Chapter 21 Sports Day

As Touya and Sakura were walking home after the concert at school, Touya said, "How come you didn't tell me that you were lead character in the play?"

Sakura froze a little bit with the sudden question. She knew that somehow he just couldn't resist asking it. "I don't even want to talk about it, 'nii-chan."

Touya then grinned. He then wrapped his arm around her shoulder and said, "Come on, imouto-chan. It's me you're talking to."

"That's what I'm afraid of…" Sakura said as she took his arm off her shoulder. Touya grinned again.

"Come on, Sakura. What's really surprising isn't really that Shinzo was actually playing the other lead role but it was more on the surprise that he kissed you or was it you kissed each other." Touya teased.

Sakura blushed. "You never really shut your mouth, 'nii-chan." She said.

Touya started to laugh. "Of course not, imouto-chan. You know it always gets you to talk. So spill. " He said.

"Nii-chan will you just quit it? I told you that I don't even want to talk about it, much less think about it. Geez. For once, will you give me a break?" Sakura said. But she was still blushing like mad.

"Come on. It's just going to be our little secret. You know that I don't go around telling everybody someone's secret including yours." Touya said. Sakura shook her head. Touya then gave her a mischievous grin. "It's just an innocent question, imouto-chan. It just a simple answer. Or do you want Li Shaoran to find out the real reason why you've been avoiding him?"

Sakura's eyes flew wide open. "You wouldn't…" Sakura said.

Touya grinned. He then took out his phone and said, "Watch me."

"Alright! Alright! I'll tell you. You're such a pain 'nii-chan." Sakura said.

Touya grinned and closed his phone. He then returned it in his pocket while Sakura took a deep breath.

"It was a last minute thing. We weren't supposed to be the ones to play Anna and Weiz. Those were supposed to be Megumi and Utaro's roles but Megumi developed soar throat and Utaro broke his leg. We were just told this morning. Up at stage, it was just a big cover up that Eriol and I did. As for the last part…" Sakura said then upon reaching the explanation for the last part, she couldn't help herself blush. She couldn't believe that they did it too. She was completely taken by surprise by that. Sakura knew that that was the same with Eriol.

"Go on." Touya urged Sakura on.

Sakura took another deep breath and said, "Well you see since we were just last minute back up actors, they had this big plan of using cue cards for our lines so that we were guided on what to say. We would glance at the side of the stage without breaking out of character or hinting to the audience. It was going well until the last scene." Sakura stopped again.

Touya urged her on again. Sakura gulped. She couldn't believe that she was actually telling her big brother that. "Well the last page of the script went missing so they wrote on the cue card that it was missing and that we should improvise and kiss…there was a big emphasis on KISS…" Sakura finally said.

For a moment, Touya seemed silent. Sakura felt herself being washed over with relief. But it all ended so fast when Touya started laughing. Sakura felt her cheeks grow warm again. She was really annoyed with Touya. She started walking home, leaving him there. Touya ran to catch up and said, "Sorry, imouto-chan. It's just damn you are in the line of fire now. A lot of girls are hating you now because you kissed Eriol or should I say Shinzo."

Sakura gave out a sigh. "Don't you think I know that? It's not like Eriol and I had a choice back there. It was probably the most embarrassing thing I've ever done for a foundation day presentation or basically, my entire life…" Sakura answered.

Touya gave her a tap on the shoulder and said, "Think about it this way, Sakura…it's not everyday you get to be kiss or kiss a pop star. And I've been hearing a few rumors back there that you two are really close. Plus, right now the biggest contender for my sister's affections are ahem…Eriol Hiiragizawa, confirmed by the way by that kiss of yours in front of the school, Ryu Watanabe, confirmed by the kiss he gave you before he left for his basketball tournament days ago and this is shocking…even if Li Shaoran already has a girl friend, some of the guys still bet on him."

Sakura's whole body slumped. Great. She told herself. "Thanks for making me feel better, 'nii-chan. I really feel better now." She said sarcastically as she started walking again.

"Will you just chill, imouto-chan." Touya said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder again.

"Easy for you to say…you're not the one doing the juggling act. It's not that I make it a point that I let people's gossip and stuff get to me but it really gets awkward especially when you rub it in." Sakura answered.

Touya started laughing. "Like I said, chill, imouto-chan. It will eventually blow over."

"Yeah I know. It's not like I don't know. I just want it to be sooner." Sakura commented.

Touya grinned. He then decided to change the subject. He then said, "So how was it like kissing a famous pop star like Shinzo Mizuhara?"

Sakura glared at him a little. "Try kissing him and you'll find out." Sakura then answered.

Touya grinned and replied, "I would but I'm not gay. Besides, what's with you lately that guys seem to be drawn to that lips of yours? They simply couldn't resist kissing it." Touya said.

Sakura elbowed Touya's side and said, "I'm not about to kiss you to let you know. Geez. Some big brother I've got…if you are so fascinated about what it feels like to kiss someone, try getting a girl friend already."

Touya smirked and said, "I'm not that desperate. Besides, how can I get a girl friend when I've got my hands full with you being pursued by a lot of guys and having so many problems that you just cry yourself to sleep every night?"

Sakura's face saddened. She then removed his arm from her shoulder and said, "I'm sorry I'm keeping you from happiness too." She then started to walk.

Touya stopped and caught himself. He cursed himself silently. He knew that his joke went a little bit too far. "Hey Sakura! Wait up! I didn't mean it I swear…" Touya said as he ran after her.

Sakura stopped walking. She then turned around and grinned. "Got you." She said and started laughing.

Touya smirked and tickled Sakura. They started laughing. "I give up! I give up!" Sakura finally said. Touya let her go. "But seriously, 'nii-chan. You don't have to watch over me all the time that it stops you from getting a girl friend." Sakura said as Touya looked at her.

He then smiled and said, "Nah…there's always time to find a girl friend. Besides, I think I'll savor the moment first that girls are swooning all over me."

Sakura started laughing and replied, "Ok. I think I need to hold on to something because it's getting pretty windy out here all of a sudden. I think if I'm not careful, I might just be blown away." Touya grinned.

The next day, Sakura met up with her fellow 2-A students. She was wearing a white Tomoeda school shirt and shorts. It was the sports day at last. It was one of her favorite days of the year where they had fun playing different sports and having friendly competitions with the other classes and year levels.

Sakura joined Eriol, Tomoyo, Chiharu and Naoko. The moment she joined the group, it seemed that other people started talking about the 'kiss' during the play. Sakura could feel eyes on her. She could have melted then and there. It seemed that her companions noticed it too.

"Don't worry about them, Sakura. They don't have anything better to talk about. Trust me. They will eventually get tired with it. You might even get used to ignoring things like that after some time." Eriol whispered as he also smiled at her too.

Sakura returned a shaky smile. She wasn't sure if it was really going to work but she knew that it was probably better to go with Eriol on this one. He was a famous pop star after all. He was somehow used to that sort of thing already.

"You excited about today?" Chiharu then asked Sakura.

Sakura smiled at her and replied, "Yeah. I really love sports day."

"Well in that case, I think 2-A is going to do a good job again." Tomoyo commented which made Sakura and the others laugh.

"Let's just enjoy the day, you guys. After this, summer is the next big thing. I don't know about you guys but I'm really looking for summer." Sakura said as they headed to the track field. The games were already starting.

As they were going to take their seats, Megumi came up and said, "Sakura, Shiho was looking for you. She said that she needs help with the relay race paraphernalia. She said that you are the only one authorize with that."

Sakura smiled and nodded. "Alright. I'll get them. Thanks, Megumi." Sakura said as she got up and started to make her way to the store room. Eriol got up and offered to help her carry the stuff back. She smiled at him and thanked him.

As Eriol and Sakura started walking, they had this conversation. "I've been listening to the song you made in my ipod over and over again. I still can't believe that you actually wrote it for me?" Sakura said.

Eriol gave her a short laugh. "What's so unbelievable about it?" He asked.

Sakura smiled and replied, "Well when one asks for help with that sort of thing, well let's just say that a person doesn't usually compose and entirely new song but rather just compiles existing songs. Just imagine my shock when I played the CD and I wasn't familiar with the song and then I check the label only to see a note that says that composed for the free program of Sakura Kinomoto. Yup. That's something that I'm still having trouble believing that it actually happened because that sort of thing never really happens to me."

"Well I'm not just anybody, Sakura, just like you aren't just somebody." Eriol decided to say.

Sakura was a little taken aback with the comment but then smiled. "Hey I don't mean to sound all high-up but really. When I saw you skate, I was just so inspired so writing a song just for you wasn't so hard. Actually it was all I could think about." Eriol then said.

Sakura then laughed a little and said, "Please don't make me blush or else we're both into much trouble."

Eriol started laughing. "Well anyway, how are rehearsals coming along?" He then decided to ask.

Sakura knew that he would eventually ask that question. She smiled at him and replied, "A little sore actually. Since it's a new routine, I have my share of falls, blacks and blues, the works. Other than that, everything is just peachy."

Eriol grinned. He then thought of something. He figured that maybe it will take Sakura's mind off things that have been bothering her lately. He could tell that she was really bothered but tried very hard to just put them aside to put up a strong front for everybody.

Even he, Eriol, could tell how hard Sakura had been trying. He simply was stricken by it. It only brought this great admiration towards her.

"Hey I was thinking…I know you'll be busy this summer but would you like to practice some dance with me sometime? Dad's having me practice some dance routines for the next concert he says. Well I just thought that maybe you'd like to come and join? It could probably help with your ice skating presentation I mean it's more or less like your ballet training." Eriol then said.

Sakura looked at him and smiled. "Sure. That would be fun. Actually, Coach Alekzeeva had made arrangements for me to train under Koji Mikagami. She said that it would be appropriate having heard some portions of the song you made. So I guess that wouldn't hurt." She answered.

"Koji Mikagami? You know Mikagami-san?" Eriol asked, surprised.

Sakura was surprised herself. "Yeah…why?" She then asked.

Eriol grinned and said, "I'm sure your Coach is going to like this because Mikagami-san is the one who has been training me in all of my dance routines."

Sakura's eyes flew wide open. She couldn't believe it. What a small world it was? "Really? Cool! I'm definitely in!" Sakura said. Eriol smiled and nodded.

"I haven't actually started training with him yet. I just met him. He seems to be a nice guy." Sakura said.

Eriol laughed and replied, "Yeah he's a nice guy off practice but a total perfectionist when it comes down to it. Dancing, for him, is life itself. He'll probably be a little rough at first but he'll mellow down soon enough, especially when he sees that you are a natural at dancing. You'll soon become the best of friends."

Sakura couldn't help but laugh. Eriol was laughing along with her when they both bumped into Shaoran and Rika.

Sakura tensed a little and tried to act normal. She gave a small bow to them and then shifted her gaze to the other side of the hall as she and Eriol continued walking.

Eriol could sense Sakura's uneasiness so he asked her, "Mikagami-san can be an eccentric sometimes but it's ok I guess."

Sakura laughed a little and said, "Yeah I know what you mean. But I've seen him dance and he's really awesome. I hope that some of his talent would rub against me when it comes to my free presentation."

"Don't worry. You'll do fine." Eriol reassured her.

They knew that somehow that Rika and Shaoran could hear what they were talking about. Eriol wanted Sakura to feel 'normal' again and away from all that hidden drama that unfolded.

"Just promise that when he starts acting a little weird and eccentric, you're not going to leave me." Sakura said.

Eriol grinned and replied, "Of course. I've got it covered. Besides, I'll be scared to leave you with him alone. He can be a little too eccentric for my taste and I get so uncomfortable sometimes so I'm not about to leave you during those moments."

Sakura and Eriol started laughing again. They just got what they needed from the store room and headed back.

When they got back, the games were at full swing. Ryu and Kenishiro then joined them. They got the boxes from Sakura and Eriol.

"Hey look! Shiho is about to run!" Tomoyo said as she came up and started to drag Sakura away from the guys. They looked and followed.

"You seem so excited." Sakura commented.

Tomoyo smiled and exchanged glances with Naoko and Chiharu. She then whispered to Sakura, "You see that guy over there? He has this big crush on Shiho. What he doesn't know is that Shiho has a big crush on him too. The reason why she volunteered to run the 100 m dash is to impress him and sort of make him notice her. That's what I dragged you here for."

Sakura squealed a little and replied, "Awww…that's so sweet." She then smiled. Tomoyo, Chiharu and Naoko exchanged smiles and nodded. Then they heard the gun shot to signal the start. The runners quickly dashed down the track.

"Go Shiho!" Sakura and the others cheered. Sakura then felt Tomoyo elbow her and motioned her to look at another direction. Sakura smiled when she realized that Shiho's crush was also cheering hard for her.

Chiharu and Naoko started to laugh a little bit. Eriol got curious at what the girls were really up to. He looked at the direction to where Sakura and Tomoyo had looked. He saw the guy cheering. "You guys have a crush on him?" He whispered so that only Sakura and Tomoyo could hear. They both jumped.

"No. Of course not." Sakura replied laughing.

"Yeah. Sakura here already has her love life made all colorful."

Tomoyo replied which made Sakura reply, "Hey!" But then she continued on, "I don't go for younger guys. Besides, he's practically almost taken."

Sakura couldn't help but laugh. Eriol seemed to be a little confused. Sakura then whispered, "Check out Shiho. She won to impress the guy she doesn't know is head-over-heels with her." Eriol's gaze then drifted to Shiho. He then started to follow Shiho's stolen gazes and the guy's bashful looks. When he finally got what they were talking about, he too couldn't help but laugh. Sakura and Tomoyo started laughing too.

Ryu and Kenishiro then approached them and asked what was going on. "Sorry. But I'm on the next event. Come on, Eriol. Let's congratulate Shiho before the run." Sakura said as she and Eriol left laughing.

"What was that about?" Ryu asked.

"If you ask me, I'll have to say that that my friend is your competition." Kenishiro replied. Tomoyo, Naoko and Chiharu started laughing.

"Well if you must know, it's the wrong student council's love life we were talking about." Tomoyo said. Ryu and Kenishiro looked at her.

"Wrong student council member?" They asked then it dawned on them. The only student council member left was Shiho.

"Well I'll be damned.." Kenishiro commented with a smile.

"Our little Shiho is growing up." He continued on to say.

Ryu smirked and said, "The question now is…how long will take Shiho to realize that he likes her too?" Naoko and Chiharu laughed.

"Something tells me that it won't be long now…" Tomoyo said as she pointed to where Shiho, Eriol and Sakura were. Shiho was blushing like mad. Ryu and Kenishiro smirked. They saw Sakura and Eriol leave her and prepared for the race. Sakura wished Eriol luck before she headed to her position.

It was the last race of the day. The baton pass. Eriol was on the third leg of the race and Sakura was on the home stretch. It was going to be boy-girl-boy-girl run. The gun sounded and adrenalin was running through Sakura's body. One. Two. Now the runner was Eriol. He was running towards her. Sakura prepared herself. She started running a little and as Eriol passed the baton, "Good luck, Sakura!" He shouted as she dashed with everything she had towards the finish line.

For a split second, she forgot everything and it was clear. The finish line was clear. She smiled to herself. It didn't matter if her team would win but, for Sakura, all that mattered was the finish line.

Sakura ran and ran and soon she crossed the finish line. She hadn't noticed that she beat the second place winner by just a second. The next thing she knew was that her team was there by her side, celebrating. Their classmates were cheering. Soon, Eriol and Sakura were joined by Shiho, Tomoyo, Naoko, Chiharu, Ryu and Kenishiro. They were laughing and talking. Shaoran, from where he was standing, smirked. He wished he could go up to them and congratulate them but he knew better.

The bell sounded and the Principal said to get ready for the awarding ceremonies. "That's our cue. Come on let's get going." Chiharu said to Sakura and Naoko. They excused themselves and ran to prepare to present that year's cheerleading grand presentation, in preparation for the summer interschool games.

"Now I'm excited. The squad worked extra hard this year. I'm sure they will just leave us in awe." Tomoyo commented as they headed to the bleachers. Shiho, Ryu and Kenishiro joined their classes again while they all waited for the cheering squad to perform.

Just like the year before, after the Principal had given his speech and before the awards were given, the cheer squad entered and gave their performance to remind the student body of school spirit. And just on cue, Sakura and the others cleared the dance area and prepared their pompoms and such before finally going to their respective places.

When the music started, Sakura and Naoko started running towards the front and started to do a series of flips, followed by the others. When all of them were on the field, they stood all at the same time and started to dance with the music. Strong, precise movements. Soon it was time for the stunts. The squad divided into three. Sakura, Chiharu and another senior girl then stood on the hands of their teammates and at the same time were lifted. They stood tall and proud. They stood strong especially when those who were supporting them started walking and it seemed that the three groups were walking into a circle. Everyone was in awe. They knew it was difficult to have that stunt done.

Then when they stopped with the music, Sakura, Naoko and the senior girl were tossed and they jumped, twisted forward and landed at the same time as the other cheerleaders knelt. They gathered their pompoms and started to dance again. After a few synchronized dance moves, they formed a pyramid and hosted the Tomoeda High flag. It was done.

(to be continued…)

Hmm…I'll spare my comments this time. Hehe. I hope you guys will see what happens next with me. Thanks.

Michiko