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Should I Love You?

Chapter: Eight
Renewed Hope

Sakura stared out the window of the restaurant and sighed resting her chin in the palm of her hand. It's been three days since Li had walked out of her life and things have never been the same. She tried her best to move on and she was slowly getting there with the support from her family and friends but everyone knew it was going to take some time. She sighed in once again until finally a voice infront of her interrupted her thoughts. Sakura shook her head slightly and focused on the figure before her.
"Earth to Sakura, are you there Sakura?" Shigeru asked waving a hand infront of her face. "Your food is getting cold," he reminded. Sakura stared down at her food and smiled.
"Sorry, I was just-" Sakura began.
"Thinking?" Shigeru finished for her raising an eyebrow. He sighed and nodded his head and sipped from his cup, "I know"
"I'm real sorry Shigeru, I guess I'm still not over the whole thing you know?" Sakura explained resting both elbows on the table and leaning forward. "But I'll get there," she assured him.
"Don't worry about it Sakura," Shigeru waved the thought away. "I was just worried that's all. But are you sure you just want to forget about it?" he asked folding his arms and leaning forward as well.
"Positive," Sakura nodded.
"I just think that you-" Shigeru began.
"Should go to Hong Kong?" Sakura finished for him as she tilted her head in question.
"And clear things up," Shigeru added confidently. Sakura pressed her lips together and leaned back in her seat.
"I told you Shigeru, I honestly don't think that there is any reason why I should go to Hong Kong," Sakura shrugged. "Especially since I tried my best here, what makes you think he's going to change his mind there?"
"I don't know," Shigeru shook his head and leaned back.
"Unless I have a good reason why I should go all the way to Hong Kong to talk things out with him..." Sakura sighed "I'm staying here,"
"Fair enough," Shigeru raised his hands up in the air in surrender.
"Why do you care so much Shigeru?" Sakura asked casually as she sipped from her cup.
"Huh?" Shigeru asked not hearing the question.
"Why do you care so much that I'm with Li?" Sakura rephrased the question. "Don't you-"
"Care?" Shigeru asked looking up from under his eyelashes. He saw Sakura nod and he sighed in frustration and avoided her gaze by looking out the window.
"It isn't that I don't care Sakura," Shigeru began still staring out the window. "I mean..." he said taking in a deep breath. "I...well...to be honest...I still love you," He slowly turned to look at her in the eyes. His prussian blue eyes welling up with love and sincerity as he spoke. "You know I'll always love you Sakura,"
Sakura could see the pain in his eyes and it hurt her to see it. "But why then?" was all she could manage to say.
"Li loves you, and I think he'd have a lot more to offer you than I could ever give you," Shigeru explained trying to keep up a supportive smile. "I can't explain it, but I just can't simply compare and I knew it from the moment I met him too," he let out a slight laugh this time. "But..." he reached out and placed his hand ontop of Sakura's. "Whatever happens, please be happy Sakura," he smiled and raised her hand to his lips and kissed it gently.
"I'm sorry for any pain I have caused you Shigeru," Sakura apologized holding on to his hand.
"Don't worry, I don't think any perminant damage has been done," He attempted a joke but it didn't convince him. "Plus...I knew you didn't love me the way I loved you," He attmepted a smile. "I could see it in your eyes," he looked longingly at her. "So please...tell him..." he nodded.
"We'll let nature take it's course Shigeru, whatever will be, will be," Sakura reminded him. Shigeru only nodded then glanced at his watch.
"I better get going," Shigeru smiled and hugged her from across the table. "Take care," he sighed and left money on the table for the bill. Sakura waved goodbye and watched him leave. It wasn't long before Sakura was lost in her thoughts of Li once again.
___________________________________________________________

Li walked through the park slowly as he kicked the pebbles on the ground in frustration. He shoved his hands in his pockets with a slight groan as his fingers brushed up against a small velvety box. He looked up at the blue spring sky and sighed in thought. He had tried his best to get Sakura out of his mind and on to more important things, but somehow that task became much harder than it seemed to him before. Li crossed his arms across his chest and frowned at the various couples walking hand in hand around him. Frowning slightly he began to sit down until the cracking of branches behind him caught his attention.
"Li?" A familiar voice inquired. Li slowly turned around and nodded a greeting.
"It's nice to see you again, I'm glad that you were able to see me on such short notice," Li thanked with a small smile. The friend smiled back and sat down on a bench behind him and look up at him thoughtfully.
"I heard about Sakura, I'm very sorry Li," The tone was sincere with slight sadness. Li waved the thought away and took a seat.
"It's no problem now, I'm back home and I've been able to rid my mind from her," He was lying through his teeth and he knew it, but his pride got the best of him and became his strength.
"As long as you're happy Li, you worried your mother and I for a while when you first returned to us," The person bit their bottom lip worriedly as they avoided Li's gaze and looked at the solid ground with green grass growing above it all. Li sighed and turned his full attention to his friend.
"Look, I just wanted to say I was sorry for ignoring you all these years-" Li began.
"You weren't ignoring me Li, you were just...distracted...that's all," The tone was fake, but telling Li the truth would only complicate things.
"Yes, well now I'm not and I'd like to turn things around and thank you for all you've done for me," Li continued trying to catch the person's attention. It did. His friend slowly turned to look at his face to see if his expression matched his words, and they did.
"Well I really didn't do anything..." The person insisted. Li placed a hand upon their shoulder and nodded.
"Yes you did. You were there for me during our childhood, and during our late teens. You were a big part of my life," Li reassured confidently. She looked away back onto the ground not wanting to hear more, but fearing he would stop. The small petals of spring flowers falling gently onto her black hair. Li swallowed and continued.
"And I'd like you to continue to be a part of my life," Li continued softly. He cautiously leaned forward eyeing her expression. He looked up into her eyes and down onto her light pink lips knowing what his intentions were. She noticed his slow movements and hesistantly began to move towards him slowly parting her lips as she caught his eyes slowly close. Li let out a short sigh as his lips claimed hers. Her lips moved with his, caressing him. Li convinced him self that this was what he wanted. He felt it was his duty. But, it just wasn't the same. There was no spark, and there was no fire buring within him as she carefully broke the kiss. She opened her eyes to face him and could see the fear in his eyes. He was so uncertain. Her warm blue eyes searched his face for a few moments wondering if this could be true and it was. For it was only a short few minutes later that Li began to crawl onto his knees before her. He carefully put his hand in his right pocket and pulled out a small velvet box and opened it looking up at her and asking her firmly and confidently.
"Will you marry me, Kimi?"
___________________________________________________________

Sakura looked up at the pale blue sky with a short sigh. The sun's heat could be felt on her arm as she strolled down the pathway near the park. It was mid afternoon on a Friday and Madison had asked her to come over to her house for a short chat. Nothing exciting had seemed to be happening ever since Li had left. Although, exciting was a strong word. It was far from exciting, but at least there was something to keep everyone busy. Sakura kicked a pebble on the ground as she walked up the street. She knew very well that everyone was trying to be extra nice to her because of the sudden turn of events. But Sakura was determined not to let her bad love life ruin everyone else's day. She would show them, she thought as she turned a corner. There was a young boy holding up flowers while people walked by ignoring him. As she walked by the boy spoke.
"Excuse me Miss, but would you like to buy a flower?" He asked politely. Sakura smiled and bent down to his level.
"Uh... sure why not?" Sakura shrugged as she searched through her purse. The boy looked at Sakura carefully. She was wearing a knee length pale pink loose skirt, with a baby blue three quarter shirt to go with it, followed by a light beige pair of sandals. The boy tilted his head in question and asked.
"Are you going to your boyfriend's house?" He asked inncoently. Sakura almost laughed at the comment but shook her head. "Why?"
The boy shrugged. "Because I met a young man last week who bought all my flowers from me!" he smiled happily. "And he was wearing really nice clothes too!" Sakura smiled but couldn't help her small laugh from escaping her mouth.
"Oh really?" Sakura asked trying to play along with the child. The boy nodded vigeriously.
"He was going to see his girlfriend," He added then scratched his chin. "Her name was Sakura I think..." Sakura froze for a moment.
"Oh really..." Sakura spoke quietly. The boy smiled and extended his hand.
"I'm Oshi," He said excitedly. Sakura nodded and shook his hand.
"And I'm Sakura," Sakura nodded trying her hardest to show a genuine smile. The boy tilted his head to the side in slight confusion.
"Did you get your flowers?" Oshi asked concerned. Sakura laughed a bit and nodded her head.
"Yes I did, they were beautiful," Sakura complimented.
"Where is he?" Oshi asked in curiosity. Sakura paused for a moment then spoke.
"He's not here, he went back to Hong Kong," Sakura finally answered.
"But he's coming back right?" Oshi asked rather worriedly.
"No I'm afraid not," Sakura sighed.
"But... but... you love him don't you?" Oshi questioned. Sakura looked at him. He was so innocent, but sincere. He was taking this conversation very seriously. But before she could answer he spoke.
"He loves you though," Oshi smiled confidently. "I know he does," Sakura laughed slightly and with a small smile.
"And what makes you think that?" Oshi scoffed at the question and put his hands on his hips.
"Because he bought all my flowers!" Sakura really laughed this time and stood up.
"Well you know what?" Sakura smiled and reached deep into her handbag. "I'm going to buy all your flowers today,"
"Really???" Oshi asked utterly surprised. "So you do love him!!!" Sakura paused for a moment then slowly smiled reaching for her flowers.
"Yes...Yes I do,"
__________________________________________________

The day suddenly seemed brighter as Sakura pranced down the street towards Madison's house. She sung a merry tune as she jumped up to grab a pink petal from the tree, smiling happily to herself. She remembered the warm gentle feeling of his fingers running down her arms as he held her close late at night. She sighed confidently completely determined to make that a reality once again. She could feel his gentle breath upon her neck as she thought about him; it wasn't far away from home. She clutched her hands into a fist in excitement as she knocked on Madison's door. She squealed in delight as she heard footsteps coming from inside. She was so anxious to tell Madison of her sudden change of plans. Sudenly the door opened and Sakura nodded greeting her friend as Madison moved aside to let Sakura in.
"I've got something to tell you Sakura," Madison spoke quietly as she shut the door behind them.
"Me too!!!" Sakura said happily as she walked into the main room taking a seat on the couch. Meilin and Chiho were also sitting patiently on the couch opposite of Sakura.
"I suggest you listen to what Madison has to say first Sakura," Chiho nodded.
"Oh but it's about Li," Sakura jumped in. Everyone else remained silent for a moment but Sakura spoke before anyone could say anything.
"Did you know that there was a little boy selling flowers around the corner?" Sakura smiled excitedly.
"No... but Sakur-" Madison tried to speak.
"Well I bumped into him today, his name is Oshi an-" Sakura continued interrupting Madison.
"Look that's sounds cute and all Sakura but we have more important things to discuss," Meilin blurted out calmly.
"But this kid said he knew Li," Sakura pointed out then quickly explained Oshi's story about how Li bumped into him on the way to her house.
"Oh really?" Chiho asked in great interest.
"Chiho!" Meilin yelled.
"Oh right sorry," Chiho lowered his head and cleared his throat.
"Well anyway, you guys must be wondering what this story has anything to do with what I wanted to tell you," Sakura smiled.
"You mean that wasn't what you wanted to tell us?" They all asked in shock.
"Oh no!" Sakura laughed.
"Great..." Meilin grumbled.
"But honestly Sakura, you should listen to what we have to say first," Madison tried to explain.
"But this is good news, you guys will be so happy!" Sakura clapped her hands.
"Well this is bad news," Meilin pointed out.
"Bad news?" Sakura tilted her head to the side in question.
"Uh... I mean... it depends..." Chiho jumped in.
"Well in that case good news first right?" Sakura nodded and sat at the end of her seat. "You see I've been doing a lot of thinking about Li and how things used to be." She began.
"Sakura," Madison tried to interrupt.
"I also had a small chat with Shigeru, and he's been real supportive about the whole thing too."
"Sakura," Chiho also tried to interrupt.
"In fact, he told me that I should go to Hong Kong and find him. I didn't think much of it though..."
"Sakura," Meilin groaned in annyance.
"That was until I talked to Osh-"
"LI'S ENGAGED!!!" Meilin interrupted finally blurting it out. The room suddenly fell silent, and everyone felt the tension as they watched Sakura's smile slowly fade. They stared at her for a moment until Sakura lowered her head; water rushing into her eyes threatening to fall.
"He's engaged?" Sakura finally asked in almost a whisper. Madison nodded, but Sakura didn't need to look up at her to know the truth.
"How could he..." Sakura wimpered helplessly. "He couldn't be..."
"Oh Sakura," Madison cried and quickly rushed to her side hugging her tightly. Chiho watched in shock. He wanted to badly to punch the lights out of Li, but then even with the given opportunity he wouldn't be able to bring himself to lift a finger at him.
"I was going to fix things with him, make things better again...and now... and now..." Sakura cried louder. "He's going to marry another woman! I wanted to be that woman!"
"Sakura..." Madison sighed letting her cry it all out.
"I wanted to love him..." Sakura sobbed quietly.
"Go after him," Chiho stood up confidently.
"Oh shut up and sit down Chiho," Meilin groaned. "You're not helping."
"No I'm serious."
"Me too!"
"Hey he might be right Meilin," Madison scratched her chin in thought.
"What are you babbling about?" Meilin crosses her arms.
"Sakura listen to me," Madison spoke firmly as she pulled Sakura away to look at her face. "You still have time, you can make this work."
"I can't, he's getting married..."
"You can do it Sakura, you're just going to have to want it badly enough," Madison nodded confidently. "When's the wedding Meilin?"
"Sunday," Meilin replied quickly. Madison looked at Sakura again and shook her slightly.
"The clock is ticking Sakura," Madison said taking in a deep breath. "I believe in you." Sakura studied Madison's expression carefully. Never in the eighteen years of their friendship has she ever seen Madison look so determined and focused. Sakura could feel her confidence coming back.
"Do you really think I can?" Sakura bit her bottom lip nervously.
"If you want it badly enough," Madison reminded. Sakura thought for a moment and looked around the room at Chiho and Meilin. Everyone seemed into the plan. Sakura nodded confidently slowly standing up and saluted.
"I'm not going to give him up without a fight."
_______________________________________________________

Sakura open her front door quickly and slammed it shut before dashing up the stairs to her room. She quickly picked up the phone and dialed Meilin's phone number.
"Meilin?" Sakura asked anxiously.
"Yeah yeah it's me," Meilin grumbled. "Hold your horses will ya?"
"I'm sorry but you know we don't have much time," Sakura reminded as she fiddled with the cord.
"I realize that, and that's why I already called my parents," Meilin nodded and reached for a piece of paper near her.
"And???" Sakura asked excitedly.
"And they agreed to let you stay at their house," Meilin sighed.
"That's great!!!" Sakura screamed in delight.
"Yeah yeah, well I already booked our flights-" Meilin began slowly.
"Wait wait wait wait wait!" Sakura mumbled quickly.
"What?"
"Did you just say 'our' flights?"
"Yes, is there a problem?"
"YOU'RE COMING WITH ME????" Sakura asked even more excited.
"Of course I am!!!" Meilin yelled as if the answer was already obvious. "Do you honestly think I'm going to miss this? The expression on everyone's faces when you barge in on the wedding???" Meilin scoffed. "To hell with that!!!"
Sakura laughed just hearing Meilin's praise and excitement. "Well I'm glad,"
"Well save the sappy stuff for later, we've got stuff to do," Meilin said seriously.
"Okay," Sakura cleared her throat. "When's the flight?"
"Tomorrow after lunch," Meilin informed.
"Why so late???" Sakura asked rather disappointed.
"You're real impatient you know?" Meilin laughed slightly. "I booked it later so you have time to pack. I bet you anything you're sitting on the bed with no suitcase," she challenged. Sakura looked around her neat room and sighed.
"Nope, no suitcase..." Sakura sighed.
"I thought so," Meilin smiled.
"But I'd be ready in half an hour! Fifteen minutes!!!" Sakura begged.
"I'm sure you would..." Meilin sweatdropped. "But it would be easier to surprise everyone if you came as late as possible."
"Okay fine," Sakura sighed in defeat.
"Well just start packing now, and pack you're washroom stuff tomorrow. I'll pick you up after lunch, that'll give us enough time to go to the airport and sort out our stuff for the flight," Meilin instructed.
"Got it," Sakura nodded approvingly.
"Good," Meiling sighed. They said their good byes and hung up their phones. Sakura sighed and slowly walked towards her window and gently pressed her palm against the glass, gazing up at the light blue sky as quietly whispered.
"I'm coming for you Li, just hold on a little longer..."

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I'm so sorry thing chapter took long, and I know I've lost most of my reviewers. I'm also sorry
for posting this so late. I told myself that I was going to post it on Monday at 5pm. But i came
home at around 8:10pm and forgot to post it until now, 11pm. Gomen ne! Demo, I've been going
through a pretty rough time here, but I'll try my best to finish the story. As a matter of fact
this chapter has been done for awhile but I thought it was too short, and it still is but I
thought I'd post it anyway. Either way, I hope you liked it, just like all the other chapters.