MELODY IN MY HEART
Chapter 2: I want to stay in Love with You
written by: Chette-chan
Syaoran slowly opened his eyes and groaned softly. He groggily scanned the area and suddenly realized that he was still sitting on the couch. He turned his head down to look at Xu but was met with an empty space. Scratching his head, he slightly grimaced as he remembered last night – he just wasted an entire training session time.
"Zao An (Good morning), Master."
Startled at the voice, Syaoran glanced up at the figure that was standing in front of him. He then relaxed and smiled tiredly, "Zao An, Wei..." he replied.
"Breakfast is ready, Master." Wei courteously informed.
Syaoran yawned and stood up, "Where is Xu?"
"Miss Xu went home last night."
Syaoran nodded and then looked around, "Where is the CD?"
Wei raised an eyebrow, "I thought the CD belongs to Miss Xu?"
Syaoran flushed and rubbed the back of his head in awkwardness, "Um.. yeah.. right.. I forgot."
Wei smiled, "Master, let me remind you that in two weeks from now, you have a meeting with the Li Clan Leader."
Syaoran grimaced, but nodded. The Li Clan Leader, his mother, Yelan Li. He really loves his mother, but sometimes she is too much. Ever since he came back from Japan, he feels as if his mother was running his life which drove him crazy. That is why he decided to live a life away from her. At first, his mother did not approve of that, but when Syaoran told her that he will be bringing Wei, then his mother let him go provided that he will continue his training to become the leader of the Li Clan leader someday.
"Master, Your breakfast awaits you."
"Understood, I'm going to take a shower first." Syaoran responded. Feeling somewhat displaced, he sighed and trekked upstairs towards his bedroom bathroom.
Wei took one last look at his master and when he is out of sight, he made his own way back towards the kitchen.
Sakura scurried to the recording studio and opened the door. Huffing and puffing, a look of resignation was plastered on her face when she saw what was before her- the entire staff crew, minus her manager, an unfamiliar person and the composer, glaring at her entrance. Her late entrance. Sakura bowed her head ruefully. "Gomen Nasai! I overslept... so I am late..." she quietly apologized and then cringed as she finished her sentence, "...again."
Tomoyo spoke up before anyone else could say anything, "It's alright, Sakura-chan. We all know you were very tired with all the concert-"
The producer frowned, "I guess, we need to get used to it."
"Hoee..." Sakura grimaced,
The composer stepped up and smiled, "Cherry, I want you to meet Tachibana Atami," he said, changing the subject. He gestured the unfamiliar person standing next to him. "He will be your duet in one of your songs in your new album."
The producer this time smiled, "Atami Tachibana has been singing around the world since he was nine. So he will definitely do well with you, Cherry."
Sakura reached for a handshake with him, "Nice to meet you."
Atami did hold Sakura's hand but he knelt down and slightly brushed his lips across it. Then he looked up at her, "I am finally meeting the famous Cherry Blossom"
"Oh my..." Tomoyo giggled.
Sakura winced, "Y-yeah.."
The audio engineer yelled at them, "Well what are we waiting for?! Let's get grindin! Step it up!"
Atami stood up and smiled at her, "Let's go Cherry?"
Sakura smiled back, "Just call me 'Sakura', since that is my real name and I'll be working with you for a while then."
Atami froze at her smile, when he recovered he gave her a charming smile. "So shall we Sakura...?" Atami asked,
"ATAMI! CHERRY! GO TO THE LIVE ROOM! YOU TWO CAN HAVE YOUR FLING SOME OTHER TIME!" the producer crossly yelled.
Atami blushed furiously but Sakura just sighed in exasperation. They rushed to the live room and prepared themselves.
The composer turn on the microphone so that Atami and Cherry will hear him speak through the glass window, "Atami and Cherry, did you hear the new song that you are about to sing today?" the composer asked, looking at them. Both Atami and Sakura nodded, "Well there has been slight changes in words... but the melody is still the same. Is that okay?" Atami and Sakura nodded, "At the countdown from three to one, the song will start... and then sing your heart out at your parts."
"Hai." They both said,
Sakura picked up her headphone and glanced at Atami who was adjusting his headphone as well and looking at his lyrics.
The audio engineer held up three fingers and lowered them one by one as he counted down silently.
The intro to the song played. When it was time for the vocals to come in, Atami proceeded to sing the first stanza. His voice was fluid in his transitions from key to key and the staff stared at him in awe. Sakura's eyes widened at him as well, not because of his voice but because of the lyrics that he is singing.
Beneath this huge clock tower
we arranged to meet two years ago
On this day, I'm so overjoyed
I arrived earlier than our appointed time
Surely you'll ask, "Have you been waiting long?"
While arriving with a smiling face.
Sakura continued to stare at him, tears falling down her face. She couldn't sing. So the music stops.
"Cherry! What's wrong?" the composer asked.
Sakura snapped back into reality when she heard her name. "Uh... sorry... I was surprised that you have changed a lot in the song..." she whispered but everyone heard her. She felt as if there was a huge lump longed in her throat.
Tomoyo looked away and sighed, knowing all too well why Sakura reacted that way.
The producer frowned and turned his head to Atami, and tersely instructed, "Atami, from the top."
Atami looked at Sakura sideways and whispered to her, "Are you sure you are alright?" he asked,
"H-Hai..." Sakura forced a smile while wiping away her tears with her finger. She hiccupped and looked down at the floor Please not now... Sakura... The music played again and Atami began to sing the stanza the second time, Sakura forcefully swallowed as she controlled her tears. Bracing herself, she endeavored to sing the Chorus with Atami on cue,
On Christmas days, you give me sweet kisses
For birthdays, red bouquets
When spring comes let's go and see the Cherry Blossoms
No matter how many years passed, I want to stay in love with you
Sakura sang it with so much emotion, so much that the tears fell on her face again. She opened her eyes and continued to sing the second stanza, as far as she knows there have been changes in the first and second stanza.
I looked for you, among the people waiting for the traffic light
I spotted you right away, in a green-
She broke down and cried really hard.
Everyone was in shock and the music stopped again.
"Cherry?! Why are you crying?!" The producer irritably yelled using the microphone.
Sakura covered her face with her hands as her shoulders racked with her uncontrollable sobs.
Tomoyo rushed towards her best friend's side and embraced her. Tomoyo then stared at the producer through the glass window and asked them, "Can we change the color of the t-shirt? Sakura-chan is very sensitive when it comes to green color..."
The composer sighed, "Well.. I tried but the melody can't fit with any color other than green... besides I was picturing Cherry having her pink clothes and Atami wearing green ones... pink and green are like the couple color don't you think?" he asked,
The producer nodded hearing the composer, "I like that idea... we will make the cover pink and green then"
Tomoyo sighed and defeat, "I think she needs a break,"
Producer rolled his eyes, "Fifteen minutes break everyone!" then he walked out of the control room to make a phone call, while pulling out a cigarette from its box.
Atami ambled over to the two ladies and put a hand on Tomoyo's shoulder. "Is she going to be okay?"
"Hai... she will be," Tomoyo whispered. She bit her lower lip and helped Sakura stand up. "She will be back in a few minutes." She said, and then both Tomoyo and Sakura left the live room.
Tomoyo took Sakura out of the building for some fresh air and she waited for her to calm down. Ten minutes has passed, Sakura kept crying. Tomoyo slouched her shoulders and deeply exhaled. She caressed Sakura's head and repeated the same advice she would always give, every time Sakura had a collapse like this. "I know this it's hard... but you seriously need to keep your emotions on the lookout"
Sakura sobbed, "To-Tomoyo... Why?" she asked for the first time looking at her with so much pain in her eyes, Tomoyo had to control her tears as well. "Why did he just leave me like that?" she sobbed in aguish, "Why didn't he come back? He just left.. like that.. without saying anything after he said he loved me. Why? Why didn't he listen to my reply? Why?"
Tomoyo frowned remembering everything. After Syaoran confessed he loves Sakura, he left japan quickly after Eriol left. But before he left, he gave the gray stuff bear that he made to Tomoyo and told her to give it to Sakura, as a remembrance of their friendship. After a few months or so, she tried to contact him but he doesn't want to communicate with them. There must be a reason why Li-kun did this... that's all she can think of as she continues to hug Sakura.
"I.. sniff.. I love him.. Tomoyo-chan," Sakura whispered as she hiccupped, "Tomoyo... I love him so much..."
Tomoyo force a smile and looked at Sakura, "Do not worry Sakura-chan, just like you always say, Everything will be alright, so I promise you that one day, all your pain and heartache will come to an end... and Li-kun will definitely return to you."
"Arigatou, Tomoyo-chan..."
Tomoyo's hug became tight as she looked up into the sky and sighed. I have to do something... fast... I need to put them together.. as soon as possible!
Syaoran waited in the car as he tapped his fingers on top of the steering wheel. Rubbing the back of his neck, he could feel his stress increasing as he realized that he was late for the meeting by twenty minutes. Two weeks has already passed since the day Wei reminded him and now, a certain person is making him late for this important gathering. His eyes wandered around for a bit and finally took a deep sighed and he sees her coming out of her house.
Xu jogged out of her house as she slammed the front door closed. She saw Syaoran frowning at her as she hops in his car.
"Finally the princess has arrived," he wryly remarked.
"Du bu qi, Xiaolang!" she apologized, "Where are we heading off too?"
"We have to visit my mother and then we can go whatever you wish to go"
Xu giggled, "Ohhh! Can we go to the music store?!" she asked, "I heard Cherry Blossom released another album!" she exclaimed as she clung onto Syaoran's sleeve.
Syaoran was silent for a while as he turned his keys to initiate the engine. He then looked up straight ahead not looking at Xu's direction, He heaved a sighed, "Yeah I guess..."
As usual, Syaoran and Xu were greeted by the Li Sisters, while Yelan was standing in front of the house waiting for Syaoran. When Syaoran and Xu stood in front of Yelan Li, they both bowed.
"How is life, er zi (son)?" Yelan asked,
Syaoran looked straightly at her, "Fine. How has the clan been faring?"
"We've been fine." She said, and then she looked at her daughters who immediately understood what their mother wants. So they escorted Xu inside the mansion and Yelan started to walk towards the bridge. Syaoran followed in silent. Yelan stopped walking and looked at the lake, "Xiaolang, you cannot stop time. Not unless you have the time card."
Syaoran frowned at her, "But I didn't say-" he paused for a while when his mother looked at him, straightly into his eyes. "Sorry." He knew that if she wants to read his mind, she could. "So why do you want to see me?" he asked.
"When will you return home?" she asked, while looking back at the water. Syaoran controlled his thoughts, but he couldn't. He is after all, overwhelmed with bitterness. "You know... it will be nice to hear your thoughts instead of keeping them. After all... there is no difference because I can read your mind."
"Will you stop reading my mind then?" Syaoran asked defensively.
"Only if you start to express what is in your mind" Yelan looked at him.
Syaoran put his hands on his pocket pants. "Fine," he paused and looked straightly into his mother's eyes. "I do not know when I will be back, but I am training with Wei, and I still want to be the head of the Li Clan someday."
"But you cannot concentrate while you were with her" she said, looking at the mansion. "She hinders your growth"
Syaoran hissed, "her has a name, and her name is Xu."
"Do not get me wrong, er zi... I don't have anything against her," she paused and then looked at Syaoran. "But she is not meant for you, she does not possess any powers"
"Who do you think I'm supposed to be with?" Syaoran asked, coldly.
Yelan ignored his question but instead she smiled at him unexpectedly, "Do you have any plans to go back to Japan?"
Her question caught him in surprise, "N-No..." he looked down.
"Do you not love her anymore?" Yelan asked softly. Syaoran froze still looking at his feet. "Remember Xiaolang, I can read your mind."
Syaoran murmured while growling, "Then you will know that I have no interest in going back there!"
"But your heart says the opposite."
Syaoran glared at his mother. "I have a girlfriend!"
"Xiaolang, your decision is wrong... You have to go back to Japan and be with the one you are destined to be with. Sa-"
"Stop it." he interrupted her with candor, "The very reason why I wanted to live alone was because of this, mother; you always tells me that I make the wrong decisions! You always tell me that I should have married Sa-Sakura! But No, Mother! Can't you see? Sa-Sa-Sakura and I are living separate lives now!" he paused and felt pain in his heart recalling what he heard from the conversation between Yue and Eriol. He shook his head, "T-That and I.. doubt that she even remembers me anymore," he clenched his fist imagining Sakura and Yukito together and how happy they are.
Yelan sighed, "Er zi... I don't know about Sakura remembering you or not, but I do know that her friend, Tomoyo, would constantly call us to ask of you." Syaoran stared blankly at his mother. "Unfortunately, your refusal of any form of communication forced me to continually lie and tell her that you're never available... you know Xiaolang- your Japanese friends."
"You're pulling my leg... Tomoyo is still actually calling me?"
"The calls had ceased to come last year, er zi... so I supposed you need not to worry any longer," Yelan narrowed her eyes at her son. "I realized that I have given you freedom, but it was because I wanted you to be happy. My question is... are you truly happy?" she asked. Syaoran stood still for a minute and then hesitantly nodded. Yelan looked at his face for a moment and turned around to walk away, saying nothing.
Syaoran sighed and his face became downcast. Boy, he really had been doing a lot of sighing as of late.
"REALLY?!"
"Yeah! Xiaolang already bought the CD for me!" Xu excitedly babbled. "and today, we will be getting her new album!"
"CD of what?" a questioning voice asked, interrupting the girl's yakking. They turned their heads to see Syaoran walking over to where they are.
"Oh Xiaolang!" Xu cried as she ran into his arms, "I had no idea that your sisters were also huge fans of Cherry Blossom! Why didn't you tell me?!" she giggled.
Syaoran blinked, "Uh... because I didn't know?" he asked, looking at his sisters, dumbfounded. "But... is that true?" he asked, his sisters nodded in chorus, "You can't be serious-"
"Her voice is so sweet..." Fanren dreamily sighed and everyone nodded except Syaoran.
"She's so incredibly cute too!" Feimei squealed, everyone giggled except Syaoran.
"She's absolutely adorable!" Shiefa nodding, and everyone sighed dreamily except Syaoran.
"... and very kind hearted." Fuutie softly said smiling looking at Syaoran.
Syaoran groaned at their consensus and covered his eyes with his hand in annoyance. One would realize from a third point of view that they were all driving him up the wall. Well technically speaking, when the four Li Sisters become infatuated about someone, it would definitely drive other people up the wall as well. "Wait a second, jie jie (Older sister), how would you know that she is kindhearted? It's not like you've met her in person." Syaoran pointedly asked.
"Well she does emit a significant magical aura... so I can tell she is very kind." Fuutie said softly looking at her confused brother.
Syaoran blinked, he did realize that the singer does emit that, and it wasn't just his imagination.
"What magical aura?" Xu asked,
Syaoran jumped and realized that this was a not-so-good scenario to be stuck in. He grabbed Xu's hand and quickly said, "Alright, we need to go now Xu.. we will be going to the music store remember?"
As Syaoran pulled Xu out of the Li family mansion, Xu tried to catch her breath, "Wait a second Xiaolang... what's this magic that she mentioned?"
Syaoran almost shoved Xu in the passenger seat in the middle of his rush and just gave a noncommittal, "Nothing, She is just strange... too much fantasy movies."
"Ouch that hurt Xiaolang!" Syaoran slammed the car door closed while wincing at hearing her cry and ran around to the driver's seat. When he got in and buckled his seatbelt, Xu continued to implore. "No, she's not! If she were strange, then she wouldn't have been a fan of Cherry Blossom! Strange people just don't like the good things in life!"
"Do you still want to go to the music store?" he asked, ignoring her statement.
"Well yes-"
"Then drop the subject" he said, his voice flat.
As Syaoran initiated the engine, Xu turned on the radio in hopes of finding a good song of Cherry Blossom's. As she was browsing through the channels, the name 'Cherry Blossom' from a DJ caught her ear and she proceeded to listen in.
Speaking of Cherry Blossom, I hope you listeners already know by now that her latest album is already out in stores! She's quite famous not only in Japan, but worldwide as well! So be sure to purchase one!
Xu squealed excitedly, "See? See? Xiaolang?! Come on! We really must go to the music store!"
"I got you already," Syaoran muttered as he drove, his thoughts however were consistent of more than four words, For the love of... what in the world is so special about this singer anyway? I suppose the songs are decent but there's no need for girls to go all gung ho over another girl! He thought.
Another thing that you would be excited to know is that Cherry Blossom is scheduled to have a concert here in China!
"OH MY GOD!" Xu screamed in excitement,
Oh my God... Syaoran thought in despair.
And now that we have listen to the latest news from Cherry Blossom, I would like to play one of her latest songs called anniversaries, this is her first duet song with a guy named Atami Tachibana... so let's all hear it!
"Xiaolang! Xiaolang!" Xu cried, "Did you hear that?! Cherry is coming here! In China! Xiaolang you need to buy me tickets! And back stages passes please! Please! I want to meet her so much!" she said, while grabbing Syaoran's shirt.
"CAN YOU RELAX? I AM DRIVING!" Syaoran snapped.
"Oh sorry..." Xu said, frowning.
Syaoran softened his eyes, while focusing on the road and sighed, "It's okay Xu.. forgive me for raising my voice, Do not worry... I'll get you the tickets and backstage passes-"
"-and her latest album!" Xu giggled.
She gets a heck of a lot more demanding when it comes to this singer... Syaoran thought as he was frowning.
The song is called Anniversaries, Enjoy everyone!
Xu grinned a mile the minute she heard the music. She increased the volume and sighed happily and leaned back against the seat. Syaoran slightly shook his head in exasperation and continued to focus on his driving. Unbeknownst to Xu, he was also listening to the song as intently as she was.
Beneath this huge clock tower
we arranged to meet two years ago
On this day, I'm so overjoyed
I arrived earlier than our appointed time
Surely you'll ask, "Have you been waiting long?"
While arriving with a smiling face.
Syaoran audibly inhaled as his eyes descended upon the radio. He remembered when he fought alongside with Sakura at the clock tower in Japan. He shook his head, but felt his heart beat increased as he heard Cherry Blossom's voice.
I looked for you, among the people waiting for the traffic light
I spotted you right away, in a green t-shirt
Even on such anniversaries you don't dress up
I can't help but loving this side about you
Syaoran let out of a wisp of breath in disbelief, Green T-shirt? As if the song talks about me... ahh get a grip Syaoran... Music were supposed to make you feel as if you were the subject of the song... so its not a surprise...
"This is sooo Romantic!" Xu sighed as her face blushed
On Christmas days you give me sweet kisses
For birthdays, red bouquets
When spring comes let's go and see the cherry blossoms
No matter how many years passed
I want to stay in love with you...
Syaoran couldn't believe this – for some reason, he was making an effort to blink back the tears that were brimming his eyes. Sakura...
"Xiaolang? Are you okay?" Xu worriedly asked.
Syaoran coughed, "Um yeah.. I think the song made me cry a little?" Syaoran said, while rough fully brushing away his tears.
"See? I knew that you would appreciate Cherry Blossom's songs one day! She even moved a rock like you!" Xu giggled.
Another week has passed, and Sakura slumped onto her chair in her dressing room. She just finished an interview in a variety show. Tomoyo as usual, excitedly greeted her with congratulations.
"Arigatou Tomoyo-chan" Sakura said, emotionless while looking herself in the mirror.
Tomoyo frowned, "You look tired..."
Sakura smiled, "I am... tired Tomoyo-chan."
Tomoyo smiled evilly at her, "Well... I guess we should postpone your next concert then..."
Sakura smiled tiredly, "Will you?"
"Are you sure?" Tomoyo asked, "It will be fun..."
"I'd rather sleep than go to another place-"
"China."
Sakura titled her head and looked at Tomoyo. "What?"
"... your next concert is in China."
Sakura gasped, "You're not kidding?" she asked, as she feels her energy increasing and her strength coming back when she heard that she can go to China. "Please do not tell me that you were just joking-"
Tomoyo giggled and opened her planner, "I am not, apparently... some media company wanted you to perform, and Chinese people love you."
For the first time in a long time, Sakura looked at herself in the mirror and sees her genuine smile. "I am going to China... which means..."
Tomoyo smiled, "Hai... there is a possibility that you will see him again..."
Sakura's excitement grew, "and then.. and then.." she stood up and grasped Tomoyo's hands. "I'll be able to.. to.. tell him my feelings..."
"Hai!" Tomoyo giggled.
Syaoran was practicing his movements with his sword as the phone rang. He ignored it as he knows that Wei will pick it up, a few minutes later Wei stood in front of him handling the phone. "Master, its for you."
Syaoran put down his sword and took the receiver from Wei's hand; he placed it next to his ear. "Xiaolang here,"
There was a panicked voice on the other end of the line. "We are from the Tianzhen Media Corporation and we would like to ask a favor from you."
Tianzhen Media Corporation is a large Media Group Company who is responsible for foreign concerts in China. Syaoran sighed, "What can I do for you?"
"Mr. Li, this may be a silly question... but do you happen to know Cherry Blossom of Japan?"
Syaoran silently made in antipathy, "The singer?"
"Yes Sir..."
"Unfortunately, yes." He said, rolling his eyes.
"Well there has been an emergency regarding her concert, the people on Miss Cherry Blossom side are requesting for a special sponsorship."
Syaoran frowned, "and as one of the largest companies you cannot fulfill the sponsorship?"
"We can, of course... but they refuse to continue the Concert if we fail to make the Li Family as one of the Sponsors of the concert..."
Syaoran snapped, "Then don't continue the concert." he said, who do these Cherry Blossom staffs think they are? Demanding some sponsorship with the Li Clan?
"But it will make us look bad, and the people are already anticipating the concert sir... besides are you not excited that one of the famous singers of Japan will be performing in our country? It will be a good publicity for the Li clan-"
"We do not need publicity." Syaoran said, in a stern voice.
"Please sir... help us..."
Syaoran then remembered how exciting Xu was. "Fine. I'll do it."
The voice at the opposite line sighed in relief, "Thank you sir, she will be in your hands when she arrives."
"Fine," Syaoran stated.
"Have a good night sir! Thank you once again! On behalf of Tianzhen Media-"
Syaoran cut the line and gave the phone to Wei, "Wei, I want you to go and prepare a special hotel room for the visitors." he said, while picking up his sword. "Also prepare a service for them and well... email the Tianzhen Company and ask for the needed details regarding the concert."
"Who are these people, master?"
Syaoran sway his sword and narrowed his eyes, starting his training session. "Cherry Blossom and her companions,"