I know, I take too long to update but some things I cannot force myself. Like writing a story! I'm not really a writer, it's just a once-in-a-while hobby, my stress-reliever aside from food and traveling. I've always loved anime and making things up thus a fanfiction. And while I'm currently in the middle of a probable mid-life crisis if this is how you call resigning to all commitments for a while to think of what you want to do with your life, it never hurts to continue something I started way back and so this. Sorry for the late update. Late is too light a word for my occasional hiatus.
He patiently waited for her downstairs while she dresses. She was not late. She was never late but Syaoran, that guy, was always too early. Not that she complains, but she doesn't like to hurry and as lovable as his intentions are, he makes her feel late.
She was about ready. She wore her simple light blue sundress with a string of cherry blossoms adorning the skirt. She let loose her dark wavy hair and decided she was good to go after putting on her white pair of sandals with a line of tiny pink jewels on the straps and her white body bag with silver chains for the strap.
She was about to go out when she noticed the brown jacket hanging beside her window. She shouldn't have brought anything of his, now it haunts her like an unwanted ghost on a perfectly beautiful morning. He was not about to spoil her day, not when he's not even here. She went out of her room determined to enjoy her day to distraction.
And he dutifully stood up when he saw her descending the stairs. He was wearing a simple orange polo shirt and jeans and she bets whatever he wears, he's bound to look gorgeous. He was tall and he had soft brown eyes that turn completely dark whenever he's concentrating on something. He's refreshingly honest as he was the same as Sakura, a face that reflects what he means and that is why she likes him. Too bad she doesn't like him the way a woman likes a man but this was only their third meeting and the previous ones were short anyway. She doesn't doubt though that she will be very good friends with him and maybe she'll go back to her senses and choose to love this man instead.
Damn! Eriol Hiragizawa! Damn his good looks and body. Damn his sweet kisses. Damn him to hell!
"Is something wrong?"She realized she had lost some of her composure along those thoughts and felt immediately guilty of thinking of another man when she had committed to this date.
"Sorry. I was just lost in thoughts. Nothing to worry about. Oh and I hope you don't mind that I already chose where to have lunch. Rika apparently heard about you from Chiharu and she insisted we have lunch in her restaurant."
"That's alright. You talked about that the last time."
"She's the best cook I know. I can vow to that."
And they were escorted through insistence by her lady guards in her black limousine.
Rika greeted them with the gentle welcome of a host and lead them to a two-seated table with a view of the garden outside. It was a simple restaurant with a modest amount of tables and chairs and well decorated with flowers, Sakura's idea. It has a nice quiet ambiance. It has started as a simple bakeshop until her husband suggested expanding it to a restaurant since Rika was also quite skilled in cooking. It has always been busy ever since Rika's reputation as a good cook and host spread around Tomoeda. They hired other cooks and waiters and cashiers although Rika refused to do nothing so she was always there serving.
She said she already started cooking and it should be ready in a while. She personally cooked their meal so they should just relax and tell her if they need anything else and excused herself to the kitchen.
Tomoyo caught a glimpse of her husband in the kitchen wearing an apron. Terada caught sight of her and acknowledged her with a smile before Rika dragged him inside. He was probably helping her with the cooking. They make a great couple.
They had a tough time with their age gap and teacher-student relationship. Rika Sasaki as was her maiden name had always loved Mr. Terada ever since Tomoyo can remember. He was their teacher in elementary school and Rika was always blushing whenever he was around. Rika told her it was love at first sight and with a very serious face she vowed even as young as she was back then that she will be the man she will marry. Rika had always given him gifts and brought him food. It was not taken lightly by the others though to the point she was bullied and that really angered Sakura and the rest of them but it turns out Rika didn't really need their help. She took it head on with the calmness befitting her, carrying on like she always has. Being a good diligent student, a helpful schoolmate, a caring friend and a mother figure as she was mature for her age, everyone eventually warmed up to her until even Mr. Terada himself.
Mr. Yoshiyuki Terada was always polite and gentle even when he said that she was too young still to understand love. He would accept her gifts but told her not to expect too much. She will grow he said and she will come to meet somebody else. It broke her heart but she persisted even after they graduated from elementary school, she would still go and meet him and give him gifts and bake him cakes. She did grow as what their elementary teacher said into a beautiful caring woman and when she graduated from high school, he finally gave in. They were married when Rika was 20. Rika had mentioned once to Terada of her plans for a bakeshop and he gifted this bakeshop on their wedding. It expanded into a restaurant. And so Rika got all what she wished for. A man she had vowed to marry and a restaurant to run. And Tomoyo couldn't help getting jealous a bit but Rika deserves this happiness and Tomoyo was genuinely happy for her.
"Something on your mind?"
"Oh. I just remembered a beautiful story. I seem to be lost in thoughts pretty much lately. That was rude of me. Believe me, that's very uncharacteristic of me. Anyway, how was it when you went back?"
"I decided I like it better here."
"Really?"
"They hound me for details, my meddling sisters. As soon as I got back to Hong Kong, I swear there has been no time of peace. They wanted to extract every detail, want me to describe you without leaving anything out. I shut them out of the door and by some dark magic, they find a way in my room sprouting all sorts of questions, it was driving me crazy!" His face was a myriad of expressions, from annoyance, to anger to irritation and when he probably noticed she was staring he turned bright red and apologized.
"No. I was quite amused actually. Never had any siblings so I love hearing how living is with them. So what happened?"
"You'll find that there are times you'd count yourself lucky. Nothing. I told them I'll be coming back here and I will not say any word if they keep bugging me. They have too much time. Oh, but don't get me wrong, I wasn't forced or anything to come here. I haven't had anyone to talk to and you… well, you are pleasant…"
She might have blushed a little for that compliment but he was back again to being bright red, she just smiled and thought he is pleasant to talk to too. She guessed they will get along well. Maybe all those things about leaping hearts and butterflies in your stomach were myths about love but ironically, love doesn't always feed the relationship. It has to be mutual in the very least. Isn't it enough that you get along fine?
In her train of thoughts, the food Rika brought was a nice distraction.
Tomoyo asked Rika if they want to join them and Rika politely asked if that was okay since she was with her husband.
"It's okay. I'll introduce you two to Syaoran. He already met Chiharu and Takashi last week."
"In that case, we'll just bring our food over. Please excuse me for a minute."
"We'll wait for you."
As soon as Rika and Terada were seated, they began the introductions.
"You really outdid yourself this time Rika. The food is top class." said Tomoyo. Syaoran didn't need to say anything. He was devouring the food and he nodded when Tomoyo commented.
"You flatter me. Yoshiyuki helped me."
"Sensei, how is Tomoeda Elementary these days?" She never gets used to calling him any other way even when he did marry her friend.
"Same old story. Although now they've become more rowdy and they mostly play with their fancy phones rather than in the playground. It somehow saddens me."
"I've noticed. But I was more interested if Sensei has made another fan." At least now she can tease him a bit.
Terada choked a little and Rika giggled.
"Was that were the chocolates you gave me came from?"
Terada was at a loss and he just laughed nervously. He must be scared to make Rika jealous but.
"Those girls have impressive taste!" Rika laughed and they all did.
Terada should have known Rika wasn't the type to jump on to conclusions. She was after all the most mature one in their group.
"Too bad for them they have an impregnable competition for Sensei now, his wife, who happens to be pregnant? How are you feeling these days?" That's right. Rika is four months pregnant with their first child.
"You're pre.. pregnant!" muttered Syaoran. Rika's stomach wasn't showing yet.
"Well, yes. It's still growing though. I'm just… happy." Rika said while holding her stomach smiling tenderly at Mr. Terada who looked back at her with the same tenderness in the eye. Love may not be essential for a relationship, but Tomoyo thought, relationships founded with love are the best kind. And yes, she was feeling a little jealous of their affections, happy, yet jealous. She was feeling a lot like that lately.
"I think what you two have is precious." Syaoran commented. Terada and Rika blushed at that and Syaoran immediately apologized for something like blurting out random things. And Tomoyo couldn't help but laugh until everyone did. They continued to eat and chat about all kinds of things until it was near 3pm and they noticed they were talking for more than two hours. Syaoran was about to pay when Rika insisted it was their treat and refused to take anything. They went out.
"Bye Rika, Sensei. Thank you for that delicious meal. We've taken you away from your other customers too long."
"Well, you've both been great company. Nice meeting you Mr. Li."
"Likewise Mr. and Mrs. Terada."
"I can't get used to that," Rika blushed and smiled. "You can call me Rika and Yoshiyuki…"
"You can call me Sensei like the rest of them. It suits me fine."
"Then, you can call me Syaoran. I hope we meet again."
"Well, see you around. Did he already meet Sakura-chan? I wonder how she reacted. She must have been excited."
"Sakura? No. She hasn't yet. We met Chiharu and Takashi by chance and you, well, we were looking for a place to eat."
"Oh! Then you must meet her. I'm sure she'll be excited."
"I'll call her. Well, see you and thanks again."
"You're always welcome."
"Who's Sakura?"
"A dear friend of mine. Maybe we should meet her. She's really lovely! Long brown hair and lovely green eyes. She's very bubbly and light-spirited." Tomoyo always does sound enthusiastic when she describes her best friend.
"You seem to like her."
"Well, she's my best friend. Wait, I'll try to call her." And they stopped under a nearby tree so Tomoyo could contact her.
"Tomoyo?"
"Hey Sakura, are you free today? Maybe we could meet."
"Oh Moyo-chan! I'm so sorry. I have… Well, I have something to do today. I'm so sorry."
"No. It's fine if you have to do something. This was impulsive anyway. How about tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow's fine! I'll make lunch. Let's have a picnic!"
"Okay, lunch tomorrow then."
"Sure. And Tomoyo…"
"Yes?"
"Nothing. I… ahmmm.. see you tomorrow." It sounded like nervous laughter.
"Are you alright?"
"Me? Fine. I'm fine. I'll be fine. Well, see ya." And then she hung the phone. Tomoyo hates it when she doesn't know something. Sakura sounded nervous but upbeat anyhow so she must be fine. Anyway, they'll meet tomorrow. She'll just ask her then.
"Sorry, she can't make it today. But we have another lunch date tomorrow and she suggested a picnic."
"You have many good friends." They sat on the bench under the tree.
"Yes, I have. We were close way back in elementary. Chiharu, Rika, Me, Takashi, Naoko and Sakura. Mr. Terada was our elementary professor. Chiharu and Takashi have always been together since I can remember. Rika was always the mature one in the group and was always in-love with her husband. Sakura was the cheerful one. You'll meet Sakura tomorrow. Naoko is the bookworm. I'm afraid she's always out to some other country if not for a conference, she travels for her stories. She's an author by the way. It's nearly impossible to meet her but calls us when she's around and since it's not often, it's always a reunion. It's always fun when we're together."
"It must be fun surrounded with good friends."
"How about you?"
"Well, I don't usually get along with people well. Life was always about achieving something and I was to inherit the family business because I was the only guy in the family and a lot was expected of me."
Tomoyo shoved him a little on the back. "You're too serious. Lighten up. Well, it's not too late for having friends. Aren't we close yet?"
Syaoran nodded. "I wasn't always like this." Tomoyo continued. "Only child with a big company. I guess we thought the same. The difference was I met Sakura. She changed my world and expanded it. That's why I like her so much."
"She must be really special."
"Yes, she is. You'll know when you meet her." Tomoyo stood up. "Hey, come on. I'll show you around Tomoeda. It's a small enough town to walk around and the weather's really nice."
"Sure." And they had a pleasant long walk around town and Tomoyo brought him to Tomoeda school and because she was VIP since her mom was a school sponsor, they were let in. They were walking everywhere and oddly enough they were not the least bit tired. It was around 7pm when they stopped in front of Tomoyo's house and Tomoyo insisted they eat dinner at her place or she will never hear the end of it from her mom, how she didn't even let him eat at home. Of course, all her maids were unusually pretty perky and attentive. Syaoran was once again all red with all the attention and Aoi had to discipline everyone from wearing all those dreamy faces while serving.
When they were done, Syaoran politely bid his goodbye from Tomoyo and her house maids and Tomoyo could swear they swooned a little. Syaoran was a handsome man after all. She offered her car and driver to take him home but he politely refused since he said he can find his way and he wanted to walk since his hotel was just a few blocks away. After he left, everyone kept bugging her about updates and such and she just shrugged and left them to think about it.
"But Tomoyo-san," she heard one of the maids before she muttered an ouch. "The house is not going to clean itself while you gossip. Clear the table and let's wrap out work for today. Scatter and get some work done and let our Little Miss rest." And there was a chorus of enthusiastic yes before everyone separated to work. That was the last she heard before entering her room. Aoi and her disciplinary antics. Despite all of her strict act, she was loved by everybody.
Today was a nice distraction. Tomoyo really had a great time with Syaoran. It wasn't forced like how they met and she was glad they did. She had the best mood when she went inside her room.
And it went really sour when that haunted jacket by the window came into view. She threw it in her closet. She had no heart to face him yet let alone return it to him. Some other time. Not now. When she realized she was still recovering from him.
…
Syaoran decided to walk home just to pass the time. He did not regret coming here nor returning back. Tomoyo was nice company and she had really good friends and house maids for that matter. He never had any friends. He had always done everything alone and he never really needed friends until he found out today how nice it would have been to have one.
He was walking past the Tomoeda Penguin Park when something caught his eye. Long brown hair swaying back and forth while the girl who owned it pushed herself on the swing. It was a nice slow rhythm, the squeaking sound of the swing and the light thud while she pushed on the ground, her pink dress and fair skin contrasting the night. He was fixated for a moment because he could not take his gaze away from the hauntingly beautiful sight until he noticed no one else was around. It was past 8 and it was already dark and it could be dangerous for a girl to be left alone. He shouldn't leave her so he managed to lift his feet towards her. After all those talk with Tomoyo and her friends, he was still too awkward with any encounter with the female race.
He was in front of her now, hands in pocket and looking the other way before he managed to stutter a few words out of his mouth, "Mi.. Miss, I think… you should go home. The… It could get dangero…" And then he heard the swinging stopped and he looked at her. She was looking down and he backed down a bit because for a moment he thought she was going to scold him for meddling until an entirely unexpected thing happen. She suddenly bent even lower, put both her hands on her face and cried a sad heart-wrenching cry.
And Syaoran was at a loss.
Till next chapter. Again, no promises. And I dearly thank the reviewers, favoriters and followers. In times of laziness and giving up, I think of who I'd disappoint and I'm back on the track. Granted I do take it slowly. Sorry. Can't do anything about that. Happy days.