Summary: Sakura's childhood best friend and crush, Li Syaoran is returning to Japan after 5 years. Having completed his training with the Li can in Hong Kong, he's chosen to go to a university in Japan. But would Sakura now have the courage she lacked before, to tell Syaoran how she really feels?
"Syaoran, I'll miss you, promise me you'll come back on day," Sakura managed to choke up those words.
"It's a promise, I'll return once I finish my training with the elders of the Li clan and we'll play just like we use to," Li Syaoran said solemnly, but you could tell he was trying hard to hold back his emotions as well.
The two have been best friends since Syaoran moved in next door to Sakura. They were 3 years old at the time, and their friendship originally blossomed from their competitive nature. Even now they couldn't resist showing off their own superiority.
"Syaoran, hurry, the airplane is taking off soon," Syaoran heard his mother call and he knew he'd have to end this reluctant goodbye.
Taking out his most prized sword, Syaoran tore off a charm he tied at the end of the weapon.
"It's not much, but you can remember me by it. The words on there mean 'United' in Chinese. This will signify my brotherly love for you, please take care while I'm gone. Sakura, if you ever need me, hold this charm in your hand and call for me. I'll be there."
Even though Sakura cringed at the words, "brotherly love", she took the ornament and offered the sweetest smile back as she watched Syaoran dash towards the 'departure' line.
"It's alright if he only sees me as a sister..." Sakura mumbled silently, before she realized this would be the last time she'd see Syaoran. Taking her last opportunity, she raced to where Syaoran stood.
"Have my ribbon," Sakura said as she undid the pink bow on her left pigtail, "this will represent my love for you... Sisterly of course!" Sakura added in with an awkward laugh.
"Thank you" and with those last words the two parted.
Sakura resisted the urge to run after Syaoran, instead she meditated all her feelings to subside deep within her, hidden, lost and forgotten.
Sakura has just graduated from high school and was enjoying the hot summer day by rollerblading with her a current best friend, Tomoyo.
They met during the first year of high school and clicked together very well. It was different than the friendship Sakura had with Syaoran, for one Tomoyo was a girl, but the bondage was just as strong.
After rollerblading for about an hour around the neighbourhood, the two girls finally arrived back at Sakura's house.
Before unlocking the door, Sakura stuck her hand in the mailbox to see if the mailman had dropped by while they were out.
"Four things today, two bills for Dad, one for Touya and," Sakura stopped at the last letter, which was addressed to her, "One for me from Hong Kong."
"Hong Kong, you know someone from there?" Tomoyo asked curiously, while she took off her rollerblades.
"No, I don't think so..."
"Well it is clearly for you. Open it and see what it is."
"Erm, alright," Sakura agreed and ripped it cleanly at one end of the envelop, making sure not to damage the content inside.
Dear Sakura Kinomoto,
How are you? It's been a long time since we've last had contact, in fact, just about 5 years. I hope you still remember me and if you do, I hope you're not angry at me for not writing. The elders are very strict and I'm not allowed to have contact with anyone outside the clan. Well I've finally finished my training here and the clan decided it is best for me now the finish my education at a foreign university. Of course when I was given this opportunity, I chose Japan. See, I didn't break my promise Sakura, I'm coming back. See you soon.
Your childhood friend,
Syaoran Li.
Sakura's heart skipped a beat as she read the letter over twice. Then three times. Then once more. She swore her eyes were playing tricks on her as she fixed her eyes on those two words, 'Syaoran Li'.
Of course she hasn't forgotten about him, but it's been so long, she couldn't believe she'd finally get to see him again.
"Earth to Sakura," Tomoyo taunted and waved her hand for her friend's attention, "what does it say? You look as if you've just won the lottery."
"No Tomoyo, it's better," Sakura paused and released a grin, "I just got a second chance."
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Author's Note: Jeez, another story, is this girl crazy? Possibly... Hehe, well I hope all of you would enjoy it and remember to review.
