Gomen nasai for the delay of this chapter.  If some of you guys actually took the time to read my author's bio, you would know why I wasn't able to update my fics for months now.  I'm really, really sorry about that.  In fact, nothing still changes, my schedule is still as hectic as ever and I'm probably going crazy right now @__@. Lol. But I am just happy to find a tiny portion of my time to spare so I could continue this fic.  I guess those guys who constantly e-mailed and reviewed this fic asking me to update did worked and finally got me into writing at least, one chapter of this fic. Well, I noticed that I encounter some problems with the format of the story when I upload it so please do bear with me if the fic looks cluttered. Anyway, thank you very much for patiently waiting and reading this humble fic of mine! This is all for you, guys . ^___^

CHAPTER EIGHT

Sakura glanced at the door leading to Syaoran's office, her mind wandering with jumbled thoughts. What exactly happened earlier?  Syaoran just kissed her…isn't it that he's supposed to be mad at her? He even asked her to act as his girlfriend.  What is that guy really thinking?

            She shook her head gently, trying to clear her mind from such thoughts.  She is here to work and not to think about him.  She's almost beginning to hate herself for even thinking about Syaoran.  She couldn't stop recalling that kiss they had earlier and it really bugs her a lot.  She's already beginning to feel uncomfortable, all because of that incident, that acting as Syaoran's girlfriend would even make her feel all the more nervous and jumpy around him.  But wait! Have she actually agreed to his proposal already?

= Right. I don't have to agree cause I have no choice.  He already made that stupid decision himself. =

Sakura groaned inwardly at her dilemma.  People would of course think that they are a couple once they start executing his plan.  What would Tomoyo and Meiling think once they found out? What would other people think?  She knew that acting as his girlfriend wouldn't be an easy task…lots of women sure wants him for themselves.  She is already expecting some women to get mad at her and she is not too keen about that idea.  She certainly doesn't want to look like the antagonist here.

= I wish he'd never have to go out of his little office again. = She hoped silently to herself.  But of course, that would be impossible.  Just for the next few hours, he'd be out of his room and she have to face his handsome face again.  If he's going to kiss her again, she didn't know what she would do.  Except maybe, to act stupid again?

Syaoran stared at the formal business letter in his hands, trying to absorb its contents. Meeting. 3:00 in the afternoon.  Pavilion Hotel.  He sighed inwardly.  All of it doesn't make sense.  He just feels like he's not in the mood for any business functions today.  He feels weird and he couldn't get his mind working.

"It seems like I need to cancel all my meetings today."  He murmured, his voice echoing softly in his empty office.  Just when he was about to press the intercom to talk to his secretary and ask for his schedule today, he suddenly stopped and froze when he recalled an incident earlier.

He shook his head annoyingly as scenes from kissing Sakura uninvitedly entered his mind.  The kiss still seems to linger in his lips and he wondered why.  In the first place, as soon as he sat to his executive chair and tried to do his work, he's been asking his self what made him to kiss his enemy.  God, that girl just happens to be the person he loathes the most! Okay, maybe loath is exactly a strong word…it's just that, the fact still remains that he doesn't like her. And that's it.  And now, he kissed her? He must be nuts!

"I must be out of my mind when I did that." Syaoran continued to talk to his self.  With that in mind, he is already contented at his conclusion and figured out that what happened earlier is just some spontaneous crazy thing that he did.  He relaxed a little at that thought and immediately contacted Sakura, without any apprehension, to confirm and ask for any meetings he lined up for today.

"Kinomoto?"

"Um, yes…Sir Li?  What can I do for you?"  A somewhat distracted voice answered on the other end of the line.  He almost smirked at the sound of her voice.  It seems more high-pitched than the usual. 

"I just need you to check up on any meetings I have for today."

"Okay. Kindly wait for a minute and I'd look them up on the computer for you."

After a few seconds, Sakura's voice spoke once more.

"You have a ten o' clock meeting with Ms. Daidouji. And another one at 3:00 with Mr. Chan at the Pavilion Hotel."

Syaoran cleared his throat gently. "Cancel them all. Tell them I'm not feeling well. Tell Ms. Daidouji and Mr. Chan my apologies for the inconvenience.  Just ask them for any rescheduling of the meeting tomorrow, at my available time. Understood?"

"Yes, sir. I'll relay your message to them."

"Good."

Sakura paused briefly at the other end. "Anything else, Sir Li?"

"Oh, nothing." A smirk crept to his face. "I hope you're doing an excellent work with your job."

"O-of course!" A flustered reply was said to him and he almost laughed at her discomfort.

"That's all, Ms. Kinomoto."

He pressed the little button connecting him to Sakura's line and smiled evilly to his self.  It seems like his old mood is returning back again.  His plan is definitely working perfectly this time.  And it is certainly fool-proof that Sakura wouldn't even suspect a thing.  So okay, his plan was half–true. He needs Sakura to act as his girlfriend because he's really having a hard time keeping women out of his way.  He doesn't want to be in any serious relationship right now and the only way they would stop bugging him is when they figured out he is already serious with somebody else.  And because he can't afford to be really serious with a girl, he has to find someone who would act as his lover.  And Sakura perfectly fits the plan because he is rest assured that he would never fall in love with her.  And this plan would seem like hitting two birds in one stone because Sakura would help him in making his life more peaceful by throwing off girls, who are bugging him, away and most importantly, by finally agreeing to leave the mansion herself.  That's the second plan.  And because he figured that Sakura wouldn't budge out of the mansion even though he acts rude towards her, he then realized that he has no choice but to use reverse psychology on her.  Instead of acting rude, he would act nice to her.  And if he could take it, he would act sweet towards.  He would make her fall in love with him and then simply dump her. (kotsch: That's harsh…)  And he's sure that by the time that happen, she would immediately storm out of his life at once.  Peace at last would come his way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~*OoO*~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eriol's eyes narrowed in mild surprise when he saw Syaoran walking towards the lobby, looking like he's out for something else.  He walked briefly at the tall guy, hoping to catch up with him.

"Syaoran Li. Where are you heading, anyway?" He blurted out immediately as soon as Syaoran saw him.

Syaoran shrugged nonchalantly. "At the mansion."

"I thought you'd be at some business meeting."

"I was supposed to but my head aches and I just couldn't concentrate.  Figured I need to go home to take some rest."

Eriol smirk knowingly at him. Indeed, Syaoran looks kind of worn out. He must be thinking about lots of things on his mind and he knows he should leave him alone but he still couldn't resist giving him a remark.

"Hmmm…maybe the sight of this Sakura is making you all weak and wobbly inside, you know?"

Syaoran immediately glared at him and fought the urge to shove him away.

"You don't quit, do you?"

"She's after all, your secretary isn't it? And a nice-looking woman, too.  I know how you were with girls, Syaoran."

"Don't tell me Meiling told you all about that, too."

"Of course."

Syaoran faked a laugh. "I never knew you two were close."

"Aaaawww…of course.  We are relatives after all. Just like you and me." Eriol grinned at him, his white teeth almost sparkling.

"You are weird." His face crumpled into distaste. "Anyway, what's your business here?  I never remembered any meetings scheduled for today with you."

"I just happened to drop by and check some things out. Anything wrong with that?"

"Nothing. But since now you know I'm not going to stay here at the office today, maybe you should try going back to your business now to do your work." Syaoran suggested helpfully.

"That's a nice idea." Eriol smiled. "On the other hand, maybe I'd go see this Sakura for myself, today.  I'm getting very intrigued with her already."

Syaoran's eyes widen slightly when he heard his statements. "You wouldn't dare!"

"What?!? You sound almost angry at the fact that I'd get to see her." Eriol chuckled. "Jealous, perhaps?"

"You're even worse than Meiling." He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. "No, I am NOT jealous. I just don't want you seeing her all by yourself cause who knows what stupid things you might say to her!"

"So what? You already showed how much you despised her. As if saying something absolutely nice about you would make her suddenly think you are an angel."

"You don't understand, Eriol. I have other plans." Syaoran informed him. "I'll tell you about it sometime, okay? Just don't do something stupid to ruin it for me."

"Fine, if you don't want me to see her for now, then I won't. I'd just visit the Accounting Department at the third floor to check on the company's finances."

Syaoran nodded. "Glad you understand me. So anyway, I'm going now.  See you sometime, I guess."

"Sure." Eriol couldn't help smiling slightly at the sight of Syaoran walking away.  Seems like that guy would still never change.  Cold and aloof, as always.

Eriol turned his back and decided to continue walking, intent on going to the Accounting Department at once.  He knows he shouldn't really do it but because he's already here, he certainly doesn't want to waste his time going over the place.  At least he'll be able to help Syaoran at his company while at the same time, doing something.

He walked briskly towards the elevators and was glad to find an empty one.  Immediately, he went inside and press the button to close the door.

"Wait--!"

His brows furrowed together to hear a feminine voice.  He immediately pressed the other button to keep the door from closing.

A familiar looking woman rushed hurriedly inside, her long hair flowing all around her. She certainly looks like she is in a hurry.

"Thanks." She smiled gratefully at him.  He watched as she pressed a button written with a number five on it. That's fifth floor, meaning she's headed for Syaoran's office.

He smiled inwardly to his self.  The elevator stopped on the third floor and the woman smiled once more at him.  He gave her a curt nod in return just before he walked out of the elevator.

"Daidouji Tomoyo." Eriol murmured to his self softly. "Interesting."

"Gomen nasai! I'm late!" Tomoyo gushed at once when she saw Sakura in her desk. "I hope Mr. Li is not fuming by now."

Sakura smiled slightly at her bestfriend's outburst.  Tomoyo sure do know how to make an entrance.  She took a glance at her and she couldn't help admiring Tomoyo in her formal business attire.  Despite looking like she's in a rush, she still managed to look elegant nevertheless.

            "You're almost thirty minutes late, Tomoyo."

            "I know.  This is so not like me." She sighed exaggeratedly. "I was stuck in traffic, would you believe that!"

            Sakura nodded. "I agree. Traffic jams in Hongkong are crazy."

            "Anyway, maybe you should go tell him now I'm here, huh?"

            "Of course, I should.  If only Li is here."

            "What are you talking about?"

            "He cancelled your meeting for today.  Said he's really sorry about the whole thing." She shrugged. "He said he's not feeling well so I guess, that's the reason for the postponement."

            Tomoyo made a face. "And here I was, all hurrying like a madman and the meeting was cancelled? Bummer."

            "At least he never knew you were late."

            "You're right about that, I guess." She sighed and took the seat infront of Sakura's desk. "How's it going anyway?"

            "If you mean being with Syaoran, it's going great, as always." Sakura replied with sarcasm.

            "You looks like you're having the time of your life." Tomoyo giggled, seeing her friend's face.  She never knew that Sakura, the sweet and nice friend she knew, could dislike someone that much.  But she wouldn't have it any other way.  Even though Sakura may not be too happy regarding the set-up of living with Syaoran, she knew how much she's enjoying with her life right now.  Tomoyo knew that Sakura is slowly picking up the pieces of her life after that break-up with Aki and she is really happy for her.  At least she's glad to see her smiling genuinely again.

            "I wish." Sakura rolled her eyes.  She paused and wondered if she should tell Tomoyo about Syaoran's weird plan.

            "Hey, you look like you're in deep thought!" Tomoyo observed when she noticed Sakura's thoughtful face. "Do you have any problems?"

            "Um, no. Not really." She smiled.  Maybe she'd tell Tomoyo about it some other time.  Besides, it's not like she and Syaoran are already acting out his plan already.  Who knows if Syaoran just said those words in a spur and then maybe later, when she get home, he'd come to his senses already and cancel the whole thing off.

            "Are you sure?"

            "Of course, I am?" Sakura chuckled.  Tomoyo is ever persistent.

            "You know, maybe you should sleepover at the hotel tonight.  Kero's practically begging me for you to come."

            "That's a good idea, Tomoyo.  Maybe I should." Sakura nodded.  At least, she won't have to deal with Syaoran for the night.  Now, that, is certainly a good idea.

~~~~~~~~~~~~*OoO*~~~~~~~~~~~~

            Sakura paused hesitantly and wondered if she should knock at Syaoran's bedroom door.  She already asked Wei a soon as she arrived if Syaoran was already up at his bed but Wei said 'no'.  However, he told him that Syaoran didn't say anything about her disturbing him so she figured out that maybe, she could try talking to him.  She has no choice anyway because she really wanted to go and visit Tomoyo in the hotel today and to also see Kero, of course.

            Just as she was about to knock, the door opened to reveal Syaoran staring back at him in surprise.

            "What the---?"  Syaoran blurted out impulsively.  He wasn't exactly expecting her to be in the threshold of his room.

            Sakura could only blink at him, still in surprise.

            "What do you want?" His words rather come out harsh and Syaoran mentally scolded his self for that.  His plan wouldn't work out at all if he keeps bashing her like that.

            "Well, sorry to disturb you but I just wanted to tell you that I'm not going to sleep at the mansion tonight." Sakura replied, trying to look in his eyes.  "I know you're probably wondering why I ought to tell you about it.  I figured it's the least I could do so you won't go and ask me where the hell I've been last night the next morning."

            He closed the door behind him and leaned on it casually.  "Where are you going to sleep, anyway?"

            "At Tomoyo's place."

            "Hmmm…girl's night-out. You'd be probably up all night talking about make-up, fashion and of course, boys."

            Sakura's cheeks flushed. "Not really."

            "Funny. Even back in high school, I always thought that all girls talk about during sleepovers are those stuffs." Syaoran teased lightly, amused at her reaction.

            "Well, in some ways, yes." She admitted.

"I hope you won't get to talk too much about me, or else, I wouldn't be able to sleep well." He continued, trying hard to keep a straight face.  He knew he's flirting with her and really, he never knew he could take it.  But the sight of Sakura fidgeting under his eyes is so amusing that he just has to do it.

"What are you talking about, Li?" Sakura's mouth gape open. She was about to make a sarcastic remark but decided not to say it loud anymore.

"Nothing." Syaoran almost laugh that it took Sakura by surprise.  He never laugh around her.  Never.

"Fine, you may go but only in one condition." He continued.

Sakura's eyes narrowed.

"What do you want?"

"You have to go out on a date with me. Tonight."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

kotsch

A/N:  I hope you like this chap even if it is kind of short and rushed.  I know, Syaoran may sound like some selfish jerk but believe me, everything would change eventually.  Those stuffs are really needed just to spice things up, ne? As usual, thank you for reading this chap.  Please review and tell me what you guys think, okay?

And oh, to some people who are expecting the updates of the other fic, Heartbreakers, I still don't have a definite timeframe for that but I'm hoping it would be within February.  God knows how I'm still stuck with writing that fic for some time now and I'm really sorry to all the readers waiting for its update.  But rest assured that I will finish it okay?

And if you have the time, you may check out my own message board, at http://kotsch.proboards2.com/.  It's still a new site and just recently constructed (there are still no members yet. Lolz). But I'm hoping to expand it more  with the help of you guys.  I love forums a lot and starting my own seems like a good idea or whatever.  Some updates about my fic will probably be posted there. ^__^

Anyway, that's my little ramblings for now and hope to see you guys again soon!