A School Excursion

A School Excursion

Chapter 2

( All characters duly belong to CLAMP ! )

~ *** ~

" Otosan ! I'm leaving now ! "

" Have you got everything according to the checklist I've made up for you ? "

" Yup ! Everything I think … it really shouldn't be a problem. After all, Tomoyo-chan would be coming along too. "

" All right then, be careful Sakura and take care of yourself while you're there ok ? "

" Hai ! Ikimasu ! "

Sakura bade a cheerful farewell to her father and walked out into the early darkness. She breathed in the cold fresh air deeply and adjusted her backpack before walking off to school. As she turned a corner, she was a little shocked to see a figure leaning agsinst the wall in the dark.

" Hoe ?! "

The figure pushed himself off the wall and turned to look at her. Sakura could feel her heart pumping faster in anxiety as he slowly approached her.

" Sakura, is that you ? "

" HOE ?? "

Sakura narrowed her eyes and focused on the dark figure as he strolled out of the darkness into the light emitting from a nearby street lamp.

" SYAORAN ! You scared me !! "

" I did ? "

Sakura gave a loud sigh of relief as she fell onto the ground in a crumpled heap. Syaoran scratched his head in confusion as Sakura mumured something incoherent to him.

" Warukata na Sakura … "

Syaoran smiled apologetically as he stretched out his hand to help her up. Sakura smiled back and took his hand. Syaoran was getting stronger with all his training and he easily pulled Sakura up in no time. Sakura peered at Syaoran's bag which was lying on the ground. It was a pretty big one and looked rather heavy.

" Syaoran, what do you have in there ? "

" Clothes, my sword, some tailsman, rashinben, camera, rolls of films and toiletries. "

" Wow, that's an awful lot. "

" What about you ? "

" Clothes, camera, medicine and toiletries. "

" That's decent. "

" Yup, Otosan drew up some other checklist for me too. "

" So desu ka. "

Syaoran held hands with Sakura as they started their way to school together. Sakura loved the way Syaoran held her hand. It was always full of love and warmth and it made her feel very secure and at ease.

" Syaoran, how long were you waiting for me at the backyard ? "

" I think about 15 minutes. "

" Why ? "

" I wanted to come to school with you. I guess I just want to see you. "

" We see each other in school everyday ! "

" Yeah, but we're going on a trip together and I think it's a really special event. "

Sakura nodded silently and tightened her grip around his fingers. Syaoran had been very open with his feelings around her, as though he was afraid that he might never get to speak to her in this way again. Sakura couldn't blame him … after all … Syaoran had to return to Hong Kong eventually to take over his Clan. However, that was still a long way ahead in the future. Right now, they were contented to remain this way.

***

The school's basketball court was full of 2nd yr students all chattering at the top of their voices excitedly. The atmosphere was full of anticipation as students wonder how the trip would turn out to be. Many bagpacks were on the ground while huge bus coaches were parked in the school carparks awaiting for the departure time. Teachers were busily marking attendance of the numerous students and tagging colourful bags with the respective students' names.

Syaoran was standing in line with some of his guy friends and talking about the latest soccer news. Tomoyo and Sakura were standing amongst their usual group of girl friends and whispering about what could happen to them on the trip. Eriol was busily getting his class to stand in line while the teacher-in-charge marked their attendance.

" ALL RIGHT MINNA-SAN ! PAY ATTENTION TO THE INSTRUCTIONS ! "

A loud booming voice echoed through the speaker-phone as the noise died down. Soon, students were directed to their respective coaches and in a few minutes' time, they were all on their way to Kyoto !

***

Everyone was allocated a room number upon their arrival at the hotel where they would be staying in Kyoto. Tomoyo and Sakura were staying together as per requested while Syaoran and Eriol were in the same situation. However, both rooms were one storey away from each other.

" Syaoran, Eriol-kun, which floor are you guys on ?

" 18th … what about the two of you ? "

" 17th ! Oh geez, it was so close ! "

" Well Sakura-chan, be grateful that we're not too far away. "

" That's true. Well Tomoyo-chan, let's proceed to our room now. We'll come up and visit you guys later ! Jya mata ! "

With that, Sakura and Tomoyo walked away to their room while Eriol and Syaoran proceeded to theirs.

***

" Room 533 … room 533 … AH ! This is it ! "

Sakura hurriedly slotted the key and opened the door. The room was quite spacious with the basic decorations in it. There was a rotating TV on the table, 1 Queen-sized bed, 2 tables and chairs, a bathroom with a bathtub and showerhead, mirrors and a sink.

" Tomoyo-chan ! Isn't this just what we wanted ? It's great !! I wonder what the guys' side would be … "

" Hmm, the exact same layout isn't it ? "

" Err … yeah … hehheh … "

Sakura laughed sheepishly as she unpacked her stuffs slowly. Tomoyo was slowly surveying the surroundings from the window, looking for targets to video-record. Satisfied with that she saw, she turned back around and unpacked her belongings as well. It was almost 9 pm and they were told to gather in the main lobby tomorrow at 7 am.

" Tomoyo-chan, after we're done with packing … let's visit the guys all right ? "

" Sure Sakura-chan … "

Tomoyo smiled as she carefully took out her camcorder and placed it on the table. Sakura hummed a little tune to herself as she placed her belongings on the table.

***

" I never thought that you would agree to share a room with me Syaoran-kun. "

" Things change Eriol-kun. "

" I suppose so. You've changed a lot after you returned from Hong Kong. "

" I know. I could sense it in me too. However, I believe it's for the best anyway. "

Syaoran and Eriol were also unpacking in their room and both exchanged little words. However, they were uncannily comfortable in each other's presence. Eriol noticed that Syaoran was clutching to a teddy bear with a certain feeling as he placed it on the table. Eriol smiled, remembering the meaning it brought to Syaoran.

As both of them finished unpacking, Eriol flipped on the TV with the remote control and sat down in his chair. Syaoran tucked himself into the bed and started watching too. However, his attention shifted to Eriol soon.

" Eriol-kun … may I ask you something rather personal ? "

" Sure. "

" Are you … by any way … erm … interested in Tomoyo-san ? "

" I think so. "

Syaoran was astonished by Eriol's frank answer and was at a loss on how to respond. Eriol smiled at Syaoran's flustered face and decided to help him out of it.

" Well, I was pretty surprised why my heart chose her. We were not really close anyway to begin with. After I left Japan, my mind was weirdly filled with images of her. She wasn't very energetic, chatty or an attention-seeker … however she was still beautiful in her own way. I'm not sure why she had never been dating another guy. When I decided to return to Japan, it was mostly to seek the true intentions of my heart. I was a little confused, something which I had not felt for a long time. When I saw her again, I think my heart found its answer. In fact, I knew it was brimming there … I had merely ignored it. "

Eriol looked serious as he confessed to Syaoran, all the time looking out of the window. Syaoran stared at him, impressed and in awe. He had also chosen a difficult route by confessing to Sakura that he liked her and was left in doubt whether Sakura would reject him. He had returned to Japan with a very confused heart, wondering whether Sakura was still waiting for him. When Sakura lovingly looked into his eyes, full of happy tears, Syaoran told himself that all was worth it. He had returned to Japan for a worthy cause. Every day spent with Sakura was a day spent in heaven seemingly.

RING ! RING !

Eriol walked over to the telephone and picked it up.

" Hai, Eriol speaking. Oh, Sakura-san ? Yes, we're in our room. No, we aren't doing anything. Sure, you can come down anytime you wish. All right, see you then. "

Eriol put down the receiver and looked over at Syaoran, who had already pounced out of the bed and hurried to comb his hair again. Eriol smiled and smoothed out his clothes. A few minutes later, a soft knock was heard on the door.

Eriol opened it and was surprised to see Sakura standing alone in the doorway. Sakura smiled happily as she stroded into the room with a cheerful step.

" Eriol-san, why don't you go upstairs to my room ? Tomoyo-chan is there and she will accompany you while I need to have some time alone with Syaoran … onegai shimasu ?! "

" Ah … so desu ka … hai ~ hai ~ ! "

Eriol smiled almost wickedly and bowed in farewell. He took the room key and closed the door softly behind him. Syaoran stared at the commotion and looked wonderingly at Sakura, who was starting to giggle under her breath.

" What's going on Sakura ? "

" Well, I decided that we should get some time alone together ! Anyway, don't you think this is also a good idea to let Eriol-kun and Tomoyo-chan get to know each other better ? "

" I didn't know you were so scheming ! "

Syaoran exclaimed in mock surprise as Sakura happily bounced on the bed. She laughed lightly and Syaoran had a fleeting thought that they sounded like tinkling bells.

" I'm so glad that we're all here together Syaoran. "

" So am I … and I'm even more thankful for the fact that we're here now … together. "

Syaoran walked over to Sakura and lovingly wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Sakura could breathe in the intoxicating scent of Syaoran as she nuzzled against his chest. She gave a small sigh as she let her head rest in a particular comfortable spot. Syaoran let his hands land onto her waist as he kissed her head lightly.

" Syaoran ? "

" Hmm ? "

" Have you ever wondered what our future would be ? "

" Our future ? Hmm … "

Sakura lifted her head off from his chest and Syaoran felt a temporary disappointment as the warmth disappeared from his body.

" Ne Syaoran ? "

" Why do you ask ? "

Sakura looked thoughtful as she bit her lip and tilted her head as though she was in deep thought. Syaoran thought she looked really cute though. As he made another move to hug her again, Sakura suddenly banged her fist into her hand and a lightbulb flashed some distance away from her head, causing Syaoran to sweatdrop.

" I want to be prepared in case if you should leave me again Syaoran. I know you told me you have commitments back in Hong Kong. I guess I should be mentally prepared huh. "

" Don't be silly Sakura. You know no commitments could take me away from you. "

" I know, but this concerns your Clan. I know you care about me but I know exactly what responsibilities you shoulder back there. "

Syaoran looked at Sakura seriously for a long time, causing Sakura to tense up a little. It had been a long time since Syaoran had eyed Sakura like this. He used to do so all the time when he first arrived in Japan to compete for the Clow Cards but Sakura was now so used to his lovingness that she was becoming unaccustomed to his seriousness.

" Well, if things come to that … would you come with me to Hong Kong ? "

" Hoe ?! "

Sakura almost fell out of the bed as she heard Syaoran's suggestion.

" Marry me and come with me to Hong Kong. You could still live your life there. "

" Demo … I'll have to … I'll have to give up everything here in Japan … wouldn't I ? "

Syaoran looked away for a while and seemed to be possessing some thoughts. Sakura bit her nails as she waited for Syaoran's answer.

" Wakarimashita, I am indeed asking too much from you. Then maybe I'll give up my position to the next available candidate. After that, I'll get some decent job with a degree of my liking and stay with you in Japan. "

" Syaoran … ! "

Sakura was very shocked at the suggestion but she was thoroughly touched. However, her sense of righteousness came rushing to her at this point.

[ If Syaoran is willing to sacrifice everything to be with me, why can't I do the same ?? ]

" No way Syaoran ! If you can do this for me, I can do the same for you too ! "

Sakura looked adamantly at Syaoran, causing Syaoran to open his mouth in surprise. He knew how sad Sakura would be if she were to give up everything to come with him. He smiled almost gratefully at her thoughtfulness and thanked the Gods silently for letting him love such an angel.

" Sakura … domo arigato … "

Syaoran carefully arranged Sakura's bangs so that they were not blocking her face. Then, he moved in slowly to kiss her. They had kissed many times and this time was not an exception. As they enjoyed their kiss, Syaoran's hands wrapped around tightly over Sakura's waist and he carefully laid Sakura down onto the bed.

***

KNOCK ! KNOCK !

" Hai, dozo ! "

Eriol opened the door softly as he peeked in after hearing Tomoyo greet him. He found her seating in her chair brushing her hair.

" I'm sorry if I am disturbing you Tomoyo-san. "

" Don't be Eriol-kun. Have a sit anywhere you fancy. I'll get you a cup of water. "

" Arigato. "

Eriol sat down on the edge of the bed as Tomoyo walked up towards the kettle on the other table where Sakura's things were. Eriol watched Tomoyo as she was pouring the water with a certain elegance. No matter how many times he tried to dismiss her image in his mind, it'll come back with a certain vengence, enough to knock him off his feet.

" Hai Eriol-kun, here you go. "

Tomoyo broke his train of thoughts with a steaming hot cup as he smiled and took it carefully. However, he almost lost his cool when his fingers brushed against hers. Tomoyo seemed to realise that he had almost froze but she made no attempt to acknowledge it. She merely smiled and walked back to her chair.

Eriol sipped from the cup, his mind full of thoughts. Could this be a good time to let her know his feelings ? Would it be too sudden ? He casted a sideway glance towards her and let his eyes run her down.

[ She had grown up so much … she's so totally different from the time I left Japan ]

Eriol noticed how womanly she had become, with her long black-raven ravishing hair, dark liquid eyes, fair skin and lovely curves. It was almost like a living art. How could he not have noticed her earlier ? He did not have any other feelings towards Sakura besides the interest in her sealing the Clow Cards. However, he had totally been oblivious of Tomoyo's presence … until he returned again … to double-check his feelings.

" Eriol-kun ? Is there something on my face ? "

" Huh ? "

" Well … you've been staring at me for quite some time. "

" I … I was ? "

Tomoyo giggled under her breath as she noticed Eriol's face full of confusion and maybe even embarrassment. It could probably be her very first time catching Eriol's expressions like that ! In fact, he was almost kawaii. Eriol muttered his apologies as he continued sipping his drink. Tomoyo took some time to survey her friend.

[ Eriol-san, what do you think of me ? ]

Tomoyo had realised that Eriol was spending more time talking to her and casting looks at her more than ever … especially after he returned again. She was not totally clueless like Sakura and she knew what the hints were. She had persuaded herself that Eriol was just being merely polite but his actions seemed speak otherwise. She was confused now. How could she tell him what she was thinking ?

There was some awkward silence between the two as both were busy gathering their thoughts.

***

" Sakura, do you want to sleep early ? We have an early day tomorrow. "

" Hmm, I don't know. What do you think ? "

Syaoran and Sakura were both lying on the bed, locked in each other's embrace. Sakura's hair was now much longer in length and some of them were sprawled across the bed, making her look more beautiful. Syaoran nuzzled against her forehead and sighed.

" Well, to be honest … why don't we swtich rooms ? We share one, they share one …"

" NANI ?! "

Sakura almost sprang up, causing Syaoran to stare at her in surprise. Sakura blushed deep red at Syaoran's suggestion. She quickly turned around and big droplets of sweat started emitting from her head. Syaoran continued lying there, smiling at her reaction. He didn't mean to try to do anything funny to her by that suggestion but he was quite amused that Sakura could actually think that he wanted to bring their relationship up to another step. After all, wasn't Sakura supposed to be quite clueless with regards to such matters ?

" Doshita no anata ? "

Sakura's eyes widened as Syaoran cheekily addressed her " anata ". She seemed to have goosebumps electrifying her body and she robotically turned her head around to look at Syaoran. He continued looking at her expectantly and she smiled almost forcefully, with a big sweatdrop forming behind her head.

" Heh heh … ano … Syaoran … you didn't exactly mean that right ? "

" What do you think ? "

" But … but … Sensei will scream if she knows of our arrangement ! "

" I'm asking YOU Sakura … "

" Me ?! Me ??! "

Sakura almost squeaked in reply, causing Syaoran to smile uncontrollably. He really thought that Sakura looked really kawaii when she was flustered.

[ She really hasn't changed much ]

Syaoran placed a hand on her shoulder, causing Sakura to gasp exaggeratingly. He pretended to look possessed and started to kiss her neck. Sakura yelped and screamed almost loudly. Syaoran retreated and looked at her with a big grin. As Sakura stared at him, he started to laugh out loud uncontrollably and it got so bad, he doubled over and rolled on the bed.

" S .. Y .. A .. O .. R .. A .. N .. "

Sakura narrowed her eyes dangerously at the laughing figure and she doved for his sides, poking him relentlessly. Syaoran laughed even harder as he tried to dodge her attacks but Sakura had him firmly pinned down.

" This should teach you to make fun of me ! "

Sakura also started laughing as both of them started playing eventually. Suddenly, Syaoran regained his control and grabbed both Sakura's hands.

" Huh ? "

Syaoran pulled her down towards him, sealing her with his lips with lightning speed. Sakura sighed softly as she laid down gently on his body. As they broke the kiss after a while, Syaoran smiled at her as she smiled back, almost blushing by the closeness they were sharing.

" So, what do you think of my earlier suggestion ? "

***

" Eriol-kun, it's getting quite late now. Do you think it's time to retire to bed ? "

" I … I guess so. "

Tomoyo and Eriol were both watching a boring programme on television since the silence was too much to bear. Both were keeping their eyes peeled on the TV for dear life since they were rather embarrassed to be seen looking at the other party.

As Eriol stood up to leave, Tomoyo also stood up and opened the door for him. Eriol bid her farewell quietly and started to walk down the corridor. Tomoyo shut the door gently behind her and sighed sadly.

[ I missed such a good chance to have a talk with him. Sakura's intentions were wasted. She would be quite angry with me wouldn't she ? ]

As Tomoyo started to prepare for bed, she noticed a hotel key lying on the table.

[ Eriol-kun left his key ! ]

Tomoyo grabbed the key and hers and rushed out of her room, running after Eriol.

" Eriol-kun ! "

Eriol was walking back by himself, cursing silently at his lack of courage. The evening had ended up on such a sad note and he wondered when he would ever get an opportunity to be alone with her again. Suddenly, he heard Tomoyo's voice down the corridor.

" What ? "

" Eriol-kun, you … * gasp * … forgot your … * gasp * … key … "

" Oh … sumimasen ! "

Eriol took the key from her hands and smiled apologetically. Tomoyo looked at him smiling and was a little reluctant to turn around and walk back to her room. Eriol was quick to notice and his courage started seeping in.

" Tomoyo-san … "

Eriol grabbed her arm on an impulse and pulled her near to him, hugging her as she fell into his arms, her long hair flying as she landed onto him.

" E … Eriol-kun ? "

" I'm sorry if you find this sudden, but … but … "

" Eriol-kun, don't worry. I understand … "

At this point, a surprised Eriol released her and looked wonderingly into her eyes. She seemed to be smiling mischieviously.

" I … I feel the same for you … "

" You really do ? "

Tomoyo nodded in reply and she looked at the floor.

" I don't know why Eriol-kun. When you returned to Japan last year, something tugged at my heart. Whenever I saw you, I felt really queer. Whenever you looked at me, I felt so self-conscious. I wondered whether I was making it up … but you seemed to be looking at me more often than usual … I went home everyday thinking about you. I looked at Sakura and Syaoran who were both so happy with each other and I thought I was happy and contented too. I thought as long as Sakura was happy, I had found happiness through her too. However, I am seriously doubting my own feelings. I … I … "

Eriol hushed her as he hugged her again.

" Tomoyo-san, don't speak anymore. I've heard all the things which I wanted to hear from you and it's more than enough. Come, let us get back to the room again. It's cold here. "

***