Author's note: As always, I want to thank everybody for all your nice
compliments and great reviews despite what I've thought was such a messed
up chapter. All your compliments really lifted up my spirits. Again,
Arigatou everybody! *hugs all*
Remember what I've said before about me not feeling well? I eventually found out that I am over fatigued and that really sucks. So basically I got myself confined in the hospital and I just recently got out. Really recently (Ugh. I'm blabbering again.), so that will explain if this chapter doesn't make sense at all. (I think so.) I did this as soon as I was out of the hospital because I know a lot are waiting for the next chappy. So basically, this is just a 'spur of the moment' chapter. Oh well. I guess you just had to read this. If you think you don't like this chap..that's fine with me. I promise it will be better next time! ^____^
CHAPTER TEN
THE STRONG BOND OF FRIENDSHIP
**SAKURA**
The idea of falling in love with Syaoran haunts me for the rest of the day. It was really such a ludicrous idea that dawned on to my mind but ludicrous as it may seems, somehow...it felt right. Never in my whole life prepared me for this. It scares me about these new feelings that are taking up inside of me and right now, I just don't know what to do about it.
I cleared off my desk and stood up from my chair as I prepare to go home.
"Syaoran...are you gonna walk home with me?" I asked rather half-heartedly. Despite how awkward it feels to me, luckily, I managed to bring my old, cheerful self today. Right after Tomoyo and Syaoran noticed my bleak mood, I've decided to recompose myself so that they'll stop worrying about me.
Syaoran glanced at Tomoyo before looking at me. "Ano...Hana and I have decided to stop by the library and start off with the project today."
"Oh." I shrugged, smiling at them.
"I won't be able to walk home with you today." He said apologetically. "Would that be okay with you?"
"Of course!" Yeah it's really okay guys, believe me. I really want to have extra time for myself to sort some stuffs out. And being with Syaoran won't help me at all! Especially if he's sort of my problem...hmmm, I think.
"Sakura, I'll walk home with you today!" Tomoyo said.
"No problem!" I answered back. Oh well, I don't think I'm going to have the time I needed for myself, but at least this is Tomoyo I'm walking home with; NOT Syaoran.
"So we've got to get going now Syaoran. Oh by the way, where's Hana?" I asked, noticing his partner not around.
Syaoran stood up, joining us as we walk out of the room. "I'm just going to meet her at the library."
"You guys are pretty hardworking," Tomoyo commented. "You're actually starting on that project already?"
"Well...we're just going to brainstorm about it and see if we can come up with something," Syaoran replied. "I've got no problem with it anyway if we start off with it, at least we can finish it sooner."
I nodded. "You're right."
"So how about you, guys? When are you going to start with the project?"
"Tomorrow, I think." Tomoyo glanced at me questioningly. "That okay with you, Sakura?"
"Hai, Tomoyo. The sooner the better, too."
Syaoran came into a halt as we approached the library. "Okay, here's my destination. I'll just see you tomorrow guys."
Tomoyo and I let out a small wave. "Bye. Good luck with your project." I said.
"So...anything you want to talk about?" Tomoyo asked, carefully speaking every word.
I looked at her curiously. Man, I thought they'll going to drop this subject once and for all! Maybe I wasn't a good actress enough; maybe Tomoyo still sees through me. No matter how I faked my feelings and try to look like I don't have something on my mind that's bugging me; I'm sure Tomoyo can still feel it. She's really perceptive and I'm so glad that Syaoran's not like that. Yeah, he can sense it if something was up but I can easily tell him I'm okay and pretend that everything's alright and he'll believe me.
"Nope." I lied. I just hoped this time, she'll believe me.
Tomoyo laughed softly. "You were never good at lying, Sakura."
= Ugh. How observant of her. Am I that obvious??? =
"Is this about, Syaoran?"
My eyes widen in surprise, as if I was caught red-handed. How on earth did she figure that? Sometimes, I couldn't help thinking that Tomoyo can predict the future or something. I mean, how did she pinpoint the exact cause of my little problem? It's bad enough that she noticed I look miserable and now she even knew the reason for it?
"What made you say that?" I asked, rather defensively. I don't know, I couldn't come up with a better answer or question than that.
"Come on, tell me. Maybe I can help you." She replied. And she still haven't answered my question.
"This is just nothing." I said defeatedly. Okay, I guess it's no use trying to hide it from Tomoyo, right? I mean, she always figure it out. And I hate it. Better admit it than make myself look stupid trying to deny it. And she's right...I am not good at lying. So you see, she got me cornered.
"I guess this thing started since Saturday, huh?" Tomoyo smiled. " I knew it would come to this! I can see it even then."
"Sumimasen, Tomoyo?" (*Excuse me*) She's talking weird again! I glanced at her to see her looking dreamily at me.
"You know! The chemistry between the two of you is really different! And it's more obvious than before on your last date!" Tomoyo winked at me. "You two really seem to be enjoying each other's company, there. I could see that."
"That's just your imagination running on the loose! Syaoran likes Hana!" I frowned. "Not me."
"So you like him, ne?"
"Yes! I mean, no...I mean..." I stammered. Oh kami, I messed up this time. Now, I'm obvious!
"Don't worry Sakura, I understand." Tomoyo looked at me in concern. "I know you're confused right now. That's why I want to help you, if I can. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."
"I don't know, Tomoyo...I feel really stupid about it." I looked down, staring at the path. "It just happened. Right now, I'm really, really confused. I never imagined I would end up liking him, of all people!"
"Love sometimes has it's own way. It has it's own reasons that we do not know."
"It's not really that I love him already or anything!" I wailed frustratedly. "I'm still in the process of figuring it out."
"I'm sure you will come around to that soon." Tomoyo chuckled. "This is so kawaii!!! You and Syaoran...the mere thought of it makes me so happy!"
I watched Tomoyo as she giggled and get all starry-eyed about it. I couldn't help but sigh seeing her like that. I've never known anybody in my life as romantic as her!
"Maybe this is just some sort of weird phase that I'm going through right now. You know, adolescence or something." I smirked. "How could I like guys in the first place? These things are really such a mystery to me."
"Stop worrying too much, Sakura. Let your heart lead the way. Someday, all your questions will be answered." Tomoyo said. "Well, here's our house now."
"Yeah. Thanks for enlightening me, Tomoyo." I said gratefully. "Take Care!" I added as she walked inside their gate and waved at me her goodbye.
As I walked alone and looked up to the sky, I couldn't help sighing. I just prayed and hoped that Tomoyo was right. Whatever my feelings will lead me to, I just hoped I'll be able to accept and understand it. I really do.
**SYAORAN**
"Sakura! Hey!" I called out, as I saw her walking all alone, hoping to catch up with her.
"Syaoran?" She looks at me in surprise. "What are you doing here? I thought you're with Hana doing your project?"
Before answering her, I took in a deep breath to ease my panting. I practically ran you know, just to be able to catch her up before she reached their house!
"She said she had to get home." I shrugged. "Some of their relatives suddenly want to visit them so their mother called her up to tell her she must go home early."
"Hana has a cellphone?'
"Yeah." I laughed at her question. "Obviously. How can her mother tell her message to her?"
"Stupid question." She slapped her forehead. "I know."
"Good to see you looking the same again, ne?" I smiled. I am indeed happy to see her smiling and well, being the same Sakura that I knew. I guess, I am still not used at seeing her look so down. I've always been used at her cheerful attitude, her smiling face and her sparkling eyes...those are her characteristics which I really like...and love. Matte(*wait*)...did I just said love? Where did that come from?
"I told you. I just had a bad headache earlier ,that's all." She smirked at me.
"Was it that bad so as to leave you looking like you've had the biggest problem in the world?" I asked. I guess you can say I do not really believe her. If you actually saw her face earlier, I bet you'll also doubt her.
"It's that bad." Sakura answered in irritation. "But I'm okay now, see?"
I stopped to grasp her shoulders gently and turned her face towards me so that I could see her face closely. But when I look at her face, I was surprised to see the vulnerability in it, which I never saw in the whole time I've known her. Sakura always look so tough and so sure of herself...but as I gaze into her eyes and feel the depths of those green eyes, I'm not quite sure anymore. Suddenly, I felt as if my bestfriend is changing and that I don't know what to do about it.
But as we stare at each others eyes quietly, I suddenly sensed my face feeling hot and I hurriedly look away from her and just stared straight ahead of our path. Ugh. What's happening to me?!? (I think I've heard this line before from Sakura...if only he knew! ^__^)
"Ano..why don't I treat you out?" I said. "Let's go to the newly opened ice cream parlor down south. I've heard their chocolate sundae is really good."
"That's nice of you Syaoran, but you know you don't have to."
"Well...I want to...if that will cheer you up," I added convincingly. To be honest, I already had the idea to treat her earlier if it weren't for that project that Hana and I were supposed to do, but fortunately it was cancelled so I could now go on with my plan.
Sakura looked at me shyly. Which is a bit surprising since I never saw her shy around me.
"I'm really okay now. Just save your money for your date with Hana."
I frowned at her. What does Hana have to do with this, anyway?
"No, don't worry about it. I still have some money left on my savings."
Sakura looked at me amusedly. "Well...since you insist..."
"Arigatou, Sakura." I smirked. "Although you have to promise to me that you will not empty all the parlor's ice cream with your huge appetite and everything," I teased lightly.
I watched her face turned into a frown because of what I've said. "Syaoran! You're so mean! I do not have a voracious appetite!"
I laughed heartily as I watch her get all bent out of shape. I guess, I'm just happy to see her back to her usual self.
"What's so funny?" She demanded, crossing her arms impatiently as she watched me laughed.
I pinched her nose lightly. "You. Hey, let's go...the ice cream's waiting for us."
Now, it's her turn to laugh. "It seems to me that you're the one who have a voracious appetite...especially for ice creams. CHOCOLATE flavored, at that."
"You could say that," I grinned. I glanced at Sakura to see her face looking up at me fondly. And the way she looks at me makes my heart doing again all these weird things. I felt my heart all jumpy and fluttery again.
And you know what's the weirdest thing that happen to me again today, right after I look at Sakura???
I blushed.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's note: At least, I finished this chap. This is just basically my transition for the next important chapter. Which is their upcoming last date, the dance lessons. Well, I basically ruined the next chap, ne? But that's okay. Well, I still need your reviews guys for this chap. Say if you don't like it, but please don't flame ^__^. Okay, I got to take a bit of my vacation so I'll be uploading the next chapter a bit late. I hope you understand. Arigatou!
Remember what I've said before about me not feeling well? I eventually found out that I am over fatigued and that really sucks. So basically I got myself confined in the hospital and I just recently got out. Really recently (Ugh. I'm blabbering again.), so that will explain if this chapter doesn't make sense at all. (I think so.) I did this as soon as I was out of the hospital because I know a lot are waiting for the next chappy. So basically, this is just a 'spur of the moment' chapter. Oh well. I guess you just had to read this. If you think you don't like this chap..that's fine with me. I promise it will be better next time! ^____^
CHAPTER TEN
THE STRONG BOND OF FRIENDSHIP
**SAKURA**
The idea of falling in love with Syaoran haunts me for the rest of the day. It was really such a ludicrous idea that dawned on to my mind but ludicrous as it may seems, somehow...it felt right. Never in my whole life prepared me for this. It scares me about these new feelings that are taking up inside of me and right now, I just don't know what to do about it.
I cleared off my desk and stood up from my chair as I prepare to go home.
"Syaoran...are you gonna walk home with me?" I asked rather half-heartedly. Despite how awkward it feels to me, luckily, I managed to bring my old, cheerful self today. Right after Tomoyo and Syaoran noticed my bleak mood, I've decided to recompose myself so that they'll stop worrying about me.
Syaoran glanced at Tomoyo before looking at me. "Ano...Hana and I have decided to stop by the library and start off with the project today."
"Oh." I shrugged, smiling at them.
"I won't be able to walk home with you today." He said apologetically. "Would that be okay with you?"
"Of course!" Yeah it's really okay guys, believe me. I really want to have extra time for myself to sort some stuffs out. And being with Syaoran won't help me at all! Especially if he's sort of my problem...hmmm, I think.
"Sakura, I'll walk home with you today!" Tomoyo said.
"No problem!" I answered back. Oh well, I don't think I'm going to have the time I needed for myself, but at least this is Tomoyo I'm walking home with; NOT Syaoran.
"So we've got to get going now Syaoran. Oh by the way, where's Hana?" I asked, noticing his partner not around.
Syaoran stood up, joining us as we walk out of the room. "I'm just going to meet her at the library."
"You guys are pretty hardworking," Tomoyo commented. "You're actually starting on that project already?"
"Well...we're just going to brainstorm about it and see if we can come up with something," Syaoran replied. "I've got no problem with it anyway if we start off with it, at least we can finish it sooner."
I nodded. "You're right."
"So how about you, guys? When are you going to start with the project?"
"Tomorrow, I think." Tomoyo glanced at me questioningly. "That okay with you, Sakura?"
"Hai, Tomoyo. The sooner the better, too."
Syaoran came into a halt as we approached the library. "Okay, here's my destination. I'll just see you tomorrow guys."
Tomoyo and I let out a small wave. "Bye. Good luck with your project." I said.
"So...anything you want to talk about?" Tomoyo asked, carefully speaking every word.
I looked at her curiously. Man, I thought they'll going to drop this subject once and for all! Maybe I wasn't a good actress enough; maybe Tomoyo still sees through me. No matter how I faked my feelings and try to look like I don't have something on my mind that's bugging me; I'm sure Tomoyo can still feel it. She's really perceptive and I'm so glad that Syaoran's not like that. Yeah, he can sense it if something was up but I can easily tell him I'm okay and pretend that everything's alright and he'll believe me.
"Nope." I lied. I just hoped this time, she'll believe me.
Tomoyo laughed softly. "You were never good at lying, Sakura."
= Ugh. How observant of her. Am I that obvious??? =
"Is this about, Syaoran?"
My eyes widen in surprise, as if I was caught red-handed. How on earth did she figure that? Sometimes, I couldn't help thinking that Tomoyo can predict the future or something. I mean, how did she pinpoint the exact cause of my little problem? It's bad enough that she noticed I look miserable and now she even knew the reason for it?
"What made you say that?" I asked, rather defensively. I don't know, I couldn't come up with a better answer or question than that.
"Come on, tell me. Maybe I can help you." She replied. And she still haven't answered my question.
"This is just nothing." I said defeatedly. Okay, I guess it's no use trying to hide it from Tomoyo, right? I mean, she always figure it out. And I hate it. Better admit it than make myself look stupid trying to deny it. And she's right...I am not good at lying. So you see, she got me cornered.
"I guess this thing started since Saturday, huh?" Tomoyo smiled. " I knew it would come to this! I can see it even then."
"Sumimasen, Tomoyo?" (*Excuse me*) She's talking weird again! I glanced at her to see her looking dreamily at me.
"You know! The chemistry between the two of you is really different! And it's more obvious than before on your last date!" Tomoyo winked at me. "You two really seem to be enjoying each other's company, there. I could see that."
"That's just your imagination running on the loose! Syaoran likes Hana!" I frowned. "Not me."
"So you like him, ne?"
"Yes! I mean, no...I mean..." I stammered. Oh kami, I messed up this time. Now, I'm obvious!
"Don't worry Sakura, I understand." Tomoyo looked at me in concern. "I know you're confused right now. That's why I want to help you, if I can. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."
"I don't know, Tomoyo...I feel really stupid about it." I looked down, staring at the path. "It just happened. Right now, I'm really, really confused. I never imagined I would end up liking him, of all people!"
"Love sometimes has it's own way. It has it's own reasons that we do not know."
"It's not really that I love him already or anything!" I wailed frustratedly. "I'm still in the process of figuring it out."
"I'm sure you will come around to that soon." Tomoyo chuckled. "This is so kawaii!!! You and Syaoran...the mere thought of it makes me so happy!"
I watched Tomoyo as she giggled and get all starry-eyed about it. I couldn't help but sigh seeing her like that. I've never known anybody in my life as romantic as her!
"Maybe this is just some sort of weird phase that I'm going through right now. You know, adolescence or something." I smirked. "How could I like guys in the first place? These things are really such a mystery to me."
"Stop worrying too much, Sakura. Let your heart lead the way. Someday, all your questions will be answered." Tomoyo said. "Well, here's our house now."
"Yeah. Thanks for enlightening me, Tomoyo." I said gratefully. "Take Care!" I added as she walked inside their gate and waved at me her goodbye.
As I walked alone and looked up to the sky, I couldn't help sighing. I just prayed and hoped that Tomoyo was right. Whatever my feelings will lead me to, I just hoped I'll be able to accept and understand it. I really do.
**SYAORAN**
"Sakura! Hey!" I called out, as I saw her walking all alone, hoping to catch up with her.
"Syaoran?" She looks at me in surprise. "What are you doing here? I thought you're with Hana doing your project?"
Before answering her, I took in a deep breath to ease my panting. I practically ran you know, just to be able to catch her up before she reached their house!
"She said she had to get home." I shrugged. "Some of their relatives suddenly want to visit them so their mother called her up to tell her she must go home early."
"Hana has a cellphone?'
"Yeah." I laughed at her question. "Obviously. How can her mother tell her message to her?"
"Stupid question." She slapped her forehead. "I know."
"Good to see you looking the same again, ne?" I smiled. I am indeed happy to see her smiling and well, being the same Sakura that I knew. I guess, I am still not used at seeing her look so down. I've always been used at her cheerful attitude, her smiling face and her sparkling eyes...those are her characteristics which I really like...and love. Matte(*wait*)...did I just said love? Where did that come from?
"I told you. I just had a bad headache earlier ,that's all." She smirked at me.
"Was it that bad so as to leave you looking like you've had the biggest problem in the world?" I asked. I guess you can say I do not really believe her. If you actually saw her face earlier, I bet you'll also doubt her.
"It's that bad." Sakura answered in irritation. "But I'm okay now, see?"
I stopped to grasp her shoulders gently and turned her face towards me so that I could see her face closely. But when I look at her face, I was surprised to see the vulnerability in it, which I never saw in the whole time I've known her. Sakura always look so tough and so sure of herself...but as I gaze into her eyes and feel the depths of those green eyes, I'm not quite sure anymore. Suddenly, I felt as if my bestfriend is changing and that I don't know what to do about it.
But as we stare at each others eyes quietly, I suddenly sensed my face feeling hot and I hurriedly look away from her and just stared straight ahead of our path. Ugh. What's happening to me?!? (I think I've heard this line before from Sakura...if only he knew! ^__^)
"Ano..why don't I treat you out?" I said. "Let's go to the newly opened ice cream parlor down south. I've heard their chocolate sundae is really good."
"That's nice of you Syaoran, but you know you don't have to."
"Well...I want to...if that will cheer you up," I added convincingly. To be honest, I already had the idea to treat her earlier if it weren't for that project that Hana and I were supposed to do, but fortunately it was cancelled so I could now go on with my plan.
Sakura looked at me shyly. Which is a bit surprising since I never saw her shy around me.
"I'm really okay now. Just save your money for your date with Hana."
I frowned at her. What does Hana have to do with this, anyway?
"No, don't worry about it. I still have some money left on my savings."
Sakura looked at me amusedly. "Well...since you insist..."
"Arigatou, Sakura." I smirked. "Although you have to promise to me that you will not empty all the parlor's ice cream with your huge appetite and everything," I teased lightly.
I watched her face turned into a frown because of what I've said. "Syaoran! You're so mean! I do not have a voracious appetite!"
I laughed heartily as I watch her get all bent out of shape. I guess, I'm just happy to see her back to her usual self.
"What's so funny?" She demanded, crossing her arms impatiently as she watched me laughed.
I pinched her nose lightly. "You. Hey, let's go...the ice cream's waiting for us."
Now, it's her turn to laugh. "It seems to me that you're the one who have a voracious appetite...especially for ice creams. CHOCOLATE flavored, at that."
"You could say that," I grinned. I glanced at Sakura to see her face looking up at me fondly. And the way she looks at me makes my heart doing again all these weird things. I felt my heart all jumpy and fluttery again.
And you know what's the weirdest thing that happen to me again today, right after I look at Sakura???
I blushed.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's note: At least, I finished this chap. This is just basically my transition for the next important chapter. Which is their upcoming last date, the dance lessons. Well, I basically ruined the next chap, ne? But that's okay. Well, I still need your reviews guys for this chap. Say if you don't like it, but please don't flame ^__^. Okay, I got to take a bit of my vacation so I'll be uploading the next chapter a bit late. I hope you understand. Arigatou!