Breathe
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this fanfic… but I do own the plot and the story.
Summary: A simple girl living a simple life meets the man who would complicate it in a lot of ways. "Working for the President of the billion-dollar empire wasn't a good idea, after all… especially if it's you, Li Syaoran. Everything's just a game for you."
Chapter 10: When a Door Closes, Another One Opens
Previous Chapter:
Syaoran balled his fists and punched the wall, letting all his frustrations out. He thrashed everything inside the room—while the others watched, as he was eaten up by his conscience and the pain he's feeling.
She felt stupid, and hurt for believing that a person like him can actually love someone as plain as her, then again, she was thankful for having experienced how blissful it was to be loved by him—and for the moment he gave her to experience the love that most girls dream of. She was thankful that, even for a little time, she felt how it was to be truly loved by him even if it was all staged.
While waiting for a cab, the rain suddenly poured heavily, drenching her. Looked up and smiled, thankful that the rain was there to help her hide her sorrow. She closed her eyes and thought that maybe it was her mother, giving her some comfort.
.-.-.-.
Mei Lin watched her cousin bringing hell into that room. She lived with Syaoran since they were born, and never once in their lifetime had he shown this attitude. It was entirely different from the Syaoran she knew—the easy-going, careless and player Li Syaoran.
Syaoran threw the vases, punched the walls, and basically everything that came in contact with his skin was sent flying across the room. Ryu ducked in time just to dodge the mirror.
"Syaoran, man, easy," Ryu said, hiding behind the sofa, fearing for his life.
Mei Lin fought back the tears that were threatening to fall down her cheeks, seeing her cousin in such a state. "Syaoran, stop." She whispered, but no one heard her.
Eriol looked at Mei Lin's torn expression; he was feeling the exact same way. He was hurt to know that his best buddy hurt someone who was a part of them, but at the exact same time, he couldn't bring himself to hate Syaoran. He's family, after all.
"Aaargh!" Syaoran shouted at the top of his lungs, knocking the television over, breaking the LCD. He punched the aquarium and the water spilled out along with the two little Arowana swimming in it. His fist was dripping with fresh, raw blood non-stop. He fell to the floor.
"Syaoran, please stop," Mei Lin whispered, taking a step towards him.
He tried to prevent himself from crying, but it was no use. "I didn't mean to hurt her. I wasn't lying when I told her I love her. She's my whole world, and I lost her because of my stupid ego."
Mei Lin hugged him and sobbed. "Let's go back to the mansion now, okay? Get some rest. Tomorrow, we will try to talk about this and figure things out."
Ryu and Eriol pulled him from the floor and helped him to walk, since his whole face was blank.
Tomoyo watched as Eriol, Ryu and Mei Lin stood beside Syaoran. Eriol and Ryu went ahead, while Mei Lin stayed behind with Tomoyo.
"I find it funny, though… the fact that he had played Sakura was enough for me to hate him but somehow… I don't," Tomoyo breathed out in disbelief. "I feel that there's something wrong here."
"We won't know if he doesn't tell us soon, so we might as well go back for today. When he's feeling okay, he'll tell us."
"I agree with that."
"What about Sakura? Aren't you afraid she'll wander off somewhere else?"
Tomoyo gave her a serene smile. "Sakura's the strongest person I've ever met; knowing her, she won't let herself drown in sorrow. She'll probably go back to our apartment and cry the whole night before sorting things out."
"I'm suddenly feeling very afraid that she'll hate us, too." Mei Lin whispered, not wanting to cut ties with Sakura.
Tomoyo giggled. "She wouldn't do that. Let's go back to the mansion; I'll pack her things and move out of the mansion tomorrow. For now, Sakura needs to be alone."
Mei Lin wrapped her arms around Tomoyo's waist, as Tomoyo returned the gesture. Both girls followed the boys to the parking, not wanting to think about the worst things that could happen after this revelation.
.-.-.-.
Sakura opened the door, only to be greeted by darkness. She switched the light on and picked up the bills lying on the floor.
She closed her eyes, clearing her mind for a moment. She thought about Tomoyo and smiled. 'She really understands me.' She thought, seeing as how Tomoyo didn't chase after her.
She took a quick, warm shower and sat on her bed, hugging her huge pillows. She looked all around her and let her tears flow.
"The room's properly lit; I've turned the heater on, I'm wearing pajamas and blanket, yet, I feel as cold and dark as ever." She whispered.
"There's no denying it; I love Syaoran, I really do. But I never thought that he'd be able to do these kinds of things to a girl. Even if it wasn't me, I'd feel bad." She whispered again, sobbing.
"When I heard that dad was in an accident; I didn't cry. I knew I had to remain strong. Dad won't want to see me crying. But… why… won't my tears stop now?" she wiped her cheeks and broke into sobs.
.-.-.-.
"How is he?" Mei Lin asked.
Eriol and Ryu fell to the couch. "Damn that kid," Eriol said, "He drank too much. Even finished a whole bottle of alcohol."
"And he threw up on my shirt," Ryu whined.
"Do you think he'll be able to take this well?" Tomoyo asked, feeling a little worried.
Mei Lin sighed. "We'll find that out tomorrow. I really can't tell—this is the first time he's been like that."
"We'll find out tomorrow if he's alright." Eriol said. "Let's turn in for the night. Tonight's been one of the fuckin' best nights of my life." He said sarcastically. "Ah. Just so you guys know, I received a mail from Sakura. She's handing in her resignation to Syaoran tomorrow, but I already processed it."
"Shouldn't that decision be for Syaoran to make?" Tomoyo asked.
Eriol smirked. "I'm the head of the Human Resources Department, so he need not be concerned about this."
.-.-.-.
The next day, Sakura woke up, unable to open her eyes. They were still heavy and puffy from crying the whole night. She checked her bedside clock and jumped out of the covers.
"Holy shit its six thirty! I'll be late for—"
She stopped in front of her closet, remembering the events of last night. From today onwards, she's no longer working for the Li Corporation.
'I should get dressed and get my things, though,' she thought, dragging her feet to the bathroom. She soaked herself in the tub, taking her time. She wanted to feel relaxed and wanted to forget reality.
She began to clear her thoughts and focused on a single goal: Forget Li Syaoran and shut him out of her life.
.-.-.-.
Mei Lin stretched her arms, making her muscles contract and relax. She changed her clothes and went down to get breakfast.
She nearly tripped when Eriol grabbed her from behind and covered her mouth. She bit him hard.
"Fuck," Eriol cursed, removing his hand. "What was that for!" he whispered.
"Why'd you suddenly grab me! I could've tripped you ass!" she whispered back. "Why are we whispering?"
Eriol pointed to the dining table.
Mei Lin peeked and covered her mouth to prevent a shocked shriek escape.
There, on the dining table, was Syaoran. He was reading the morning paper and drinking coffee calmly.
"I was surprised, too." Eriol said, leaning on the wall.
Mei Lin furrowed her brows. "It's still too early; why's he up already?"
"I saw him training earlier. He ran around the mansion's perimeter and even did some exercises. Maybe he was letting off some pain that remained."
"I'll try to talk to him." Mei Lin said.
She made her way to him and sat beside him. "Good morning, Syaoran."
"Mm," he hummed, still reading the paper. "You seem to be in a good mood."
"I am." She said. "Why're you up so early?"
He placed the paper on the table. "I've been missing training so I decided to do so. Besides, I can't stay so broken and emotional forever, right? I'm the Li Syaoran." He smirked.
Mei Lin signaled to Eriol that Syaoran was normal. Eriol joined them for breakfast, not long before Tomoyo and Ryu did.
.-.-.-.
"Hello, Maria," Sakura greeted as she swiped her ID. "Is your boss upstairs?"
"My boss?" Maria asked, annoyed at how Sakura referred to Li Syaoran. "Isn't he your boss, too?" she retorted, raising an eyebrow.
"As of this very moment, I'm already not an employee of this company," she said. Maria looked at her screen. It displayed Sakura's picture, position and ID number. At the bottom, it read: Access Denied. "I resigned." She added.
Maria raised an eyebrow. "I suppose you don't need to work now since you're dating President Li."
Sakura laughed a joyous laugh that was fake to the core. "If it would make you feel any better, we broke up."
Maria tried to hide her surprise. "Then why are you still here?"
"I came to get my things, so please issue me a visitor's pass now."
Maria sighed. Sakura, by far, is the most efficient and ideal employee they've ever had and it's really a loss for them. "Would you like some help?"
Sakura smiled. "Don't worry about it; it's just a few things. I can take care of it."
Maria signed a numbered paper and gave it to her. Sakura pinned the paper on her blouse and proceeded to the office.
She opened the door silently, not wanting to catch anyone's attention (if ever there were other people). She gathered her stuff silently and walked out of the building. Syaoran's car pulled up the front, making her face the other way, not wanting to see him.
Syaoran fixed his eyes on her as she hailed a cab and got inside, without even looking back. He kept his face blank and normal as ever, ready to face the day. He felt a stabbing pain in his heart. 'She's really mad.' He thought sadly.
"Maria, what was Miss Kinomoto doing here?" he asked.
Maria adjusted her glasses. "She collected her things, Li-sama."
"Why?" he pressed the elevator button (for his exclusive use only) and it opened immediately.
Maria handed him a few files and mails, which Sakura left for him. She never leaves a job undone, after all.
"She told me she resigned."
Syaoran looked up from the files in time to stop the doors from closing. "What did you just say?"
Maria looked back. "Miss Kinomoto said she's resigned."
"What? When?" he asked. He's the president of this empire and yet he missed out on this? What the hell is going on?
"If I heard correctly, I think she said last night."
"And why was I not informed about this?" he asked again, his temper changing.
Maria stared at him, puzzled. "Miss Kinomoto cannot resign without your consent so there couldn't be…" she stopped in mid-sentence. "Wait a minute. Hiiragizawa-sama is the head of the HR Department. He may have processed the necessary files and let her resign."
Syaoran griped the folders hard. "When he arrives, tell him to see me immediately." He hissed and immediately pressed the button, closing the elevator doors.
"Why's he so worked up? I thought they've broken up?" Maria wondered, walking back to her desk.
.-.-.-.
Syaoran nearly crumpled the folder. "Damn you Eriol," he whispered. He wasn't angry that she resigned, but because it wasn't made known to him. He pushed open the glass doors and was surprised to see his office arranged neatly. Files were on his desk, neatly arranged. There was also the newspaper and the freshly-made muffin and coffee.
He sighed, sitting. 'Why go through all the trouble to make this? It's meaningless without her here.' He stared at the muffin and the hot cup of coffee, thinking about it. Still, this might be her way of saying that this is the last thing she'll ever do for him, and suddenly he thought that this might be their last encounter.
Of course, he still prefers to have this than none at all, right? He grabbed the muffin and took a bite, disappointed. 'It's not strawberry,' he thought. He left the muffin on the table.
He opened the files that were on his desk; She sure is precise. She gets her job done to the very last detail.
Eriol came in with a bored look on his face. "You wanted to see me?"
Syaoran raised his head. "Yeah."
"About what?"
"Why'd you let Sakura resign?" he asked.
"She wants to; I was in no position to tell her not to." Eriol sat on the couch comfortably, flipping through a magazine.
"You could've at least told me."
"Why? Do you still have anything to do with her?"
"For fuck's sake, Eriol! I know what I did was wrong so stop shoving it deeper into me." Syaoran exclaimed, sitting opposite him and pouring himself a glass of brandy.
"It's a good thing you know." Eriol replied flatly. "Look, Syaoran. I know you don't want to let her go, but… let's not force her more into this. She needs to breathe right now and think things over."
"And after that, will she return?" Syaoran asked, even though he knew what Eriol would say.
Eriol sighed. "That's for her to decide, you know that. Just don't force her to return. Or better yet, don't do anything. She's the type of girl who handles things her own way with a clear mind, and likes things to go smoothly."
"I get it, alright." Syaoran said, drinking.
"Would you like to tell me the truth now?" Eriol asked.
Syaoran sighed. "Go call Mei Lin. Let's have dinner outside tonight. I know she's dying to know the details."
Eriol laughed. "You bet. You got some major explaining to do."
.-.-.-.
Sakura folded her clothes neatly and slowly. It seems like she was sighing every second.
"Sakura, are you home?"
Sakura heard Tomoyo's voice. She smiled. "Yea, I'm in my room," she shouted back.
In a minute, the door burst open. Tomoyo's smile disappeared, seeing her friend packing stuff. "What's going on?" Mei Lin's head popped from behind her.
"Oh, hey guys," she greeted, trying her very best to smile whole-heartedly.
Mei Lin approached her. "Sakura… are you… going somewhere?"
Sakura stopped folding her clothes and motioned for both of them to sit beside her. "Y-yeah. Because of you, guys, I won that event during the Halloween Ball, right? I got the prize money already, and I figured that maybe I should go visit Touya and Dad… and maybe clear my head and start over."
Mei Lin gave her a tight hug. "Sakura, I'm so sorry for what Syaoran did. I feel so apologetic in his place."
Sakura giggled. "Silly. There's nothing to apologize for. I should not have expected too much from him."
Tomoyo joined the group hug. "Sakura, I'm going with you."
"What? What about work?"
"That can wait. Besides, I need to take a vacation from work, too. Let's go see Uncle when we get there, okay?"
Sakura's eyes brimmed with tears. "Tomoyo, you really are the best!"
Mei Lin sniffed. "I want to go, too! When are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow. I've already sent a mail to Touya."
"Damn, I can't go with you guys, I have this meeting. But as soon as I'm done, I'll come visit, okay?" Mei Lin said, holding Sakura's hands.
Sakura nodded. "Of course! I'll look forward to that!"
Mei Lin felt something buzzing in her pocket. "Wait, I think I'm getting a call."
Tomoyo helped Sakura with her clothes. "Go on, take it."
Mei Lin excused herself and went to the window. "Hello?"
"Mei, Eriol here. Where are you?"
"Oh, hey. I'm here at Sakura's place right now. Why?"
"I sent you a few messages earlier, didn't you get them?"
"I was busy with the grocery shopping earlier, so I didn't pay much attention. Is there something wrong?"
"Syaoran wants to have dinner tonight. He said he'll explain, so move your ass here right now."
Mei Lin rolled her eyes. "Yeah, alright. Text me where and I'll be there."
"Who was that?" Tomoyo asked, sitting on Sakura's suitcase as she zipped it up.
Mei Lin rolled her eyes, sighing. "Just Eriol. He wants me to meet him for dinner tonight; said there's something I need to hear."
"Oh, you better get going, then. It's nearly six thirty." Sakura said, as she and Tomoyo carried the suitcase off the bed. "Oh, can you do me a favor?"
"Sure thing," Mei Lin quickly replied. If there was anything Sakura would want, she swore to herself that she, Li Mei Lin, would make sure Sakura gets it. This is only but a small thing compared to what her cousin had done.
"Please don't let anyone know about me leaving for New York. I don't want anyone else to know but us three and Eriol."
"You mean you don't want Syaoran to know," Tomoyo said.
Mei Lin nodded. "You can count on me on that. I'll be the one to tell Eriol, so you guys can just relax and pack your stuff. Tomorrow, we can go grocery shopping for some snacks to take with you."
Sakura smiled before giving Mei Lin a tight hug. "Mei Lin, you are the best. I love you."
"Aww, don't mention it," Mei Lin said, a bit relieved that Sakura didn't hate her for being her cousin's… well, cousin.
"I know you've been thinking if I was gonna get mad at you and Eriol and Ryu. Well, stop thinking about that because that is not gonna happen. That thing's between me and Syaoran, okay?"
Mei Lin hugged her again tightly, feeling relieved. "You'll still be my best friend, and Tomoyo," she said.
Tomoyo giggled. "And you know we'll never replace you."
"Alright, get going. They might be waiting for you now." Sakura smiled.
Mei Lin waved and went out of the house, speeding her way to where Syaoran and Eriol are.
.-.-.-.
"Good evening ma'am. Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes. I'm with Li Syaoran." Mei Lin answered.
The man checked his list and ushered her inside. "Master Li had booked the whole place tonight. Enjoy your stay."
Mei Lin hurried over to where Syaoran, Eriol and Ryu were sitting. She gave Ryu a peck on the lips and sat between him and Eriol, facing Syaoran. "So, what's going on?"
"Let's talk about what happened," Syaoran said. "I know you want to know."
"You bet," Mei Lin said, looking at the menu. "You got some explaining to do."
"What really happened, anyway?" Ryu asked. "Babe, the steak here is superb," he whispered to Mei Lin.
She nodded. "I'll have that." She turned to Syaoran."So, would you like to start now?"
He nodded. "You know that day when Mother came and walked in on us, while we were trying to open the drawers?"
"That was Sakura's first working day, right?" Eriol said. "What about that?"
Syaoran nodded. "From then on I realized I wanted her. But she was rejecting me, and as much as I hate to admit it, my ego got in the way and so I came up with this plan. After putting it into action, though, I realized I was the one that was beginning to fall in love with her, not the other way around. I was surprised when she agreed to go out with me, and that was when we spent the weekend at the villa. During the ball, I was supposed to tell Sato that I'm calling the whole deal off but would still invest in him, Mother got in the way and it came to this."
"Were you even planning on telling her this?" Mei Lin asked.
Syaoran nodded. "Yea, but I was waiting for the right time. Apparently, there is no right time."
Ryu thought for a moment. "When you look at it from this angle, it turns out that Auntie Yelan was the one who messed things up."
"And when you think about it logically…" Eriol said, "There's actually a point in what Auntie Yelan did. Remember she was insisting that you settle down already?"
"Yeah," Syaoran answered as their orders arrived.
"Maybe she got pissed at you." Mei Lin snorted. "You're so friggin' piss-able."
"What the hell Mei Lin?" Eriol looked at her. "What the fuck is piss-able?"
Mei Lin thought for a moment. "Sort of like the-person-I-love-to-get-pissed-off-at-the-most. I made it up."
"Sounds like you were referring to him as a urinal," Ryu commented, trying to hide his grin, but to no avail.
Syaoran glared at her. "Drop it. Now, what's with my Mother telling me to get settled got to do with all this?"
Mei Lin rolled her eyes. "Let's say she thought you were playing Sakura. Oh, wait let me re-phrase that: She sniffed out that you were playing her, and asked Sato Kazuki about it. She offered him a larger sum of money in exchange of taking her side and double-crossing you."
Syaoran thought for a moment. "You got a point."
"Tomorrow, Auntie Yelan's coming back from New York." Eriol said. "You can take that opportunity to talk with her."
"Just do it calmly—as calm as you can," Ryu reminded him. "And what shall we do with Sato?"
"Beat him to death?" Mei Lin suggested.
Eriol hummed. "No, torture him to death like that movie, Man On Fire. Man, I'd love to do that."
Syaoran shook his head. "Sato has nothing to do with this, anyway. He was just a tool for mother, as so was Sakura. I'll settle this with Mother tomorrow."
"Good," Mei Lin said. "But… Syaoran, exactly what is it that you feel for her? Who is she for you?"
Syaoran swirled the wine in his glass. "She's everything to me—she's the girl I love."
.-.-.-.
New York
Touya held Fujitaka's hands, his eyes filled with joy. "Father," he said, "Sakura will arrive here the day after tomorrow. Don't you want to see her?"
Yukito looked up from the book he's reading and sat next to his best friend.
"You have to wake up, okay? It's been almost a year, and this is the first time we'll see her. So hurry and open your eyes, please?" Touya sniffed, burying his face on the blankets.
Something moved, getting Yukito's attention.
"Touya, look…"
Touya raised his head and immediately yelled, "Nurse! NURSE!"
.-.-.-.
"Mei Lin, why are you in such a hurry?" Ryu asked as Mei Lin went around her room, grabbing stuff.
She mumbled her reply.
"What? Where?" Ryu asked again.
Syaoran passed by her room and saw her running around like crazy. Her door was open, so he leaned against the frame.
"Mei Lin, answer me." Ryu asked again.
"I said I'm going to see Sakura off today and I'm late! Dammit don't keep on asking," she said, irritated.
Syaoran perked his head up. 'Seeing her off…?'
"What? Where is she going?" Ryu asked. "I wouldn't ask you over and over if you would say your answer louder."
"I can't, okay? Syaoran might hear. She's going to New York today and it's still undecided when she'll return."
"What did you just say?"
Mei Lin turned around. "Xi-xiao Lang!" She blurted out.
"She's leaving… today? What time is her flight?"
Mei Lin looked around and sighed. "I'm sorry, cousin. But Sakura made me promise not to tell you—"
"I'm asking you what time her flight is!" Syaoran yelled.
"It's at 8am." Mei Lin blurted out of shock.
Syaoran ran off to his car and immediately drove off. He checked his watch: he needs to get to the airport in thirty minutes.
.-.-.-.
"Sakura," Tomoyo said, noticing how her hands were shaking, "Why are you so nervous?"
"I'm just happy that I'll get to visit dad after waiting so long," she said.
Tomoyo gave her a hug. "Don't you dare start crying now or I swear I'll leave you." She threatened.
Sakura giggled. "I won't."
"Flight 187 to New York is ready for boarding. Please proceed to gate 2."
Sakura and Tomoyo gathered their luggage and proceeded to the said gate. Tomoyo glanced to the side. "Sakura, you go in first. I'll just get coffee."
"Then I'll take your luggage with me. See you there."
Tomoyo nodded. Once Sakura was out of earshot, she phoned her body guard. "He's here. At all costs, do not let him get near us."
She ran up to Sakura and smiled. "I changed my mind. Let's go in, quickly."
"Wow, you sure are excited," Sakura giggled. "Alright, let's go!"
.-.-.-.
"Sakura!" Syaoran called out but was blocked by tons of ladies wearing a black suit. "Let me through."
"I'm sorry, Mister Li. We were given strict orders not to let you near them at all costs."
"Don't you even know who I am? SAKURA!" He yelled.
.-.-.-.
"Huh?" Sakura wondered. "I think I heard someone call my name—"
She was about to turn her head, but Tomoyo pushed her. "It's just your imagination. Let's go, quick."
.-.-.-.
Syaoran watched as Sakura entered the gates, his heart sinking deeper. Why is this happening to him? Why is he losing the most important person to him? Is this the end for him and her? Will he never see her again?
He sat in his car, waiting for his anger to go away. His phone rang and he answered it almost immediately.
"This had better be important." He said.
"Chairman Li Yelan has arrived, Li-sama." Maria said.
Syaoran hung up and glared on the road, revving up his engine.
"We need to talk, mother." He thought, speeding off.
.-.-.-.
A/N: Finally, here is chapter 10! :) Sorry for the late updates recently :( But, I'll make up for it during Christmas break! So just wait another week more and I can finally write chapter 11 and finish it.
Please review! Thank you, all your reviews are appreciated! :)