to one missing racer? But hey, it's tradition.
"I'll go" he declared, making Sakura and all her girlfriends look up with questioning eyes. "Yea. I'm a man right? I can go"
Sakura smiled widely and yelled. "Mr. Li wants to race"
And when Sakura did that, he somehow wished that she didn't for all eyes rested on him and cheered.
"Let's go!" people shouted.
Syaoran was led at the beginning of the track where a fat cow is waiting for him. He looked at it nervously, wondering how in the world could this particular cow run and possibly win.
"What am I supposed to do with it?" he asked this one man who had led him to it.
"Just pat the bessie's back continually to make it go faster. They are kind of accustomed to this event already. So they probably know what to do"
"What if they don't know?" Syaoran required.
"Well, good luck to you" the man smirked. Syaoran looked around. Was that a joke? Or is it a statement with a hidden meaning? For the first time in his adulthood, he felt nervous for this is one thing he knows he's not good at. Why did he have to enter the race anyway?
No matter how he tried not think about it, he can't get rid of the thought. It's all because he saw Sakura bummed...
"Everyone...sit yourself on your cows!" the speaker blared out a booming voice, as people appreciatively giggled and chuckled on their seats at the included pun.
"This is one of the events we are all eager to see! It's not only one of the most original game our fathers invented but also one of the funniest one we've ever seen!" the loud voice spoke and people laughed again.
"Now, we'll start!" And he held a toy gun that he put up and BOOM! The race started.
Syaoran patted the back of the cow that he was riding. He thanked his mom silently as he remembered that it was her who insisted that he should take horse back riding lessons. And now, its way easier. He was surprisingly in third place since the start of the race, considering the size of his cow. He decided to look around as the fast rhythm of the cow's running was already in harmony as his movement.
Everyone was excited. The people were all rooting for their own cows and some kids are making fun of riders who obviously have the look of terror on their faces as their cows started acting stupid, going really slow or turning crazy at the race track. He also saw that all his competitors are unfamiliar except three men. The friendly Yamazaki, his bestfriend Eriol and the fathead Jake, running in first place.
Syaoran got the urge to win, win and win. Only to show Jake off that he's better... with the fact that this is his first time. He's the ugly pig ... the man who's trying to take Sakura away...
His eyes turned urgent but at the same time the fun of the game and the fact that he's enjoying it is still visible in his amber pools...but the desire to win is burning in him. Eriol had told him that he has to go around the whole track twice to win. With the fast pace that the cow is running right now can make him win...if only he can go faster!
The crowd were going crazy with cheers and applause to motivate the riders. Syaoran saw Sakura's face, rooting for him, calling out his name and he smiled despite of himself as he passed the finish line for the first time. One more lap to go!
He looked around. He's in second place! He looked behind to see Eriol grinning like a bobcat as he is slowly gaining on Syaoran.
"Oh no way I'm going to let you win" Syaoran talked to himself, extremely relishing the competition and loving the challenge to win something he had never tried before. He tapped the cow, slightly harder this time and with a loud, strong and determined MOO!, the cow zoomed faster than he had been doing the past three minutes.
Soon, he was so close to Jake, who is the very first rider and what looked like the would-be winner of the race. The finish line is about fifteen feet from them and their cows are going head to head. Syaoran and Jake are both nearing the flag that will confirm their victory. Also, nearing the finish line means seeing Sakura.
Sakura is jumping up and down. But not only her, all the people who are watching are turning paranoids at the tight race. Syaoran and Jake, millimeters apart and the line ten feet more.
"Mr. LI!!!"she exclaimed. "You can do this! You can win it" was the blurry sound of her voice. Jake looked on his right to see Syaoran going ahead inches ahead of him. The head of Syaoran's cow is like two inches more forward than his. And the finish line is seven feet away...
"Go! Syaoran!" Sakura screamed. "Beat him! Beat Jake!" Jake heard the exact words and anger and fury streamed in his body as he shook with fury... after all, he had the reputation that he is a sore loser.
A mischievous grin escaped his ugly mouth as an idea popped in his mind...
Three feet away from the victory line, Jake slowed down and he kicked the left side of his cow, sending the poor animal hurt and out of balance, tripping on his own feet and bumping onto Syaoran's cow. With Syaoran's fast-paced speed, all of a sudden his cow was thrown out of proportion and with a desperate MOO!, fell down on the dusty ground.
"Aaaah!" was all Syaoran could say before he fell face-down on the rocky track.
"Syaoran!" Sakura cried out
Everyone jeered and accused Jake of cheating although he won the race. Jake used Syaoran's cow to help his own animal regain it's balance...people were angry. Eriol too was about to win second place but as he saw what happened to Syaoran, he mounted off of his cow and ran to him.
Syaoran groaned as Sakura and Eriol came up to him and tried to stand him up. People were quiet as they were trying to take a glance on what happened to Syaoran.
When he stood up, Eriol brushed off the dust on his clothes and Sakura gave a small gasp as she noticed deep cuts on his forehead and at his far left cheek, near his ear.
"Oh my God" she breathed out. "You're hurt. I'm so so sorry, Mr. Li I never knew that if you—"
"It's okay. It's just a scratch"
"I'll take care of him, Sakura" Eriol suggested but Sakura shook her head.
"I'll do that, Eriol. Please let me do it" Sakura murmured, feeling so guilty.
Eriol just gazed at her quizzically and just nodded. He stood up to join the crowd of people talking. Syaoran and Sakura left the track, still hearing whispers such as "of all the rotten trick" and "Jake is a cheater"
Syaoran can feel the prickling pain of the deeply-cut wounds on his face. They walked all the way to the house slowly and quietly, as Syaoran also spotted bruises on his arms.
Sakura was fuming. "Jake... that idiot...stupid, dim-witted ass..."
Syaoran can't help but chuckle. "Calm down, Kinomoto. If you're angry because he hurt me—"
"Of course I'm angry! He sent his cow aiming for yours, throwing you off! You got hurt! For Pete's sake! He can't just let you go through the race safely, can he!? He really had to do something disgusting and low like that to embarrass you and injure you....aargh!!"
"I'm fine...but thanks for your concern" he whispered, finally causing Sakura to stop her blabbering. She stopped walking and stared at him, with mild shock. But in return, Syaoran was smiling... a real smile, with his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Syaoran resumed on walking with Sakura behind her. Inititally, she was like stoned on her spot, just gazing at Syaoran and trying to make sure that he really is the guy who smiled so brilliantly at her. When her mind finally worked again, Sakura felt all warm and fuzzy inside. She also clutched her chest as her heart started beating fast. How can she control her feelings when he goes off, smiling so beautiful like that? He smiled at her... a really handsome smile... a face that she will memorize on her mind.
He sat himself on the couch and sighed. "My arms hurt"
Sakura got the first aid kit on top of the refrigerator and sat right next to him. She got the liquid, poured some on the cotton and gently dabbed it on his cut. Syaoran closed his eyes... it hurts but he feels so comfortable. He feels at ease with her. As she carefully treated his wounds with that cold liquid, somehow it feels that getting cut is definitely worth it.
As her other hand touched his face to completely clean the bleeding scratch, to Syaoran, it feels like electricity is crackling in his skin... he feels ridiculous. But it's a fact.
He can feel the slow, steady rhythm on Sakura's breathing on the side of his face, feeling it strongly on his ear. He can also sense the shifting of Sakura's body on the sofa as she tried to position herself in a perfect way to try to fix his face. He can tell that she's trying not to get too close.
'How could you feel like this when you don't want to?' he thought to himself. He's having a hard time accepting something he doesn't want to admit...and too scared to let it happen.
With the light breathing of Syaoran, with his eyes closed, Sakura can't help but stare at him. Even though she had been cleaning the same wound over and over, she doesn't care. If she has to do this until tomorrow, she won't mind. She likes touching his face, it's so smooth and soft. She blushed.
After so many slow minutes, she finally place two band-aids on his face and mumbled. "Done"
Syaoran opened his eyes and smiled fully again. "Thank you. I owe you"
"No problem, sir" Sakura beamed. "Glad to be of help"
Silence took over as they both sat on the sofa, just listening to sound of each other's breathing.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Sakura asked.
"Of course I am. I'm a big man. I can handle myself" he answered.
"Right" she agreed. "But you know what? For awhile there, you looked just like a little boy to me" she joked and stood up from her seat to put back the kit on it's right place.
As he watch her stroll away, Syaoran gave out a defeated sigh as unbelievable realizations flooded his mind.
His heart beat faster when she's there, he wants to be nicer and gentler to impress her, he doesn't want to see her all depressed, he wanted to beat Jake up for what he did to Sakura, he can't stop thinking about her and most of all, she's the only girl in two years of his isolation that made him smile full blast like he did before Keira ran off. Sakura's the only lady who is making him feel that life is not so pathetic... she makes him want to go back to the original him.
What does this mean?...
He shook his head. There's no point trying to fight it now, is there? He'll just get tired of resisting it.
"Damn... I like her" he talked to the wind.
yay !! finally !! he admitted it !! you wouldn't wanna miss the next chappie !! haha !! coz that's where the fluff will start...and probably something we have been all waiting for !! i love you guys !! thanx for all the reviews !! and dont forget to drop me one for this chapter !!
PS: sorri if this is too long .
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