Rainvilla: I just want to thank you for your awesome inspiring reviews for chapter 13 and so sorry for the late update. I had to wait in the hospital all day just for an eye checkup. Actually, I once thought of not continuing this story anymore after chapter 4 and didn't open my account for about 2 years. My conscience and passion in writing haunted me so I decided to continue what I started. Thanks to all your support through your reviews, I reached this far in my story. THANK YOU READERS! =))
Chapter 14: When We're the Perfect Two
Last night was definitely the best Christmas Eve I ever had. Dad finally recovered his health and Touya who always prioritizes his career so much, took time off from work just to attend the Christmas dinner. Last night, our family was complete although my mom's not physically there. But, I know that she's silently watching us happily from up above. Above all, this year's Christmas Eve was the best I ever had because I was able to be honest with my feelings towards Syaoran and be reunited with him at last.
I don't want to open my eyes and wake up now because everything that happened last night felt like I was inside a good dream. I was afraid that if I open my eyes now and see the present, maybe, I'll found out that everything that happened between me and Syaoran would just be a dream.
"Good morning," Syaoran whispered in Sakura's ear and suddenly kissed her on the forehead.
Did I just hear Syaoran's voice or was I just hallucinating? Did I just feel something touch my forehead?
My mind suddenly became chaotic so I just decided to wake up and find out the answer to my question myself. The first thing in my vision when I woke up was Syaoran's innocent, angelic face but he was smiling his usual mischievous grin.
His face was too close with mine. My senses immediately noticed that his hands are touching my waist and his arms are enveloping around me. I screamed in shock and quickly covered myself with my blanket.
"Did you sleep well last night? Last night was the best sleep I ever had," Syaoran asked, grinning sheepishly.
"What? Why are you suddenly asking me whether I slept well or not? And, get the hell off me!" I screamed in panic.
"I was just being polite. They say you should always ask a girl this question when she wakes up at times like this," Syaoran replied.
"That question grosses me out! How did you get in here? What did we do last night?" I asked frantically while backing farther and farther away from him.
"You and I slept together last night," Syaoran replied nonchalantly with his body lying on his side and his face being supported by his hand.
My eyes widened in shock and I gasped for air when he answered my question. The fact that he is only wearing his boxers now made me panic even more.
"YOU PERVERT!" I screamed at the top of my lungs and threw a pillow right on his face.
Syaoran merely laughed out loud at my reaction.
"What are you laughing at? You took advantage of me! You arrogant pervert!" I said exasperatingly.
Syaoran tried his best to gulp in his laughter so he could explain clearly what happened to Sakura.
"Stop laughing! If you really did something terrible to me, I swear, you'll never be forgiven by Touya oniisan," I threatened.
"I'm sorry. It's just that… I can hardly stop myself from laughing because this morning feels like a déjà vu," Syaoran said.
"Stop using fancy words mister and just get to the point!" I said impatiently.
"What's happening right now is like a déjà vu because I remembered that you called me a pervert and assumed that I did something bad to you when you accidentally fell asleep on my bed while in the middle of cleaning during your first day of working as my personal maid. Only now, we are inside your own bedroom," Syaoran explained in a very low, seductive voice.
"So, you did nothing bad to me at all?" I clarified.
"Do you want me to?" Syaoran retorted seductively.
"Answer my question seriously or I'll really punch you in the face!" I said impatiently.
"Jeez… Relax… Nothing happened. I'm not that kind of guy," Syaoran replied.
"But, how come you're here?" I asked.
"I can't sleep in my bedroom so I just decided to sleep in your bed instead," Syaoran answered.
"Why can't you sleep in your bedroom? The bed is so big and comfortable. No one can resist that kind of bed," I asked.
"I can't sleep in my bedroom because I just missed you a lot by the time I came back in my bedroom. I had a very good sleep last night thanks to you," Syaoran said sweetly.
I wasn't able to speak for a while and looked away from him to hide my blushing face.
"Missing me a lot is no excuse for trespassing in my bedroom while I was asleep," I muttered firmly.
"But, I really can't sleep knowing you're just next door because I really miss you so much every time we're apart," Syaoran insisted.
"No matter how much you miss me, this is wrong," I said, stammering.
"Stop worrying about it being wrong. We had a good sleep last night. Now, come on, let's just eat breakfast," Syaoran replied nonchalantly.
After taking a shower and dressing up, Syaoran and I went downstairs. I was so surprised to see that breakfast was already prepared on the table. I was supposed to make breakfast during Sundays.
"I cooked everything myself," Syaoran said proudly.
"Wow! Everything looks so exquisite and delicious!" I exclaimed in awe.
Syaoran and I began eating breakfast beside each other happily.
"Your mom should taste all of this. It's so yummy. Your mom would be so proud of you. Where is she?" I asked.
"My mom just took off early for work. She's like that every time," Syaoran replied.
"But, it's Christmas. She deserves a break once in a while to be with family," I said.
"It's okay because from now on, I know that I won't be spending my Christmas all alone because you're here," Syaoran said cheerfully.
"I would love to spend Christmas with you," I said earnestly.
"Hey! What's that you're eating? It smells so delicious!" Meiling said out of the blue.
"Oh… Good morning Meiling! Meiling, right?" I asked just to be sure.
"Yup… My name is Meiling," Meiling said politely.
Syaoran mouthed silently to Meiling saying that she should go and just eat later. He woke up early just to make this breakfast so that he could spend some time alone with Sakura.
"Have a seat, Meiling. The more, the merrier," I said.
"No thanks. Syaoran clearly doesn't want me to disturb you two," Meiling answered.
I glared at Syaoran and he looked at me back defensively saying that he said nothing like that to her.
"There's just too much food on the table. It'll be a waste if we don't finish it all. Please join us for breakfast," I invited her once more.
In the end, Meiling sat opposite to Syaoran and me to join us for breakfast.
"Since when did you start cooking Syaoran?" Meiling asked.
Syaoran just glared at her grudgingly.
"Doesn't he cook anything once in a while?" I asked back, quite surprised.
"He never cooked anything even though it was for a home economics class," Meiling replied.
"That's quite shocking. Syaoran cooked lunch for us a very long time ago and it was so delicious," I said.
"Taste some of this Sakura. It's delicious," Syaoran muttered and suddenly stuffed some pie in my mouth.
"Syaoran cooking something is absolutely a miracle. It's true. He never cooked when we were still living in Hongkong. You're really something, Sakura, aren't you?" Meiling said.
I chuckled nervously at what Meiling said and was left speechless.
"I observe how our chefs cook all the time. Observing someone cook is next to cooking," Syaoran defended himself.
After that conversation, Syaoran, Meiling and I just continued eating breakfast in silence.
"So, is there something going on between you two?" Meiling asked out of the blue.
At once, I accidentally choked on my food so I had to grab my glass quick and gulp down a whole glass of orange juice to relieve myself. Meanwhile, Syaoran cleared his throat noisily and just continued eating his share calmly.
"You two lovebirds are quite shy, aren't you?" Meiling said teasingly.
Syaoran and I didn't respond to her at all. I was very embarrassed and perhaps Syaoran is embarrassed too.
"You two enjoy lovebirds. I'll leave the two of you alone. Thanks for the food!" Meiling said and left the dining room.
At about eleven in the morning, I rushed to the main door since I have a work shift on Christmas day. Ms. Mizuki said that Christmas is one of the busiest days of the café so all of the staff can't afford to be late.
Just when I was about to reach for the door, Syaoran grasped my hand firmly.
"I don't want to be late for work. So, please do your practical jokes later," I said.
"Don't go," Syaoran muttered sincerely.
"But, I have to go to work. I'll be back before dinner. I promise," I replied, a bit sorry for leaving Syaoran alone in the house.
"Please don't go," Syaoran pleaded and held my hand tighter.
"But, I have to. Why don't you spend some time with Meiling? She flew all the way from Hongkong just to spend Christmas with you and your family," I suggested.
"But, I want to spend Christmas with you too," Syaoran said stubbornly.
"I'll give you a kiss if you let me go to work," I blurted out without thinking.
"Alright," Syaoran replied.
I didn't expect Syaoran to agree with it so easily but after I kissed him, he did let go of me and I was able to leave the mansion in an instant.
"She really left, huh? Even after she kissed you," Meiling said out of nowhere.
Syaoran slacked off in the couch and Meiling followed and sat beside him.
"Come on. Smile for me," Meiling said.
However, Syaoran merely stared at her gloomily before switching on the television. Meiling wanted to cheer up Syaoran so she pulled off a lot of funny faces right on his face but Syaoran didn't even chuckle.
"Let me tell you a short story," Meiling said.
"Give it up. I just want to watch my favorite show," Syaoran replied with a very annoyed expression.
"What's the title of that cartoon?" Meiling asked skeptically.
"Uhhh… nickelodeon," Syaoran answered hesitantly.
"Wrong! The title of that show is spongebob squarepants," Meiling replied.
Syaoran defended his answer until the words, Spongebob Squarepants flashed on the television screen right before their eyes.
"See? Now, let me tell the story since you lost," Meiling said cleverly.
Syaoran had no choice but to pay attention to Meiling now.
"Okay… So, two cannibals, a father and son, were elected by the tribe to go out and get something to eat. They walked deep into the jungle and waited by a path. Before long, along came this little old man.
The son said, "Dad, how about that old man?" But, his father said no because according to him, there's not enough meat on the old man to even feed the dogs.
Well, a little while later, along came this really fat man.
The son said, "Hey dad, he's plenty big enough."
Still, the father said no. The father said, "We'd all die of a heart attack from the fat in that one. We'll just wait."
About an hour later, here comes this absolutely gorgeous woman.
The son said, "Now there's nothing wrong with that one dad. Let's eat her.
Still, his father said no and his son asked why not," Meiling narrated dramatically.
"Guess what his father said to his son after that?" Meiling asked enthusiastically.
"I don't know," Syaoran replied, still uninterested with Meiling's story.
"His father said, "Son, it's because we are going to take her back alive and eat your mother"," Meiling answered her own question and laughed out loud.
Syaoran couldn't help but smile upon hearing the last part of Meiling's story and partly because of Meiling's contagious laughter.
"You smiled! I won!" Meiling exclaimed happily upon seeing Syaoran's smiling face.
"Shut up. I didn't," Syaoran lied.
"Stop lying. You did smile! I saw it with my own two eyes," Meiling said.
"Shut up," Syaoran replied jokingly.
"You shut up," Meiling said back.
"Syaoran just laughed at my joke!" Meiling yelled teasingly.
"I did not laugh. I just smiled," Syaoran blurted out.
"Aha! You just admitted you smiled!" Meiling said and chuckled victoriously.
"Shut up," Syaoran hissed.
"No, you shut up!" Meiling said and kept on yelling to tease Syaoran.
"Come here," Syaoran muttered and attempted to cover Meiling's mouth but failed to, because Meiling was able to run away in the last minute.
Syaoran and Meiling chased each other all around the house until Syaoran was able to catch her in the living room.
"Got you!" Syaoran exclaimed and started tickling Meiling's waist.
"Stop it!" Meiling shouted and giggled uncontrollably as Syaoran tickled her some more.
Syaoran didn't stop tickling Meiling until she lay flat on the floor, giggling. Syaoran, on the other hand was laughing so hard too, until both of them stopped laughing when their eyes met coincidentally. Syaoran broke their gaze and decided to lie beside Meiling to get some rest.
Both of them lay side by side on the floor, panting and sweating a lot.
"That was fun. I missed the two of us running around and playing all day back in Hongkong," Meiling said while catching her breath.
"Me too… You used to do a lot of mean practical jokes on me," Syaoran replied.
"Hey! I wasn't that mean. You were just too innocent to believe everything I said when we were kids so it's really not my fault," Meiling said.
Syaoran merely chuckled upon hearing Meiling's excuse. Syaoran and Meiling remained lying on the floor beside each other in silence until his mind was bothered again by Sakura's absence.
"Where are you going?" Meiling asked, surprised to see Syaoran get up all of a sudden.
"I've got to go for something important," Syaoran replied shortly before changing his clothes and getting his things in heading out of the mansion.
Meiling sighed heavily as she saw Syaoran hastily shut the door close and really left her all alone.
Sakura greeted an incoming customer gracefully but was dismayed to see that it was actually Syaoran who just arrived.
"Just what are you doing here? I still have work to do," I whispered.
"Leave work early and come with me," Syaoran commanded.
"I can't do that! I'll get fired by our manager!" I reasoned.
"Okay… Then, I'll talk to your manager," Syaoran replied and made his way to the kitchen.
I pulled him away from the staff room but he was still able to move forward.
"Just wait for three more hours and I'll soon be done with my work," I whispered desperately.
"I can't wait for three more hours," Syaoran whispered back.
"Is the manager here? I'd like to talk to her for a minute," Syaoran yelled to the kitchen staff.
"Syaoran! Please come back here," I pleaded.
But, it was now too late. Ms. Mizuki just emerged from the backdoor of the kitchen and is now approaching Syaoran.
"I'm the manager of this café. Is there something wrong with our service?" Ms. Mizuki asked politely.
"Nothing like that… I just wanted to talk to you because I need you to let Sakura get off from work early today," Syaoran replied quite frankly.
"I'm afraid I won't permit that sir. Christmas is one of our busiest days in the café. Hence, all workers must work until it is closing time," Ms. Mizuki replied.
Syaoran was disappointed to hear Ms. Mizuki's answer so he just waited in the café while busy talking to someone on the phone.
"Yes, I know that today was supposed to be your day-off. But, I'm telling you that if you come here right now, I'll give you a big special Christmas bonus," Syaoran said on the phone.
After a while, the glass door slid open and Syaoran immediately got up from his seat to meet the lady who just went inside the café.
"Good afternoon, Master Syaoran. What is it that you ask of me to do on such short notice?" the lady asked.
"Come with me," Syaoran replied briefly and they all went back to the kitchen.
Ms. Kaho, Syaoran and the lady had a short discussion in the staff room.
"Manager, I would like to propose a deal," Syaoran said firmly.
"Hmmm… I wonder what it is all about," Ms. Mizuki replied.
"This lady here is one of my housekeepers at home and I would like her to replace Sakura in her work so that Sakura and I can leave immediately while still getting her full wage," Syaoran said.
"At your service, madam," the lady said courteously.
"Interesting… I didn't expect you to make an effort for her up to this extent at all," Ms. Mizuki replied.
"I actually don't take no for an answer this time," Syaoran muttered impatiently.
"Since you managed to pull off such a clever way, I'll accept the deal," Ms. Mizuki replied.
Ms. Mizuki approached me out of the blue and suddenly told me that I should change back to my casual clothes and give her my uniform when I'm done.
"Here's my uniform…Uhhh… Do you need me to run some errands, Ms. Mizuki?" I asked, quite puzzled as to why she's making me change back to my casual clothes.
"No dear. You're free to go because of that gentleman," Ms. Mizuki replied and landed her gaze on Syaoran.
"Huh? What do you mean, I'm free? We still have lots of customers around here," I asked.
"That gentleman over there just found someone to replace your work shift in such short notice. He's something, isn't he?" Ms. Mizuki replied, quite enjoying my confusion.
"What? Who? Am I fired?" I asked spontaneously.
Just before I heard Ms. Mizuki's answers to all my questions, Syaoran grasped my hand making me walk all the way outside.
"What's going on? Where are you taking me?" I asked Syaoran.
"Just come with me. It's cold outside," Syaoran replied.
I was mad at him for interfering with my work so I didn't talk to Syaoran at all in the car and just tried to handle my patience with his stubbornness. I ended up sleeping in the car due to exhaustion. Out of nowhere, the driver pushed the brakes making me wake up.
"Where are we?" I asked.
I looked around and everything around me was just crowded. Lots and lots of people crossed the streets at the same time. There were a countless number of electronic billboards flashing various commercials of products. This place doesn't look like it's a part of Tomoeda at all.
"We're now in Tokyo," Syaoran replied.
My jaw dropped in shock before I was able to shout my anger at Syaoran for taking me to a place very far from home.
"How am I going to explain to my dad later when he comes back home and I'm not there to have dinner with him? He's going to be so worried!" I yelled angrily and hit his back with my shoulder bag.
"Ouch! That hurts! Calm down, alright? I knew you would be so furious about this so I asked my butler to inform your dad that we're going to spend Christmas together in Tokyo," Syaoran replied as he defended his face cowardly with his hands.
"And what did he say?" I asked calmly and put my shoulder bag down.
"After much consideration, he said he's okay with it," Syaoran replied.
Since my dad approved this, I decided to just tag along with whatever Syaoran has in mind. Soon, Syaoran and I were going inside a restaurant I've never visited before. The restaurant's interior design looked very impressive. The furniture used and its arrangement looked very classy. There were various decorations that looked very intricate and authentic.
The waiter handed us the menu and waited on the side while we read and finalize our order. When I first opened the appetizer section, my jaw already dropped on the table because of the indicated prices written on the menu.
"Good evening sir, miss. What would you like to order?" the waiter asked.
"Syaoran…" I whispered worriedly.
"What?" Syaoran asked.
"Everything's too expensive. I won't order anything," I answered, whispering behind the menu.
The waiter suddenly cleared his throat, startling me. Syaoran began dictating his long list of a complete meal from an appetizer until having a dessert.
"Were you able to take note of everything I just ordered?" Syaoran asked the waiter.
"Yes, sir," the waiter answered.
"Okay… Make everything for two," Syaoran said briefly before the waiter left our table.
I gasped in shock when I heard Syaoran say that he's going to make everything he ordered for two. Now, I can't even imagine how long the digits on the bill are going to be.
"I told you that I won't order anything and now, you just ordered a long list of dishes instead. Why did you do that when you already know I can't afford to pay for it?" I asked frantically.
"I did that because I'm paying for everything," Syaoran answered confidently.
"Why would you pay for my share without even asking me if I'm okay with it?" I asked back, now feeling betrayed.
"Because you and I are on a date…Naturally, guys pay for dinner on dates," Syaoran answered rather coolly.
I was left speechless and couldn't protest anymore even if I wanted to because my face was gradually feeling warmer and warmer by the second. I looked down awkwardly to hide my flushed face from his sight. As soon as I realized that we are actually now on a date just like what I have seen in romantic anime and dramas, my face became warmer and my hands started to shake a little bit due to anxiety. I've never been on a date before so I have no idea what are the basic rules in dating.
"Why are you so quiet all of a sudden?" Syaoran asked out of the blue.
"Nothing," I replied shyly.
"It's obvious that you're bothered by something. Your eyebrows are furrowing deeper by the minute," Syaoran said seriously.
I remained silent for a moment until I was no longer able to hold in my thoughts to myself anymore.
"Why did you tell me that we're actually on a date right now? Now, I can't even think properly," I said exasperatingly.
At once, Syaoran chuckled childishly when I shared my thoughts with him.
"You're nervous because of me? Look at you, blushing like a red tomato," Syaoran teased while trying to hold in his laughter.
"You're so bad. I won't talk to you ever again," I replied, now very irritated with him.
"So, you're actually really nervous right now because of me?" Syaoran asked, once again.
"No! Of course not… Don't flatter yourself. I'm just nervous with the thought that this is actually a date," I answered honestly.
"Don't tell me this is your first date?" Syaoran asked, now a bit more serious with his question.
I didn't want to answer his question but he won't stop staring at me until I answer him.
"I admit it, alright? I've never gone out with a man on a date before," I blurted out, embarrassed.
I expected Syaoran to laugh at me harder but surprisingly, he didn't. Instead, he gazed deep into my eyes with utter sincerity.
"Why are you being weird all of a sudden?" I asked when he couldn't stop looking at me with a solemn face.
"It's because… I just feel so happy to be your first date," Syaoran replied, smiling as he placed his hand against mine on the table.
I couldn't help but smile all the time as we gazed into each others' eyes.
While Syaoran and Sakura were having the best time during their dinner date in the restaurant, Eriol, on the other hand, is now pacing back and forth in his bedroom without even turning the lights on.
During the night when Tomoyo kissed him on the lips, memories of what really happened on that one drunken night kept coming back to Eriol. He wasn't able to get a good night's sleep at all because every time he closes his eyes, the puzzled pieces of his memory progressively add up together. At last, he remembered forcing Tomoyo in going inside her bedroom by carrying her all the way to his bed. He remembered taking off the sweater Tomoyo made for him because it was too hot even though Tomoyo was infront of her. After thinking really hard, he remembered everything he said for the most part especially when he said that he'll never look at any other girl except Tomoyo from that night on. Most of all, his mind was finally able to remember that he indeed kissed Tomoyo first that night.
"I'm such a jerk! Why did I do something that would just jeopardize our friendship?" Eriol kept asking himself all day.
"Why did I say those words without even thinking?" Eriol asked himself.
He decided to rest on his bed because he was a little tired from pacing back and forth in his bedroom over and over again all day. The words he said to Tomoyo that night kept on rewinding itself again and again inside his head.
"Why did I say those words without even thinking? Wait…Was I really not thinking at all when I said those things?" Eriol pondered deeply.
He closed his eyes so that he could concentrate more in finding out the answers to his own questions much faster. He was reflecting about everything he said that night until out of nowhere, an image of Tomoyo and him kissing formed inside his head. He couldn't explain the feeling he's experiencing now. He couldn't stop thinking about the kiss they had on Christmas Eve as he pursed his lips while reminiscing their kiss. He was completely restless and his heart was beating a little faster than normal but it's strange because his body is now resting on a comfortable bed. This is the first time he's experienced something like this in his entire life.
In the end, Eriol couldn't take any of these strange feelings any longer so he decided to go to Tomoyo's home and just talk to her.
"Miss Daidouji, a young man named Eriol is waiting for you outside the gate. Should I let him come inside?" Tomoyo's servant asked.
Usually, Tomoyo would go shopping on holidays but today, she just stayed in her bedroom all day.
"Absolutely no! Tell him to go home," Tomoyo answered her servant firmly.
After several minutes, her servant knocked on Tomoyo's bedroom door again.
"Come in. What is it?" Tomoyo asked, now a bit irritated with her servant going inside her bedroom again when she just wants to be alone.
"The young gentleman said that he wants to talk to you about something important. So, he said that he's not going home until you give him a few minutes of your time," the servant informed Tomoyo.
"I would never talk to him so tell him that he's just wasting his time and tell him to just go home instead. Drive him away if you must!" Tomoyo replied before burying herself under the sheets.
Tomoyo's old female servant immediately rushed in going to the gate to talk to Eriol.
"So, is it okay if I go in now?" Eriol asked hopefully.
Unfortunately, Tomoyo's servant shook her head sympathetically. The servant turned to leave and was heading back to the mansion. When she turned around her head just to check if the gentleman really left, she was surprised to see that the man was still standing outside the gate.
"Ms. Daidouji said that she's never going to talk to you so just go home," the servant convinced Eriol.
"I'll wait for her free time no matter how long it takes. I know she'll talk to me someday," Eriol replied.
"But, I think she's very upset with you. You must have done something terrible to our beloved miss that made her not want to see you nor talk to you at all," the servant blurted out.
"That's right. I'm a terrible man. That is why, waiting for her is the only thing I could do now. So, please, just let me wait here," Eriol said.
The servant patted his back out of sympathy before heading back to the mansion. Tomoyo remained buried under the sheets that afternoon until her servant came in and told her that dinner's already served. Finally, Tomoyo jumped out of bed. She pulled the curtain to the side so that she can get a good view of the twilight sky. She opened one of her drawers to get her digital video camera.
Tomoyo first recorded the beautiful scenery of the twilight sky before filming the twinkling series lights decorated in their garden until she noticed that there was a man standing outside their gate.
"Don't tell me it's him. You've got to be kidding me," Tomoyo said to herself as she zoomed in her camera.
To her dismay, it was indeed Eriol who is now standing on the snow covered street outside their gate. Eriol rubbed his hands against each other rapidly.
"I told you to drive him away," Tomoyo yelled to her servant as soon as she reached the dining room.
"I couldn't just drive him away, miss. He insisted on waiting for you no matter how long it takes. He even pleaded me to let him stay there," the servant replied.
Tomoyo was shocked upon hearing this but she decided not to let his sweet words get into him.
"I'll drive him out myself later," Tomoyo said snobbishly before sitting in the dining room.
She waited for her parents to arrive home so that they could eat their Christmas dinner together tonight. However, one hour has passed yet her parents still haven't arrived. Tomoyo gazed outside the glass window, wondering when her parents will come home. Coincidentally, her eyes landed on Eriol's back leaning outside their gate.
"He must be feeling very cold now," Tomoyo thought worriedly.
"No! I must stick with my decision," Tomoyo thought firmly.
"But, what if he freezes to death especially now that it's snowing?" Tomoyo thought.
Tomoyo decided to sit somewhere far from the window so that she can avoid thinking about Eriol. Soon, her cellphone ringtone played, signaling a sent text message to her.
"Father and I are going to be late due to an urgent meeting. Just eat ahead of us dear. I'm so sorry -Mom-"
Her parents always promise that they'll spend Christmas night having dinner at home every year but most of the time, they never show up and just arrive the next few days. Even though she knows that there's a very big possibility that her parents won't be able to come, Tomoyo still waits patiently and eagerly for her parents to arrive every year.
"Too bad… Well, better luck next time," Tomoyo murmured to herself while trying to handle her disappointment.
She stood again beside the window, hoping her parents' car would park in front of their gate but the only thing she could see now amidst a faint street light is Eriol's back leaning against the gate.
"I spent the day alone and waited for my parents to come home because I wanted to spend an hour with them for dinner. But, sadly, I waited for nothing. Just like me, Eriol came here because he wanted to talk to me for just a few minutes yet I let him wait for several hours just for nothing?" Tomoyo thought deeply.
Tomoyo grabbed her coat and ran all the way to the gate.
"You're really an idiot, aren't you? You could freeze to death out here!" Tomoyo scolded Eriol as soon as she reached the gate.
"Freezing out here is better than not being able to talk to you," Eriol replied cheerfully.
Tomoyo didn't know what to say so she just unlocked the padlock and opened the gates to let Eriol go inside.
"Tomoyo, just give me five minutes to talk to you," Eriol pleaded as soon as they entered the mansion.
"We'll do that later. First, let's just have dinner. You must be starving from waiting out in the cold for who knows how long," Tomoyo replied.
When they reached the dining room, Eriol was surprised to see that this dinner was actually a grand feast. All kinds of Italian and English dishes were served on the table but there were also some traditional Japanese cuisines present.
"Do you eat dinner like this every night? It's kind of too much. Don't you think?" Eriol asked, certainly bewildered at the quantity of food served for them.
"Of course not… My parents and I were supposed to have a Christmas dinner tonight so the chef made everything a little extravagant," Tomoyo replied.
"Supposed to have dinner?" Eriol asked.
"Yeah… They sent a text message to me saying they couldn't make it. So, it's just you and me tonight. Come on, help yourself. Our chef's very good in making English dishes," Tomoyo said positively.
Tomoyo and Eriol ate in silence. Throughout their dinner, Eriol wondered how many years did Tomoyo spend Christmas in this gigantic mansion all alone.
"I'm so full. Thanks for the delicious dinner Tomoyo. Sadly, I couldn't finish everything in one sitting," Eriol finally broke the silence between them.
"Who told you to finish everything? Of course, you can't finish all of these in one meal!" Tomoyo replied and couldn't restrain herself from smiling because of what Eriol just said.
After making themselves full with the family chef's cooking, Eriol and Tomoyo sat comfortably near a warm fireplace in the living room in silence until Eriol thought now would be the right time to talk to her.
"Tomoyo... I remember everything now. I remember everything I said that night. I remember everything I did that night," Eriol said.
Tomoyo pursed her lips because she was afraid where this conversation might go.
"You were right. I did say all those things you told me I said. I was the one who kissed you first that night. I was so drunk that night and when I woke up, my mind just instantly went blank for a couple of days until you kissed me last night," Eriol explained.
"I'm sorry for kissing you off guard last night. I was just so caught up in the moment that I did it without even thinking," Tomoyo interjected.
"No, I should be the one who is apologizing. You did that to make me remember everything I did to you when I was drunk. I'm terribly sorry for forgetting all the ridiculous things I did to you that one drunken night. Most of all, I'm really sorry for kissing you suddenly that night," Eriol said sincerely.
"Do you regret kissing me that night?" Tomoyo asked.
"Yes?" Eriol answered, quite confused with his feelings about what he did.
"Answer me honestly. Do you regret kissing me that night?" Tomoyo asked as she controlled herself from crying in front of him with all her strength.
Once and for all, Tomoyo will finally know whether Eriol really meant the kiss they had or whether Eriol thought that it was just some stupid drunken mistake.
While Eriol and Tomoyo were having a serious talk about the incident, Syaoran and Sakura were still enjoying each others' company in the restaurant.
"It's strange. I don't see anyone else eating in the restaurant but us," I said as I glanced around the restaurant.
Indeed, there wasn't any other customer eating or waiting for their order in the restaurant.
"It's because I booked the whole restaurant for us tonight," Syaoran replied.
"What? Why? That's a bit too selfish. Don't you think?" I asked bitterly though I couldn't hide the trace of awe in my face.
"I did it because I wanted the two of us to be alone as much as possible even if we're not at home," Syaoran answered seductively.
"I'm full. Let's go somewhere else," I said nervously before I hurried in going to the door.
"Hey! Let's sit here for a couple more minutes," Syaoran yelled but I completely ignored his request.
So, Syaoran just paid the bill and tipped the waiter before we left the restaurant. I strolled happily in the streets of Tokyo while Syaoran kept on complaining that it's very cold outside.
"Let's just ride in the car. Shall we?" Syaoran pleaded.
"Since you brought me here in Tokyo, let's roam around for a while. I haven't been in this city for a long time. Come on, let's have fun!" I replied excitedly.
"But, I'm cold. Let's just ride in the car," Syaoran insisted.
"The street traffic is so heavy. We'll end up sitting in the car for a long time. Wait, where are your hand gloves?" I asked as soon as I saw his bare hands.
"I didn't wear any," Syaoran replied, shivering a little.
Syaoran and I entered a nearby mall to make him feel warm. I was able to convince him to go to the department store with me even though it was very crowded so that we could buy winter gloves for him.
"I'll get this," I said to the cashier when Syaoran handed to her his credit card.
"I can just pay it with my credit card," Syaoran muttered.
"You've spent too much money today. So, let me just get this for you. Okay?" I replied firmly.
Sakura opened her wallet and pulled out some bills. Accidentally, something fell from her wallet while she was busy handing out some bills to the cashier.
"Thank you for shopping! Merry Christmas!" the cashier greeted as she gave Sakura the package with the gloves inside it.
"Let's go!" I exclaimed and went ahead of Syaoran.
Syaoran noticed that he stepped on something and decided to pick it up out of curiosity. It was actually one of Sakura and Eriol's photo booth pictures they took last time.
"When was this?" Syaoran asked me impatiently as he showed a picture of Eriol and me looking at each other.
"How did you get this?" I asked in shock.
"You're not answering my question. When was this?" Syaoran yelled.
"Stop yelling alright! This picture was taken when you and Tomoyo had a date," I replied, now a bit angry.
"What? I don't remember Tomoyo and me going out on a date," Syaoran said.
"Huh? Now, you're denying it! You and Tomoyo even watched a concert together," I said furiously.
"Oh… well, that wasn't a date. Tomoyo and I were just arranged to watch a concert together by our parents," Syaoran explained.
"Technically... technically! That still counts as a date!" I yelled.
"How about you? You said that tonight was your first date but why do you have a picture together with Eriol in a photo booth? Sounds like I'm not the one who's lying anymore!" Syaoran yelled back.
Syaoran and I suddenly felt stares all around us. We looked around and found out that we are indeed being watched by a lot of passersby in the mall as we fought each other.
"Look at these youngsters nowadays. They can't stop having love quarrels at all just like us back then," an old lady muttered sweetly to an old man as they walked hand in hand.
"They shouldn't fight anymore. It's Christmas… love is supposed to be in the air," the old man said jokingly as they passed by.
Syaoran and I cleared our throats noisily after we heard the old couple's not-so-soft whispers.
"Eriol and I were just having fun in the arcade. That's all. I never really thought of it as a date," I explained awkwardly.
"So, you really did not consider Eriol and you hanging out as a date?" Syaoran asked.
"No… Eriol and I were just hanging out as friends," I replied.
I thought Syaoran would be satisfied when I said that but his face still seemed upset as he looked at our picture.
"Is there something I can do to make this go away?" I asked.
Syaoran didn't answer but just grabbed my hand and made me follow him all the way. Before I knew it, we are now sitting inside a narrow photo booth in the mall.
"I thought you hated crammed places," I commented.
"I'm making this an exception," Syaoran replied firmly.
Syaoran quickly inserted a coin in the machine and pressed the start button. In a couple of seconds, the camera flashed to take the first picture of the two of us smiling brightly. In the second picture, Syaoran rested his head against mine lazily as we took the picture. Just when the camera flashed again, Syaoran suddenly kissed my cheek making me blush. Just when I thought his pranks are over, he suddenly kissed me on the lips out of the blue.
"This is so embarrassing," I murmured to myself as I scanned the four photos we took together.
"Are you saying you're embarrassed of me?" Syaoran asked with a hint of annoyance.
"Then, why did you kiss me in the photo booth of all places? The camera captured it," I said regretfully.
Syaoran laughed childishly as he placed the photo of our kiss in his wallet.
"Why aren't you placing the photos inside your wallet?" Syaoran asked.
"This is too embarrassing. I'll just place it inside one of the pouches of my bag," I replied.
As soon as I said that, Syaoran folded his arms and looked away from me snobbishly.
"Okay…okay… I'll place it in my wallet but I'll just put the picture of us smiling in the front and ummm… the last one in the back," I said.
"That's better. Place it in your wallet now," Syaoran commanded.
Syaoran watched me intensely the whole time I placed our photo booth pictures in my wallet.
"There's not much space left in your wallet anymore. So, why don't you just place Eriol's pictures in your bag?" Syaoran suggested.
I had no choice but to put the pictures Eriol and me took together in my bag since my small wallet has little space left. I'm not so certain but I think I just heard Syaoran laughed mischievously when I placed Eriol's photos inside my bag.
"Wear the gloves I bought since we'll be heading out now," I said.
"Wait… I've still got something to do," Syaoran replied and walked away by himself.
When I reached where he is, he was already busy inserting coins inside some kind of stuffed toy game machine.
"What are you doing? Let's go!" I said.
"Which of the stuffed toys here do you like?" Syaoran asked.
I pointed out the pink bear in the center. Syaoran immediately started playing and was able to clutch the pink bear in a minute.
"Just a little bit more," I whispered hopefully.
Unfortunately, the pink bear dropped back to the piled stuffed toys.
"Darn it!" Syaoran exclaimed frustratingly.
"Hey, it's okay," I said comfortingly.
I tried to convince Syaoran to leave the game machine and go back home after his fifth try but it seems like he doesn't hear me at all.
"There has to be some kind of cheat here somewhere. I'm a well trained fit man in sports. There's no way I couldn't win this," Syaoran said impatiently.
"This game is really hard. Most of the people including me never win in this game. Well, except for Eriol. I was so amazed when he got me Rio after the first try," I blurted out without thinking.
At once, Syaoran glared at me furiously and was now even more fired up in playing the game. After that, I wasn't able to track how many times Syaoran tried in getting the stuffed toy. It must have been more than twenty times. Unfortunately, he failed more than twenty times.
"Lend me 100 yen," Syaoran said out of the blue.
I told him that I had no money because I knew that he was just going to spend it for the game. He must have run out of cash after playing many times without success.
"Let's just go home," I said consolingly.
"I won't go home until I get that stuffed toy you like," Syaoran said stubbornly.
"You know what? I don't really like that stuffed toy that much," I said.
Syaoran glared at me, now even more upset than before.
"I just spent all of my available cash with me and I just spent an hour trying to get you that stuffed toy yet you're now saying you don't even like that pink bear that much!" Syaoran thought angrily.
"Then, why did you choose that stuffed toy in the first place when you don't even like it that much?" Syaoran asked in fury.
"I don't like it that much because I like more my life sized stuffed toy right here," I said and hugged Syaoran sweetly.
In an instant, Syaoran's anger and exhaustion faded away when he felt Sakura's arms surrounding her and smelled the flowery scent of her perfume.
"You're so cheesy. I hate cheesy lines," Syaoran muttered awkwardly as he looked away from Sakura to hide his fully flushed cheeks.
"I never said anything cheesy before until I met you. I don't know why. Sorry about that," I replied shyly.
"Let's just get out of here," Syaoran said nonchalantly, still not looking at Sakura.
Syaoran and I decided to ride in the car so that we could now go home.
"Hey, you're wearing the scarf I made," I said happily.
"You just noticed it now? You're so slow," Syaoran replied arrogantly.
"You just noticed I'm slow now huh? Who's slow now?" I said sarcastically.
After that, Syaoran and I had a cold war again until the car parked out of nowhere.
"Excuse me mister, we're still in Tokyo," I informed the driver.
"Yes, I know. But, Master Syaoran requested me to stop by here before going back to the mansion," the driver replied sternly.
I looked up and was surprised to see a very tall tower right in front of me. The tower seemed like it was a sparkling gold amidst the pitch black sky because of all the numerous yellow and orange lights turned on. A big heart can be clearly shown in the middle of the tower which was formed by some pink lights arranged perfectly together.
"Don't tell me… I'm now standing in front of the Tokyo tower?" I asked in awe.
"Yes you are," Syaoran answered.
"I've always wanted to come here! Thank you so much for bringing me here Syaoran!" I said gratefully before grasping Syaoran's hand all of a sudden due to excitement so that we can get inside the tower quick.
Meanwhile, Tomoyo crossed her fingers nervously while Eriol pondered deeply of his answer.
"Just be honest. I'll accept whatever you're going to say," Tomoyo said encouragingly.
"Yes, I regretted kissing you that night because I knew that this kiss might really break our friendship and it did. You avoided me all the time and barely spoke to me for several weeks though I had no idea why you're avoiding me at that time. But, on other hand, I would just like you to know that if it weren't for those reasons, I would've never regretted about me kissing you first that night," Eriol replied honestly.
"If I didn't avoid you and made you feel miserable after that, you wouldn't have regretted what you did? Why?" Tomoyo asked, very shocked with Eriol's answer.
"I don't completely regret what I did because every time I think about it, it makes me feel something I've never felt before. When you kissed me last night just to help me remember everything that happened, I felt something new. The kiss felt different," Eriol replied honestly.
"Different? Why does it feel different?" Tomoyo asked and couldn't help but get her hopes up when Eriol said that the kiss felt different to him.
"It felt certainly different. But, maybe, it's because I kissed you," Eriol replied earnestly.
Tomoyo was left speechless as she felt like her heart was going to explode because of too much happiness and shock.
"I mean, I kissed you. I kissed Tomoyo. You're my best friend. I kissed my best friend! Best friends aren't supposed to do that, right?" Eriol said nervously.
"Oh… of course, best friends aren't supposed to do that," Tomoyo said as casually as she could.
Tomoyo smiled dearly in front of Eriol because she didn't want to let him know that she was very disappointed.
"Of course, we're best friends! Best friends are supposed to be lifetime friends who support each other and comfort each other whenever the love of their life breaks up with them or walks away. Best friends should never cross that thin line of loving each other or else they'll just end up breaking each others' hearts," Tomoyo thought of reality while she joined Eriol's nervous laughter after their conversation.
On the other hand, Sakura and Syaoran were still wandering inside the Tokyo Tower.
There were so many tourist spots ranging from souvenir shops, an aquarium gallery, and a little amusement park in the Tokyo Tower that I wanted to visit but Syaoran insisted on going straight to the observation decks right away.
"I'm scared," I said nervously while looking down on my feet.
Instead of seeing a marble floor, the floor that I'm standing right now is actually made of some kind of transparent glass wherein I could see the streets and everything 145m below the floor we're now standing in.
"Why don't we just go to the special observatory?" Syaoran suggested.
"But, the special observatory's 250m above the ground!" I exclaimed in fright.
"I know but at least there aren't any glass floors in there that freak you out," Syaoran replied.
I held onto Syaoran's jacket tight as the elevator went higher and higher. I love the view of the Tokyo Tower from the outside but I'm kind of scared of heights especially when I know how high we're actually going to be.
I walked behind Syaoran's back, holding his waist tight and just closed my eyes when we arrived in the special observatory.
"Open your eyes Sakura. There's nothing to be scared of," Syaoran said.
"Really? Are there still transparent glasses on the floor?" I asked
"I assure you there's not one transparent glass on the floor so just open your eyes," Syaoran replied.
I decided to trust Syaoran and blinked my eyes open. By the time I peeked from behind Syaoran's back, my eyes widened in awe at the marvelous view in here. I can clearly see the rest of the Tokyo buildings from here. I gasped in awe as my eyes were entertained by the colorful glowing night lights of Tokyo city.
"I can't believe a crowded city like Tokyo could look so beautiful," I said in amazement.
"I told you there's nothing to be scared of out here," Syaoran replied proudly.
I enjoyed watching the view through a telescope while Syaoran just watched the night sky silently.
Just like the old days, Eriol and Tomoyo watched their favorite classic movies together as they shared a cozy blanket while sitting on the living room couch. Out of the blue, Eriol pressed the pause button of the remote control making the movie stop temporarily.
"I almost forgot to give you something," Eriol said and hastily shuffled the things inside his bag.
"I know it's done in a rush. But, I just feel so bad for not giving you anything back for the sweater you made for me," Eriol said and handed to her a rolled white canvas.
Tomoyo unrolled it carefully, revealing a self – portrait painting of Tomoyo smiling.
"When did you do this?" Tomoyo asked in awe.
"Uhhh… I began doing this when winter break started but I wasn't able to finish it properly due to some circumstances. You know me, I procrastinate a lot," Eriol explained.
"How did you paint this? You don't have any pictures of me," Tomoyo said, her eyes still locked on Eriol's painting.
"Actually, I have one. Please don't get upset with me but here it goes. Actually, I took a stolen photo of you while we were still attending an arts workshop back in England," Eriol replied hesitantly.
"When? How could I not notice you take it?" Tomoyo asked in astonishment.
"If my memory is correct, I took the photo when you were gazing out of the classroom window one time during our first day in the workshop. I don't know why but I couldn't stop myself from taking just one photo of you even though it was stolen. You see, you and I were still strangers on that day. Please don't freak out," Eriol explained shyly.
"Don't worry. I'm not freaking out. Thank you so much Eriol! I really appreciate it," Tomoyo said gladly.
"So, are we okay?" Eriol asked.
Tomoyo merely nodded as she couldn't stop herself from grinning widely because of too much happiness.
"Just to be sure… I'm asking this question even though I know it's kind of risky. Uhhh… never mind," Eriol said.
"What? You can ask me anything you want because of this lovely painting," Tomoyo replied comfortingly.
"Tomoyo… I'm just going to say it okay?" Eriol said nervously.
"Sure," Tomoyo replied as she held her breath.
"I know I've been a real jerk in the past but will you be… uhhh… will you be my best friend again, Tomoyo?" Eriol asked with all his courage.
There was a long silence before Tomoyo was able to digest what Eriol just said.
"Of course, he was going to ask that question. Why am I expecting something else? Why am I getting all worked up now? I shouldn't let these unrequited feelings of mine get in the way of our friendship," Tomoyo thought.
"Of course! I would be more than happy to be your best friend again," Tomoyo exclaimed delightfully before hugging Eriol.
When Eriol broke the hug, he suddenly noticed Tomoyo's watery eyes.
"Were you just crying?" Eriol asked worriedly.
"Of course not! I wasn't," Tomoyo denied but she wasn't able to convince Eriol when tears fell down her cheeks after a moment.
"Why are you crying?" Eriol asked, now very worried.
"I'm crying because I'm just so happy. Oh, these? These tears are tears of joy!" Tomoyo said cheerfully.
"I'm so happy for us too," Eriol replied gladly.
"Come on, let's hug it out!" Tomoyo suggested because she didn't want to let Eriol see her tears anymore.
Eriol and Tomoyo hugged each other tight as Tomoyo cried softly behind Eriol's back.
"Merry Christmas, Tomoyo," Eriol whispered happily.
"Merry Christmas, Eriol," Tomoyo replied, her voice cracking a little.
Sakura and Syaoran continued enjoying the view in the special observatory that night.
I was enjoying viewing all sorts of city trademarks through the telescope until Syaoran covered the lenses with his hands.
"What are you doing? I'm not done yet," I said with a hint of irritation.
"Let's just hang out together here for a moment," Syaoran said.
"We are hanging out together right now," I replied.
"What I mean is that you stop viewing that telescope for a moment and just talk to me," Syaoran explained.
Syaoran and I decided to get away from the telescope so that I won't be tempted to do some sight seeing again.
"So, what is it that you needed to talk to me?" I asked even though my mind was still set on viewing the telescope again.
"You and I had a rough start. We used to be the worst enemies in the world," Syaoran said.
"Yeah… I remember fighting with you every morning when we first met each other. You treated me like a slave every Sunday and never felt bad about it. I don't even know how we became friends now," I interjected.
"Yes, I know. All of that is true. But, those things are now in past. Let's focus more on the present and what lies ahead in the future," Syaoran replied.
"Okay… ummm… Do you plan on giving me a new list of household chores now for the future? We can just do that later so why don't I just get back to sight seeing?" I said and was about to head towards the telescope but Syaoran was able to stop me by grasping my hand tight.
"Just let me finish before you go back there, alright?" Syaoran said.
"Okay," I replied obediently.
"Sakura, I know that you deserve someone else better than me. But, I really want to spend every Christmas, New Year and all sorts of holidays with you in the future. I want you and me to celebrate our birthdays together in the future. I want you and me to be together always," Syaoran said sincerely.
He got something from underneath his pocket and looked deep into my eyes.
"So, will you be my girlfriend, Sakura?" Syaoran asked courageously as he opened the tiny black box in his hands.
Inside the tiny black box were two silver couple rings. I gasped for air upon hearing Syaoran's question and most of all, when he revealed the rings inside the box.
"Why did you have to make it so dramatic?" I exclaimed joyously as I hugged him without thinking.
"Oi! You didn't answer my question. Stop hugging me and give me an answer first!" Syaoran demanded.
Syaoran entangled my arms and pushed me backward.
"Oi! Why are you suddenly crying? Did I do something wrong?" Syaoran asked worriedly.
I wasn't able to speak for while and just cried softly in front of him.
"You made me cry because you were so cheesy. Your lines were way cheesier than mine," I said, laughing as tears continued to flow freely.
"Being with you makes me cheesy. Maybe, your cheesiness is contagious. I must be vaccinated right away," Syaoran replied teasingly.
"Shut up! You're the one who's cheesy. Not me!" I said.
"No, you are! Hey, wait… you still didn't answer my question yet. I put in a lot of effort for tonight yet I'm not even given a proper answer?" Syaoran said furiously.
"Is this answer enough for you?" I asked playfully and lightly kissed his cheek.
Syaoran and I smiled at each other until Syaoran's face seemed upset all over again.
"That answer is not enough for a handsome awesome guy like me," Syaoran bragged.
"Well then, come here," I said naughtily as I grabbed his collar and kissed his lips.
As we kissed each other, I could hear fireworks exploding inside my head and I could feel butterflies in my stomach. To my surprise, there were indeed colorful fireworks being displayed in the sky right in front of us. Syaoran and I wore each other's couple rings amidst the exploding fireworks in the night sky.
"Did you do this too?" I asked as I pointed out the marvelous fireworks in the night sky.
"No, I just got lucky. The fireworks might be coming from Tokyo Disneyland," Syaoran replied coolly.
"If you really did do this for me, you might just get luckier tonight," I teased.
Syaoran couldn't resist Sakura's charm anymore so he kissed her one more time when she was off guard.
"I'm certainly the luckiest guy in the world when I met you," Syaoran said.
"That's strange… I'm certainly the unluckiest girl in the world when I met you," I said.
"What? Why?" Syaoran said as his face instantly frowned.
"Just joking! I feel the same way too," I said honestly.
Syaoran and I watched the rest of the fireworks display silently as we held each others' hands.
"Merry Christmas Syaoran," I said happily.
"Merry Christmas Sakura," Syaoran replied as we looked into each others' eyes.
Rainvilla: I'm terribly sorry for the late update. But, I do hope you liked this chapter. If you want to know my progress in this story, you can just follow me in twitter: the link is in my profile page.
Feel free to express what you feel through your reviews… =) Note: Story is in progress