(Disclaimer: I don't own CCS as well as the songs In Love with You by Regina & Jacky Cheung and More than That by the Backstreet Boys)
Chapter 10: Lost Hope
Eriol banged the keys of the ivory board. He couldn't concentrate in practicing. All his brain flashed was the image a girl talking to a certain guy. It could've been okay if it was any other ordinary guy, but who he saw was the last person he ever wanted to see.
The guy from the restaurant was talking to Tomoyo.
He couldn't bring himself to play the piece that was supposed to speak of his love for the girl. He decided to listen to the radio to get his mind off the topic.
Tomoyo stared outside from the window of the classroom. She hadn't realized she had been there for a long time when somebody reminded her.
"Tomoyo-chan, what are you still doing here?" Sakura asked as she entered the room and went to her desk to get a few books. "I thought you had practice."
"What?" she turned.
"Practice? With Eriol-kun? Get it?"
"Oh sure. Of course."
"That's strange. I thought you didn't want to practice with Eriol," Sakura wondered out loud.
"Well now I do."
"Why?"
"I feel fine! Perfect!" Tomoyo practically beamed.
"You sound too good to be true. Okay, fill me in."
"You saw me with a guy yesterday right?" Tomoyo started.
"Yeah, the guy Eriol said you liked," Sakura agreed in false innocence.
"What? I don't like him," Tomoyo frowned. "I was just talking to him."
"About what?"
"Well he had a girlfriend problem so he was sitting in the restaurant thinking of what to do. Then he saw me and apparently, he knew of my reputation so he asked me to talk to his girl."
Sakura stared at her in dumbfounded shock. "I think you better explain this to Eriol-kun."
"Explain what?"
Sakura had no choice left. "Remember when you told me about the restaurant thing with Nia and Kato? Well, Eriol got the wrong message when he thought he saw you staring at the guy. He thought you had a crush on him or something. Now he's having a bad drama when he saw you talking to that guy yesterday. He thought he had no chance left."
Tomoyo sighed in disbelief. "He's so dense!"
She ran upstairs and almost pushed the slightly open door when she heard Eriol singing with the radio.
I can see that you've been cryin'
You can hide it with a lie
What's the use in you denyin'
When what you have is wrong
I heard him promise you forever
But forever's come and go
Baby he would say whatever
It takes to keep you blind
To the truth between the lies
Tomoyo couldn't move. She was struck by the sadness his voice held. What caused her even more shock was when he sang the chorus.
Oh I will love you more than that
I won't say those words, then take them back
Don't give loneliness a chance
Baby listen to me when I say
I will love you more than that
A little part of her wanted to laugh at his stupid jealousy. But her pity overcame her and took notice of the ignorance the events caused him to have. She was even touched when he professed his love to an invisible girl.
Baby you deserve much better
What's the use in holding on
Don't you see it's now or never
Just why you can't be friends
Baby knowing in the end
And I will love you more than that
I won't say those words, then take them back
Don't give loneliness a chance
Baby listen to me when I say
Tomoyo was on a verge of tears as she continued to listen. She peeped into the door and saw Eriol seated with his head on his hands. He stopped singing.
Hey...
There's not a day that passes by
I don't wonder why we haven't tried
It's not too late to change your mind
So take my hand, don't say goodbye
He turned off the radio. "I will love you more than that Tomoyo-chan. I'll prove it to you."
Tomoyo was almost shaken from shock, embarrassment, and apprehension. She started moving away when a hand caught hers.
"You don't have to accept me if you're not ready yet. Let's just practice the piece."
She gathered all her courage and allowed herself to be dragged in. She suddenly couldn't resist the warmth in his hand.
Tomoyo stood a bit away from Eriol. She opened her folder and breathed deeply.
"I hope you'd sing like you're going to dedicate it to him," he said sadly before turning back to the piano.
He thinks I like him.
Just a gentle whisper told me that you've gone
Leaving only memories, where did we go wrong?
I couldn't find the words then, so let me say them now
I'm still in love with you
Eriol sang the first part. He would never stop loving her even if she was in another's arms.
Tell me that you love me, tell me that you care
Tell me that you need me, and I'll be there
I'll be there waiting
I will always love you, I will always stay true
There's no one who loves you like I do. Come to me now
I will never leave you
I will stay here with you
Through good and bad I will stand true
I'm in love with you
Tomoyo disregarded what Eriol said before they started. She hoped she could explain it to him through the song.
Now we're here together, yesterday has passed
Life is just beginning, close to you at last
And I promise to you, I will always be there
I give my all to you
Living life without you is more than I can bear
Hold me close forever
I'll be there
I'll be there for you
They sang together as one. Even if Eriol had his back turned, he felt Tomoyo's intense amethyst gaze. What is she trying to tell me?
I will always love you
I will always stay true
There's no one who loves you like I do
This I promise… I will never leave you,
I will stay here with you
Through the good and bad I will stand true
Hold me closer… our love is forever, holding us together
Nothing in this world can stop us now
Love has found, love has found a way
Tomoyo walked towards Eriol. She stood in front of the piano, facing him. Singing with him.
Singing for him. And him only.
I'm in love
I'm so in love
Tomoyo looked at him trying to get him to look back at her.
I'm in love
Yes, I'm in love,
Eriol raised his head to meet her eyes. He sang with his whole heart and soul.
I'm in love
I'm so in love
They sang together, letting go of the music and turning to each other.
With you.
Ending in a passionate embrace, holding each other close. Drowning in each other's scent and emotions.
Never letting go.
Owari!
AN: Gods! That took me four days to write! You know I could've finished it all in one day if only I didn't have to suffer from writer's block! Grrrr! Now I've experienced what other writers have gone through. By the way, arigatou for those who read and reviewed my other stories. Please continue showing your support by reviewing this one too. Hehe.