Li and Sakura

"Li!"

The brown haired boy turned around just as he was about to enter the waiting room in the airport.

"Sakura?" His voice trembled slightly as he turned to look at the girl that he thought he would never see again for the rest of his life.

"Li! How could you think of going off without informing me?" Her green eyes reflected the deep hurt as she spoke, making him cringe slightly at her expression.

"I"

He simply shook his head as he stared into the eyes that he knew that he would never see again. "I didn't need any people sending me off. There's no need for you to come"

She shook her head. "What am I going to do without you here in Tomoeda, Li?" she asked desperately as her green eyes met his amber ones. "There'll be no one to help me out if anything happens here anymore. Can't you stay?"

His smile was painful, almost forced as he shook his head at the girl. "I can't stay," he spoke softly as he turned to look at the aeroplanes that were departing outside. "My family needs me in Hong Kong. I have to continue the bloodline of my family. Besides, my work is finished here."

"So you're leaving? Just like Eriol?"

He nodded miserably, his heart unwilling to leave the place where he had stayed already for a few years. "I have to go, Sakura." Reaching into his bag, he dug out the teddy bear that he had made a long time ago. "This is for you."

She took the object, cradling it as if it was a fragile glass object. "Li-kun?"

He managed to smile slightly at her. "Don't be like that," he consoled her softly, though he knew his own heart was breaking from the pain that seemed to ricochet around his entire body. "I'll come back to visit all of you here in Tomoeda, Sakura. I promise I will."

Sakura nodded, listening to the announcement that boomed above on the speakers. "So you're leaving now?"

Li nodded. "That's my flight. One more thing, Sakura"

The brown haired girl looked up from the object that she was studying.

"Aiai shiteru, Sakura. Sayonara."

He fled into the waiting room, not waiting to see her response to the words he had just uttered. If he had, however, he would have seen the tears that brimmed in her green eyes as she watched him take a seat in the waiting room, trembling as he did.

She stood there, frozen until she the announcement came over the loudspeakers that his flight was departing. Watching from the glass windows, she watched as the plane slowly became a tiny dot in the horizon.

His words came floating back to her mind as she stood there, almost as if frozen in time.

"Aiai shiteru, Sakura. Sayonara."

The whispered that seemed to echo in the empty airport seemed to haunt the entire place as a teardrop splashed onto the marble floor.

"We'll meet again someday, Li-kunright?"

TEN YEARS LATER

The man stepped onto the cool marble floor of the airport as he looked around. Silently noting the changes that had developed here in Tomoeda, he smiled slightly.

Lifting up his bag, he just wondered how much this place had changed since the last time he had left here. He had come here to further his studies in the university here. His eyes watched a distant memory perform itself as he shook his head and continued to walk out of the terminal.

-------

"Ne, Sakura! Did you here about the new student from Hong Kong?"

The green eyed girl-woman looked up from the physics book she was studying as she smiled slightly at her friend, Rika. "I heard. Seems like this person is a transfer student, just like"

"Like Syaoran and Meilin when we were in fourth grade," Tomoyo chimed in as she watched a blush come over Sakura's face at the mention of Syaoran's name. "You don't think that either one of them is coming over here to Tomoeda to study here, Sakura?"

The brown haired girl shook her head, letting strands of her auburn hair travel down her face as she spoke softly. "I doubt that Li will ever come back to Tomoeda. Besides, he was supposed to marry Meilin, just like what he said before he went"

There was a slight catch in her voice as she recalled the details that still hadn't faded from her mind since it had happened around ten years ago. She had harboured some forlorn hope, though, that he might live up to his promise and come back to at least visit all of them here at Tomoeda.

"Excuse me?"

The group that consisted of four girls minus Sakura looked up at the sound of the slight cough, startled. The mere sight of a tall, dark haired man with amber brown eyes was more than enough to take their breath away as they nodded, oblivious to the fact that Sakura was still surrounded by her memories of the boy that had left her ten years ago.

"Can you tell me where Block B is?"

The familiar voice that seemed to echo around her made Sakura look up. A feeling of déjà vu swept through her as she realized whom the voice could only belong to.

"Li.?"

He squinted at the green eyed girl who looked up at him wonderingly. "Yes, I am Li Syaoran. How do you?"

Tomoyo stood up, a smile pasted on her face as she held out her hand brightly. "You've forgotten so much in ten years, Li-kun," she remarked as she shook her head. "She's Sakura and this is Rika, Naoko and I'm Tomoyo. Have we really changed that much over the years?"

"Sakura?"

The word seemed to come out in a croak as Li stared helplessly at the auburn haired girl who sat down on the grass. He had no idea that the girl that he had left had grown intothis. Just looking at her seemed to revive something in him that he had thought had died ten years ago when he had returned to Hong Kong due to the persuasion of his family.

"Rika, Naoko, come! We have to do some research in the library for the project," Tomoyo spoke, motioning the two other girls to follow her, leaving Sakura and Li alone.

"Tomoyo!"

Sakura's protest was futile as she watched her three friends retreating backs head towards the campus library. There was no doubt what they planned to do, though. She stood up to face Li who simply smiled weakly at her in return.

"Liis it really you?"

Her smile was genuine as she watched him fumble with his suitcases.

"Well, you see, my family decided that I should further my studies here since I had spent at least three years here. They thought thatit might do me some good to come here and meet up with some of my old friends." Not like they didn't know that Sakura was studying here, he added silently as he watched her beckon him.

"Come on," Sakura responded, her green eyes glittering with happiness as she held out a hand. "Block B's this way. You have to tell me all about what happened in Hong Kong."

Syaoran smiled gratefully as he picked up the suitcases that he had put on the ground. Maybemaybe he might be able to finish what he left undone ten years ago

-------

"Li-kun?"

Li turned at the sound of his name being mentioned. "Yamazaki-kun?"

The black haired boy who stood in front of him had changed much, he noted. "It's me all right. So you're the new student from Hong Kong, ne? Should have known."

"?"

Yamazaki smiled at his friend. "Never mind. Finished unpacking already?"

Li nodded, grunting as he lifted his suitcase from the bed as he put the last of his clothes into the cupboard. "Should be. Have to get this suitcase under here, though"

He paused, slightly startled as Yamazaki bent down with a grin and helped him shove the gigantic suitcase under the bed. "Nice to see you haven't changed," he remarked as he stood up straight, brushing the dust of his hands.

"Neither have you. Not that it matters anyway"

Li stared at his friend, a frown wrinkling his forehead as he tried to make out the meaning of his words.

"Oh, by the way, I'm having lunch with Chiharu and the others. Do you think you want to join us?"

His nod was obvious, and so was his blush, Yamazaki noted as he remembered what Chiharu had told him about the both of them after Syaoran had left for Hong Kong.

"He told her that he'll be back. Maybe he'll be back some day to finish what he begun."

He had puzzled over the meaning of her words, but it didn't dawn to him until now. Maybe what Chiharu said might be true. Maybe he was back to finish all he had left undone when he left ten years ago.

"Come on, Syaoran-kun," he spoke, a grin lighting his face up. "I have many more things to tell you about since you left"

-------

"Chiharu-chan? Look who I brought for lunch!"

The four girls looked up to see a smiling Yamazaki together with Syaoran. Leaf green eyes met stormy amber as Sakura looked at Li, who had a slow blush spreading across his face as he smiled at her.

"Hi?"

Chiharu immediately evacuated her seat as she took another seat beside Tomoyo "Come sit here, Yamazaki. Why don't you sit beside Sakura, Li-kun? I don't believe there's enough space here for you to squeeze in. Gomen nasai."

Li shook his head, precociously sitting on the empty spot beside Sakura. "Never mind. I hope I'm not intruding here"

Sakura turned to face him as she smiled at him. "Not at all, Li-kun," she spoke. She still has the voice of an angel, Li remembered silently as he swallowed a lump that seemed to reside in his throat since he had met Sakura.

"Chinese, Li-kun? We know how much you like dim sum," Tomoyo spoke up, reluctant to break the spell that had been woven around the two of them.

There was a silent nod from Syaoran as he looked away from the girl who sat beside him. He couldn't behave like this in public, he knew, though the reality that there was no way he could avoid Sakura hit him full in the face.

Sakura studied the man that had previously been an eleven year old boy almost ten years ago. There was something he was here for, she knew. He didn't just come here to further his studies just like he said. No, it was something else. Something that she hadn't noticed before.

"Li-kun?" she whispered as she rested a hand on his shoulder. "Is something wrong?"

Their eyes met once again, creating an electric contact as a slight blush seemed to creep onto their faces. Somehow oblivious of the face that their other four friends were watching them, Li held his breath as he forced a smile and shook his head.

I can't live like this, Li thought as he clenched his fist under the table. There was no way he could survive through the entire year on campus if she was going to treat him like that.

He looked away, pretending to be distracted as he noticed the hurt look on Sakura's face. I'm sorry, he thought as he motioned for the cart that was serving the dim sum to come to their table. I just don't know how to treat you after all these years

-------

Li sat on the bed as he studied the pictures that he held in his hands. Memories of fourth grade seemed to flow back to him as he looked at those pictures.

There was a picture of the time when the both of them had taken part in the marathon during Meilin's stay. A smile came to his lips as he remembered how Meilin had refused to wait for the teacher even though Sakura and Tomoyo had offered to stay with her to. In the end though, he had carried her all the way to the finish line.

And there was also the time when Tomoyo had videotaped how Sakura had hugged him after he had rescued her from the Return card. She hadn't wanted to stop filming his embarrassed then, he realized as he laughed softly at the photo of his flaming red face that seemed to glow.

He shook his head as he set the photos back on the table. He couldn't go on like this, neither could he just say what he felt out to her. It was impossible for him to just forget her, on the other hand. He had told himself that there was no way he would ever forget her since the day that the promise had left his lips.

But what could he do? According to what he had gathered, he had drawn a conclusion that Sakura was one of the most popular and prettiest girls on campus. Not to mention that he had gotten this information from a majority of the males that did study in this university

A knock on the door seemed to startle him out of his thought as he set the pictures down. Who could it be visiting him at this time in the evening? Yamazaki had already told him that he would be studying at his own apartment for the night.

Outside, Sakura stood there, hoping that Li was in his apartment, and not out with Yamazaki. Praying anxiously to hear a reply from behind the door, she knocked once more.

"Who's there?" came a muffled voice.

"Li-kun? Sakura desu!"

There was the thudding of footsteps on the floor and the door creaked open to reveal a surprised Syaoran. "Sakura? What are you doing here? Come in."

A smile formed on her face automatically, hiding any traces of emotions that might have betrayed her at that moment. Taking a step into the apartment, she gaped at the size of his apartment.

Noticing her expression, Li turned to face her.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, it's just that your apartment's sobig. Won't you get lonely?"

He studied her face before answering her innocent question with a one word phrase.

"Perhaps."

"Li-kunwhat happened to Meilin?"

The sound of his ex fiancee's name made his amber eyes turn to cold stone. He had no idea that she still remembered the girl that had interfered with their lives for at least a year when they were in fourth and fifth grade. Not that it mattered, anyway.

"My family told me that I didn't have to marry Meilin. So, I came here," he spoke, hoping that the tone of his voice revealed nothing that he was thinking. I came here to be with you, he added silently as he forced a smile on his face. "Anyway, what brings you here?"

"Thought you might need some help with cleaning your apartment."

He looked around, noticing the dust that had gathered in the cracks and corners for the first time. "I guess it is a little dirty"

"Do you have a washcloth?"

The glint in Sakura's eye was obvious, making Li step back in surprise before disappearing into the kitchen at the back. There was a scrambling sound, and Li emerged, holding a gray washcloth in his right hand. "What?"

The washcloth disappeared before he knew it. Blinking once, he turned to see Sakura dusting the dining table behind him.

"I like cleaning," Sakura explained hesitantly as she stopped to wipe an oily spot on the table. "I have always done my own cleaning at home, and I thought that you might need some help"

Syaoran stepped forward, a slight blush tinting his cheeks. "I'll help"

Sakura shook her head as she smiled at him. "Iie, you go and rest. It must have been a tiring flight from Hong Kong all the way to here in Tomoeda. You should go and rest."

He shook his head. "I'm not that tired," he protested as he plucked the washcloth from her grip. "I don't mind doing some cleaning. Besides, I am supposed to do the cleaning here"

She smiled at his reaction as she watched him continue her job that she was doing a minute ago. "I don't care," she spoke decisively. "I said I'm going to help you and I'm going to."

Grabbing a broom from the nearest corner, she began to sweep the floor, much to the surprise of Syaoran. Smiling slightly at her stubbornness, he watched her move around the room with natural grace.

Realizing that he was staring at her, Sakura turned around to see a blushing Syaoran. "Am I doing something wrong, Li-kun?" she spoke, her eyes widening slightly as she watched his face turn flaming red. "Or is something wrong?"

Hurriedly shaking his head, he turned away, pretending to focus on dusting the dining table with his utmost attention.

"Ano, Li-kun"

"?"

"Ten years ago in the airportdid you really mean what you said in the airport?"

The silence that seemed to hand in the air lasted for minutes, but for the both of them, it seemed like hours. Li cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"Idon't know."

Something inside him screamed to take back what he had just said when he saw the expression on Sakura's face. Dismissing it, he continued his task. Sensing the heavy silence that seemed envelope the room, he turned to look at Sakura.

His heart practically screamed for him to say that the words that he had just uttered weren't true. Watching those incredible green eyes of hers try to hide the pain that was caused by his words made him somehow wince inside. She might have thought that he was stubborn in any form, but he was actually helpless when it came to her.

"Li-kun?"

Her eyes threatened to spill the tears that she had been holding back as she quickly set the broom back in its place. "II have to go. I promised Kero that I'll be back early today."

With that, she rushed out his apartment, her tears flowing freely from her eyes down to her cheeks as she raced to her own apartment, leaving Syaoran frozen in his very own apartment.

"Iie, SakuraI didn't mean it," he whispered as he sank onto a wooden chair. "I just couldn't bring myself to say yes"

-------

Sakura rushed out, thankfully breathing in the cold night air as tears streamed down her cheeks. Something in her told her that he wasn't worth crying for, but a little voice protested. It reminded her of what she and Li had gone through together when the both of them were hunting for the Clow cards.

"Sakura?"

She turned to see a blushing Syaoran who was looking down. "I'm sorry. I had no idea that you still remember what happened ten years ago at the airport. I thought you'd forgotten me by now"

She sniffed slightly, wiping the tears off her face as she tried to smile. "I never thought you'd come back. I thought you'd just settle down with Meilin."

He held out his handkerchief to her as he smiled slightly. "I should have told you. Meilin and I aren't engaged anymore. See, we're still cousins and friends, but we're not going to get married"

Taking his handkerchief, she wiped her tears off.

"Li-kun?"

"Yes?"

"Did you really mean what you said that day at the airport anyway?"

He smiled at her. Couldn't she sense what she really meant to him?

"To tell the truth, I'm not sure. I just wanted to see you again."

"II don't think I'm quite ready for all that, though," she added hastily, hoping that he wouldn't change his mind and go back to Hong Kong. "I don't think I could tolerate changes as fast as that. Cancan we just be friends for the time being?"

It hurt him when she uttered those words, but he knew that she was right. Rushing wouldn't get them anywhere. It was as well that they started out once more by just being friends.

"I guess so."

She smiled at him, her smile lighting up her face through her tears. Li felt himself blushing again, a reaction that never failed to happen when she smiled at him like that.

In the bushes, Tomoyo looked up for a minute from her video camera. Smiling at the scene in front of her and the two people that were oblivious of her presence, she smiled softly. Sakura had no idea what she meant to Syaoran himself, she thought as she remembered the time when they were in fifth grade.

She had realized that Li had a crush on Sakura, but he had refused to tell her. He had protested saying that he 'didn't want to force her to give an answer'. At last, she had managed to get Li tell his feelings to Sakura, but it was too late. He had gone back to Hong Kong after that.

Turning back to the scene in front of her, she sighed softly.

"I have to go now, Li-kun."

He nodded, not replying in case his tone would betray the hurt that he was feeling at the moment. Mumbling an almost inaudible "Sayonara" to her, he watched as she slowly walked away.

He couldn't bear to see Sakura hurt, whether physically or emotionally, he knew. It simply was too painful for him to bear. He had learnt this painful lesson when he had helped her capture the Clow cards and fight Yue when all the Clow cards were captured. Not to mention how protective he was towards her during Eriol's presence

He shook his head slightly as he trudged back into the apartment. He had to get some sleep, but there was no way he could even close his eyes in this condition. There was no way he could forget Sakura and act like 'friends' like she said, but he had to do it. He didn't want to lose her friendship even if she didn't accept him.

Even if she did accept him just as a friend, he would have to accept that, he realized with a sinking heart. He didn't want to lose Sakura at all. He had suffered enough when he had left her to go back to Hong Kong.

Looking back, he remembered how he had realized that he had made the biggest mistake in his life by just going back to Hong Kong. True, he was abiding his responsibility of being the leader of the family due to the death of his father when he was young. He had been trained to take on the heavy responsibility to being the only male in the family.

He sighed. At last, his family had realized how important Sakura was to him, but ten years had passed when they finally realized the truth. It was then did they send him back to Tomoeda for that, using the reason that he might want to further his studies here.

He had truly suffered during those ten years, he reflected as he opened the door to his apartment. He couldn't forget Sakura as hard as he tried, but it was of no use. She simply meant too much to him.

Maybe if he could just put her out his mind for a while

------

Sakura answered a knock on her door, surprised to find Tomoyo there.

"Tomoyo-chan! What are you doing here now?"

"Thought I'd drop by. I was passing by here anyway," Tomoyo lied, searching her friend's face for signs of her little conversation with Syaoran. "Why? Are you busy tonight?"

Sakura quickly shook her head, opening the door wider to let Tomoyo in. "I'm free. Mizuno-sensei didn't give any assignments this week."

Tomoyo smiled as she stepped into Sakura's beautifully furnished apartment. Being a sentimental person, Sakura had placed photos of her family nearly everywhere in the house. In those places where Syaoran's picture wasn't, that is.

Picking up a photograph from the dresser, Tomoyo turned to Sakura. "Why do you still keep this picture, Sakura-chan? This dates back to when we were fifth grade!"

Sakura blushed as she plucked the photograph out of Tomoyo's hands. "I just want to remember all our friends, that's all!" she explained hastily, hoping that Tomoyo wouldn't realize the real reason why he had kept that photo.

Studying it, she realized how the time had flown by. The picture showed the play production that they did when they were still in grade five. It was a Cinderella play, and Sakura had played the prince. To tell the truth, she had kept that picture not only for the memory of her fifth grade, but also the fact that Li was also in it. He had played the role of Cinderella, though.

Tomoyo watched as Sakura stared off dreamily into space. She had come to know of Syaoran and Sakura's crush towards each other ever since she had been with fifth grade. Till now, she was still convinced that the two did make a great pair.

"Was it because of Li-kun, Sakura-chan?"

A blush slowly spread across Sakura's face at the mention of his name. Smiling knowingly, Tomoyo kept silent as she heard Sakura speak.

"You know I just want that picture to remember all out friends, Tomoyo," she argued as she brushed the glass on the frame lovingly. "After all, some of them are in different universities"

"Not some," Tomoyo pointed out with a slight grin. "I believe that only one or two have gone to Tokyo to further their studies. Besides, Li-kun does seem to stand closer to you, Sakura-chan"

She paused, watching the expression on Sakura's face. Suppressing a laugh, she watched as Sakura's face grew a flaming red as she looked down in embarrassment. "You and Li-kun are perfect for each other. Don't let this chance slip through your fingers anymore, Sakura. Who knows, there might not be a next time."

Sakura knew that she was right. There was no way Syaoran could stay long in Tomoeda, but neither could she rush things like that! The both of them were unprepared for this, and wellshe needed some time off before she could actually make up her mind.

"I don't know, Tomoyo-chan."

"I don't even see why she should even look at that Syaoran kid."

The both of them turned to see Kero, arms folded as he glided into the room. There was a natural rivalry between the guardian of the Clow cards and Syaoran. The both of them had hated each other from the first time they had met. She reflected the name calling that usually happened when they even met each other.

"It's not as if he's the same as he was ten years ago, Kero," Sakura argued as she sat down on her bed. "It's been a long time already, and he'schanged."

"Why were you eavesdropping, Kero?" Sakura scolded her guardian. Aren't you supposed to be fast asleep?"

Giving Sakura a cheeky grin, the tiny guardian flew into the drawer where he usually slept. Sakura shook her head as she watched him settle down in the tiny bed.

"If you ask me, Sakura, I'd take this chance and not lose it," Tomoyo spoke up as she smiled at Kero and gave him a biscuit which he gobbled up. "Li-kun has probably waiting to see you again for ten years. You're not going to turn him down, are you?"

"I don't know, Tomoyo. I have to get a littlebreathing space first. I can't just rush headlong into things like this."

Tomoyo shook her head as she stood up.

"I'd better be going. Listen to me, Sakura, Li-kun's been waiting for you all this time. Don't take too long to cool off, or he might not be there anymore when you actually make up your mind."

Sakura just smiled. Tomoyo had no idea what was really happening between us, she reflected as she waved goodbye to her friend as she shut the door. Li-kun and I are justfriends for the meanwhile. Nothing more.

She leaned onto the door, sorting through her muddled thoughts and let out a sigh. This wasn't as easy as she thought at first. She had no expected to get his flood of emotions upon seeing Syaoran's return to Tomoeda. Neither had she expected that he'd, wellreturn here after such a long time.

That's ridiculous, she told herself. "I've been waiting for his return for years. So why am I even acting like this?"

Well, she hadn't expected him to change so much. What could she say? It had been ten years since she had last saw him, and that was when they were in about the end of fifth grade.

But now, she was in university. She was no longer the girl that was left with nothing to soothe her of his return but her tears that could only stream helplessly out of her eyes after he had went back to Hong Kong.

"I don't know much about Li-kun himself," she whispered to herself as she closed her eyes. "So why am I puzzling over a person I barely know?"

-------

As soon as she stepped into the hall, Sakura was greeted by her group of close friends. Taking a seat next to her friends, she smiled softly as she listened to the talking around here.

"Sakura! Do you know why Li-kun's come back to Tomoeda?"

She blinked once at Naoko's question, taken aback at her sudden interest with Syaoran. "He said he wanted to further his studies," she spoke, still wondering if the reply she gave was actually a true one. She didn't think that Syaoran would come all the way from Hong Kong just to further his studies here.

"How do you know?"

A slight blush spread across her face as she looked down. "He told me the first day he was here."

"Now to think of it, Sakura, you and Li-kun have always been very close. Something like Yamazaki and me," Chiharu chided, grinning at Sakura's flaming red face.

"Yeah. Not to mention that the two of you are single and perfect for each other!" chimed Rika, her brown eyes big as she stared at Sakura. "Besides, the both of you have know each other for such a long time"

"Who is?"

The girl immediately fell silent and Sakura looked away, blushing.

Stepping forward, Li repeated his question. "Who is?"

"Who-what do you mean, Li-kun?" Chiharu laughed unconvincingly.

"Who and Sakura are single and what's perfect?"

The three girls blinked. Was it just their imaginations or was Li actually jealous? Jealousy did tint his voice, and he couldn't help but glare at some males that were sitting nearby.

There was a little sigh of relief that he hadn't heard the entire conversation, as Sakura shot death glares at the entire group.

Seeing the scene in front of her, Sakura spoke up.

"Oohayo, Li-kun."

Li blinked once and reddened simultaneously. "Oohayo, Sakura-chan. I didn't know you were here"

Tomoyo smiled as she held up the video camera to focus the view on them as she hid behind her friends. Signaling them not to give her away, she smiled as she continued videotaping Sakura and Syaoran.

"II'm sorry. I didn't know you were listening"

Sakura shook her head as she smiled. "Here, you can sit beside Yamazaki if you like. He sits there," she spoke as she pointed to the chair behind her. "This place's empty too, if you want it" She gestured to the chair beside her.

His face reddened even more as he glanced at the two places uncomfortably. "Ithink I'll wait for Yamazaki-kun"

"Gomen, Li-kun. I'm afraid there's no more space. The whole row's full already. Why don't you sit beside Sakura-chan? That place's empty."

Looking down, Li slowly made his way to the seat beside Sakura. His face was blazing red, he knew. He didn't need her seeing him like this.

Sakura, on the other hand, simply smiled at him. Sensing that he felt uncomfortable sitting beside her because of their promise yesterday, she was silent as she watched him slowly sit down.

She wondered what was wrong with him. it was true that they had made a promise not to make any sudden moves towards each other, but that didn't seemed logical to make him act in such a way. Unless?

Maybe Li-kun's just uptight, she reminded herself. After all, ten years had passed since he returned to Hong Kong and everything was different now. Well, most of the things, that is

-------

"Tomoyo," Chiharu whispered as she studied Syaoran and Sakura. "What's wrong with the both of them? I thought Syaoran-kun came back from Hong Kong just to see Sakura. So why are they both acting like strangers to each other?"

Tomoyo smiled at her friend. "What can I say, Chiharu? These things need time. I just hope Sakura doesn't take so much time and tell Li-kun what she had wanted to tell him since ten years ago"

"That's true," Naoko chimed in, her brown eyes wide with excitement as she smiled. "I've been watching these two since fourth grade, and I'm sure they're perfect for each other! The only problem is Meilin, though."

"Li-kun's fiancee?"

"Not anymore," Tomoyo spoke up, smiling as she watched Li and Sakura talk to each other, blushing as they did so. "I was videotaping the both of them yesterday. Li-kun confessed that he broke off his engagement with Meilin."

"You eavesdropped?"

Tomoyo grinned and shrugged slightly as she lifted her video camera as she zoomed in on the two of them. She had to admit, Sakura and Li could make a perfect couple if they only tried. But with their shyness

She shook her head. The both of them knew their feelings well, but they were afraid to say it out loud. If they did, though, all their problems would be automatically solved. There had to be some way to get those two together

"It's time for Operation S+S," Chiharu spoke up decisively with a grin. "I don't want to see Sakura left alone like last time. I vote we help the both of them out in this! What do you say?"

"AnoI'm not sure we should do this, Chiharu-chan," Rika objected. "We shouldn't meddle with Li-kun and Sakura's friendship. Maybe we should just let them take their time."

"Iie, Rika-chan. You don't understand. What happens if the both of them take too long to tell each other how they fell, just like when they were in fifth grade? Then, they'll never be together! Syaoran-kun might have to go back to Hong Kong then!"

"That's true"

Tomoyo smiled. "Well then, it's settled. We'll have to try our best to get these two together. Remember, we don't have much time. Syaoran-kun may go back to Hong Kong anytime. We have to work fast. Got it?"

"Hai!"

-------

Syaoran picked a book from the shelf, trying his best to study whatever was written it, but all the words seemed to be a jumble in his mind. What wasn't jumbled, though, were his thoughts of Sakura. They were perfectly clear. He stopped abruptly as he heard a familiar laugh and he peeked out cautiously from behind a gap in the bookshelves.

The laugh had originated from a green eyed angel. Watching her auburn hair glow in the sun, he unconsciously held his breath as he viewed her eyes that sparkled as if they had stars hidden in their depths. She was so beautiful

Syaoran closed his eyes, fighting the pain that seemed to gnaw at him. To see her, but not to be able to even speak to her for a minute without making a fool out of himself was excruciatingly painful.

Abruptly, Sakura stopped laughing. Wide eyed, she looked up.

Leaf green met a flash of amber, then it was gone. Sakura blinked, frowning, for she was quite sure that she had seen him. There was no one with that kind of aura and those deep amber eyes on campus, that was for sure. So was it really Syaoran that she saw?

Tomoyo looked up at her as Sakura brushed past her. So, Sakura did realize that Syaoran still felt something towards her.

Syaoran let out his breath, leaning against the bookshelf as he tried to gather his thoughts. Had she seen him? He hoped not. As much as he wanted to see her, talk to her and hear her laugh, he was afraid what her friends might think. Even worse, he worried what she would think about him not keeping his promise that he had made.

But to see her if he told her that he couldn't be with her was impossible. He pictured her face, filled with sorrow and regret for waiting for him all this time and shuddered, banishing the image from his mind.

Suddenly, he felt a flash ofsomething. Déjà vu, maybe? While he was trying to figure out what exactly had he felt, Sakura rounded the corner. "Syaoran-kun!"

Needless to say, he was startled. So she had seen him. He should have known better than to trust his instincts. Ignoring the voice that screamed in joy inside him, he looked down.

"S-Sakura-chan! Is something wrong?"

He forced himself not to look at her. If he did, he was afraid that he would say something that, well he would regret for the rest of his life. Neither did he want her to see the intense pain that was torturing him inside. The pain that had been caused by the longing inside him.

"What are you doing here, Li-kun?" Sakura spoke, watching him as she lay a hand on his shoulder.

"Nothing." He flinched slightly at the gentle touch of her hand, wanting just to see her. He just couldn't

"What's wrong?"

"I told you! Nothing!" he snapped. He glanced at her eyes-the windows to her soul, some part of his mind recalled-and saw hurt. His heart immediately ached, knowing that he had just uttered something terrible again.

Sakura removed her hand as if she had been burnt. Syaoran had never snapped at her, not even when he was angry at her. True, sometimes he did use some sarcasm, but he had never snapped at her. Her resolve hardened, determined to find out the source of his silence.

"Don't speak like that, Li-kun," she spoke, sensing the change in her very own voice. It sounded harsher than usual, making her wince inside. It was as if she wasn't there, talking to him in such a voice as she watched herself and him talk from afar. Words spilled from her lips. "I know there's something wrong. Don't lie to me, Li-kun. I want to help"

He closed his eyes slightly as he ran a hand through his messy hair. She had the amazing ability to see through him, as if he absolutely transparent and read his feelings. She didn't know it, but she had the ability to control him. He was like putty in her hands.

"I don't want to talk about it," he snarled, looking away. He cringed at his tone. How could he talk to her like that? He never scolded her even when they were still cardcaptors during fourth and fifth grade. Sowhy was he acting like this now?

Sakura held back her tears that stung at her eyes as she forced a smile on her face. There was no way she could get anything out of him when he was in this kind of mood. In fact, it would be better if she just left him alone. "I guess I can't force you if that's what you want, Li-kun," she spoke quietly as she turned away.

Did he really hate her for not forcing him to make the promise yesterday night? Oh gods, what if he didn't want to be her friend anymore? Trudging back to her table where all her friends sat , she stole a last glance at him.

Syaoran was having similar thoughts as watched her walk away, his heart almost breaking. How could he have been so heartless? What ifthe thought struck him, freezing him in his position. What if she didn't want to be even his friend anymore?

The voice inside him screamed at him, telling him that he should go back and at least apologize, but he shoved it down angrily. It was too late, the damage already done. The voiced curled itself into a corner of his mind, sobbing. Glancing one more time longingly at the table where Sakura sat with all her friends, he shook his head.

It was best if he avoided her for the time being. He didn't want to hurt her anymore than he had already done. I'm sorryhe thought, and turned away.

Yamazaki stared at his friend's retreating back, shaking his head as he watched him slowly trudge to out. This was the first time he had seen his friend giving up just like that. Very un-Syaoran-like. The ten years must have done a lot of damage to his feelings, he noted.

He gazed at the spot where he and Sakura had been standing a moment ago, talking to each other. Syaoran, you baka, he thought. You should have read her feelings more carefully. She's still bruised after how you left her just like that ten years ago. You can't hurry her too much.

Besides, she's as fragile as those cherry blossoms

-------

Tomoyo studied the expression on Sakura's face carefully. After taping Sakura's adventures when they were in fourth and fifth grade, she had learnt to read her friend's emotion by just looking at her face.

She didn't have to be told what had happened between her and Syaoran a moment ago. Sakura's lifeless expression and downcast eyes were enough to tell her the outcome. For what she could tell, it certainly wasn't good.

"Tomoyo-chan."

Tomoyo turned to her right, facing Chiharu who also seemed to be worried about Sakura. "Is Sakura okay? I don't think she looks that well"

Tomoyo smiled slightly. What she didn't understand was why the both of them wouldn't just say their feelings out to each other. True, they hadn't seen each other for years, but that didn't have to be a problem if either one of them would just own up.

"I think it's better if we leave the both of them alone for a while, Chiharu-chan. Sakura doesn't look in the mood for all this."

"I'm just worried that, well"

"?"

"I'm afraid Syaoran-kun might not like Sakura-chan anymore. The both of them don't seem to be in good terms"

Tomoyo smiled. "Don't worry. They're always like this. Let them cool off. We can't hurry them too much, or we'll simply ruin the entire thing. Just give them time, Chiharu-chan."

"Whatever you say"

"Trust me. The both of them know that they like each other. It's just the shyness that's blocking the way. If only we could get rid of that"

Tomoyo sighed as she stared at Sakura.

How long could she and Li-kun continue this? The both of them knew their very own feelings. Besides, there were other girls on campus and Tomoyo didn't want him to go off chasing another girl, although she doubted that he'd even think of doing that. Li-kun was very serious in what he did.

-------

Sakura ate her lunch lifelessly, staring past it as if it didn't exist. Her previously bright emerald eyes were now dull as she reflected how Syaoran had treated her for the past few days. It was as if he had built a fort around himself, shunning anyone else from helping him.

He had treated her better in the past. How he had risked his life and his safety for herbut how he ignored her with such cool indifference now, so that even she and Yamazaki-kun couldn't penetrate the fort he had put up around himself

She sighed, looking down. Tomoyo didn't miss her friend's sorrowful expression as she took a bite of her lunch. She knew that the problems between her and Syaoran seemed to have increased since a few days ago. Now, they weren't even on talking terms.

"Sakura-chan, are you okay?" she asked, her blue eyes boring into her friend. Lowering her voice, she glanced at Chiharu and the others. "Has this anything to do with Syaoran-kun, Sakura-chan?"

"Plenty," Yamazaki sighed as he put his lunch down beside them. "Syaoran won't talk to anyone. He's just keeping silent and won't answer anything that I ask him."

Chiharu sighed, looking at Sakura. "Why don't you just go over there and talk to Syaoran-kun, Sakura-chan?" she asked, pointing to the tree where Syaoran sat under. "Maybe the both of you could get each other to talk"

Sakura shook her head. "Iie," she whispered. "Syaoran doesn't even want to see me. How am I supposed to talk to him?" An unbidden tear trickled out of her eye as she threw a glance at Syaoran.

Hastily handing her a tissue, Rika shook her head. "You haven't even tried," she chided gently, laying a hand on Sakura's shoulder. "How do you know he won't talk to you?"

Sakura forced a smile on her face as she turned away. "Don't you think that I've tried? He just won't listen."

Under the tree, Syaoran took a sip of his drink as he continued to read the book that he was holding. Well, at least the book that he was trying to read to block out any thought of Sakura. He could see her from here, talking with her friends.

When she lifted her eyes to him, he was struck by the amount of pain that was inflicted in them. Those emerald eyes now held the pain and sorrow that he had pictured that day, but he had not expected it to amount to this. There was no doubt that this pain had only been caused by him.

How could he have been so hard on her? He should have remembered that she was still the girl that he had left behind for ten years. She was still hurt from his own wrongdoing ten years ago. It won't her fault at all!

He sighed as he leaned back on the tree. Watching a cherry blossom gently float down and land on his hand, he stared at it. The name Sakura suits these flowers well, he thought as his thoughts returned to her. So gentle and beautiful

Heaving yet another sigh, he closed his eyes. It was hard enough for him to concentrate on not thinking about Sakura, so thinking about studies was totally out of his mind. Just my luck, he thought bitterly as he continued watching her from afar. Getting her out of his mind was unthinkable.

Just my luck to actually feel something for her

-------

"Sakura Kinomoto?"

Sakura raised her hand, trying her best to focus her attention on her teacher that stood next to the blackboard below. Mizuno-sensei was assigning science projects to in pairs. Secretly yearning to be a pair with Tomoyo, she stood as she waited for the teacher's next words.

"You are to work together with Li Syaoran. Your project shall cover the tenth and the eleventh chapter of what we have been studying this two weeks. The deadline, as usual, is one and a half months from now."

It was like a blow in the face for her. She had to work with someone who preferred to avoid her half the time. Nodding slightly in defeat, for she knew her teacher's temper well. Mizuno-sensei wasn't the type who liked to change her decisions without a logical reason.

"I think there'll be no objections on the pairing, ne? The last pair is Tomoyo Daidouji with Chiharu."

Tomoyo reached over and gave Sakura a small smile. "Sorry I can't work with you," she whispered as she watched the teacher in front start to gather her things. "This sensei is always like this. You know her, and either way, he have to try our best to pass this year's exams."

Sakura could only nod and briefly glance at Syaoran who was talking to Yamazaki who had took the trouble to find a seat beside him. Chiharu, however, had understood his good intentions and let him do so.

"I don't even know if he'll even work together with me," Sakura sighed as she stood up. "Li-kun's so stubborn all of a sudden. It's as if he's someone different"

Tomoyo shook her head. "Give him time. I'm sure the both of you'll be able to sort this out. Besides, you've known each other for a long time already. There's no way you don't know him for who he is."

"I don't know, Tomoyo-chan"

"Trust me. Listen to him, but don't push him too much."

Sakura could only smile. She hoped Tomoyo was right about him. To tell the truth, she had no idea why Syaoran was acting like this, but what could she do? It was better if she left him alone for the time being and let him sort his own problems out.

Across the room, Syaoran was having the same thoughts. He had no idea how he was going to work together with Sakura to finish the project when the both of them were so uptight with each other.

"I can't, Yamazaki-kun," he protested with a slight frown. "You know I'm not talking to Sakura for the time being. There's no way I'm working with her!"

Yamazaki raised an eyebrow as he studied Syaoran. "Anoso you're thinking of failing this year's exams?"

"Nani?"

"This project's going to be counted into the overall marks, which means if you fail this, it lowers your chances of passing this year's exams. That is, unless of course you've planned to fail this year, ne?"

Syaoran bit his lip. He didn't want to see Sakura in fear that he'd say something terrible in her face, but he had no choice. He couldn't fail his exams, so

He sighed. "Sa, I'll do it. But this is just for the sake of the exams!"

Yamazaki nodded, knowing that this project could be bring both Sakura and Syaoran closer than they ever thought, only that they were too wrapped up in their own thought to realize it. Nodding slightly to Chiharu who stood near the door of the hall, waiting for him, he turned to Syaoran.

"Come on. You have some discussing to do with Sakura."

-------

Sakura stood under the cherry blossom tree, her eyes closed. She admitted that she did enjoy the company of the tree that bore the same name as hers, but not much as she would enjoy someone else's company

Her face coloured as Syaoran suddenly popped into her mind. Why was she thinking about him? After all, she was supposed to at least not think about him after the way he treated her. But she couldn't get his eyes out of her mind though. They were such bright amber

She shook her head, trying clear the memory of his eyes from it. I can't go on like this, she thought miserably as a tears appeared in her eyes. I want to talk to Li-kun. I can't stand it if he treats me like this!

Syaoran blinked when he rounded the corner. Whatwhat was Sakura doing here? He hadn't expected her to come to this place after what he did a few days ago.

After all, this was the place where he had tried to tell her how he felt when they were still in fifth grade. Unfortunately, that moment had been interrupted by Eriol. A slight smile crossed his lips as he remembered Eriol.

He hadn't known that Eriol was actually a reincarnation of Clow Reed in another form. Unknowingly, Syaoran had scolded him for trying to frighten and also flirt with Sakura at the same time. It was only later that he learnt that Eriol was actually his reincarnated ancestor.

Wincing at the memory, he took a step back, hoping that she wouldn't see him. He had no idea how to react if she did, but some forlorn thought told him that he would most probably react the same way as he did a few days ago in the library. Wincing slightly at the memory, he flattened himself against another cherry blossom tree.

He didn't want to hurt Sakura. Having seen the hurt reflect in those beautiful green eyes of hers for the past few days was more than he could bear. Even worse, he could only watch her from afar, unable to see her or even speak to her.

Suddenly noticing Sakura's moving lips, he strained to hear what she was saying. Could it be something about him?

"Syaoran-kun won't even speak to me," Sakura sighed, her eyes downcast. "He won't even look at me. What have I done wrong?"

Nothing, Sakura, he thought as he closed his eyes in pain. He hadn't known that Sakura would think that he was purposely avoiding her. Not that he wanted to do it, though. He was somewhat forced to do it.

"I can't even sit close to him. Every time I try to approach him, he simply moves away as if I'm something dangerous. I simply don't understand why he's been acting like that lately!"

"How do you know that he doesn't like you anymore? You're the one who understands his feelings the most, Sakura! He won't simply leave you alone like that. Syaoran hasn't changed after coming back from Hong Kong, has he?"

Syaoran immediately stiffened at the sound of Eriol's voice. What was he doing here? Wasn't he supposed to be in studying in England instead. The little voice in him that Sakura might actually like someone else, but he shook it off. Sakura wasn't that type of girl who went around changing boyfriends!

He wasn't sure, though, if he could be counted even as a boyfriend. His behavoiur in the library sure didn't improve his standing! Leaning forward slightly, he continued to listen to the conversation between the two of them.

"Iie! He hasn't changed. Demohe's been acting strange lately, Eriol-kun. I don't think he wants me even as a friend anymore."

Something in his mind screamed for him to jump out and deny that accusation at that very moment, but he fought it back. He had to know what else Sakura thought about him!

"Ara, you know him, Sakura-chan. He's always like that. Just spare him some time. He'll come out of that shell of his sooner or later. For the time being, just bear it."

"Minna says that, Eriol-kun. I try, but it seems easier to say it than to actually do it. It's as if he just doesn't want to even see me anymore."

Eriol gave a reassuring smile. "Just bear it for time being, Sakura-chan. There's more to him than what you actually see. Trust me. He's justunprepared for all this."

Syaoran couldn't help but smile at Eriol's words. He should have known that this reincarnated ancestor of his knew him as well as he would know himself. What could he expect?

"I don't know, Eriol-kun" A frown wrinkled her brow as she looked down. "I don't like Li-kun if he acts like this. It's as if he's a different person altogether. I simply don't like it this way."

Eriol sighed, his smile still pasted on his face. "Believe me, Sakura-chan. I know you're very worried about him, but trust me. He doesn't know what he's doing. You have to give him some breathing space for the meanwhile. He isn't ready for these things yet. Justgive him some time."

"I have no other choice, have I?" she sighed as she smiled slightly at him. "Arigato, Eriol-kun, for listening to me. You haven't told me why you're in Tomoeda, though."

Syaoran leaned back on the tree, hearing all he wanted to hear. He had no idea that his silence for the past few days had inflicted such worries on Sakura, and that she was worried about him. How could he have been so insensitive?

All the same, he wanted to know why Eriol was here in Tomoeda too. Sakura couldn't have called him to come all the way from England just to talk to her, that was for sure.

"Eeto" He looked down as he bit his lip. "I want to ask you to come and have a look at Clow Reed's house before it's demolished. It's been standing for a long time already, but it's going to be demolished soon."

"Your old house? Why don't you stop them from demolishing it?"

Syaoran took a step back, retreating from his hiding place. Smiling slightly at the thought of Eriol, he wondered how he had not liked the boy when he had first met him. Maybe it was because of his own habit of easily suspecting anyone that came near Sakura. After all, he had grown closer to Sakura after helping her to capture all the Clow cards.

He sighed as he remembered the times where he had actually hated Sakura. He had told her when he first met her at fourth grade, that she was not worth to be a cardcaptor herself.

She has certainly proved me wrong, he reflected as he remembered Yue's judgment. He hadn't expected that the second guardian of the Clow cards resided in Sakura's brother's best friend, Yukito. True, he had been afraid of him at first, but had realized that he was frightened of Yukito because he could sense Yue inside him.

Turning away with a smile pasted on his lips, he listened to the fading voices. Watching the Sakura blossoms fall from the tree that bore the same name to the girl that he secretly loved, he wondered at their similarity. The gentleness and the fragility of the flower was evident, but so was the strength that seemed to reside in every flower.

Just like the person herself.

Memories seemed to float around him as he sat down on the ground that was now covered with the beautiful pink flowers from the Sakura trees that seemed to grow everywhere. Memories of fourth and fifth grade came back to him in a rush, making him even smile at the memory of Meilin.

He marveled at the number of people he had met and made friends with over the years that he had stayed here just to capture the Clow cards. There was Yamazaki, of course, who had offered his friendship first to him. Of course, another good friend of his was Tomoyo, who had helped him to reveal his feelings to Sakura.

Yet, there were so many people that were involved in the capturing of the Clow cards, he reflected, thinking about the times the Clow card business had affected them all in some way or another

Rika, who had been possessed by The Sword

Chiharu, who had been caught by The Water once

Naoko, who had been Erased

Tomoyo, who videotaped all Sakura's and his battles

Yukito, who was Yue

Touya, Sakura's older brother who had protected her thousands of times and had been tricked by The Mirror

And there was always Sakura. Reaching out to touch the bark of the cherry blossom tree, he got up. He had something to tell Sakura, but he wasn't going to say it now.

Soon, he thought.

Soon.

-------

Tomoyo rubbed her eyes as she stretched. She had been doing her part of the science project for two hours straight, and she didn't fancy doing the same for another two more hours. Looking down at the research she had done, she wondered if Sakura was working on her project with Syaoran.

Most probably not, she decided, remembering his coldness that she knew he had purposely put on earlier today. She wasn't easily fooled just by facial expressions. All the time she had spent recording Sakura's card capturing adventures made her easy for her to tell what someone was thinking.

Besides, Syaoran knew what he was doing. At least, that was what she hoped. Syaoran was capable of doing practically anything physical such as fighting and sports, but when it came to things like these, he had no idea what to do.

She shook her head. She couldn't blame him. After being separated from Sakura for ten years, it must seem like a big shock for him to return all the way to Tomoeda and see that Sakura had indeed changed much. Ten years, in fact, was a very long time.

Reaching for a photo that stood on the side of her desk, she smiled at the sight of Syaoran and Sakura together with all their friends when they were still in the fifth grade. Apparently, he was given the part of the princess while Sakura played the prince in the 'Sleeping Beauty' during their annual school festival.

She leaned back as she tied to remember all the three of them had gone through. She was the first person to come to know about the ability that Kero had given to Sakura to capture the Clow Cards. It had been an accident, though, but she did rejoice much that she did find out.

She had recorded every single Clow card that Sakura and Syaoran captured after that, but missed out some. She had forgotten to bring her tape recorder when the both of them fought against The Move, The Sleep and The Mirror. Not to mention the clothes that she had created for Sakura to wear every single time she went to capture a Clow card

I miss those days, she reflected as her blue eyes sparkled. During those days, they didn't have much to care about except the worries of passing their exams. Sakura naturally did well in her exams, and so did she.

Reaching down and opening a drawer, she brushed the dust off the items that she treasured in that drawer. Taking out one of them, she inspected it, noticing that it was still in good condition despite its age. These were the tapes that she had recorded Sakura's card capturing adventures during her cardcaptor days.

Although there were more than a hundred that she kept, she had two favourites that she took great care of. One of these videos were taken in Hong Kong when Sakura had mysteriously won a trip to. Later, they had met Syaoran's mother, Li Yelan, who was a great help to them.

Sakura had been so worried when she had realized that Syaoran had been captured my Madoushi, Tomoyo remembered, the memory clear. It was later that she discovered that Madoushi actually had loved Clow Reed, who in fact had been dead already for a long time. It was the love that had kept her alive all that time.

Then, there was the time when Syaoran had returned to Tomoeda once again together with Meilin. A smile crossed her lips as she remembered the e-mails that she had exchanged with Syaoran's cousin, who later informed her of their broken engagement. She had been surprisingly optimistic about this, though.

Meilin had, at last, learnt to accept that Syaoran didn't love her at all. Instead, he revealed to her that he had fallen for Sakura, who in fact, had no idea of all this. So, Meilin worked together with Tomoyo to try to pair the both of them up.

Unfortunately, Clow Reed's house was half demolished. This had freed The Void card that had been sealed under the floor of this house by Clow Reed. The objective of The Void was to collect all the Clow cards which had been changed into Sakura Cards by then. Its power was the same as all the Sakura cards combined, similar to the yin yang method.

Tomoyo sighed as she inserted the tape into the video recorder beside her and switched on the television.

"Reports have come in that something has been wrecking Tomoeda Park this evening."

She froze, listening to the crisp voice of the newscaster. There couldn't be another Clow Card on the loose again, could there?

"Witnesses to this incident have claimed that they have spotted an oddly dressed woman and a man of about twenty during the time of the incident. These two are believed to have a connection on what has happened in Tomoeda Park this evening. We have our reporter, Egi Hanakawa at the place of the incident."

Tomoyo watched as another newscaster appear on the television screen. "Arigato. The cause of the destruction in Tomoeda Park is still being investigated."

The camera swung around to show the ruins that Tomoeda Park was in. Gasping in shock, Tomoyo scooted her chair closer to have a better look at the scene. It looked so different than what she and Sakura had seen yesterday when they had gone for a walk there.

There were branches and tree trunks strewn everywhere. The brick wall that surrounded the park too had been broken, as if it had been pulled apart by some strong force. But what could do that?

"Police has reasons to believe that the cause of this wreck have been caused by the two people that were seen at the place where the incident occurred. The both if them has not be identified yet. However, the witnesses have given a description of how these two people looked like."

A picture flashed on the screen. Tomoyo froze, her memory bringing her back to the time when Sakura was a cardcaptor. The man and the woman held a stunning similarity to all the Sakura cards. It couldn't be true, she thought as she backed away. Sakura captured all of the Clow cards and turned them into Sakura cards, including The Void!"

"I'm Egi Hanakawa reporting from Tomoeda Park. Now, back to the studio."

"In other news"

Tomoyo switched the television off, her mood for watching the old tapes of Sakura gone. There couldn't possibly be another Clow card on the loose! Sakura had already captured all fifty three of the Clow cards and turned them into Sakura cards!

She reached for the telephone that stood on the table beside her. She had to tell Sakura about this!

-------

Sakura skipped into her apartment, her mood now brighter as she resolved to bear Syaoran's sudden cold attitude towards her and treat him like she used to. After all, Syaoran deserved another chance like anyone else. He was had magical powers, but he still was a human!

The ringing of her telephone broke her out of her thoughts and she hummed absentmindedly as she reached for it.

"Hello?"

"Sakura-chan? Tomoyo desu! Did you see the news just now?"

Sakura blinked before answering. "Iie, nanda?"

"Turn on the television now and have a look."

She reached for the remote and pressed the power button, wondering why Tomoyo sounded so anxious.

"It happened so suddenly. During that, I bent down, afraid that I would get hurt. That was when I saw them."

"Reports have come in that this wreck has been caused by two people. The witnesses have been able to identify the people that have been suspected to be responsible for this."

Sakura's breath caught in her throat as she stared at the two pictures on the television. "Masakait can't be"

"Daijobu desu ka? Now do you see, Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo spoke at last.

"Hai, Tomoyo-chan. But I captured all the Clow cards and passed the judgment by Yue. So how can this be?" Her voice trembled slightly as she opened the drawer beside her. Taking out the Clow key that she had kept all this years, she closed her eyes.

"The same way as how you managed to pass Yue's judgment and still get attacked by The Void," Tomoyo replied. "Sakura-chan, you don't expect that this card is like The Void, do you? Do you think it wants the other Clow cards back?"

"I don't know, Tomoyo-chan. Maybe it'sdifferent."

"If it is, you'll be in danger! You still have the Clow key, don't you?"

"Hai. But I don't think Syaoran-kun has his sword now"

"Syaoran?" Tomoyo blinked slightly before speaking. "I think he's probably seen the news by now. Do you think we should tell him about this?"

"I don't know, Tomoyo-chan. After all, he did help me to defeat The Void, but I don't want him to be any danger anymore" Sakura looked down as she opened the drawer beside her.

"I think we should at least tell him, Sakura-chan. Either way, he'll try to capture these two cards."

"Iie, I don't think he's going to do that, Tomoyo-chan. I'll ask Kero what cards are these though," Sakura spoke, smiling slightly as she glanced briefly at the room where Kero was probably playing video games. "If he isn't too wrapped up in his video games that is"

Tomoyo laughed despite her worry for Sakura. "You do that. Meanwhile, I have to search for my video camera. This might be interesting to tape"

A sweatdrop appeared on Sakura's head as she looked at the phone. Tomoyo still hadn't lost her hobby of taping all her Clow card adventures yet, it seem. "Anookay. I'll go ask Kero now."

She put down the phone as she sighed. Looking down, she removed the Clow key that she kept in the drawer. She had no idea why she still kept the Clow key, but suspected it had something to do with her sentimental feelings and all the hardships that she had gone through with Kero, Tomoyo and wellSyaoran.

She couldn't possibly throw away all those memories. Sighing, she held it close to her as she went to look for Kero.

-------

A surprise was waiting for Li as he entered his own apartment. Sitting there, in the middle of the living room was Meilin. She was looking at some photos of him and Sakura before she noticed his presence.

"Li-kun!" she squealed, jumping up from the couch. "I've waited so long for you to come back!"

He blinked, confused for a moment. "Meilin, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Hong Kong?" he spoke at last, eyeing the black haired girl warily.

She smiled, her eyes glittering as she studied him. "Thought I'd come down and see how you and Sakura-chan were," she spoke, enjoying the sight of his red face at the mention of Sakura's name. "Anyway, I was getting bored sitting in Hong Kong. You're not going to ask me to go back to Hong Kong, are you, Syaoran?"

He sighed, knowing very well that he could never win any argument against her. Not that they had any arguments between the both of them anyway. "Seriously, Meilin. What are you doing in Tomoeda?"

"Your mother asked me to give you this," she sighed, bending down to open her bag. Rummaging her belongings inside the bag, she pulled out something wrapped in a piece of cloth to form a big bundle. Í have no idea what it is, but your mother told me that this will be very important to you."

Li took the bundle from her and unwrapped it. There, folded neatly and laid in a pile was the clothes that he usually wore when he was capturing the Clow cards. On top of it was his sword and the parchments that he carried together with it. Blinking in surprise, he stared at the things.

Why would his mother give him such things even though she knew that all the Clow cards had been captured and Sakura had already passed Yue's judgment? Did she expect trouble in Japan for the time being? He picked up the television remote from the sofa and switched it on.

"There is a possibility that this unfortunate incident might happen again. However, the authorities are shutting down Tomoeda Park temporarily."

He froze, unable to move as he viewed the destruction at Tomoeda Park. It seemed eerily familiar to the destruction that was usually caused by the Clow cards, yet it wasn't possible

Watching him silently gaze at the news that was shown on the television, Meilin knew that this was the reason her aunt, or Syaoran's mother had sent her all the way to Tomoeda just to give him his cardcaptor items. She had predicted this would happen when she sent him here.

"AnoLi-kun, Clow cards again?" she spoke, knowing fully well the answer that she was going to get. "Another two Clow cards on the loose?"

"Hai," he spoke slowly, trying to digest the information that he had just heard from the news as he pressed the power button on the remote. "Looks like it, but I'm not sure. The level of destruction is much the same, though"

"I think that's why your mother also asked me to tell you that" She picked up the bundle of things that she had handed to him and neatly unfolded his cardcaptor costume.

Revealing the lasin board that he used to detect Clow cards with, she handed it to him. "She gave you the lasin board. She wasn't sure if you could detect the Clow cards using your own power yet, so she just gave it to you just in case."

Li smiled slightly, silently thanking his mother for the items that she had sent Meilin all the way to Tomoeda just to give to him. So this was her real reason why she wanted him to go to Tomoeda so urgently. It was not so much about him and Sakura, but more of these two new Clow cards.

Meilin relaxed, glad to see him smile for the first time since she had seen him that evening. At least he wasn't as uptight over her presence just like the first day she had come to Tomoeda when they were all in fourth grade. Laughing silently, she recalled the time when she had spotted Sakura wearing the shirt that she had given to Li himself.

She had thrown both Tomoyo and Sakura out of Li's house, leaving them on the doorstep as she scolded and questioned Li on why Sakura was wearing the shirt that she gave him. Yes, she did use to hate Sakura, fearing that Li might see her as superior over her.

In fifth grade, she was forced to return to Hong Kong for some time for some reason. When she returned, though, she knew something had changed in Li. Somehow, she couldn't put a finger on it, until she heard him calling Sakura using her first name. it was a rule that he never called anyone by the first names unless they were his family.

That was also how she and Tomoyo had managed to become such good friends. Tomoyo had offered her friendship to her when she was upset due to Li's confession that he did like Sakura. Together, they had formed the most amazing pair that tried to get both Sakura and Li together.

She grinned at the memory of how Tomoyo had tried to convince Sakura to admit her feelings to Li and how she herself tried to convince Li. The both of them knew that under all that stubbornness that these two put up, they were very shy to actually say their true feelings to each other.

Li watched Meilin curiously as she grinned. "Come on, Meilin. I think it's better if you got some rest. The flight from Hong Kong must have made you tired."

He didn't want her to guess what his thoughts were at the moment. Not only was he confused, but he was somehowhappy. Yet, he had no idea why.

Lifting her suitcase, he wondered if Sakura would be involved in this capturing this Clow card or not.

TO BE CONTINUED

Author's notes:

This is my first try at writing a Sakura and Syaoran fanfic, so I wasn't really sure what and how the outcome was. After all, I was more of a Syaoran lover than a Sakura lover; I practically hate Sakura for liking him and him liking her in the real series! Fortunately, I decided to change this into series that might somehow turn out to sound like one of those S+S movies (not that I think it'll be like anyway) This doesn't quite follow the real series though. In the second movie, Clow Reed's house was actually demolished, and that was how The Void got out. I wonder if I could actually make it an adventure story and actually make it a sick sappy romantic one (note: I got the idea for this story from Angel Of Saturn)? As usual, Tomoyo taped the moments between the two of them. *evil grin from Tomoyo and friends.* Can you call it blackmail? Anyway, stretching Syaoran's return to Tomoeda after ten years may be a little extreme, but I think a little time adds something to the both Sakura's and his heart, ne?

Note: Cardcaptor Sakura doesn't belong to me. It belongs to Clamp.

Japanese words

Sa- something like "all right, then"
Arigato- Thank you
-sensei- used as a suffix for teacher, can also be used as a single word "sensei" meaning "teacher"
Ano- either "excuse me" or "well"
Daijobu desu ka- Are you okay/all right
Ne- Depends on how it's used. If it's used like here, where Sakura says, "Ne" it means hey. Then, when Sakura smiled at Syaoran and Chiharu and said "Ne?" She means "right?" At least I think so. Dictionary says it means "is it so," so I guess that's the right meaningand is it spelled "ne" or "nee"?! So many different spellings for kanji Oh, whatever. I'll just use "ne"
Hai- Yes
Nanda- something similar to "what," I'm not too sureI think it means "What is it"
Gomen nasai- a slightly more respective form of "gomen" or "gomen ne," meaning "sorry"
Demo- but
Eeto- a word said when pausing to stop and think for a whilelike let me see, well, er, etc.
Daijobu- I'm okay/all right, or it's okay/all right
Masaka- Impossible, or something like "no way"
Ohayo- Good morning
Kinomoto Sakura to Li Syaoran- Kinomoto Sakura and Li Syaoran. By the way, Sakura means "cherry blossoms" (for several references throughout the story) in Japanese, and Syaoran means "little wolf" in Chinesenot that it really matters now. ^^
Baka- Stupid or idiot. I'm trying to use it in a more light sense here, because I think it's not exactly a good word
Nani- what
Ara- oh; used as a mild term of surprise
Iie- no
Minna- everybody or everyone
Ai shiteru- I love you