Author's note: Yay! I've finished chapter three! I can't believe I got the time to do this one! I am just so happy that I still don't have that much load to do in school. However, I'm warning you now guys that the upcoming chapters will not be uploaded as fast as the previous two are. I mean, I have lots of exams lined up for the coming week so I have to stop writing this fic for the meantime. I was just so happy about the reviews that I've been receiving lately so that's why I wrote this chapter immediately ^_^.
Again, thank you very much to those guys who reviewed my story! Thanks for taking the little time to say your comments. I am sooo inspired by your reviews! You're just too many to mention but you guys know who you are! Thank you very much!
As usual before anything else, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, PLEASE REVIEW (irritating isn't it? ^_^)! The fate of this story lies in your hands guys! If you want the story to be continued then pls. review! Okay, I'll leave you alone now so you could finally read the story!
DISCLAIMER: I don't own CCS or CC, but how I wish I do. All characters belong to CLAMP.
Guide:
"----" Conversations
=----= Thoughts
(----) Author's notes
CHAPTER THREE
A VALENTINE'S CARD
**SAKURA**
I feel my head aching. I feel like I'm going to be sick. I feel like shouting. This, I couldn't take anymore.
"Kawaiiiiiiiiii!!!!!" Tomoyo, Rika, Naoko and Chiharu cried in unison.
= Whatever. = I rolled my eyes.
Yeah, I know what you guys must be thinking. Of course, I'm acting weird. Call me whatever you want and I don't care.
"What's so kawaii about it?" I finally asked them. We are just talking...I mean, THEY are talking about that dance and suddenly they get all giggly and dreamy about it. You should've seen the looks on their faces, if I'm not in such a bad mood, I would've laughed myself. They got this funny and weird look thing in their faces with matching starry eyes (*_*).
"Sakura, it's so kawaii because the Valentine's party is going to be sooo romantic!!!" Chiharu squealed in excitement which made the hairs on my skin rise.
"And don't forget about the dance!" Rika reminded me.
"How could I forget?" I mumbled glumly.
"And the dress!" Tomoyo added, which made my head ache even more.
"Definitely romantic!" Naoko nodded in agreement. "I've even heard some of the guys already talking about who they want to ask out for the dance."
"You are so lucky Chiharu! I'm sure Yamazaki is going to ask you to be his partner to the dance!" Rika giggled.
"I just wish someone will ask me," Naoko sighed dreamily.
I continue to stare at them in misery. You might say I'm exaggerating, but really, I can't help but to feel this way. I even went to school early just so I could get to homeroom in time, for me to be able to ask our Sensei about the dance. And you know what? He said that we are DEFINITELY obliged to come. Regardless of whether we are in the organizing committee or not. Of course, I asked for a valid reason as to why is it mandatory and he answered me with something like, "Kinomoto, this is the first formal party that the school prepared, especially for you sixth graders (In our country, the 6th graders are graduating students in elementary. Just told you in case you're wondering what's so special about sixth graders. ^_~). We should all be there to support the school." And our Sensei finished it off with a big, goofy grin as opposed to my sulking, frowning face. Then after that, my head suddenly ached and I was in a bad mood.
= I'm going to make a complete fool out of myself, = I thought hopelessly as I imagined myself wearing a dress. I shuddered at the thought.
"A penny for your thoughts?" A calm voice said, interrupting my thoughts. I looked up to see Eriol, smiling at me. "You seem to have a big problem. Maybe I can help?"
I smiled back at Eriol. I've always thought he was such a nice, polite guy. = Too bad, I don't like guys romantically = I laughed inwardly.
"Thanks. But nobody can help me."
"Come on! All problems can be solved!" He urged.
"Nah. It's about the dance." I smirked. "I really don't want to go."
"Really? I've always thought everybody wants to go. Half the school is already buzzing about it in excitement." Eriol informed me.
"So are you considering going to the dance?" I asked. Not that I care; I just don't have something to say.
"Maybe. It's no big deal." He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.
"Easy for you to say!" I complained while looking at Tomoyo and the others still happily chatting away. "You wouldn't be forced to wear a dress!"
"Yeah, we wouldn't be wearing dresses but we got to wear, you know, tuxedos?"
I frowned at him. "I'd rather wear that!"
Eriol laughed at me. I know, he's thinking how weird I am.
"Sakura, you don't have to worry so much. The party's going to be for one night only!" Eriol sat down in the chair next to me. "Besides, I'm sure you're going to look absolutely beautiful in a dress."
I looked at him in surprise. I mean, Eriol thinks I look beautiful in a dress? He must be kidding! Oh well, I figured out that he's just trying to be nice to me. You know, just to make me smile and everything. However, if I am your ordinary, sweet and doll-loving (I don't know what word to say! =P) kind of girl, maybe Eriol's compliments could've lifted my spirits. But guess what? I'm not. So what the heck!
But still, I'm not rude so I just ended up saying, "Thanks."
"And besides, you girls are so lucky!" Eriol continued. "You're spared of the burden of asking somebody out."
I shrugged. "I guess so."
"Hey," Syaoran said as he approached us.
I saw him scowling as he takes the seat in front of us. I don't know if Syaoran's acting like that because of the news regarding the dance or because of Eriol's presence. Remember, Syaoran and Eriol were not really the best of friends. But I guess, he is always scowling so there should be nothing new to it. The rare times that he smiled and laughed were those times that he teases me.
= Oh, well = I looked at Syaoran who is still frowning at us. = I guess, misery loves company. =
**SYAORAN**
I honestly don't want to approach them. I mean, seeing Eriol around will not help me improve my mood. But I guess I'll look pretty stupid if I just sit all alone in my desk while I wait for Sakura to come around and finish her nice little chat with him. Oh, I forgot to mention. Sakura and I always walk home together. You know, since we're best friends and everything.
= Why are they still hanging around? = I wondered referring to the group. The group by the way, consists of Tomoyo, Rika, Naoko, Chiharu, Eriol and Sakura. = Classes are already finished. =
I could see Eriol smiling that annoying smile of his when I finally managed to approach them.
"Hey," I greeted non-enthusiastically. I saw Sakura staring at me as I sat down in front of them.
"What's with the long face?" Sakura asked, obviously teasing me. Of course, she knows why. She just likes to irritate me even more.
"Ask yourself." I retorted, teasing her back.
"Please don't." Sakura sighed in annoyance. "I've heard enough about the dance from them." She glanced at Tomoyo and the others.
"What about us?" Tomoyo butted in, finally snapping back into reality. Finally, they were able to steer away from their conversation regarding the upcoming dance.
= That stupid dance, = I muttered to myself.
That dance completely ruined my mood for the whole day. Especially after hearing that it's mandatory. Oh, how I really hate formal gatherings! I remembered back then in HongKong how our family used to hold formal gatherings. They would make me wear these formal and stiff clothes which makes me feel like wearing a straightjacket. And besides, I don't know how to dance. I'll probably end up stepping into my partner's feet for the entire dance. As if, I'm gonna ask someone to be my date!
"We were just talking about the dance and how you guys are so excited by it." Eriol replied.
"Well, isn't everybody?" Chiharu asked in awe. I noticed that Yamazaki was not with her. I mean, they are always together. Anyway, not that it mattered.
"Everybody besides Sakura and Syaoran, that is." Tomoyo pointed out.
= My sentiments, exactly. = At least, Tomoyo noticed that.
"I still don't get it why you guys are so pissed off by it." Rika commented.
I saw Sakura rolled her eyes. "I told you, I hate wearing a dress! Besides, I don't have a partner. Nobody is going to ask me out for sure." She waved her hand dismissively. "And frankly, I don't care."
"Who says you need a date to get to the party?" Tomoyo asked incredulously. "I'm going by myself if nobody asked me out!"
"Yeah, me too." Rika and Naoko agreed.
"Well, I still think it sucks." I said, breaking my silence.
"Why? Don't you think that's it cool how we guys finally have the reason to ask somebody out?" Eriol asked me. "I mean, don't you have somebody else in your mind that you've been crushing on lately?"
I scowled even more at him. I mean, for a guy, Eriol could be so much into minding other people's business.
"I DON'T have a crush on anybody." I grunted.
"Aaaww...you're not even asking somebody to be your partner for the dance?" Naoko asked. I just shook my head vigorously for an answer.
"You'll gonna break a lot of girl's heart, Li!" Rika smiled. "Lots of girls are willing to be your partner!"
I looked at her in amazement. I can't believe that the Valentine's party are going to turn them all into...I don't know what word to say, I mean they all sound so mushy and everything I'm beginning to think they're possessed or something. I am soooooo glad Sakura is not like that, but of course if she's like them, she's not gonna be even my bestfriend.
I saw at the corner of my eyes how Sakura laughed at my discomfort.
= She must be really enjoying this, having to watch me in my annoyance = I sighed. I just really wanted to go home.
"Don't you think Sakura looks pretty in a dress?" Eriol continued to ask much to my annoyance.
"Hoe!" Sakura exclaimed in surprised.
I saw how Tomoyo, Rika, Naoko and Chiharu giggled while Eriol smiles, again, that creepy smile of his.
I couldn't blame Sakura if she got all surprised and everything. I mean, asking questions like that... I looked at Eriol in irritation. What is he getting up to, asking questions like that? Anyway, to satisfy their curiosity because it seems to me that we won't leave school until they get my answer, I tried to imagine Sakura in a dress. I frowned hard, while thinking. I mean, come on! This is Sakura we're talking about. She never wears skirts besides our school uniform! I took a glance at her messy hair. And her hair is like, to say it nicely, blown out of proportions.
"I think..." I saw how Eriol and the girls leaned in closer in expectation of my answer while Sakura frowns at me, "She's going to look really funny!" I laughed.
And then I felt my body being shaken so hard until I thought my brain's gonna fall off!
"I should've know what you're going to say!" Sakura said angrily.
The whole gang seemed quiet as they watch Sakura literally yanked me out of my chair. I was surprised she's so mad at me, I mean, I was always teasing her about wearing a dress. And now, she got affected at my joke?
"You are so insensitive!" She continued to glare at me. "But I guess, you are so right Syaoran!" And then she laughed while we all looked at her in awe. Sometimes you know, I think she's gone crazy.
"Gotcha there for a minute didn't I?" Sakura asked happily. "Thought I got mad, huh? Well, as if!"
I sighed in relief. Yes, I admit I may be a jerk at times but still I don't want her to get mad at me. She's still my friend, after all.
**SAKURA**
"Come on, you guys! Let's go home!" I stood up from my chair, still giggling.
I can't believe they fell for my act. Especially Syaoran. You should've seen the look on his face when I acted angry at his little joke about me wearing a dress. He was really surprised. Excuse me, as if I care about what he thinks of me, whether I look pretty or what in a dress!
"Hey, aren't you going to the lockers or something?" I asked them.
"No. Why?" Tomoyo asked.
"Well, I still have to pass by my lockers to get some stuffs and leave some of the books I have today. Don't you think we could go there for a while before heading home?"
"Sure, no prob." Syaoran nodded along with the others.
"Arigatou!" I bowed slightly in gratitude.
When we finally reached my locker, I immediately turned the combination of the look and fumbled. I yanked the door open but it wouldn't budge.
"Need help?" Eriol offered.
"No, thanks" I said while still yanking the door. "This is always like this."
"Yeah. Locker's here must be pretty old already. Mine is also always like that." Eriol said.
I nodded absentmindedly. I was concentrating hard on opening my locker. Finally, I got to open it after about a few more pounding and yanking.
"At last," I muttered to myself. I was just about to unload the books from my bag when I noticed a pink envelope lying inside my locker.
= What could be this? = I wondered silently as I picked up the envelope. I almost thought that it was not mine when I read `Sakura'. My name was written in the envelope by somebody's handwriting that I wasn't able to recognize. I decided to open it anyway since curiosity is already getting the best of me. The envelope revealed a card in the shape of the heart.
= What the..??! =
Sakura,
Your emerald eyes is all I could ever think of.
Will you be my valentine?
*****
It was unsigned. I stared at the card in shock. I don't know who could've written this. I really have no idea.
I turned around at the group and frowned. I just have to ask them.
" Okay. So who's trying to be cute?" I asked waving the card right in their faces.
~~~~~~~~
Author's note: Someone is actually asking Sakura out? Who could it be? Well, you have to read the upcoming chapters to find out who it is! But as of now, I'm leaving the chapter there and I just hoped you liked it! So before you go off and read another story, pls. don't forget to REVIEW the chapter! Arigatou!
Again, thank you very much to those guys who reviewed my story! Thanks for taking the little time to say your comments. I am sooo inspired by your reviews! You're just too many to mention but you guys know who you are! Thank you very much!
As usual before anything else, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, PLEASE REVIEW (irritating isn't it? ^_^)! The fate of this story lies in your hands guys! If you want the story to be continued then pls. review! Okay, I'll leave you alone now so you could finally read the story!
DISCLAIMER: I don't own CCS or CC, but how I wish I do. All characters belong to CLAMP.
Guide:
"----" Conversations
=----= Thoughts
(----) Author's notes
CHAPTER THREE
A VALENTINE'S CARD
**SAKURA**
I feel my head aching. I feel like I'm going to be sick. I feel like shouting. This, I couldn't take anymore.
"Kawaiiiiiiiiii!!!!!" Tomoyo, Rika, Naoko and Chiharu cried in unison.
= Whatever. = I rolled my eyes.
Yeah, I know what you guys must be thinking. Of course, I'm acting weird. Call me whatever you want and I don't care.
"What's so kawaii about it?" I finally asked them. We are just talking...I mean, THEY are talking about that dance and suddenly they get all giggly and dreamy about it. You should've seen the looks on their faces, if I'm not in such a bad mood, I would've laughed myself. They got this funny and weird look thing in their faces with matching starry eyes (*_*).
"Sakura, it's so kawaii because the Valentine's party is going to be sooo romantic!!!" Chiharu squealed in excitement which made the hairs on my skin rise.
"And don't forget about the dance!" Rika reminded me.
"How could I forget?" I mumbled glumly.
"And the dress!" Tomoyo added, which made my head ache even more.
"Definitely romantic!" Naoko nodded in agreement. "I've even heard some of the guys already talking about who they want to ask out for the dance."
"You are so lucky Chiharu! I'm sure Yamazaki is going to ask you to be his partner to the dance!" Rika giggled.
"I just wish someone will ask me," Naoko sighed dreamily.
I continue to stare at them in misery. You might say I'm exaggerating, but really, I can't help but to feel this way. I even went to school early just so I could get to homeroom in time, for me to be able to ask our Sensei about the dance. And you know what? He said that we are DEFINITELY obliged to come. Regardless of whether we are in the organizing committee or not. Of course, I asked for a valid reason as to why is it mandatory and he answered me with something like, "Kinomoto, this is the first formal party that the school prepared, especially for you sixth graders (In our country, the 6th graders are graduating students in elementary. Just told you in case you're wondering what's so special about sixth graders. ^_~). We should all be there to support the school." And our Sensei finished it off with a big, goofy grin as opposed to my sulking, frowning face. Then after that, my head suddenly ached and I was in a bad mood.
= I'm going to make a complete fool out of myself, = I thought hopelessly as I imagined myself wearing a dress. I shuddered at the thought.
"A penny for your thoughts?" A calm voice said, interrupting my thoughts. I looked up to see Eriol, smiling at me. "You seem to have a big problem. Maybe I can help?"
I smiled back at Eriol. I've always thought he was such a nice, polite guy. = Too bad, I don't like guys romantically = I laughed inwardly.
"Thanks. But nobody can help me."
"Come on! All problems can be solved!" He urged.
"Nah. It's about the dance." I smirked. "I really don't want to go."
"Really? I've always thought everybody wants to go. Half the school is already buzzing about it in excitement." Eriol informed me.
"So are you considering going to the dance?" I asked. Not that I care; I just don't have something to say.
"Maybe. It's no big deal." He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.
"Easy for you to say!" I complained while looking at Tomoyo and the others still happily chatting away. "You wouldn't be forced to wear a dress!"
"Yeah, we wouldn't be wearing dresses but we got to wear, you know, tuxedos?"
I frowned at him. "I'd rather wear that!"
Eriol laughed at me. I know, he's thinking how weird I am.
"Sakura, you don't have to worry so much. The party's going to be for one night only!" Eriol sat down in the chair next to me. "Besides, I'm sure you're going to look absolutely beautiful in a dress."
I looked at him in surprise. I mean, Eriol thinks I look beautiful in a dress? He must be kidding! Oh well, I figured out that he's just trying to be nice to me. You know, just to make me smile and everything. However, if I am your ordinary, sweet and doll-loving (I don't know what word to say! =P) kind of girl, maybe Eriol's compliments could've lifted my spirits. But guess what? I'm not. So what the heck!
But still, I'm not rude so I just ended up saying, "Thanks."
"And besides, you girls are so lucky!" Eriol continued. "You're spared of the burden of asking somebody out."
I shrugged. "I guess so."
"Hey," Syaoran said as he approached us.
I saw him scowling as he takes the seat in front of us. I don't know if Syaoran's acting like that because of the news regarding the dance or because of Eriol's presence. Remember, Syaoran and Eriol were not really the best of friends. But I guess, he is always scowling so there should be nothing new to it. The rare times that he smiled and laughed were those times that he teases me.
= Oh, well = I looked at Syaoran who is still frowning at us. = I guess, misery loves company. =
**SYAORAN**
I honestly don't want to approach them. I mean, seeing Eriol around will not help me improve my mood. But I guess I'll look pretty stupid if I just sit all alone in my desk while I wait for Sakura to come around and finish her nice little chat with him. Oh, I forgot to mention. Sakura and I always walk home together. You know, since we're best friends and everything.
= Why are they still hanging around? = I wondered referring to the group. The group by the way, consists of Tomoyo, Rika, Naoko, Chiharu, Eriol and Sakura. = Classes are already finished. =
I could see Eriol smiling that annoying smile of his when I finally managed to approach them.
"Hey," I greeted non-enthusiastically. I saw Sakura staring at me as I sat down in front of them.
"What's with the long face?" Sakura asked, obviously teasing me. Of course, she knows why. She just likes to irritate me even more.
"Ask yourself." I retorted, teasing her back.
"Please don't." Sakura sighed in annoyance. "I've heard enough about the dance from them." She glanced at Tomoyo and the others.
"What about us?" Tomoyo butted in, finally snapping back into reality. Finally, they were able to steer away from their conversation regarding the upcoming dance.
= That stupid dance, = I muttered to myself.
That dance completely ruined my mood for the whole day. Especially after hearing that it's mandatory. Oh, how I really hate formal gatherings! I remembered back then in HongKong how our family used to hold formal gatherings. They would make me wear these formal and stiff clothes which makes me feel like wearing a straightjacket. And besides, I don't know how to dance. I'll probably end up stepping into my partner's feet for the entire dance. As if, I'm gonna ask someone to be my date!
"We were just talking about the dance and how you guys are so excited by it." Eriol replied.
"Well, isn't everybody?" Chiharu asked in awe. I noticed that Yamazaki was not with her. I mean, they are always together. Anyway, not that it mattered.
"Everybody besides Sakura and Syaoran, that is." Tomoyo pointed out.
= My sentiments, exactly. = At least, Tomoyo noticed that.
"I still don't get it why you guys are so pissed off by it." Rika commented.
I saw Sakura rolled her eyes. "I told you, I hate wearing a dress! Besides, I don't have a partner. Nobody is going to ask me out for sure." She waved her hand dismissively. "And frankly, I don't care."
"Who says you need a date to get to the party?" Tomoyo asked incredulously. "I'm going by myself if nobody asked me out!"
"Yeah, me too." Rika and Naoko agreed.
"Well, I still think it sucks." I said, breaking my silence.
"Why? Don't you think that's it cool how we guys finally have the reason to ask somebody out?" Eriol asked me. "I mean, don't you have somebody else in your mind that you've been crushing on lately?"
I scowled even more at him. I mean, for a guy, Eriol could be so much into minding other people's business.
"I DON'T have a crush on anybody." I grunted.
"Aaaww...you're not even asking somebody to be your partner for the dance?" Naoko asked. I just shook my head vigorously for an answer.
"You'll gonna break a lot of girl's heart, Li!" Rika smiled. "Lots of girls are willing to be your partner!"
I looked at her in amazement. I can't believe that the Valentine's party are going to turn them all into...I don't know what word to say, I mean they all sound so mushy and everything I'm beginning to think they're possessed or something. I am soooooo glad Sakura is not like that, but of course if she's like them, she's not gonna be even my bestfriend.
I saw at the corner of my eyes how Sakura laughed at my discomfort.
= She must be really enjoying this, having to watch me in my annoyance = I sighed. I just really wanted to go home.
"Don't you think Sakura looks pretty in a dress?" Eriol continued to ask much to my annoyance.
"Hoe!" Sakura exclaimed in surprised.
I saw how Tomoyo, Rika, Naoko and Chiharu giggled while Eriol smiles, again, that creepy smile of his.
I couldn't blame Sakura if she got all surprised and everything. I mean, asking questions like that... I looked at Eriol in irritation. What is he getting up to, asking questions like that? Anyway, to satisfy their curiosity because it seems to me that we won't leave school until they get my answer, I tried to imagine Sakura in a dress. I frowned hard, while thinking. I mean, come on! This is Sakura we're talking about. She never wears skirts besides our school uniform! I took a glance at her messy hair. And her hair is like, to say it nicely, blown out of proportions.
"I think..." I saw how Eriol and the girls leaned in closer in expectation of my answer while Sakura frowns at me, "She's going to look really funny!" I laughed.
And then I felt my body being shaken so hard until I thought my brain's gonna fall off!
"I should've know what you're going to say!" Sakura said angrily.
The whole gang seemed quiet as they watch Sakura literally yanked me out of my chair. I was surprised she's so mad at me, I mean, I was always teasing her about wearing a dress. And now, she got affected at my joke?
"You are so insensitive!" She continued to glare at me. "But I guess, you are so right Syaoran!" And then she laughed while we all looked at her in awe. Sometimes you know, I think she's gone crazy.
"Gotcha there for a minute didn't I?" Sakura asked happily. "Thought I got mad, huh? Well, as if!"
I sighed in relief. Yes, I admit I may be a jerk at times but still I don't want her to get mad at me. She's still my friend, after all.
**SAKURA**
"Come on, you guys! Let's go home!" I stood up from my chair, still giggling.
I can't believe they fell for my act. Especially Syaoran. You should've seen the look on his face when I acted angry at his little joke about me wearing a dress. He was really surprised. Excuse me, as if I care about what he thinks of me, whether I look pretty or what in a dress!
"Hey, aren't you going to the lockers or something?" I asked them.
"No. Why?" Tomoyo asked.
"Well, I still have to pass by my lockers to get some stuffs and leave some of the books I have today. Don't you think we could go there for a while before heading home?"
"Sure, no prob." Syaoran nodded along with the others.
"Arigatou!" I bowed slightly in gratitude.
When we finally reached my locker, I immediately turned the combination of the look and fumbled. I yanked the door open but it wouldn't budge.
"Need help?" Eriol offered.
"No, thanks" I said while still yanking the door. "This is always like this."
"Yeah. Locker's here must be pretty old already. Mine is also always like that." Eriol said.
I nodded absentmindedly. I was concentrating hard on opening my locker. Finally, I got to open it after about a few more pounding and yanking.
"At last," I muttered to myself. I was just about to unload the books from my bag when I noticed a pink envelope lying inside my locker.
= What could be this? = I wondered silently as I picked up the envelope. I almost thought that it was not mine when I read `Sakura'. My name was written in the envelope by somebody's handwriting that I wasn't able to recognize. I decided to open it anyway since curiosity is already getting the best of me. The envelope revealed a card in the shape of the heart.
= What the..??! =
Sakura,
Your emerald eyes is all I could ever think of.
Will you be my valentine?
*****
It was unsigned. I stared at the card in shock. I don't know who could've written this. I really have no idea.
I turned around at the group and frowned. I just have to ask them.
" Okay. So who's trying to be cute?" I asked waving the card right in their faces.
~~~~~~~~
Author's note: Someone is actually asking Sakura out? Who could it be? Well, you have to read the upcoming chapters to find out who it is! But as of now, I'm leaving the chapter there and I just hoped you liked it! So before you go off and read another story, pls. don't forget to REVIEW the chapter! Arigatou!