Stuffed Animal

by Adri Mars

(AU) 17-year-old Sakura Kinomoto has been waiting for seven years for her childhood sweetheart, Syaoran Li, to return before her father finds her a suitor. News spread of a movie cast and crew arriving in town, including Japan's hottest teen idol today, but when he arrives in Tomoeda and meeting Sakura and the locals, he slowly realizes that he had lived here in his forgotten past.

21. 20: The Punishment

STUFFED ANIMAL

by Adrimarie

CHAPTER 20: THE PUNISHMENT'S END

Card Captor Sakura © CLAMP/Kodansha. The only thing I own here is this fanfic's plot and whatever original characters I may create here.

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QUICK NOTE: I write all my author notes at the end of each chapter, so please, don't forget to read them once you reach the end of this page. I'm putting this "quick note" back on because some of the reviewers don't read the author notes below- My replies to the reviewers are included in the author notes below!

I will start moderating anonymous/guest reviews because I have a feeling that one of these reviewers is a troll. I don't take trolls lightly. I think some of you already know who I'm referring to now as I had to delete this person's review.

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Sakura spent a good amount of time, more like five minutes, just crying over her best friend's shoulder in her family limo. Tomoyo even suggested that they drive around the outskirts to enjoy the nature away from civilization so she could let all the stress out. In fact, the best friend decided that this was a good time for Sakura to meet a long-gone loved one so she can spiritually consult with her. But before they headed off, Sakura did headed back to the Wolf's Lair to find it empty. There was a note left on the table from Wei, who reminded Sakura that Syaoran already started his next movie shooting for the afternoon and that he had to take Shulai to the Plum Manor up the hills to meet up with the elders briefly.

When she got to her backpack to get her wallet, she realized that she had forgotten to bring her stuffed teddy bear Chiirou out. This was a good time for her to consult on her stuffed bear as well and decided to take him along with her.

Tomoyo had Yamazaki to inform the girls that she will be going out in a bit. Regardless of the whole one-week slave deal that they had, she knew she wasn't exactly cut out for being the slave and decided to break the rules a bit. Sakura was untouchable to the rest of the idols anyway with the exception of Syaoran and decided to drive along with her. On the way, they stopped by a flower stand nearby the local coffee shop to buy daisies and carnations.

Their final destination was a very little-known place that their parents dubbed as the "Best Friends' Flower Hill." This was the final resting place of Sakura's mother, Nadeshiko, and just like on the day she was first buried here, the never-ending cherry blossom tree and bunches of dianthus and carnation flowers surrounded the grounds still continued to bloom amidst the scorching summer sun. It was a good thing that a very cool and gentle breeze was present, so there was no need for the girls to protect themselves with sunblock.

Sakura couldn't remember the last time she visited her mother's grave aside from the routine dates. Unlike most Japanese who would spend their Christmas, New Year's, and Valentine's Day with their significant others, the Kinomotos would visit the Best Friends' Flower Hill and have their own little picnic or camp alongside their mother's grave. Maybe it was Valentine's Day after all.

When the two best friends got there, Tomoyo placed her bouquet on the stone while Sakura remained standing.

"Hello, Mom," Sakura began with a smile. "If it's been a long time since I last visited you, I'm sorry. But I'm here now. And Tomoyo too… and Chiirou. See?"

Tomoyo gave a soft chuckle and even bowed towards the tombstone. "It's been a long time, Auntie Nadeshiko. I'm just here to accompany Sakura, so I hope you don't mind me being here with your daughter."

Sakura gulped at first and then let out a sigh. "Do you remember Syaoran Li, Mom? You met him when you were still in the hospital. He's that really cute little boy with mocha brown hair and amber red eyes. Well… um… he's my boyfriend now. I hope you'd accept. He's a really good young man even though he's a major superstar and all. And soon… he's going to retire from showbiz and will continue on his way in becoming the future clan leader of the Li Clan. And… secretly deep inside I really do wish that he would… I mean… we would… spend the rest of our lives together… be in love… get married… have children… part of the reason so that your bloodline and legacy still continues on from our generation to the next."

Tomoyo patted Sakura on the shoulder and she also began to speak as well. "And also, Auntie Nadeshiko, I already know the promises you made with your best friends. You know, my mom and Li-kun's mom… and I guess Taeko Kashii too, one of the CBLW's screenwriters that if you get sons and daughters at your age, you'd do what you can to make them fall in love and eventually get married. Kashii-san never had any children. You and my mom had Sakura and me. And then Auntie Yelan had four quadruplet daughters the same age as Touya-niichan and then Syaoran came along. You know, it would've been Touya-niichan and one of the Li Sisters, but that didn't work out… and then there's Sakura and Syaoran… so romantic!"

"Tomoyo!" Sakura hushed and then changed the subject. "Well, I have a problem, Mom. I already know that you like Syaoran already the first time you've met him those many years ago. Dad likes him too. Oniichan will eventually get used to him. He'll deal. But on the Li Clan's side, not everyone likes me, I'm afraid."

"Oh Sakura… I wish I knew more about the Li Clan myself. Now I really do wish your mother was still alive."

Sakura slowly turned to her best friend. "Hoe? Why do you say that, Tomoyo?"

"Well, Mom told me that when the Lis moved in to Tomoeda, they were really private and secretive too. Back in college, when Uncle Xiaojin was still dating Auntie Yelan and invited her to meet his family at the Plum Manor at the hills, Auntie Yelan was so nervous that she wanted to bring a friend alone. Apparently my mom and Kashii-san were busy at that time, but your mom was available, so she went with Auntie Yelan to the Plum Manor to meet the Lis. In short, your mother was the very first Japanese person that the Lis met right here."

"What happened?"

"Well, maybe Auntie Yelan would be able to tell you more, but she told my mom that it was because of Auntie Nadeshiko being there and mingled with many of the Li Clan's elders, they were given a really good impression on Auntie Yelan that convinced them to accept her to become Uncle Xiaojin's wife."

"You know so much, Tomoyo. How come my dad never tells me these things?"

"Maybe because back then, your mom and your dad haven't met each other yet."

"Oh… that would make sense." Sakura turned to the gravestone once more and placed her bouquet at the front. "Mom… I'm scared. I mean the movie shooting of Cherry Blossom, Little Wolf will be ending soon. They're going to Kagamineshi this weekend and will be finishing the shooting over there for two weeks and then it'll be all over. Of course they'll still come back here to join the traditional Tomoeda festivities such as the summer festival and the sports camp, but after a week or two of commercial shootings and music video shootings… Syaoran will have to go back to Tokyo and tour around the country to promote the movie and… what if… what if I don't see him again?"

Tomoyo's eyes shifted right at her best friend. "How could you say that, Sakura? Don't you think it's too early to think of that after you've only been officially dating for like… two days?"

She lowered her head, leaving her arms limp. "I don't know what to think now… I'm just way too scared, Tomoyo. I mean, I thought it would be easy for me to avoid Shulai-kun considering how much of a player he is, but… he's just a strange one… he doesn't like me, doesn't like the way I look, heck he even thought I was wearing fake contact lenses to make my eyes green. He thinks Syaoran is under some kind of spell and that he's not being himself when I'm around him."

Her best friend shook her head. "And to think that he was trying to hit on me earlier today when you introduced me to him too… that Shulai sure is a strange one…"

Once again Sakura turned to her mother's gravestone again. "Mom… give me a sign… tell me what to do… please…" She closed her eyes, pressed her palms together and began to silently pray. Tomoyo did the same and both best friends gave in to the calm of the hill, letting the wind blow the flower petals and make the natural whispering sounds.

#

By the time Sakura and Tomoyo arrived back at the Tomoeda High School parking lot, they spotted Touya exiting one of the camping buses with a backpack. He just finished his second tutoring session with the idols and walking back out looking exhausted. Sakura hadn't kept in touch with her brother as of late simply because of their different one-week slave schedules and she sighed in relief to see her brother again.

"Been awhile, Oniichan," Sakura smiled. "You look like you've got your hands full!"

"Feh," Touya rolled his eyes. "Most of those idol dudes are a bunch of lazy asses when it came to their studies. Among the girls, it's only Hirashiki who's been slacking off." He then changed the subject immediately. "What about you? Where'd you two gone to?"

"We stopped by the Best Friends' Flower Hill for a breather," Tomoyo said. "And of course, to visit Auntie Nadeshiko."

"How come the two of you get to have breaks? I had to spend hours and hours getting today's lessons prepped up for those spoiled brats without a break! The only breaks I get is when I had to eat lunch and dinner!"

"Just three more days, Oniichan, and we'll finally be finished," Sakura patted him on the side.

Touya was silent for a bit as his eyes began scanning his sister from top to bottom. "You still are the same sweet and fragile little monster to me. Good."

"What?! There's no such thing as monsters who are sweet and fragile, mind you!" Sakura immediately retorted with her fists tightened.

"Sure there is," Touya grinned. "She's standing right in front of me right now." Sakura responded to her brother's taunt by punching him right at his left shoulder blade. "Ow, that hurts!"

"Jeez, Oniichan, when will you ever grow up? What happens if you and Kaho-neechan start to have children and that one of them happens to be a daughter? Are you gonna call her a monster too?"

"If she looked exactly like you, maybe I will!"

"Mou…" Tomoyo giggled until the two siblings ended up laughing altogether.

"Well, I gotta head back to the trailer and see what those divas have next on their list for me. Be sure you two have a hearty dinner now, okay?"

"Later, Tomoyo-chan," Touya nodded.

"Seeya, Tomoyo!" The two best friends parted their ways for the day, leaving the siblings alone.

"That Hiiragizawa kid finally gave me a break. I can go back home for a bit to visit Dad… and his colleagues. I bet you our house had become a science lab when I get there."

Sakura giggled. "Well, that's Dad for you. Always busy discovering new things and then get happy and fascinated and share the news with the entire world!"

Touya chuckled along, then nodded. "Let's sit at one of the nearby benches over there."

"Sounds good, Oniichan."

The siblings found an empty wooden bench not too far from the parking lot and sat together. "Well, I have to admit. Those things really does fit you, Sakura."

"Hoe? What things?"

"What Dad's doing. Always busy discovering new things… and then get happy and fascinated and share the news to the entire world."

"Really now?" She gave a sheepish grin.

"I guess you really are gonna follow Dad's footsteps to be an archaeologist… well not really an archaeologist specifically, maybe working in the anthropology field, somewhere."

Sakura nodded. "Dad is awesome. I can't imagine any other man being my dad other than the great Dr. Fujitaka Kinomoto, Ph.D."

"Yup. He's done so much for the two of us since Mom died. And you know what's admirable about him? What he and Mom had is pure, original, true love. Since Mom died, he never removed his wedding ring and he never even brought any other woman in the house except for his colleagues back in college and they're always there for work."

"I know this may sound weird, Oniichan, but to Dad, Mom still lives on. I'm sure you feel the same way too. Sometimes I feel a little envious because you and Dad got to spend so much time with Mom. Look at me. At age three, she was already gone and I haven't even learned how to speak properly yet."

"You got me, kiddo!" Touya grinned, placing his arm around her. "You ain't the only Kinomoto Kid in this town, you know?"

"Hehe, you're right. I do have you, Oniichan!"

The two faded their laughter when Touya changed the subject. "So, considering that you still look the same to me, I guess he has been treating you well."

She gave him a puzzled look. "He?"

"That brat— I mean Li-kun."

She gave a faint smile. "He has been. Actually, I didn't feel like a slave at all. I don't know… it's hard to explain."

"Hey. You know. Since yesterday when we started this whole one-week slave thing, I realized a few things. Sure, I should've realized it before but I'm a self-absorbed, arrogant bastard so I ignored it all along."

"Yeah? What is it?"

"Well… it's not like I hate the kid… it's just… I was just scared that one day that he'll take you away from me."

"Hoe?" Sakura chuckled. "But I'm only seventeen!"

"I know that… I mean… I just had the hunch that one day that you'll replace me for him being your number one person in your life— well aside from Dad, of course. But now I realized… I'm the one being taken away first instead."

"Mou… don't say that," Sakura shook her head. "I don't feel like that at all. If you meant getting married to Kaho-neechan soon, that's not how I feel at all. She's not taking you away from me or from Dad. Instead, we are gaining Kaho-neechan as a daughter and for me, an older sister. You're twenty-four-years-old now, Oniichan. And you'll be earning your Master's Degree in the spring next year too. It really is the right time for you to settle down. Getting married… have a beautiful honeymoon… find really good, high-paying jobs… buy a new home… have children… and you're gonna have the most beautiful children the whole world has ever seen. Dad will be a happy grandpa and I will be a happy aunt!"

Touya gave a chuckle. "Don't worry, I won't disappoint you. Kaho wants the children, hopefully it'd be one boy and one girl, just like how we are. Thing is, she wants to be a happy aunt too."

"Hoe…" Sakura slightly blushed. "I… I won't disappoint her either!"

"I don't mind being a happy uncle… it's just that the family name that you'll end up using is what's worrying me about—"

"Oniichan!" She laughed while pushing him on the side. "You're so mean! What if it's Syaoran?"

Right then, Touya's laughter faded. "Listen, Sakura. Here's the thing about Li-kun. I don't have to like the damn kid… but as long as he treats you right and that you are his one and only, then I should respect him as a man and as my brother."

Sakura grinned happily and threw her arms around her brother. "Thank you so much, Oniichan! You have no idea how much you made me happy right now!"

"Oh jeez…" Touya embraced his sister in return. "There's just no way of me to stop you from getting closer to that kid… and apparently that kid couldn't stay away from you either regardless that he's some teen movie star. Seriously!"

The siblings released themselves when they were interrupted by a particular ringtone. Touya knew immediately what ringtone that was and reached for his phone. "Hey hun, what's up?… What? Now?…" Quickly he turned towards the gate and stood up. Just across the street, he spotted a fancy-looking SUV with Kaho standing outside with Nakuru and four other giggling girls whom Touya identified as the Li Quadruplets waved and shouted right at his name.

"Hi Kaho-neechan! Nakuru-neechan! And hello too Fanren, Fuutie, Shiefa, and Feimei-neechans!" Sakura waved happily.

"Hi Sakura-chan!" The girls in the van shouted their greetings.

"Oh hell no…" Touya muttered to himself and returned to the phone. "Why? Where are we going?"

Across the street, Kaho spoke through her phone. "We're hanging out at Mooncastle Diner for the night. Besides, Fanren will be presiding the meeting."

"What— Fanren? What's she gonna do?"

Just then, Yukito arrived with his backpack and catching up his breath from running to the spot. "There you are, Touya! I guess you're talking to Kaho right now, ne?"

"What? You know about this?"

"Just a few seconds ago from Nakuru. Come on, before those idols show up at the campers or something, let's go!" Yukito warned him.

"Oh, right." Touya quickly turned off his phone and turned to Sakura. "Well, Yukito and me are gonna head off somewhere with our lady loves… and the Li Sisters too… um… somewhere…"

"You two have fun. Be safe!"

"See you, Sakura. Take care!" Yukito said his goodbyes as he and her brother ran across the street to the SUV, where the six ladies have been waiting.

"Bye guys!" Sakura waved happily at them as she watched them drive off.

#

She opened the door to the Wolf's Lair with her spare key and excitedly ran in to the bus. The first thing she did was to explain herself in a loud voice. "Hoe! Syaoran, sorry if I arrived late! I'll go ahead and make dinner right away!"

"Jeez, keep it down, will you? So damn loud!"

"Hoe?" Sakura whispered in surprise to hear Shulai's grumpy voice rather than the voice of her love. "Mou…" She marched inside to find Shulai at Syaoran's desk, with books open, notebooks open, and binder open. Conclusion: Shulai Li starting his schoolwork imported from hong Kong.

"Hoe! Where's Syaoran? How come you're alone tonight?"

Shulai lifted his head and rolled his eyes. "Guess he didn't call or text or whatever the heck he does to keep in touch with you."

"I was hanging out with Tomoyo and my mom and my brother, okay?" Sakura stomped her feet in disappointment. She proceeded inside Syaoran's master bedroom and placed her Chiirou bear on the bed and walked back out. "How come you're the only one in here?"

"Man. Guess he never did contact you. What a douche." Shulai shook his head and swung himself around to face her. "Syaoran's gonna go all-night at the movie set. He's gonna be eating dinner over there."

"Oh, I see. Guess I'll have to cook for just the two of us—"

"Oh, before I forget, he also said that even though he's gonna be eating dinner in the set, he refuses to eat what everyone else has to eat. He has a request— Hokkaido Ramen."

Sakura chuckled. "I guess that means Wei's gonna come back here to pick up his dinner that I made, ne?"

"You got it, sister, now start cooking!"

"Hmph!" Sakura glared towards Shulai. "And since you're my co-slave, you should be helping me cook dinner!"

"Well, Xiaolang isn't here so I don't have to do anything."

"Jerk!" Sakura gritted her teeth but proceeded anyway to prepare the ramen.

Silence fell as she concentrated on dinner, ignoring Shulai altogether while thinking of the types of tastes Syaoran likes. Despite of the family ties, she still believed in herself that she knew Syaoran more than anyone else. She knew to herself how likable she is as a person overall, even Syaoran's parents and his sisters like her. As she continued to boil the water to cook the ramen noodles, she began to think to herself at this point.

How can the entire Li Clan like me? Sure, Uncle Xiaojin is the current leader but he may not have the power to go things his way when it comes to his son and his successor. I wonder how Auntie Yelan managed to get herself accepted by the entire clan? Well of course, she's Auntie Yelan, the most ambitious among the four best friends. She's the brains of the entire group. Of course she's found a way to make herself likable.

Man, I wish I was a smart as she is… I could really use some help right now. I really need to find out how I can make the entire Li Clan like me, especially the elders. But first… I have to get this ingrate look-alike cousin of his to like me…

She finished the rest of the ingredients and her version of the Hokkaido Ramen was looking perfect so far. She even took a taste test and the soup base was absolutely perfect. Just as she was about to finish, Wei arrived at the Wolf's Lair with a round thermal travel bowl that would contain the ramen.

"Good evening, Wei-san!" Sakura cheerfully greeted him. "I'm so sad that he wouldn't be eating dinner with us tonight, but I did my best with his request."

"Master Xiaolang will always be pleased." He placed the thermal bowl on the counter for Sakura to pour the ramen in. "He will also be returning very late today, so please, don't wait for him to return."

"Aww…" Sakura pouted sadly. "I guess I'll just have to try finishing my math homework then."

"We did speak about sleeping arrangements tonight, Sakura-chan. Master Xiaolang wants you to sleep in his master bedroom and also lock the door when you go to sleep."

"Hoe? But why do I have to lock the door?"

From out of the blue, Shulai called out to answer. "So that he doesn't arrive all H-minded and pounce on you and do stuff that I normally do with girls in bed!"

"Hoooeee?!" Sakura yelped in shock while Wei simply shook his head.

"Must you be blunt with the explanation, Master Shulai?" Wei asked with concern.

"Just speaking the truth, Wei," Shulai shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not underestimating Kinomoto her. She deserves the truth, at least."

Wei sighed deeply. "Fair enough, Master Shulai."

Sakura finished packing up the ramen in the thermal container and sealed it tightly, making sure that there were no spills when Wei delivers it to Syaoran at the set. "Well, here you go, Wei-san. I do hope Syaoran likes it."

"If it's prepared by you, Sakura-chan, I'm sure the young master would very much enjoy it."

"Thanks, Wei. You should eat dinner too. I should pack you some."

"No worries, Sakura-chan. I will be coming back to eat dinner with you."

"Oh! Okay then. Are you sure Syaoran would be okay over there?"

"Master Eriol and Miss Meiling are there, so not to worry."

"Oh okay! See you then!" Wei excused himself as he headed out with the thermal container, leaving both Sakura and Shulai alone once again.

"Well, I'm gonna go ahead and set the table so we can eat."

"I'm done studying for the time. I'm gonna go turn on the TV."

While Sakura began setting the table, Shulai propped himself on to the lounge seats and turned on the flat-screen TV masted on the wall with a remote control. The girl simply shook her head when she gazed her eyes at the lazy, slob-acting look-alike. How could any parent handle an unruly teenage boy like him, she thought. Maybe that was another reason why his parents sent him away so he can seriously change and be a normal son.

On the other hand, it was a good thing that he wasn't attracted to her. She'd rather have him rude and uncontrollable than him being lusty.

Once she was finished setting the table and serving the bowls at the counter, she heard Shulai called to her. "Hey, tonight is the TV showing of Dragon Samurai. We could watch right after dinner. It starts in two hours. It'd be like a late night movie thing!"

"Eh? A TV movie?" Sakura wondered curiously.

"Yeah. Dragon Samurai is Xiaolang's second Japanese movie and it actually won a lot of awards. This was like four years ago or something. Xiaolang was really young here along with Meiling and Eriol."

"Whoa… so all three of them were there…"

"Yeah. It's like one of those mesmerizing Wuxia films that Hong Kong is known for… except it's Japanese. I have to admit. It's my favorite movie that has all three of them in it. It was one of the hottest Japanese movies that was shown in Hong Kong movie houses then."

"Wow…" Sakura murmured. "I never really saw a single movie that has him in it before."

Shulai immediately snapped his head towards the kitchen area, facing Sakura. "You're kidding, right? You've never seen a single movie that has Xiaolang in it? What kind of a hellholle have you been hiding from?"

"I'm just not in to much showbiz, that's all. I like watching news and documentaries and sports on TV. If you ask Tomoyo and Yamazaki and all my other friends, they've probably have seen it."

"Bah. How boring." Shulai shook his head.

"Well, I'm almost done with serving the ramen at the table so you can sit at the table now."

Shulai suddenly stood up from the lounge seats. "You finish serving. I'm gonna head out and look for Wei so his food doesn't get cold."

"Okay!" Once Shulai exited the Wolf's Lair, Sakura gave a huge sigh of relief. Okay… so Shulai-kun can't always be bad after all. Maybe he and Syaoran talked after I left or… something…

Meanwhile outside the parking lot, Shulai stretched his arms. He found himself almost hypnotized at the colorful dusk looking down at them. Sure, there were colorful dusks such as this back in Hong Kong, but this was the first time that he felt completely refreshed, free, and most of all, at peace. It was a huge culture shock for him at first but eventually, he assimilated himself with the Tomoeda nature.

He looked around and there weren't that many people left. Majority present at the parking lot were teenagers around his age. Most of them were probably there for club meetings and outdoor sports practices. There was no sign of Wei yet so he decided to walk around the parking lot for a bit just in case he arrives.

As he walked past by the school gates, he spotted a somewhat familiar teenage girl standing under a nearby tree, looking rather impatient by the way she gazed at her phone and at her watch and the cycle starts over. Because light was about to disappear and there was no one around, he thought he would give this particular girl some company.

No, I'm not gonna pick her up and do the sultry deed… flirting with Chinese girls and those who live in Hong Kong are easy. I'm not in Hong Kong anymore… Shulai reminded himself. He approached her slowly and once he was close enough, his instincts were right in the money regarding the girl's identity.

"Oh. Hey!" Shulai greeted her with a short wave.

The petite long raven-haired junior immediately smiled at him. "Ah, Li-kun! What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in the movie set?"

Shulai gave a slight chuckle to himself. "Are you sure you're talking to the right Li?"

Mio Kuroda slightly got closer to him, then gave a soft gasp. "Ah! Shulai-kun! I'm sorry about that!"

"Nah, no worries. I get that a lot," Shulai gave a short grin. "Why are you still here? Shouldn't you be at home around this time?"

"Well, actually I'm waiting for someone. We're gonna go to an open house event at Clow Reed University."

"Huh? Your parents? Siblings?"

Mio shook her head. "Nope. My entire family are in Okinawa for vacation. I have to stay home because of school activities and all that. I'm actually waiting for Sojiro-kun."

Sojiro-kun, huh? I knew this chick's got a boyfriend! My instincts never fail me… "Sojiro-kun… boyfriend?"

"Yeah. He's not from here though. He's from Nijibe, the next town over."

"Whoa… Nijibe, huh? I heard about that town from Xiaolang and Eriol and even Kinomoto too. Rival town, right?"

"Pretty much. I mean we rival in every category, but other than that, we're pretty much cool with each other."

"So I was told. The biggest rivalry between those two towns, supposedly, is in soccer."

"Yup. Soccer is the most popular sport around this town. Baseball and basketball come in second and third."

"Is that so?"

Mio nodded enthusiastically. "Yup! I'm a major fan of soccer and I'm currently one of the two team managers for the soccer team here at Tomoeda High. I met Sojiro-kun earlier in the school year when we visited Nijibe High School for their first match. I got lost on my way around their campus and he happened to be there. He was on his way to the field. He's one of Nijibe's leading forwards so… I guess our love of soccer… drew us together!"

"Interesting," Shulai gave a smirk. "You know, most of the boys in the Li Clan play soccer, you know. Eriol, for example. He was born and raised from the country where soccer was born."

"Ah, of course, England," Mio nodded. "What about you, Shulai-kun?"

Shulai began to whistle softly. "Oh… I played here and there…"

"Waaaah! You must be such an awesome soccer player then!"

"Eh. I'm an okay player."

"Maybe you should join the summer sports camp next month, Shulai-kun. It'll be a great way to make new friends!"

"Thanks for the offer. Maybe I will."

The two teens smiled at each other when they were interrupted by a fancy-looking black luxury car that just stopped right in front of them. The chauffeur stepped out and then opened the back door. Out came a rather preppy-dressed young man about Shulai's height with a smile that charmed the young lady next to him but somehow disgusted the Chinese boy.

"Sorry I'm late, Mio-chan. DId you wait long?" The preppy boy approached Mio with a concerned look on his face.

"Not really. A friend kept me company," Mio returned his smile, then turned to Shulai. "Shulai-kun, this is my boyfriend."

"Ah, thank you for keeping my girlfriend company while she waited for me. I apologize for the trouble." He offered Shulai a handshake as he accepted it. "I'm Sojiro Kisaragi of Nijibe, by the way."

"Li Shulai… formerly of Hong Kong…" Shulai answered.

"My! Will you look at yourself, Li! You look exactly like that Chinese celebrity star who just took the Japanese teen scene by storm! You've heard of Li Xiaolang, correct?"

"Actually, he's—" Mio was about to answer but instead, Shulai decided to play along.

"Who hasn't? He started his fame in Hong Kong."

"You know, you should enter showbiz, you know? You've got the looks and the build and possibly the charm for it!"

"Heh. I've been thinking about it," Shulai shrugged. "Well, you two better get going or you'll miss that open house event."

"Of course." Sojiro turned his head towards Mio. "Shall we go, love?"

"Yup! Let's go!" She turned her head towards Shulai just after she stepped in the car. "I'll see you tomorrow, Shulai-kun!"

"Sure thing. Have fun!" He waved at the couple as they drove away. Once the car disappeared from his sight, he began to murmur to himself.

Sojiro Kisaragi, huh? You seem to be a decent guy. Now let's see what type of a punk you really are on the inside…

#

Shulai was rather shocked to learn that Sakura invited her friends inside the Wolf's Lair to spend their time watching one of Syaoran's old movies on TV, Dragon Samurai. Although Wei allowed Tomoyo, Yamazaki, Chiharu, Rika, Naoko, and Yun in, Shulai on the other hand did not look very pleased. For one thing, Sakura called her friends when he went out to look for Wei without any form of permission. Unfortunately for him, she turned to Wei for permission beforehand knowing he was the closest to Syaoran.

Her friends already ate their dinner and invited themselves to the lounge area to watch some TV while Sakura, Shulai, and Wei began eating their ramen. Sakura and Wei had their short conversations over dinner while Shulai remained silent, savoring the delicious and scrumptious Hokkaido Ramen that Sakura carefully prepared for tonight. He admitted to himself that it was the best noodle soup he ever had. He just wouldn't want to admit it in front of both Sakura and Wei.

By the time they were finished and Sakura used the dishwasher to wash the dishes and the pots and pans, Wei excused himself again to head to the movie set to tend to Syaoran, Eriol, and Meiling there. Once the teenagers were finally alone, Sakura and Shulai washed up and dressed in their PJs, seeing that their guests were already in their sleepwear. Tomoyo invited herself in to the swanky kitchenette and prepared popcorn in a microwave along with cans of unsweetened iced tea and Starbucks Frappucino-style iced coffee drinks. In just about a few minutes, the movie was about to start. Sakura arrived along with Chiirou in her arm.

"Time for the movie!" Sakura exclaimed excitedly. "Right, Chiirou?" She sat at the girls' side next to Tomoyo.

"Hey!" Shulai shouted to all the teens who were about to make loud noises in their chatter. "You better keep the entire area clean because Xiaolang hates his place looking like a pig sty!"

"You're such a party pooper, Shulai-kun," Chiharu rolled her eyes. "If you weren't so hot and good-looking and a complete uncanny resemblance to the ever-awesome Li Xiaolang, I would've kicked your ass right now!"

Shulai shook his head and turned towards Yamazaki. "This loudmouth here is your girlfriend? You gotta be kidding me!"

"Loudmouth? I'll show you—" Just as Chiharu was about to approach Shulai with violent attempts, Rika and Naoko quickly dragged her friend back. Shulai, on the other hand, smirked right at them.

"Calm down, Chiharu! I mean… he's Syaoran-kun's cousin!"

"Don't worry, we're all neat freaks ourselves!" Naoko reminded him.

"Yo Shulai, sit with us dudes over here!" He patted on a space next to him, while the girls sat at the adjacent sofa from them.

Once Shulai sat next to Yamazaki, he said "Is this how you always have your seating arrangements?"

"Huh? Nah," Yamazaki grinned. "Syao-chan was always in the middle. We're like his bodyguards and all that. Right, Yun?"

"Eh. You could say that," Yun shrugged his shoulders.

"Hey, everyone, the movie's about to start!" Chiharu hushed everyone, then found her spot next to Sakura and Tomoyo. She then began to whisper to her. "Ne, Sakura. This is your first movie that has Li-kun in it?"

Sakura nodded "Dragon Samurai was one of Li-kun's best movies in his career. You'll love it, trust me!"

"I'm sure I will!" Sakura nodded. Silence fell when the opening credits began playing on the screen.

#

"Looks like everyone's done with their dinner?" Kaho announced to everyone present at their dinner table at the Mooncastle Diner. Because of Yukito being there, dinner was for free for their guests.

"All clean!" Nakuru cheered. "Come on, what's the announcement?"

"Should I do a drumroll?" Kaho joked as she gazed at the Li Sisters.

"What drumroll? Can we just get on with it?" Touya made his complaint as he sipped on his unsweetened iced green tea.

"Impatient, aren't we, Touya?" Kaho grinned.

"Well, alright, alright, let's get this over with before we take up all night and the elders of the families will get worried," Shiefa chuckled. She stood up from her seat and picked up a fork and gently chimed on her empty glass to get everyone's attention.

"Ahem," Shiefa began by clearing her throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, we're here tonight on a small dinner gathering to congratulate our dear sister and friend, Miss Fanren Li, as the brand-new senior youth coordinator of the Tomoeda Community Center. She recently got a call from the Parks and Recreation Head Commissioner earlier today that she got the job."

"Wow, a community leader, Fanren? Congrats!" Yukito praised Fanren as the rest of the table applauded. Fanren stood up slowly and bowed her head to give her thanks.

"Now that's out of the way," Shiefa continued, "now the real meat of the meeting starts now. I now turn to our new senior youth coordinator to lead the meeting off. The table is now yours, sister dear!"

The table applauded again as Shiefa sat back down. Fanren remained sitting as she brought out a professional-looking folder with a notepad inside and a pen. "Anyway, the job actually isn't effective until September, however there's a bit of a shortage of staff in the youth services office this summer, so as a preview, they asked me if I can start working officially tomorrow. And with that, I already have an assignment."

"Wow!" Nakuru gasped. "What assignment is that?"

"Well," Fanren continued, "as you know, this season's biggest youth event is the summer sports camp. There's already different coordinators who will be handling each sport event, but I was assigned to handle the soccer team."

Touya almost spit out his green tea and burst in to laughter. "Are you kidding me? They placed you as coordinator of the soccer team?"

"In case you have forgotten, Touya Kinomoto, I was team captain of the Tomoeda High School girls' soccer team from 11th Grade till graduation, and now that I've mentioned it, we even kicked your asses at the boys vs. girls exhibition game twice in a row under my leadership, so you better recognize and shut up!"

"It's too bad that the girls' soccer team has been cut out of the school budget three years ago, so Sakura-chan wasn't even able to play soccer in high school and decided to just stick to the cheerleading squad," Nakuru sighed. "Man…"

"Besides, I may have the power to relieve you and Yuki-chan from that ridiculous one-week slave thing for the rest of the week," Fanren added.

"What? Are you serious?" Touya gasped while Yukito calmed him down.

"Our ears are open now, Fanren. Don't mind him. He's been stressed from the whole one-on-one tutoring bit with the idol kids," Yukito grinned.

"Damn lazy asses…" Touya rolled his eyes referring to the idols he had to tutor earlier today.

"Anyway, the soccer team. Tryouts for the team will start tomorrow and we'll be making our decisions this weekend. Because the idols will also be participating, they're being split up in to two groups. Xiaolang, Eriol, Meiling, and that Hirashiki girl will represent Tomoeda. The rest will be representing Nijibe. I think that's what they said. Xiaolang and Eriol do plan to join the soccer team, and since they'll be away in two weeks, we were able to contact Kagamineshi Middle School for permission to use their soccer field so the boys would be able to practice by playing soccer with the middle school boys' team over there. The producers and cast members already made deals with the youth services council earlier today and the idols will be given an hour and a half to participate in team tryouts. Some of them will stay here and some of them will travel to Nijibe. I don't know which one of the other idols play soccer other than Xiao and Eriol, I mean there are other events in the sports camp after all. But as part of the deal, Director Terada will give time for the boys to practice with the middle school team over there…"

During Fanren's presentation, Kaho began jotting down notes. Fanren continued on. "On the final week of July, we all know it's the annual festival set-up and clean-up where everyone in town are required to participate. Soccer practice will be reduced to an hour and it will be in the late afternoon. The idols and the movie crew will be arriving back here on Thursday night."

"Seriously? Thursday night?" Feimei blinked her eyes. "So technically, they're not gonna be in that Kagamineshi place for two weeks. They're gonna be there for a week and five days!"

"Right…" Fanren glared at her sister, showing that she didn't want to be disturbed during her lecture. "Anyway, moving on. On Friday, the idols will be split to their respective teams. Xiao, Eriol, Meiling, and Hirashiki will remain in Tomoeda, the other idols will be moving to Nijibe to do their event practices with the Nijibe team and likewise with our team. Also on that Friday, Xiao, Eriol, Meiling, Hirashiki, and whoever movie crew who will stay in Tomoeda will be joining our final set-up day for the festival. A few select media will be visiting both Tomoeda and Nijibe to interview the idols again about the conclusion of the shooting and of course, the summer sports camp—"

"Ooh!" From out of the blue, Fuutie interrupted. "Does that mean Ai Aihara of the Oshare-na Teens! show will be back again?"

From out of the blue, Fanren exploded. "Can you let me finish what I'm trying to present here?! Stop interrupting me!"

"Eek!" Fuutie yelped while Shiefa hushed her.

"Sorry about that, Fanren. Please, keep going," Shiefa spoke in her usual mature way.

"Ehem," Fanren coughed again. "The summer sports camp itself will be televised, however they will only shoot the events in which the idols are involved with at both sides. To make the story short, the soccer match between our team and Nijibe will be nationally televised. The soccer game is the final eevent of the camp, so it will be at Saturday night. We've got the rest of the week during camp to practice and prepare."

"Wow, that sounds really huge," Yukito made his statement. "So, what do you need from this, Fanren?"

"Well," Fanre smirked, "this is the part where I get to have the power to bail you two out from the whole one-week slavery punishment starting tomorrow."

"Yeah? And?" Touya asked curiously.

"You did well being assistant coach last year's summer camp, Yuki-chan, that's what I was told. Apparently the head coach is currently at his grandparents' village somewhere down south and couldn't coach this year's team, so I'm promoting you as the new head coach."

"Seriously? Really?" Yukito exclaimed in enthusiasm. "Awwwwright!" He pumped a victory fist upward as Fanren hushed him.

"Touya, you'll be his assistant."

"Excuse me?" Touya raised an eyebrow. "Why is Yukito the head coach and I'm the assistant? It's usually the other way around where I'm the master and he's the deputy!"

"Don't ask me. I only know what I was being told. You're good at defensive plays anyway so you get to coach defense while Yuki-chan can coach offense. Besides, everybody loves Yuki-chan!" She grinned.

"That's right!" Nakuru nodded with pride. "Everybody loves Yuki-chan! Even Syaoran-kun wished that Yuki-chan was his big brother instead of you Touya!"

"Who says I want to be that brat's big brother?" Touya protested.

"Right. Anyway," Fanren interrupted so she can continue on with the meeting. "The summer camp will also have the usual events from last year, such as the three-legged race, couples sprint, food-eating contest, scavenger hunt, and all that. The summer camp committee also suggested that each of the major sports teams— soccer, basketball, and baseball, will have their own cheerleading squads. Kaho signed up to be the soccer team manager while Nakuru volunteered to be the choreographer for the cheerleading squad."

Touya raised his hand as Fanren pointed at him. "Wait, why is Nakuru the choreographer? I was thinking if my sister can just be the choreographer instead?"

"I'm not suggesting Sakura-chan because most likely she'll try out for the soccer team—"

"Say what? She's a girl!" Touya gave a glare.

"Who says the soccer team is an all-boys soccer team, Touya?" Fanren argued. "I don't know how updated you are with the younger generation of teenagers today, but buzz has been flying around that they want to see a Kinomoto-Li Power Pairing reunion on the soccer field!"

"Huh? Well there's you and me, Fanren. Me being the Kinomoto and you being the Li."

"We're adults, Touya, we're not even qualified!" Fanren rolled her eyes. "For once, please be serious!"

"Don't sweat it, Fanren," Shiefa interrupted. "Touya's just nervous because Sakura-chan may actually try out for the soccer team. After all, anything so she can get close to the one she loves the most."

"Huh? What makes you think that your bratty little brother is the one she's got the hots for, huh?"

"You really are dense, you know that, Touya?" Kaho shook her head. "Everybody can see it, it's in their eyes— even I can see the way those two look at each other!"

"Whatever…" Touya shook his head.

"Moving on. Shiefa, Fuutie, and Feimei will be responsible for the finances of the soccer team. Since our family is the one who's gonna be sponsoring the expenses, it's only fitting that the other three sisters will be checking the finances to be sure that we're not overspending and all of that."

Shiefa sighed. "Fuutie and Feimei can be my assistants. I'll be the head financial analyst here."

"Huh? How come you always have to be the leader, Shiefa? Just because you're the first-born among the four of us quadruplets, doesn't make you the leader!" Fuutie exclaimed.

"I'm the one earning an MBA in Finance and Actuarial Science and I have the best grades in math. If it weren't for me, Xiao would be an idiot in math right now. Better recognize!" Shiefa stuck her tongue at her two sisters, while Fuutie and Feimei simply glared right at her.

"Okay, that's about it! Tomorrow morning, the idols and their one-week slaves will be having a meeting regarding this, so in short, you two will be off the hook first!" Fanren gave a nod.

"Sounds good," Touya grinned. "Hell, this beats tutoring whiny, bratty lazy asses who call themselves idols, that's for sure."

"Agreed," Yukito said. "Those same idols are really picky with the food they eat. They really need to appreciate more good food, you know?"

"Any questions, everyone?" Fanren asked before she officially concludes the meeting. Everyone shook their heads. "Great! Meeting's adjourned! Let's all go home and have a nice sleep. Gotta wake up early tomorrow morning!"

"About time…" Touya muttered. The young adults stood up from their seats while Shiefa proceeded to stack up the dishes so the busboys can pick these up easily on their trays.

#

Some two hours later, Sakura gave a frightened expression on her face while clinging on to her Chiirou, hiding her face partially behind the stuffed animal. While the rest of the teens expressed their excited and content reactions to the movie after it ended, the green-eyed girl stayed at her own corner shivering in fear. Tomoyo noticed this immediately and sat next to her.

"What's the matter, Sakura? It's just a movie!" Tomoyo chuckled. "I gotta admit, Syaoran-kun's really good in there! No wonder the movie won so many awards and him winning for best young actor and best newcomer too!"

Sakura pouted and raised her head. "No one told me it was a horror movie…"

"It's not a horror movie, Sakura, it's a supernatural phenomenon-type of epic story!" Naoko corrected. "Man, best movie I've ever seen! How come I didn't watch this when it first came out?"

Chiharu sighed, patting Sakura on her shoulder. "Good grief, Sakura. You're seventeen-years-old and you're still scared of ghosts?"

"There's ghosts in my house basement, I know it!" Sakura randomly yelped. "Whenever my brings ancient old artifacts and stuff in to the house, you know ghosts are bound to come out at night…"

At that moment, Shulai burst in to laughter after seeing the green-eyed girl's reaction after the movie. "Good grief! Don't tell me you're afraid of monsters and ghosts?!"

"Hey, give it a rest, Shulai-kun!" Rika began defending her friend. "Sakura's been scared of ghosts and monsters since she was little!"

"And ever since then," Yamazaki added, "she refused to participate on events that involved the spooky stuff and the usual courage tests that we normally hold here."

Shulai faded his laughter but instead shook his head. "Unbelievable. A seventeen-year-old girl scared of ghosts and demons even if they're on TV. Does the clan leader know about this?"

Yun almost broke in to laughter. "Dude, you question about your future clan leader's true feelings for Sakura-chan?"

Right then, Shulai faced directly towards Sakura. "The Li Clan does not accept cowards! Just speaking the truth here. Better I tell you know than find out yourself later. I just saved you the time."

Sakura remained silent while Tomoyo placed her arm around her. "Don't listen to him. Sakura, you want to sleep now?"

Sakura had been silent all this time and simply gave her a nod. "Alright then. I'll walk you to bed." The two best friends stood up as she aided Sakura to Syaoran's bedroom.

"Hey, Kinomoto! Don't forget to lock the door behind you after Daidouji leaves!" Shulai abruptly shouted while Tomoyo quickly snapped her head at him.

"Keep your voice down, Shulai-kun! She doesn't feel like talking when she's like this!" She closed the door behind her once they entered the bedroom.

Once the two girls sat on the side of the bed, Sakura immediately dropped Chiirou to her lap and embraced Tomoyo to her. "Mou… I wish you'd stay and sleep with me tonight, Tomoyo…"

Tomoyo knew everything about Sakura, most especially her weaknesses. Sakura was known as a tough cookie hidden behind a sweet and innocent face and a cheerful, heartwarming smile, but she also had her own weaknesses that made her vulnerable as well. The sight and sound of lightning and thunder, for one thing, really frightened her. Ghosts and demons, even if they exist or not, was another.

"Syaoran will be back soon, don't worry," Tomoyo whispered to her.

"But Syaoran told me to lock the door once I come inside here to go to sleep. He's gonna sleep at those bunker beds with Shulai and Wei."

"What? Seriously? I guess he just wants to respect your femininity, Sakura. That's how sweet, caring, and loving he is towards you."

"But… I don't like sleeping alone after watching that movie…"

Tomoyo slowly picked up Chiirou from Sakura's lap and handed it to her. "Here. Just pretend Chiirou is Syaoran. Then you wouldn't be alone anymore."

Sakura slowly grabbed Chiirou from her and then held him tight to her. Right then, she nodded. "I think… I'll be okay."

"Good. We have to get back to our trailer now. Sleep well, Sakura."

"Thanks, Tomoyo. Goodnight."

Her best friend helped tucking her in. As she was making her way to the door, Tomoyo turned to Sakura. "You want me to leave the lights on for you?"

Sakura quickly nodded. "Would you, please?"

"No problem. See you in the morning!" Tomoyo waved at her as she exited the room.

"Hoe… this is embarrassing… I can't believed I just showed one of my embarrassing weaknesses in front of Shulai…" Sakura murmured to herself and then turned to Chiirou. "I hope you can help me sleep well tonight and not get any nightmares…"

Once she held Chiirou tight to her, she then closed her eyes, trying to get some sleep. But before she did that, she followed Syaoran's instructions by locking the door first.

#

The clock reached 2:30 a.m. and the idols and the movie crew finally finished all of their scenes and were heading towards their respective camper buses. Syaoran exchanged his goodnights withi his fellow co-stars and crew while reaching for the keys to his camper door. Once he and Wei entered the camper, they both found Shulai awake. Well, he was lying down on his bunker bed, but his bedside lamp was on,with him holding a sketchbook and drawing something on a pencil.

"Why aren't you asleep yet, Shulai?" Syaoran asked curiously. His look-alike cousin placed his sketchbook down and then shot the same glare towards his future clan leader.

"Welcome back to you too, Xiaolang. Eh, it was fun. Had some friends over and watched your movie on TV."

Syaoran raised an eyebrow. "Which movie was it?"

"The movie that got you your first award, Dragon Samurai. Since it was my favorite movie I let Kinomoto invite her friends over. Of course, everyone was at awe even until now except for her. Who would've thought she's such a cow—"

"Why didn't you tell her that it was a supernatural fantasy movie? She hates those types of stories!" Syaoran rolled his eyes.

"Hey, why you blaming me, Xiaolang? I didn't now she's scared of that stuff in the first place! But seriously, how is the clan going to take her seriously if she's such a—"

Syaoran simply ignored him and moved forward to his door. Immediately, Shulai reminded him. "Uh, may I have to remind you that the door to your room is locked?"

Still, he continued ignoring him and then reached his hand inside his pocket. Out came a set of keys, in which one of them just happened to be the key to his bedroom. This, of course, shocked his cousin.

"What the— you have keys to your own room? That's cheating!" Shulai exclaimed. "What about the Li Curse? How about that, huh?"

"Goodnight, Shulai. Go to sleep." Right then, he opened the door and immediately shut the door behind him, locking it at the same time.

Once Syaoran entered, she spotted Sakura looking completely frightened while clinging on to Chiirou. He approached her and then sat next to her. Few seconds later, Sakura's eyes immediately opened and gasped happily.

"Syaoran, you're back!" Quickly she threw her arms around him while he gave a soft chuckle.

"Yeah. I'm back. Most of the scenes are finished now." He embraced her back as Sakura leaned her head in security on to his shoulders. "Why are you still awake?"

"I'm scared… I'll get nightmares…"

Syaoran sighed and then gently rested his chin on top of her head. "This is why I never convince you to watch most of my movies, Sakura. They're mostly supernatural mystery action genres and I know how much you hate ghosts and monsters and demons and the like…"

"… and… and you died in the end! I really cried but I was mostly shivering at the same time!"

He gave a chuckle. "The Dragon Samurai, Ryuu, was the one who died to save the people I'm still here."

"But still… you played Ryuu-kun and… he left his true love so the ghosts won't have to haunt their town anymore…"

"Well, I'm here now, Sakura." Still, she continued to cling on to him as he quickly tried to release himself. "Hun, lemme go wash up and change first…"

"Mou… I know Shulai and Wei said that you'll be sleeping in the bunker beds with them but… could you just sleep here with me instead?" She pouted along with the fearful look in her eyes.

Damn… how can I say no…? Syaoran's voice spoke along with a sigh. He was still aware that this so-called Li Curse may activate his carnal need for her but at the same time the poor girl was horrified just because of a movie. He already reminded both Wei and Shulai that he chose to endure the curse by not getting near her as much as he used to and this was just the first step. He already broke his word when he unlocked his room door himself with a spare key.

On the other hand, he was already there in his room with a frightened Sakura on his bed. "Sure, Sakura. I'll be here."

Sakura sighed in relief along with a smile as Syaoran grabbed his sleepwear and headed for the restroom. She tucked herself in the blanket with Chiirou in her arms now.. There was even a time where she overheard Shulai arguing with her little wolf regarding his sneaky access to his locked room without even informing him or Wei. Although the argument was in Cantonese, just the volume of Shulai's voice was enough for her to determine he was not happy with the way Syaoran is handling things.

Some moments later, Syaoran returned in his white t-shirt and black sweatpants, neatly hanged his used clothes on the clothes hanger on the wall, and then proceeded himself to the bed next to Sakura. Without hesitation, Sakura crawled out of the blanket, placing Chiirou next to the edge of the bed, and then embraced Syaoran by the waist, resting herself against his steel-hard chest while Syaoran wrapped an arm around her.

"I'm happy you're here with me…" Sakura muttered.

"I'm glad to hear that," Syaoran grinned. "So, what parts of the movie scared you?"

"Just… just the part where the ghosts and demons started invading the village and… kidnapping the children and even killing the elders and the parents… and the fact that those monsters turned the kidnapped children in to slaves… and… anything that has those creatures in them!"

"Ah, just sleep them off of your mind," he answered. "They won't invade your dreams."

"But I'm scared… I get nightmares every time I see scary scenes in a movie… or a TV episode of a drama or something… that's why I can't sleep because I don't want to get those nightmares…"

Syaoran remained silent and instead he gently pulled her closer to him, now with both arms surrounding her in protective mode. He softly whispered: "I'm not going anywhere, Sakura. When you feel scared, you know I'm always here…"

She then gave a sigh. "Are you angry?"

"Eh?" He blinked his eyes curiously. "Angry at what?"

"At me… for not overcoming this childhood fear."

"Why would you think that? I heard Shulai-kun getting angry earlier… even though he was speaking in Cantonese."

"Feh, he's only bitter. Don't pay attention to him. He's just mad because I have a key to my own bedroom door even though I specifically reminded them to tell you to lock the door."

She slowly gazed up right at him. "Why did you unlock the door and let yourself in? I thought you're not going to sleep next to me tonight?"

"I had to check up on you after I hear from Shulai that you watched one of my movies on TV earlier today because I know how much you're horrified at those things. That's why I never mention anything about my movies to you, never suggested to you that you should watch any of them."

"But I really do want to watch a movie with you in it, Syaoran. Don't get me wrong."

He nodded. "I understand. Well, when Cherry Blossom, Little Wolf comes out in the theaters, probably in the winter this year or early next year, then you can watch it."

"Mou…" Sakura found herself giggling without even realizing that their small talk was gradually helping her get over her fear. Likewise for Syaoran, this small talk was gradually helping him not to feel aroused due to the so-called Li Curse.

This is good. Just talking… he thought to himself. Now I won't have to worry about getting all frustrated and aroused…

"Well, let's sleep now. We have to wake up really early in the morning."

"Hoe? But… I wanna talk some more…"

"We'll be having another meeting. It'll be the meeting in which some of you one-week slaves may end your services as of tomorrow. Yeah, the director reminded us about it earlier. That's why we had to finish as much as we can tonight so we wouldn't have to do as much for the rest of the week."

She found his deep amber eyes gazing right at hers, however the only expression she could give him at this point was sadness. "But… I like being your one-week slave. It's like… I get to be closer to you and… do so many good things for you… and I really like cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner for you…"

"You'll find out what's gonna happen at tomorrow's meeting. I already set my phone alarm up so we can wake up together." Still, her expression still remained sad while he gave a soft chuckle. "Alright, alright. What else would you like to talk about?"

"I want to know, Syaoran… how can you put up with me? I'm probably the most uncute, unfeminine, and the lamest girl in town who's still scared of ghosts, monsters, lightning, and thunder… you probably got annoyed with me on that day when you had to carry me on your back because Oniichan and Yuki-niichan played a mean trick on me…"

He shook his head. "We were only five-years-old back then. It was during those dumb courage tests at the summer sports camp. You were grouped with your brother and Aniki to go through the dark forest where there was rumors that it was haunted by ghosts. Luckily my sisters and I were not too far away from you when you were left alone and started screaming. My sisters were already scared enough going through the forest so I went to look for you myself."

"Thanks so much for rescuing me, Syaoran. It was then that I began to realize that you truly are someone special to me. While everyone else laughed, you're the only one who made me feel better when I'm down."

He lifted his head and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. "It's because your smiles and your cheerfulness makes me happy. If you're sad and down, I would feel sad and down too."

Sakura nodded with a light smile on her face. "Me too. I get sad when you get sad, so I want to cheer you up so you can be happy. And then I'll be happy again."

"Yeah," he chuckled. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Will you vow something for me, Sakura?"

She gazed right at him when she lifted her head. "Hoe? Sure, of course."

"No matter what happens… for better or for worse… expected and unexpected… even if things become heartbreaking… always trust me always. Okay?"

She faced him directly and nodded. "Of course. I already trusted you ever since we first met."

"I just want you to keep this in mind whenever unexpected things may happen abruptly, Sakura. I'll do whatever I can to protect you from harm and from anyone else, whether they're family, friends, or foes. I may have to do something you may not like or may hurt you, but keep in mind that I'm only doing what I had to do to protect you and your privacy from the tabloids." He paused for a bit and noticed her puzzled look as he continued. "Remember, I'm still a celebrity. Tabloids and paparazzi still follow me around and probably will still be once I take on the clan's leadership seat. And when they spot me with someone they find intimate, they'll do whatever they can to dish out the dirt from them as well. I'm sure as of now, the tabloids or the media don't know about you yet and I intend to keep it that way."

"I… I understand… but I wanna do something to protect you too."

"Don't worry about me, my life's pretty much an open book since I was born. It's you who I worry about. I'll do whatever I can to protect you no matter what it takes. That's my vow to you, Sakura."

She nodded slowly and embraced him tightly to her. "Okay. I'll remember." Right then, she gave a yawn, which made Syaoran pleased for the night.

"Good. You're sleepy now. Go to sleep."

"Mm-hmm," she nodded. "Goodnight, my sweet prince."

"Goodnight, my Ying Fa." They gave each other quick kisses as she closed her eyes in a sounding sleep. Syaoran, on the other hand, waited to be sure that she goes to sleep completely. Once he could hear her breathing, he proceeded to closing his eyes and get in to his own sleep.

Day 2 of the Li Curse. Survived.

#

Wednesday (One-Week Slavery Day 3)

The alarm clock on Syaoran's phone rang, and surprisingly, the one who slept later than the other was the one to wake up first. He reached for his phone and checked the time as 5:30 a.m. The said early morning meeting was scheduled at 7:00 a.m. and this was a good time for him to get ready before his lady love wakes up. He then placed his phone back on his side table and realized that Sakura's arms were completely clinging on to him.

My, she looked so peaceful and alluring in her sleep! He couldn't help himself but not to get up from his bed and just watch her sleep instead. The damned Li Curse wasn't helping him either, now that he was beginning to feel the tingle crawling within him.

Quickly he turned his head away from her and slowly rolled himself free from her arms. Dammit, no good! It's early in the morning and I'm feeling it again!

Good thing she hasn't waken up yet once he set himself free from her arms. He softly tiptoed to the restroom to wash up. Both Wei and Shulai were still asleep in their respective bunk beds. He wanted to make sure that he and Sakura get up first before these two were to wake up.

After he washed himself up and had a quick change of clothes, he tiptoed back in his master bedroom, where he found Sakura still sleeping soundly, in which he was replaced with Chiirou in her arms now. He gave a silent chuckle as he sat at the edge of the bed near Sakura.

Just as he was about to reach for her with his hand, something else immediately took control of him. Without even realizing it, his hand began to gently trace her cheek, and before he knew it, his fingers began to trail down to her neck, to her shoulders, and then to her bare arm. If only she was lying back instead of sideways, he would have had access to one of her sensitive spots as well.

What… what am I doing…? But then again, she said it's okay as long as it's me, right? Um… just a little bit… it'l be okay… right?

He was about to repeat again, but this time, she turned herself around, and was now facing him. He was startled a bit but eventually caught his composure back. Goodness, he thought to himself. She was smiling during her sleep! She must be having a wonderful dream. Luckily for him, her angelic smile distracted the Li Curse from making him doing something he shouldn't be doing. He found himself smiling along as he watched her.

Moments later, her lips began to murmur, which made the Li Curse take control of its victim once again. "Syaoran… am I not pretty enough for you…?"

He swallowed nervously and began to think to himself. Dammit, stupid curse… don't make me take advantage of her here and now…

To make things worse for him, her words began to murmur again. "Don't stop… Syaoran… please… don't stop…" At this point, he just wanted to lock himself in the restroom and wait until someone knocks on the door. He had to take control over the curse and protect Sakura from his budding lustful ways.

I'm not listening to Eriol's options… I have to endure this. This is nothing, dammit! If I can work my way around my 16th birthday challenge, I can work my way around this… except I can't have Shulai violate poor Sakura for my sake… no way…

Right then, it dawned on him. His mind muttered Shulai's name in the picture. Maybe this would help a bit. After all, he still is the master of the Wolf's Lair and he's got both Sakura, Wei, and Shulai looking up to him. As a master, all he had to do is to be just that— a master.

He got up from the bed, stormed out of his bedroom, and then shook the bunk bed in which Shulai was sleeping. The shaking already annoyed Shulai to the point where he got up and cursed out his words.

"Friggin— what's the big idea?!"

"Good morning, Shulai. Finally you're up."

The look-alike glared right at the future clan leader. "What the hell's the big deal, Xiaolang? Don't you know what time it is?"

"We have an early morning meeting, all of us, so wash up, dress up, and wake Sakura up for me."

"Fine, fine, I'm getting up—" Just as he was about to get up, he immediately realized the latter part at the list minute. "Wait… the last part… say that again?"

"You heard me, Shulai. Go wake Sakura up."

"The eff?! Why do I have to wake that wanna-be chick up?"

"Hey! You talk about her that way and I'll rip your head off. Now hurry up!"

"Antsy bastard…" Shulai shook his head as he proceeded to the restroom. Once he did, Syaoran led out a sigh of relief.

He proceeded to Wei's bed and gently patted his trusted guardian on the shoulder. Wei slowly woke up to find his young master looking down at him. "Oh my, good morning, Master Xiaolang! Is it that time already?"

"I'm sorry, I meant to have Sakura wake up first before the two of you but… the curse…"

Wei slowly got up, rubbing his eyes. "So you are having Master Shulai wake the young Sakura-chan up, correct?"

"Do I have a choice? I don't think I'll survive with this stupid curse on me, Wei…"

"Well, considering Shulai is not attracted to Sakura-chan as much as you are, it should be fine."

Right then, Shulai, all dressed up with just a red t-shirt and blue jeans, proceeded to the master bedroom, where Sakura was still sleeping. While Wei was getting up, Syaoran decided to spy on how his cousin was going to wake up his beloved girlfriend along with a pillow that he grabbed from Wei's bunk bed..

Shulai looked down at the sleeping Sakura with a rather displeased expression. He then shook his head and slowly stepped backward. Without hesitation, he kicked the corner of the bed, shaking it a little. "Hey! Stop snoring and get your ass up! You got breakfast to make and I'm hungry as hell!"

This was why a pillow was necessary at this situation. Syaoran flung the pillow right at Shulai, which fortunately for him, was a direct hit. "Ow! What the hell was that for, Xiaolang?"

"I said for you to wake her up, not scream and complain at her just because she's sleeping!" Syaoran warned him.

"That's what I'm doing, aren't I?"

"By kicking my precious bed? Is that how you wake up all the chicks you slept with?"

"I have strict and proper manners with girls, Xiaolang, in case you're clueless about this. I treat them well because they are delicate creatures."

"And you still kicked the corner of my bed, you ungrateful bastard!"

"What the hell— you want me to touch her just so I can wake her up? As in… touch her?" Once again, Syaoran threw another pillow at him. This time, Shulai shifted his body to the side, missing the pillow. "Ha! You missed this time!" Even if that was the case, he did not expect a third pillow that immediately hit his face. "Ow— goddammit Xiaolang!"

Syaoran continued to glare at him as Shulai continued to rub his head and faced the peacefully sleeping Sakura again. Reluctantly, he began to gently prod Sakura on her shoulder to see if she would react. Not only that, his tone also became a little less harsh. "Hey. Wake up… uhh… you better or your else your man is going to molest you— ow!" Another pillow landed right at his face. This time, he wasn't going to back down. "That's it, Xiaolang! I don't care if you're my future clan leader, but you're toast!"

Shulai ran after Syaoran when Sakura's voice suddenly spoke, which caught the attention of the two cousins. Of course, it wasn't the type of attention that would please them. Consider it more towards the awkward level.

"Syaoran… you're… you're so hard… and hot… and… so strong…"

"Gah!" Syaoran shrieked with his eyes opened wide while Shulai dropped his head, slowly walking away from the area.

"I don't wanna hear this… she's your problem, Xiaolang. Leave me out of it." He lifted his head and turned towards his cousin. "Just do something with her, Xiaolang. I'll make our breakfast." Without other questions, Shulai proceeded to the kitchen and much to Syaoran's surprise, the troubled teenage player actually knows the ways of the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Syaoran had to figure out how to wake Sakura up without letting the Li Curse get in to him. Those words Sakura just murmured from his sleep even made him feel the way she described him: Hard, hot, and strong. In fact, he can already feel it and he simply wanted to run away and hide from her.

Suddenly, he started to have a revelation. When he confessed indirectly to Sakura of his feelings for her, was that really him or was it the Li Curse who did the talking for him? He wasn't exactly this bold to any girl at all, even with Meiling, but to the one he loves the most? His boldness must be the curse talking, but he was very certain that his confession to her was absolutely real.

He began to curse himself to calm down and keep his cool and under control. He had to wake up Sakura or they will miss the morning meeting. He swallowed and exhaled, then finally stepped inside his room.

Once he arrived at the front of his bed, Sakura then began to stretch her arms while murmuring again: "Syaoran…"

This was no time to watch. He needed to answer. "Good morning, Sakura. We better get ready for the meeting…"

"Oh no!" Immediately, Sakura got up with eyes wide open. "I can't believe I overslept! I gotta go make breakfast—"

Syaoran immediately stopped her by taking her right in his arms. "Don't worry about that. Shulai is making breakfast instead."

Sakura's eyes opened wide in surprise as she lifted her head towards him. "Shulai-kun… can cook?"

"He volunteered to make breakfast instead since you wouldn't wake up."

She gave a rather guilty-looking expression. "I'm really sorry, Syaoran… it's just that… I had such a wonderful dream…"

He gulped nervously. "A dream, huh…? Um… what's it about…?"

She immediately blushed. "D-do I have to tell you… everything…?"

"Well… unless if you want it to come true, sure!" He just had to know. He wanted to know if she too was thinking of those things involving him, and if this was true, he would probably won't have much of a hard time to deal with the Li Curse. Otherwise, he didn't care anymore.

"Well… um… you were playing soccer out in the field and…" Sakura couldn't believe that she was actually telling him what her dream was, however, she didn't want to sound obvious and decided to go slowly. "Well… you were really… really… hot… and… you were playing hard… real hard… and… the way you made that goal against the goaltender… it was so strong… and…"

Although Sakura's dream wasn't what he was expecting, he figured that him looking dangerously sexy from every angle was beginning to turn the naive young girl on. He then gave a grin. "So, you want to see me play soccer, all strong and sweaty?"

"Er… well… um…" She immediately blushed.

"And it's summer and… there's no rule in non-professional soccer that I play the game without my shirt on—"

"Hoe!" She shrieked again, placing her hands on her ears. He answered with a snicker.

"Well, you better get dressed. We'll have breakfast soon."

"Okay…" Sakura sighed deeply as she headed to her bag to grab her new change of clothes and headed to the bathroom.

At this point, Syaoran dropped himself on to his bed, burying his face against one of the pillows, and began to pound the mattress surface with his fist repeatedly. She was only dreaming about me playing soccer… and I was thinking of… something else… Damn this Li Curse!

#

Because Shulai took awhile to make breakfast— what can you say, he wasn't exactly used to making his own meals in the kitchen in his everyday life— he, Syaoran, Sakura, and Wei had to bring their breakfast along outside at the central court patio area of Tomoeda High School, where the meeting was to be held. Just like the Sunday meeting regarding the one-week slavery, the non-idols were already gathered together. The only difference was that they were sitting at patio tables, there were even allowed to bring their refreshments and breakfast, and the fact that Shulai happened to be with them.

Sakura stared at her bento box, where the breakfast Shulai prepared was stored. She spotted fresh fruits in one section, spice-scented French Toast complete with a small cube of butter and honey on the main section, and on one of the smaller sections, two rather strange-looking cracked eggs that looked like internal body parts of an animal almost gave her a shock. She began to stare at it, curious as to what these eggs tasted like.

In the meantime, Shulai ate his breakfast bento just like any ordinary breakfast. That also included his two cracked eggs, in which he peeled off the shell and revealing dark-colored eggs inside. Sakura watched him take a bite off of his egg as the unruly look-alike met her green curious eyes.

"What?" Shulai wondered. "What the hell are you staring at?"

"Um… sorry to interrupt your breakfsat, but… what are these eggs?"

Shulai almost broke in to laughter but instead took a sip off of his unsweetened iced tea bottle. "You've never had tea eggs before?"

"Well… um… no…" Sakura gave a nervous smile.

"Fine, you're forgiven," he sighed. "They're tea eggs. They're a staple of Chinese breakfast. More of a snack, really."

"Tea eggs? How come they're all discolored and all that?"

"The process is simple, Kinomoto. Boil the eggs first, crack the shell lightly so there's openings to get to the inside of the egg, and then boil them again in a tea mixture that consists of spices, soy sauce, and tea leaves. This is Hong Kong style so we used Po-lay Tea as the tea base."

"Wow. That's… interesting…" She then continued to stare at her own eggs. "Po-lay Tea?"

"Err…" Shulai blinked. "I guess you Japanese know it by its Mandarin name, Pu-erh."

"Ah! Yes, I know Pu-erh Tea! They're really good!"

"Don't knock till you try it, Kinomoto," Shulai warned her. "Your man's crazy about tea eggs."

Sakura showed a bit of blushing on her face. "Syaoran's favorite snack? I'll try!" With her fork, she took a piece of the tea egg and tasted it. "Wow! This is quite flavorful!"

"Heh, you oughta be lucky you're eating that, Kinomoto. That's an ancient family recipe that only a select members of the family know about."

"And your French Toast is really delicious too," Sakura admitted as she began eating her toast. "It's amazing that you can cook— I mean, not discriminating or anything."

"Hey, I do what I can to win attention, you know," he smirked. "You wanna impress Xiaolang, you better start learning how to make your own tea egg."

"Hoe?" Sakura blinked her eyes. "My own tea egg?"

"Well yeah. Make up your own recipe that's actually healthy and tastes good."

"Hoe… I don't think I'm that good of a cook…"

Right then, Tomoyo, Chiharu, Rika, and Naoko arrived. The girls greeted each other as they sat on the same picnic table as Sakura and Shulai. "So, Li Shulai. Why are you here?" Chiharu asked curiously. "Shouldn't you be with the idols right now?"

Shulai rolled his eyes. "Do I look like an idol to you?"

"You look so much like Li Xiaolang, so… uh… yeah?" Chiharu retorted.

"Hmph. I don't think there ain't enough room in Japanese showbiz with two look-alikes on the spotlight, you know. Just like how there is no room for two or more for the clan leadership."

"He's got a point, Chiharu," Rika said, agreeing with Shulai's statement.

"Whatever," Chiharu rolled her eyes.

"Ne, you should try these tea eggs!" Sakura pointed at the dark-colored eggs. "I know it doesn't look tempting but it's really good! Shulai made our breakfast today because I overslept."

Tomoyo nibbled at the egg and gasped. "It's delicious!" She then turned towards Shulai. "Mou, maybe you should teach us how to make tea eggs."

Shulai grinned. "Kiss me first and you've got yourself a deal—"

"Shulai-kun!" Sakura shrieked, glaring towards Shulai. "She happens to be my BFF, you know? And some guys may even get jealous if they see her kissing you!"

"Hey, I don't do stuff for free, you know?"

Tomoyo chuckled. "Shulai-kun sure makes a hard bargain. I haven't kissed a boy before even though I already had a boyfriend… I guess I'm saving my lips for my one true love."

"Fair enough." Shulai shrugged. Right then, the males arrived, with Ken Bunchin still bringing along leashes of ten dogs that he had to take care of for the idols. "Whoa. What's with the dogs?"

"These are the idols' pets, in case you haven't— whoa!" Ken suddenly shrieked. "But… why are you here? Shouldn't you be with the idols now or something, Li?"

"Who the hell is this schmuck?" Shulai muttered while Sakura cleared her throat. "What?"

"Be more courteous to these guys. They're locals, okay?" She warned the disgruntled teen, then turned to the boys. "This isn't Syaoran, guys. This is his cousin, Shulai. He recently moved here to Tomoeda to… start a new life. Shulai, these are Takuya Sakamoto and Ken Bunchin. Takashi Yamazaki, you already know. The two older ones behind him are my older brother Touya and the one in the glasses is his best friend and our next-door neighbor, Yukito Tsukishiro."

"Oh great. Sakamoto rolled his eyes. Another Li, and the worst part, he looks like the cocky bastard of an heir to Tomoeda's richest family…" Sakamoto rolled his eyes.

"Heh, looking like him is already a curse to me," Shulai answered. "But don't hate because we're smarter and better-looking and the fact that your family business is now a subsidiary of ours."

"Argh! Do you have to mention that in public?!" Sakamoto tightened his fists while Ken stepped in.

"This isn't the time to fight, guys. We don't wanna cause a scene that would attract the public," Ken sighed. He turned to the ten dogs whose leashes were on his grasp. "You'd scare these dogs and then we'd disturb the peace and we'd get in trouble on all sides!"

"Hmph. Fine." Sakamoto rolled his eyes and scooted away from Shulai.

The table was big enough for the entire group and decided to sat around the seats as well. Ken had no choice but to sit at another table to accommodate the dogs.

"This had better be good, this stupid meeting," Sakamoto complained. "I'm sick and tired of doing their dirty laundry. Why wear so many damn clothes in one day, seriously?

"Relax, you loudmouthed douche," Touya spoke in a confident tone, referring towards Sakamoto, of course. "Let's not assume what this meeting's gonna be about. Let's just see what happens."

By the time the commotion was about to continue, Naoko's phone began to ring. Last time that happened, they were informed that the other party lead by her Korean idol boyfriend Yun was arriving. This time, they already knew that they were about to come.

"Yup. They're coming," Naoko warned them.

Yukito stood up and faced the rest of the group. "Alright, let's just be more uniformed because I'm sure they're gonna be sitting at the tables across from us, so let's line up in a particular order. Guys to the left table, girls to the left." Just as he instructed, the teens, which surprisingly included Shulai, did as he told them to.

"Sitting at the front bench: Yamazaki and Li-kun. Behind will be Touya, Sakamoto, and Bunchin."

"Where are you gonna sit?" Yamazaki asked curiously.

"With you two," Yukito smiled. He then turned to the girls. "Chiharu-chan, Rika-chan, and Naoko-chan, sit at the back. Tomoyo-chan and Sakura-chan, sit at the front."

Once they followed Yukito's instructions blindly, with Ken struggling a bit with the dogs, he sat on his spot next to Yamazaki and Shulai. They waited patiently while Shulai gave a yawn.

"I don't get why I have to be in this meeting. It's not like I'm included in this mess," Shulai muttered to himself.

"You look way too much like him, kid," Touya glared at Shulai. "It's bad enough that I get to see your cousin almost everyday, and then there's you."

Shulai quickly turned to Touya. "Do I look like I wanna be here?"

"You better keep that mouth of yours clean or there's gonna be trouble real soon—"

"Hey, come on, guys, knock it off." Yukito sighed. "I know many of us are tired, disgruntled, and I'm sure we all want to go home, but for today, let's all calm down and use this meeting as a rest period, alright?"

"It better be a rest period," Chiharu complained. "I'm sick and tired handling their fan mail with so much of these fans saying the same thing over and over again."

"Yoooo~! We're here!" Right then, everyone at the tables fell silent once they recognized the voice calling them.

"It's Yun!" Naoko stood up, recognizing her Korean idol boyfriend's voice. She spotted Yun and waved at him. "Over here!"

When Yun and the idols appeared, they faced them first. "Hey, this is neat!" Yun grinned. "Boys on one side, girls on the other." He turned to the idols. "Well, you all know where you're gonna sit! There's empty tables next to theirs—"

Though the idols took their designated tables, Syaoran and Eriol sat at the local boys' table with Syaoran sitting on the empty seat next to Yukito and Eriol sitting next to Touya. Meiling sat on the empty space next to Tomoyo's. Some of the idols even complained.

"Why are you sitting at the wrong table, Meiling?" Mai gave her complaint.

"I'm still sitting at the girls' side, you know," Meiling stuck her tongue at Mai.

"Anyway," Yun cleared his throat as he took out his notebook again. "We're having a meeting because there are, guess, more changes! I know, it's Day 3 of the One-Week Slavery period, but there's nothing wrong with updating everyone regarding everyone's progresses, right?"

Yamazaki interrupted. "You really love being facilitator of everything from the Mochiron game to this, don't you, Oh Yun Hwa?"

"Don't worry, Yamazaki, you'll have your turn soon," Yun simply grinned. "You're our student council president after all!"

"Right," Yamazaki glared as Yun proceeded.

"So, the updates so far: For the past three days, approximately 200 fan mails were sent out with the photos of their favorite idols— total. The blogs and videos were also updated just in time that the number of site hits significantly increased, which is indeed a good thing. The laundry are always completed on time, dirty laundry in with clean laundry return on the same day; the pets are getting enough food and exercise needed; and the idols are very satisfied with their breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Mooncastle Diner and they found their confidence in their math and science classes thanks to Kinomoto-senpai's tutelage. Tomoyo-chan's make up and costume handling for the girl idols were precise and efficient, even Hirashiki admitted that she's grateful for Tomoyo hiding her… uh… mosquito bites… for the shooting. Sakura-chan knows how to please her master, as the top star of this movie always arrived energetic and ready for work. Overall, everyone's doing a great job with their tasks, so give yourselves a hand."

Everyone applauded while others gave sighs of relief. After the applause faded, Yun continued on. "Moving on. There have been changes, once again, which are somewhat good changes. Now, because of your great efforts these past three days, some of you are possibly going to end your punishment starting today."

The locals gave mixed reactions, while Sakura began to have a worried face. I know being a slave for one week sucks, but… if I end my punishment today, that means I won't get to spend as much time with Syaoran as I used to. Hoe…

"Now," Yun continued. "Let me ask this question. Who among all of you— both locals and idols, okay— play soccer? Raise your hands up high so I can see you!" He then rose his hand immediately.

"Say what?" Yamazaki interrupted again with his low, suspicious tone. "Come on now, Oh, that's gotta be the dumbest question of all, man. You already know which one of us plays soccer!"

"Just raise your hand so the meeting would look more convincing!" Yun answered, still with his hands raised.

"Fine, fine…" Yamazaki sighed.

"Well then, go ahead, raise your hands! Don't be shy now!" As a result, all of the boys and Sakura raised their hands. "Okay, so most of you do play soccer. Put your hands down now." Everyone lowered their hands. "Now, raise your hand if you've played soccer in an actual soccer team for more than two years!"

This time, the hands were reduced to Sakura, Syaoran, Eriol, Yamazaki, Shulai, Touya, and Yukito. Right then, Yun proceeded. "Well then, today is actually tryouts for the Tomoeda soccer team for the upcoming summer sports camp in August! If any one of you plan to try out for the team later today, your one-week slavery punishment ends today."

"Oh hell yes!" Yamazaki pumped a victory fist up in the air, while Touya and Yukito exchanged hi-fives, knowing they were finally off the hook from this ridiculous one-week slavery punishment. Now both of them know that they owe Fanren Li for actually guaranteeing them that they will no longer have to do any duties for the spoiled idols.

Right then, Mai brought up another complaint. "Wait— even green eyes here is bailed out? I mean she's a girl!" Of course, by green eyes, she meant Sakura.

"Hoe? What's that supposed to mean?" Sakura glared immediately at Mai.

"I never said the soccer team is all-boys, Hirashiki," Yun corrected her. "Even the baseball teams, basketball teams, and all the other teams are co-ed. No gender segregation for summer sports camp."

"Hoe, that means I can try out too for the team, Yun?" Sakura asked excitedly.

"The soccer boys miss you, Sakura-chan, so by all means, please try out for the team."

"Yay!" Sakura jumped up excitedly while Tomoyo and the local girls cheered along with her.

Meanwhile, Syaoran turned his head towards Shulai. "So, you played soccer in a soccer team before?"

"At the Hong Kong Youth Elite division, Xiaolang," Shulai grinned. "Been playing since elementary. Of course, I ended up slacking off for about a year now so…"

"By all means, try out, Shulai," Syaoran said. "Just don't use this as an excuse for you to pick up chicks."

"You want me to start my life over, right, Xiaolang? I'm exactly doing that right now."

Meantime, Yun hushed everyone. "Hold on, everyone quiet down. I'm not done yet." Everyone went silent as they let the facilitator continue on. "I was given notice that Kinomoto-senpai and Tsukishiro-senpai obviously aren't qualified to try out for the team because of age, however, they're very capable coaches for the team. Therefore, the senior youth coordinator would like to have Tsukishiro-senpai be the head coach while Kinomoto-senpai will serve as his assistant."

"I still hate the assistant part, but sure, anything just to win this," Touya made his statement.

"Second, I was also given note that the Kinomoto Household is currently a mess right now as the owner of the house had gathered more of his colleagues back at the university to work on the translations on some scrolls and those books, which means that Kinomoto-senpai and Sakura-chan would still have to sleep over at the idol campers at the parking lot…"

"Hoe?" Sakura gasped. "You mean we can't go home yet?"

"Sakura, the house is a mess right now. Dad turned the house in to a research center. We could probably get home and pack up more stuff for the tryouts but we can't sleep over there," Touya said. "I stopped by there last night and saw it myself. I knew Dad was gonna do something without telling us…"

"Well, okay then." Though she gave a worried look, deep inside she knew she was delighted. After all, that would mean that she would get to stay in the Wolf's Lair with Syaoran, regardless that two more occupants, namely Wei and Shulai, would also be present over there.

"The four main idols," Yun continued, "only have nighttime scenes left before they take off for Kagamineshi this Saturday, so in short, all four of them are free during the day starting today. Meiling and Hirashiki are free to tour around the school campus or even stop by soccer tryouts to watch."

"Waaaii!" Meiling suddenly shrieked in excitement. "That means I get to see Kuze-kun there!"

"Yes, Meiling," Yun nodded, "you'll get to see Kuze-kun there."

"Thank you!" Meiling giggled while Mai rolled her eyes.

Chiharu cleared her throat and raised her hand. Yun pointed right at her. "So, the rest of us who aren't trying out… what happens to us?"

"Oh, as always, you continue on with your one-week slavery punishment."

"Argh… shouldn't have asked…"

"But no worries! Tomorrow will be cheerleading tryouts so we can have our powerful cheerleading squad for the summer sports camp, so you girls may be off the hook too!"

"Aww. No fair," Tomoyo sighed sadly. "I'm neither. I guess I'll have to endure the rest of the week slaving…"

"Aw, don't cry, fair lady." From out of the blue, Shulai stood up and decided to make his poetic move. "Should you ever feel alone, you know I'm available—"

"Hey!" Ken suddenly stood up from his seat. "Just who are you to flirt with my girl?"

"Hahahahaha! Your girl? You got a receipt to show me that she's yours?" Shulai broke in to laughter while Ken was about to advance at him. But before that was about to happen, Eriol stood up and interrupted them.

"You know, we're still in the middle of the meeting, so could you two please, sit down?" Eriol frowned at the two. Knowing that he had a point, Shulai and Ken sat back down and let Yun proceed with the meeting.

"Well, that's it for today! We'll probably have another meeting! For those trying out for the soccer team later today— that would be in two hours actually— here at the Tomoeda High soccer field, congratulations, you're now off the hook. Dismissed!"

Once everyone parted to their own ways, Sakura caught up to Syaoran and walked right next to him. "So, I can still stay in your Wolf's Lair, right? Or do you want me to move somewhere else?"

"Huh? No, of course not! Of course you can stay, silly!" Syaoran grinned.

"Really? I'm so happy!" Once again, she threw her arms around her boyfriend, as he chuckled in return, arms around her as well.

Of course, this short yet sweet moment did not suit two of their own relatives. Shulai was one. Touya was another. The older Kinomoto stepped in between them to interrupt their moment.

"Hands off, kid!" Touya warned him.

"No can do, Touya-senpai," Syaoran grinned. "Not until your sister lets me go."

"It's not Syaoran's fault, Oniichan. I was the one who threw my arms around him— because I want to hug him!"

"Well fine," Touya said. "You can hug him as long as you want. It'll be your last one anyway. You can stay with me in the same camper now that you're off the hook."

"I don't want to!" Sakura stuck her tongue at her brother. "I wanna stay with Syaoran!"

"If Dad finds out you're staying alone under the same roof with a boy—"

"You can sleep over in my camper if you like, Touya-senpai." Right then, Touya was distracted to hear Syaoran's proposal.

"Say that again?"

"I said you can sleep over in my camper if you worry so much about your sister," Syaoran said. "I don't mind at all. The more, the merrier!"

From behind, Shulai also caught up to them. "Are you serious, Xiaolang? You're having another Kinomoto sleeping over the Wolf's Lair?"

"It's my camper and I am the master, in case you forget, Shulai, so shut up," Syaoran responded.

"Fine! Do what you want!"

"Sounds fair to me," Touya raised an eyebrow. "But none of that flirting or whatever with my sister when I'm around, got that?"

"Are you sure you're using the right words, Kinomoto?" Shulai snickered. "You had just advised my future clan leader that he can't flirt with your sister when you're around, but when you're not around, he can do everything else with her. Are you sure about that?"

"Whatever!" Touya blasted. "You're much of a snot-nose as him, aren't you, you little bra—" Before the two were about to argue, they realized that the two people in subject of their argument already went ahead of them. "Hey! Wait for us!"

With that, Touya and Shulai ran after Sakura and Syaoran, with Syaoran already holding her hand.

---

A/N: I apologize again for the delay, but June will be another hectic month for me. Here's another not-so-long chapter, but I need a "bridge" chapter that would connect from the "one-week slavery" scene to the upcoming Amber Emeralds luncheon.

I will go ahead and proceed to my replies to the reviewers from last chapter, but first, shoutouts to the new followers and those who added "Stuffed Animal" to your favorites. I really appreciate it as always. But before I start responding to the reviewers, I have one thing to say to that one reviewer who I had to delete that comment:

It's obvious you don't read the author's notes, which also means that you're too damn lazy to even read my response to your so-called "reviews." Now you're telling me that I should "lessen" the love/romantic scenes between Sakura and Syaoran just because they're "too yucky to read"? Uh, did you even read the summary and that this story is under the ROMANCE/HUMOR category? This ain't Cardcaptors, dude(tte). If you want to read a "romance" fic that doesn't even have any romance scenes, you can go watch the botched-up dubbed version of CCS. You've seriously crossed the line and I'm not making any of those changes just because you demanded for them. You're not the only reader of my fic and I couldn't give a damn if you stop reading my fic. You're not my loss anyway.

Okay, now that's out of the way, moving on with the responses:

dancingfingers – Yup, it's about time to introduce Shulai and get to know him more. Glad you like him so far, more or less LOL.

Narqissa – Imagine yourself being in a family like Syaoran's. For one thing, it's easy to determine that Syaoran and Shulai aren't exactly the best of friends. For all we know, maybe Syaoran was just exaggerating about Shulai and that Shulai isn't as bad as everyone thought. As for the Li Curse, you know how Eriol loves to tease, right? (^_-)

Littlepuppylost – LOL, this is only one chapter. More of Shulai coming up!

Guest (Lilicia?) - Sign up for an FFnet account soon so you won't have to go through the whole review moderation bit. Glad I was able to answer your questions from last chapter. I'm also happy that Shulai did make you wonder about him, who he really is and what his real motives are. Keep on reading! ^_^

shadow74196 – I'm 1/8 Chinese (from my mom) and most of Chinese customs and mindset is the same as majority of Asia in general so I feel you with the parents expecting things from you. Next time, please let me know what you think of the story so far and if you can, sign up for a free account at FFnet (no need to be a writer to have an account) so you won't have to go through the whole review moderation thing. ^_^

DualStarduster – I live in California also (SF bay Area to be specific) so you ain't alone LOL. I have to admit that when I first enrolled in school here as a 5th grader I couldn't speak a single word of English. I was better at writing and reading though. I didn't learn how to speak fluently until I was in 7th -8th grade. That's how much of a late learner I am LOL. And also nothing to be embarrassed about. Most of my Filipino friends can't speak Tagalog either and my younger siblings can't speak Tagalog as well (mainly because they were really young when we moved here and they were more exposed to English than Tagalog, so yeah...). I think you're done with school already, right? ^^

Little Wolf and Cherry Blossom – Thank you for reading and welcome! English isn't my native language either but I try anyway. ^_^ Hope this update doesn't disappoint you.

SakuSyaoLvr – Believe me, I keep a thesaurus handy but sometimes the alternatives to a word I wanted to use just doesn't fit. Also, there are some things/actions that I don't know the right term of, so that's another reason why vocabulary is one of my weakest problems in writing. Keep on reading!

Just a reader – Review when you can. Don't have to be every chapter. Either way I always appreciate reviews/comments/suggestions/questions because in that way, I'd be able to respond and connect to the readers. I'm doing the best as I can to update faster but things are getting busier for me these past few days, but I'm still hanging there LOL.

Emilybooth3365 – Thanks!

Ria - "wait and see." LOL.

Sakura 42002 (on both ch. 19 & 20) – Shulai is coming over to school so that Syaoran would be able to watch over him and that he would be able to make new friends. That's pretty much the general reason. Thanks for reading, and don't worry about not reviewing all the time. It's not required to review every single chapter. Just review when you can. ^_^

moon86 – I wonder what's gonna happen next... now that Touya will also be staying over the Wolf's Lair camper along with Sakura, Syaoran, Wei, and Shulai LOL.

Misaki Sayuri – Hello and welcome! I think you need to "type your review for this chapter" there. ^^