Author's note: Gomen nasai everyone for leaving you in such a bad
cliffhanger last chapter! I'm not really that evil but I've already planned
out how to divide the scenes between chapters. So that explains why some
chaps are short and while some are long.*sigh* But thank you to everyone
who reviewed ^_^.
Okay, here's the chap where Sakura's mystery admirer is revealed. Well, some of you actually got it correct, others giving me two options just to make sure while some just simply wish it was Syaoran. Well you'll know now, right?
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
REVELATIONS
**SAKURA**
I was so surprised at the guy standing at the door that all I could do is to cover my mouth as I gasp in utter surprise.
"Sakura...I'm glad that this time has finally come," He said suavely. "For us to meet."
I gulped. I was so speechless I didn't know what to say anymore. I felt like all the words I've learned deserted me. Even a small 'Oh!' that will escape from my mouth, at this time, would even be sufficient enough. But no, here I am, looking like an idiot and I still couldn't find my voice.
"Hey, Sakura...are you okay?" He asked worriedly.
I nodded mutely.
"Why don't you talk or something?"
"What's the matter?" Tomoyo asked me, oblivious to the fact as to what's going on between me and my so-called mystery admirer. She doesn't know yet that the guy standing infront of me is the same guy who gave me all those small notes and gifts. When Hana handed me the note earlier, Tomoyo was busy copying some notes in her notebook and I wasn't able to tell her what the note says. I was so shocked after reading the note that all I could do was look at the door. And then I saw him.
"You look pale, Sakura." Tomoyo observed.
"I shouldn't have told you." He said quietly, his eyes looking at me with concern.
"What are you talking about?" Tomoyo asked him curiously.
"Ano..." I muttered faintly.
At last, I suddenly found again my voice. I eventually discovered that all it takes is just a long deep breath for me to be able to recover from my shock and speak again.
"But...why?" I asked him, my eyes staring intently at him.
"Gomen nasai for putting you up in such an awkward situation, Sakura. But since this is only the perfect time for me to admit what I've been doing, I guess I'm left with no choice."
"I don't get it," Tomoyo wailed frustratedly as she looks back and forth at us.
I decided to ignore her. Tomoyo's a pretty smart girl and she'll eventually found out what we are talking about. I really don't care if she gets to hear our conversation. After all, she's my bestfriend and she could be pretty much trusted. I am just thankful that only a few people are left in the room since it seems that most of our classmates make use of the free period by going outside.
"What I meant is...why are you giving me those stuffs?"
"Believe it or not, I thought all the while that it makes the whole thing more...how should I say this...exciting." He shrugged. "I really wanted to surprise you."
I noticed Tomoyo's eyes widened. I guess, she's already getting the whole picture now.
"I trusted you." I said accusingly. "Tell me, is this all part of your joke?"
"Iie." He shook his head. "I wouldn't do such acts just to make fun of you, Sakura. You're my friend."
"Precisely. We're friends and a good one at that. But what's your real purpose in asking me out?" I questioned him without even blinking. I know I probably sound like a judge in some trial court or something but I know I deserved a good explanation. And it better be good. There are a lot of questions going on my mind right now and I desperately needed some answers.
"I want you to be my partner to the dance and that's it."
I saw Tomoyo getting back to her work previously, which is copying notes, deciding to give us some privacy.
"You know I won't go to that stupid dance."
"I could take chances." He reasoned out. "You'll never know what's going to happen."
A faint blush appeared on my cheeks as I think over the next question on my mind. I glanced at him, my heart beating erratically out of nervousness.
"B-But..." I hesitated. "ButYouNeverLikedMe!" I said as fast as I could.
He frowned a little at my mumbling.
"I think I don't get what you've just said."
I squeezed my hand anxiously.
"I mean...I never noticed anything about, uh, you liking me before so...I was kind of wondering why you want me to be your partner."
"You're wrong, Sakura." He smiled. "I've liked you way back then."
I raised an eyebrow at that revelation. I mean, he likes me a long time ago?!? Even when I look all mess-up and acts like a guy? And I didn't notice anything about it?
"...As a friend." He continued.
After hearing him said that, a mixture of relief and a bit of disappointment sunk inside of me. Relief because at least, I don't have to deal with him knowing that my friend likes me romantically. I mean, that would be so awkward! Disappointed because...well, I really don't know...I thought...I just thought that finally a guy liked me, after all. Despite being such a tomboyish and untidy girl that I am.
"Then why did you asked me...if you just see me as your friend?"
"There's no rule that states you can't go out with your friend."
"I thought you like her." I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Yes, I still like her. You know that." He sighed. "But I figured eventually that now's not the right time for her to know that."
"I don't see the point. I've offered you my help before, with regards to you-know-who, but it seems all those things will go into waste."
"Nope, it isn't. Trust me. But I'm not here to discuss anything with regards to that matter aren't we?"
I sighed disappointedly. "I guess so."
"Are you...are you angry at me, Sakura?" He asked tentatively.
"Iie." I replied. "But I'm very much confused."
"I know and I'm sorry for putting you up for this. I'll give you time to think it over, okay?"
"Hai." I nodded absent-mindedly.
"Here. Please take this from me."
When I looked back at him, I was surprise when I saw him holding a single, white rose.
"How did you do that?" I asked amusingly, finally lightening and warming up again to him.
He winked at me as he handed me the flower. "Magic."
"Arigatou." I managed to make a small smile, as I fingered the beautiful flower gingerly. I know I still don't want to go to the party and I won't tell him that right now, especially that our free period is almost up, but at least I'm glad that our friendship still remain the same, despite what happened.
"What's with the rose?" A voice interrupted us, sounding very annoyed. "Eriol?!?"
My heart skipped a beat.
Eriol and I glanced at each other.
"Syaoran..." I started the same time that a loud ringing of the bell, signaling the end of the period, pierced the entire school.
**TOMOYO**
So it was him, after all. Sakura's admirer is none other than Eriol. Who would've thought?
I looked down on my notes as I tried my best to shut out everything that I've been hearing between the two of them. I don't know...as if, I just don't want to hear anything about the whole thing right now. Well, considering the fact that what they are talking about is only just between them, of course I shouldn't be listening and eavesdropping and minding other people's business. I must admit that I am as surprised and shocked as Sakura is upon knowing the identity of her 'secret admirer'.
Well in a way, I was glad that it turned out to be Eriol all along. At least, it was not some creep or maniac trying to scare or irritate my friend. I mean, Eriol is such a gentleman and so...romantic. And you might wonder why I'm saying he's romantic, eh? Isn't it obvious? The letters, the gifts...all spelled one thing: K-A-W-A-I-I. I could say Sakura is lucky that Eriol admires her although I would've never thought that he likes my bestfriend all along. But I guess I was wrong.
I felt a small twinge in my heart. Could it be pity or pain? Pain? Nah. I guess it was more on the side of pity. Because I do know for a fact that Sakura likes Syaoran and if I played my cards right, I bet my life she wouldn't go with Eriol. I mean, first of all, Sakura doesn't like dances. That's enough reason for her not to go. Second, she will go to that dance only if Syaoran is her partner. I know she didn't mention that but she's pretty obvious, anyway.
But when I heard Syaoran's bewildered voice, I knew I just couldn't help myself from looking at them anymore. I could immediately sense the uprising annoyance in Syaoran and the confusion in Sakura by just merely looking at them.
"I'd rather talk about this later, my little descendant." Eriol answered so casually which made Syaoran even more furious.
"Don't you dare call me 'little descendant'."
"Aren't you a little moody today, Syaoran?" Sakura asked. "You've been like that since morning."
"What can you expect from me if this old man here keeps irritating me?"
I saw her raised an eyebrow at that.
"He's irritating you? But all that Eriol got to do is talk to me." She wondered out loud.
"That's precisely the point." Eriol pointed out which confused Sakura even more.
"Huh?"
"Whatever." Syaoran grunted.
"Next class is starting soon. I'll just talk to you guys later, after class. And oh, by the way Syaoran, try not to glare at me too much. It could really do some permanent damage to your eyes." Eriol reminded him.
At that statement, both Sakura and I couldn't help stifling a laugh. I mean, Eriol exactly got the point.
Syaoran's eyes narrowed into slits. "Shut up, Eriol."
However, Eriol just smiled back at him. When he turned around to walk back to his seat, for a brief moment our eyes met.
I smiled timidly at him. I felt a warm feeling flowing inside of me when he looked my way. I suddenly got a feeling that things are going to be interesting.
**SYAORAN**
"Nani?!?" I exclaimed, my voice echoing loudly along the deserted corridor. "What do you mean Eriol's your secret admirer?"
"I know you perfectly understand what I've just told you, Syaoran. I just don't know why you're making such a big deal out of this." Sakura replied exasperatedly.
"Because he's a jerk!"
I am definitely seething inside. I am so annoyed at Eriol that I could swear, I could just punch him and wipe that smirk of his face.
"Well isn't he? And aren't you supposed to be mad at him or something?" I asked.
"Why should I hold a grudge against him? He's our friend, Syaoran." Sakura tried to reason out calmly. "I must admit that I was shocked at first and I feel like I was betrayed but I've soon realized that everything that happened was so shallow for me to get angry at him."
"Oh please, don't tell me you also fell for him!" I said disgustingly. "Just like those love struck foolish girls surrounding him."
"Don't compare me to them." She said evenly.
I was such in a bad mood that I couldn't control my temper anymore. I know I shouldn't flare up like that and take it out on Sakura but Eriol's still not here and I am getting more and more annoyed as each minute passed by. Ugh. I really can't bear to see Eriol go to that party with my bestfriend! I mean, Sakura deserves someone better than that guy!
"Well, you do sure act like one." I scowled.
"What's your problem, Syaoran?" She snapped. " What's it to you if Eriol asked me out?"
I was suddenly startled by her question. Yeah...what's it to me if Eriol asked her out? Do I have the right to object or interfere with her personal affairs?
= Because she's my bestfriend and I'm just concern about her.= I tried to reasoned out silently.
"Or is it because it is Eriol who DID asked me out? What if anybody besides him asked me to that stupid dance, would you react just the same?"
"Yes, I will. Even if it isn't Eriol. Who would trust a guy who's so gutless enough not to ask you out personally instead of telling you through letters and stuffs like that." I crossed my arms impatiently. "And in this case, Eriol is the one who did all these schemes which makes the whole thing even more surpicious. Haven't you wondered why he'll like you, anyway? I'm sure you're not even his type! So don't be so foolish enough to believe that he really likes you!"
Right after I said those words, I immediately realized that I made a big mistake. I looked at Sakura to see her face hurt and in pain. I bit my lip but I know I just couldn't take back everything that I've said. It was already too late.
"Yeah, of course. Who would like a girl like me? Who would notice me, anyway?" She said sarcastically.
"Sakura...""
She glared at me, her eyes revealing the hurt I've caused to her.
"Just because you grew up a little and you've realized that girls do exist doesn't actually make you an expert on that subject. Just because I'm not your ideal girl, you could say things that can damage my self- esteem."
I was surprised at the faltering voice of Sakura. Was she on the verge of crying? Never in my whole life have I seen her cry. My bestfriend is one tough girl. But when I glanced at her eyes, I was almost taken aback by a faint sparkle in her eyes. Is it...tears?
"I shouldn't have said that." I muttered quietly.
"Too bad, you already did."
That was all that Sakura said and in an instant, she was gone. The last thing I've seen was Sakura running away from me while Tomoyo was hurrying to catch up with her. I figured that Tomoyo's just finished practicing her singing lessons when Sakura bumped into her.
"You shouldn't have let your temper blind your true intentions." A voice said behind me.
"What do you REALLY want, Eriol?"
"The answer lies within your heart."
I glared at him at the answer he gave me. I really have no time for such riddles!
"What do you mean by that?"
"You have to find out for yourself." He answered before walking away from me.
And I was left confused and feeling bad about myself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's note: What the heck was Eriol up to?!? And Sakura and Syaoran had a fight? What's happening? *looks around nervously* Waaahhhhh...don't be mad at me! I know it was a pretty serious chapter and a bit sad too but just to save you from asking, THIS IS AN S+S STORY!!!! How could I bear for the two of them not to get along? But that's my twist right? Just try to be a little more patient coz this fic's already getting nearer to its end =( and then you'll know how its going to end. So yeah...please try to review. And don't flame me just bcoz you didn't like what happened. That would be so unfair. But anyway, Arigatou for reading! Ja!
Okay, here's the chap where Sakura's mystery admirer is revealed. Well, some of you actually got it correct, others giving me two options just to make sure while some just simply wish it was Syaoran. Well you'll know now, right?
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
REVELATIONS
**SAKURA**
I was so surprised at the guy standing at the door that all I could do is to cover my mouth as I gasp in utter surprise.
"Sakura...I'm glad that this time has finally come," He said suavely. "For us to meet."
I gulped. I was so speechless I didn't know what to say anymore. I felt like all the words I've learned deserted me. Even a small 'Oh!' that will escape from my mouth, at this time, would even be sufficient enough. But no, here I am, looking like an idiot and I still couldn't find my voice.
"Hey, Sakura...are you okay?" He asked worriedly.
I nodded mutely.
"Why don't you talk or something?"
"What's the matter?" Tomoyo asked me, oblivious to the fact as to what's going on between me and my so-called mystery admirer. She doesn't know yet that the guy standing infront of me is the same guy who gave me all those small notes and gifts. When Hana handed me the note earlier, Tomoyo was busy copying some notes in her notebook and I wasn't able to tell her what the note says. I was so shocked after reading the note that all I could do was look at the door. And then I saw him.
"You look pale, Sakura." Tomoyo observed.
"I shouldn't have told you." He said quietly, his eyes looking at me with concern.
"What are you talking about?" Tomoyo asked him curiously.
"Ano..." I muttered faintly.
At last, I suddenly found again my voice. I eventually discovered that all it takes is just a long deep breath for me to be able to recover from my shock and speak again.
"But...why?" I asked him, my eyes staring intently at him.
"Gomen nasai for putting you up in such an awkward situation, Sakura. But since this is only the perfect time for me to admit what I've been doing, I guess I'm left with no choice."
"I don't get it," Tomoyo wailed frustratedly as she looks back and forth at us.
I decided to ignore her. Tomoyo's a pretty smart girl and she'll eventually found out what we are talking about. I really don't care if she gets to hear our conversation. After all, she's my bestfriend and she could be pretty much trusted. I am just thankful that only a few people are left in the room since it seems that most of our classmates make use of the free period by going outside.
"What I meant is...why are you giving me those stuffs?"
"Believe it or not, I thought all the while that it makes the whole thing more...how should I say this...exciting." He shrugged. "I really wanted to surprise you."
I noticed Tomoyo's eyes widened. I guess, she's already getting the whole picture now.
"I trusted you." I said accusingly. "Tell me, is this all part of your joke?"
"Iie." He shook his head. "I wouldn't do such acts just to make fun of you, Sakura. You're my friend."
"Precisely. We're friends and a good one at that. But what's your real purpose in asking me out?" I questioned him without even blinking. I know I probably sound like a judge in some trial court or something but I know I deserved a good explanation. And it better be good. There are a lot of questions going on my mind right now and I desperately needed some answers.
"I want you to be my partner to the dance and that's it."
I saw Tomoyo getting back to her work previously, which is copying notes, deciding to give us some privacy.
"You know I won't go to that stupid dance."
"I could take chances." He reasoned out. "You'll never know what's going to happen."
A faint blush appeared on my cheeks as I think over the next question on my mind. I glanced at him, my heart beating erratically out of nervousness.
"B-But..." I hesitated. "ButYouNeverLikedMe!" I said as fast as I could.
He frowned a little at my mumbling.
"I think I don't get what you've just said."
I squeezed my hand anxiously.
"I mean...I never noticed anything about, uh, you liking me before so...I was kind of wondering why you want me to be your partner."
"You're wrong, Sakura." He smiled. "I've liked you way back then."
I raised an eyebrow at that revelation. I mean, he likes me a long time ago?!? Even when I look all mess-up and acts like a guy? And I didn't notice anything about it?
"...As a friend." He continued.
After hearing him said that, a mixture of relief and a bit of disappointment sunk inside of me. Relief because at least, I don't have to deal with him knowing that my friend likes me romantically. I mean, that would be so awkward! Disappointed because...well, I really don't know...I thought...I just thought that finally a guy liked me, after all. Despite being such a tomboyish and untidy girl that I am.
"Then why did you asked me...if you just see me as your friend?"
"There's no rule that states you can't go out with your friend."
"I thought you like her." I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Yes, I still like her. You know that." He sighed. "But I figured eventually that now's not the right time for her to know that."
"I don't see the point. I've offered you my help before, with regards to you-know-who, but it seems all those things will go into waste."
"Nope, it isn't. Trust me. But I'm not here to discuss anything with regards to that matter aren't we?"
I sighed disappointedly. "I guess so."
"Are you...are you angry at me, Sakura?" He asked tentatively.
"Iie." I replied. "But I'm very much confused."
"I know and I'm sorry for putting you up for this. I'll give you time to think it over, okay?"
"Hai." I nodded absent-mindedly.
"Here. Please take this from me."
When I looked back at him, I was surprise when I saw him holding a single, white rose.
"How did you do that?" I asked amusingly, finally lightening and warming up again to him.
He winked at me as he handed me the flower. "Magic."
"Arigatou." I managed to make a small smile, as I fingered the beautiful flower gingerly. I know I still don't want to go to the party and I won't tell him that right now, especially that our free period is almost up, but at least I'm glad that our friendship still remain the same, despite what happened.
"What's with the rose?" A voice interrupted us, sounding very annoyed. "Eriol?!?"
My heart skipped a beat.
Eriol and I glanced at each other.
"Syaoran..." I started the same time that a loud ringing of the bell, signaling the end of the period, pierced the entire school.
**TOMOYO**
So it was him, after all. Sakura's admirer is none other than Eriol. Who would've thought?
I looked down on my notes as I tried my best to shut out everything that I've been hearing between the two of them. I don't know...as if, I just don't want to hear anything about the whole thing right now. Well, considering the fact that what they are talking about is only just between them, of course I shouldn't be listening and eavesdropping and minding other people's business. I must admit that I am as surprised and shocked as Sakura is upon knowing the identity of her 'secret admirer'.
Well in a way, I was glad that it turned out to be Eriol all along. At least, it was not some creep or maniac trying to scare or irritate my friend. I mean, Eriol is such a gentleman and so...romantic. And you might wonder why I'm saying he's romantic, eh? Isn't it obvious? The letters, the gifts...all spelled one thing: K-A-W-A-I-I. I could say Sakura is lucky that Eriol admires her although I would've never thought that he likes my bestfriend all along. But I guess I was wrong.
I felt a small twinge in my heart. Could it be pity or pain? Pain? Nah. I guess it was more on the side of pity. Because I do know for a fact that Sakura likes Syaoran and if I played my cards right, I bet my life she wouldn't go with Eriol. I mean, first of all, Sakura doesn't like dances. That's enough reason for her not to go. Second, she will go to that dance only if Syaoran is her partner. I know she didn't mention that but she's pretty obvious, anyway.
But when I heard Syaoran's bewildered voice, I knew I just couldn't help myself from looking at them anymore. I could immediately sense the uprising annoyance in Syaoran and the confusion in Sakura by just merely looking at them.
"I'd rather talk about this later, my little descendant." Eriol answered so casually which made Syaoran even more furious.
"Don't you dare call me 'little descendant'."
"Aren't you a little moody today, Syaoran?" Sakura asked. "You've been like that since morning."
"What can you expect from me if this old man here keeps irritating me?"
I saw her raised an eyebrow at that.
"He's irritating you? But all that Eriol got to do is talk to me." She wondered out loud.
"That's precisely the point." Eriol pointed out which confused Sakura even more.
"Huh?"
"Whatever." Syaoran grunted.
"Next class is starting soon. I'll just talk to you guys later, after class. And oh, by the way Syaoran, try not to glare at me too much. It could really do some permanent damage to your eyes." Eriol reminded him.
At that statement, both Sakura and I couldn't help stifling a laugh. I mean, Eriol exactly got the point.
Syaoran's eyes narrowed into slits. "Shut up, Eriol."
However, Eriol just smiled back at him. When he turned around to walk back to his seat, for a brief moment our eyes met.
I smiled timidly at him. I felt a warm feeling flowing inside of me when he looked my way. I suddenly got a feeling that things are going to be interesting.
**SYAORAN**
"Nani?!?" I exclaimed, my voice echoing loudly along the deserted corridor. "What do you mean Eriol's your secret admirer?"
"I know you perfectly understand what I've just told you, Syaoran. I just don't know why you're making such a big deal out of this." Sakura replied exasperatedly.
"Because he's a jerk!"
I am definitely seething inside. I am so annoyed at Eriol that I could swear, I could just punch him and wipe that smirk of his face.
"Well isn't he? And aren't you supposed to be mad at him or something?" I asked.
"Why should I hold a grudge against him? He's our friend, Syaoran." Sakura tried to reason out calmly. "I must admit that I was shocked at first and I feel like I was betrayed but I've soon realized that everything that happened was so shallow for me to get angry at him."
"Oh please, don't tell me you also fell for him!" I said disgustingly. "Just like those love struck foolish girls surrounding him."
"Don't compare me to them." She said evenly.
I was such in a bad mood that I couldn't control my temper anymore. I know I shouldn't flare up like that and take it out on Sakura but Eriol's still not here and I am getting more and more annoyed as each minute passed by. Ugh. I really can't bear to see Eriol go to that party with my bestfriend! I mean, Sakura deserves someone better than that guy!
"Well, you do sure act like one." I scowled.
"What's your problem, Syaoran?" She snapped. " What's it to you if Eriol asked me out?"
I was suddenly startled by her question. Yeah...what's it to me if Eriol asked her out? Do I have the right to object or interfere with her personal affairs?
= Because she's my bestfriend and I'm just concern about her.= I tried to reasoned out silently.
"Or is it because it is Eriol who DID asked me out? What if anybody besides him asked me to that stupid dance, would you react just the same?"
"Yes, I will. Even if it isn't Eriol. Who would trust a guy who's so gutless enough not to ask you out personally instead of telling you through letters and stuffs like that." I crossed my arms impatiently. "And in this case, Eriol is the one who did all these schemes which makes the whole thing even more surpicious. Haven't you wondered why he'll like you, anyway? I'm sure you're not even his type! So don't be so foolish enough to believe that he really likes you!"
Right after I said those words, I immediately realized that I made a big mistake. I looked at Sakura to see her face hurt and in pain. I bit my lip but I know I just couldn't take back everything that I've said. It was already too late.
"Yeah, of course. Who would like a girl like me? Who would notice me, anyway?" She said sarcastically.
"Sakura...""
She glared at me, her eyes revealing the hurt I've caused to her.
"Just because you grew up a little and you've realized that girls do exist doesn't actually make you an expert on that subject. Just because I'm not your ideal girl, you could say things that can damage my self- esteem."
I was surprised at the faltering voice of Sakura. Was she on the verge of crying? Never in my whole life have I seen her cry. My bestfriend is one tough girl. But when I glanced at her eyes, I was almost taken aback by a faint sparkle in her eyes. Is it...tears?
"I shouldn't have said that." I muttered quietly.
"Too bad, you already did."
That was all that Sakura said and in an instant, she was gone. The last thing I've seen was Sakura running away from me while Tomoyo was hurrying to catch up with her. I figured that Tomoyo's just finished practicing her singing lessons when Sakura bumped into her.
"You shouldn't have let your temper blind your true intentions." A voice said behind me.
"What do you REALLY want, Eriol?"
"The answer lies within your heart."
I glared at him at the answer he gave me. I really have no time for such riddles!
"What do you mean by that?"
"You have to find out for yourself." He answered before walking away from me.
And I was left confused and feeling bad about myself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's note: What the heck was Eriol up to?!? And Sakura and Syaoran had a fight? What's happening? *looks around nervously* Waaahhhhh...don't be mad at me! I know it was a pretty serious chapter and a bit sad too but just to save you from asking, THIS IS AN S+S STORY!!!! How could I bear for the two of them not to get along? But that's my twist right? Just try to be a little more patient coz this fic's already getting nearer to its end =( and then you'll know how its going to end. So yeah...please try to review. And don't flame me just bcoz you didn't like what happened. That would be so unfair. But anyway, Arigatou for reading! Ja!