Do You Remember Me? I Remember You
By Rainbow Dreamer and co-author Cryst and Ying Fa
*Dedicated to Cryst and Ying Fa, who have helped me with this story. If it weren't for you both, none of this would of happened. Arigato.
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT, I repeat, I do NOT own CCS. It belongs to Clamp! I think you all know though, that this story is my own and every idea is of my own. Yep.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hmmm.. I got so many evil plans going through my brain. This is going to be a really, really long fic. I hope all you readers out there don't mind. LOL. I can hear all your replies. I thought you guys wouldn't mind. Hehe. This is going to be one heck of a story! I hope that all you readers will continue to read this story as it gets longer and longer, revealing all the hidden secrets inside.
Oh, and I'm SO delighted to know that those who reviewed read my special thanks column. It makes me feel as if I'm actually talking to someone. It's kind of replying to a letter or an email. A very nice thought!
Thanks to all of you wonderful people. Rainbow Dreamer
IF YOU REVIEWED FOR THE LAST CHAPTER, LOOK FOR YOUR NAME UNDER SPECIAL THANKS BELOW!
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
I love Li Syaoran: Thanks for you high compliment! ( Kirei Ayumi: I'm glad you're still loving it and I hope you'll love this chapter. Ying Fa: It's great news that you can log into fanfiction again! Usagi yf: Sorry that I took so long to update! I usually will post them on Fridays or Saturdays, by the way. I'm sooo psyched out that you read my special thanks! ( Lilyflower: You're the perfect dramatist! Hehe. It's always nice to see someone new reviewing as well. Keep on reading! Anonymous: I must agree the last chapter was sad. hopefully this chapter isn't as bad, okay? Kawaii Cherry Wolf: Your wish is my command. LoL. Here's your update. Pnaixr0se8: I'm glad that you like! ( And for the people talking in the end. you'll see when time comes! Keetra: LOL. thanks for all FIVE of your reviews! And about Kali.. Keep reading! Hehe. There's lot more in store for you! Anyhow, I'm positively gushing that you're reading my story! (
CherryzAngel: Hey! If you're wanting this fic to end soon.. Um, this story is going to end up really, really long actually. I think. Hehe. Thanks for reading my sepeical thanks column. And hey, don't hate people called "kali" just because of this fic!! Heheh (
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Goodbye to You
*** Sakura's POV ***
"Sakura-chan, wake up." Tomoyo's voice was gentle and soothing. I mumbled and turned around on my bed, not wanting to waste a moment's sleep.
"Sakura, wake up!" Her voice became more serious. Hmmm. just a moment more.
"SAKURA!!!!!" Kero yelled in my ear. Opening one eye I saw his yellow face and black eyes. Eriol watched amused. Only Kero it seemed could wake Sakura up. But then he had lots of practice.
"Hm, ohayo Kero." I greeted sleepily.
"It was about time you woke up." Kero mumbled to me. I grinned and sat up in my bed, patting my guardian on the head playfully. He grunted but allowed me to pat him on the head.
"Ohayo Tomoyo. Ohayo Eriol." I said with a yawn. I could see their amused faces. As I rubbed my eyes, I saw that their faces were a bit serious and troubled.
"What's wrong?" I asked. "Did something happen when I fell asleep?" Tomoyo smiled softly at me and sat down on the edge of my bed.
"Sakura-chan, what happened with you and Syaoran-kun after the tryouts?" I froze at her question. I had forgotten everything but now it all hit me in the face like a ton of bricks. I groaned.
"I'm such a baka," I confessed, my fingers running through my hair.
"Figures, since Syaoran kept mumbling that to himself as well." Eriol commented. I looked surprised over at him.
"He said that?" I asked. Eriol nodded.
"Hai. Me and Tomoyo met him and Jiang during dinner and he seemed off focus." My friend explained casually. "What happened?"
I sighed and leaned my head against the wall. "He insisted to walk me home yesterday, and on the way he treated me to a drink. I don't know, I guess I felt so happy to be with him that I was acting so stupid."
"Oh, Sakura-chan, you're not stupid at all." Tomoyo comforted. I smiled bitterly at her.
"No, I am. I asked Syaoran if we could be friends when we were at my door. Then I lost all my courage and ran inside. I just couldn't stand it. Syaoran left after a while. Then everything came and hit me in the face." I explained, laughing bitterly at my stupidity. "He called me by my first name yet I called him by his last." Tears stung in my eyes.
"I ran out to look for him, but he was gone. I met Kaho on the way and she comforted me." I sighed and closed my eyes. "Everything seems so confused, at least I do know my true feelings now."
"And what are they?" Eriol asked calmly. I opened my eyes. He was so much like Kaho, wise and so understanding.
"That I love him." I said.
"But he's hurt you so much," Kero cut in. I smiled at him. He reminded me like Touya, that overprotective brother that I always will have. Earlier when Kaho sent me back to my room, I had called him. It was nice, hearing his voice on the phone again. I even loved it when he teased me, calling my kaiju, and how he reminded me to be careful. It was thoughtful of him not to bring anything up about Syaoran and I loved the big brother that he was.
"Yes, but I still love him. I've learned that much." I replied. Tomoyo sat quietly listening to all that I had to say.
"Sakura, I'm glad that you've found what you want." She started. "You have the courage and the heart to love." Tomoyo hugged me tightly. I hugged her tightly back, breathing in the soothing fresh smell of lavender she sometimes had.
"Arigato, Tomoyo." I said, wiping my eyes. "Arigato Eriol." Eriol smiled at me, his blue eyes twinkling. "And arigato to you too, Kero." Kero grinned at me.
"Now with that's over with, how about some breakfast for me before you guys run to school?" Kero asked with an evil smirk over to the clock.
"Hoeee!" I cried, dashing into the bathroom to get changed. Tomoyo quickly grabbed some quick breakfast while Eriol took hold the three backpacks. Kero sighed as he watched the three teenagers rush.
"Bye Kero! Lock the door for us!" I called, skidding out the door with my friends before me. With a slam, Kero sat in the room all alone.
"Just great. Now let's see, what do you want to eat today?" the stuffed doll asked its tummy. "Hmm. you have great taste." Kero answered to its growling tummy as he started to eat egg rolls.
"Ah, run you two!" I cried, motioning them to hurry up as I held open the door for them.
"Just because," Tomoyo started, but was cut off as Eriol held her hand as he ran up the stairs. "Aie!" She shrieked and hurried up her pace to match with Eriol's.
"I have physics, ja ne!" I called to them as I dashed down the hall to the physics lab. I could hear a dim "ja ne" back from Tomoyo as she and Eriol rushed to their classes. I slid open the door and quickly scanned for my seat. There were three long desks and two rows were on each side.
Darn! Out of all the days, my seat has to be taken! I gave the girl who was sitting in my seat a glare before quickly looking for a seat before class began.
"Kinomoto, over here!" A familiar voice called. I looked over and saw a redhead in the mist of black and brown hair. I slid into the seat next to him just as the teacher came in. I sighed.
"Playing close, huh?" Kai asked. I grinned.
"Yeah, well." I stopped. Sitting in front of me was no other than Syaoran Li. A lump caught in my throat and I had no idea what to say. Syaoran's amber eyes were intense, locking into mine.
"What you guys doing, playing the staring game?" Kai broke my thoughts. I broke the gaze and blushed a bit. Thank god the teacher started talking. My brain had completely failed me and I had no idea how to answer Kai's question.
I was totally off focus during physics. I kept wondering how to face Syaoran after class. He and I had gym next and I'd have to talk to him then. No escape. God, my heart was thumping so loudly, I'm surprised that no one heard me.
"Riiiing!" the bell rang shrilly and I got up my seat and sighed. Ryoko smiled at me.
"Close call there Kinomoto." He teased again.
I blushed. "Yeah, well thanks." I replied. He just grinned.
"Yo, Syaoran, I'll catch you later okay?" Ryoko asked, playfully punching his friend's arm. Syaoran gave him a death glare, but nodded.
"Yeah sure." Ryoko nodded.
"Bye Kinomoto." He said to me. I smiled and nodded back. "You guys walking to gym together?" I froze and stood looking at my shoes.
"Yeah." My head snapped up and looked over at Syaoran surprised. It was Syaoran who had responded! Ryoko walked off to his next class and I fell into the same pace as Syaoran as we walked to gym. I kept peeking glances at him, but he wasn't looking at me.
"Um, Syaoran?" I asked timidly. I had my fingers crossed, hoping that he would respond. He looked at me, his amber eyes staring into mine. I gulped.
"About yesterday. I'm really sorry." I apologized.
"For what?" He asked calmly. I stared back at him, not knowing what to say. His question had totally thrown me off. What was I sorry for?
"I, I don't know. It just all seems my fault. I'm such a baka," I admitted with a laugh, twirling a lose strand of hair around my finger. He stopped walking and I stopped as well, looking confused at him. He reached out a hand to me. My heart thudded. What was he doing? His amber gaze was intense and I had no idea how he was feeling. Oh god, he had the perfect face. How long had it been since I've looked into his face clearly? It's been too long.
His hand touched my cheek ever so lightly and pulled my hand away from my hair. As I looked at him, I felt a slight blush come over my cheeks. He took his hand gently away from my hand and placed it on my shoulder. We stood there for a while, just looking at each other.
"Yo, Kinomoto, the office wants you!" A girl came running towards her, her loud demanding voice jarring the moment. I looked at her and Syaoran took his hand off my shoulder.
"Hoe?" I asked, confused. "Now?" The girl panted hard from running.
"Hai. It's something important and the office wants to see you immediately. You will be excused from all your class." She responded quickly, her black eyes darting from me to Syaoran.
I nodded and looked back at Syaoran. His brown eyes now contained some indescribable sadness. I wanted to hug him, to breath in his sweet scent and to have his arms around me tightly.
"Syaoran?" I asked. He nodded at me.
"I'll tell you later, Sakura." He responded in his usual serious tone.
"Kinomoto, it's important!" The girl whined. I looked at Syaoran once more before running to the office. I could see from the corner of my eyes that he was still standing there, looking at me. What was it that he wanted to tell me?
When I reached the office, Tomoyo and Eriol were sitting there already. "Tomoyo? Eriol? What are you two doing here?" I asked. They smiled at me in greeting, but I could tell that they knew not of the reason why.
"Kinomoto, please sit." The principal instructed me, giving me a polite smile. I returned the smile hesitantly and sat down on the couch next to Tomoyo.
"Gomen, Hiiragizawa and Daidouji for calling you here. Both of you are not in trouble and neither is Kinomoto of course." He said calmly, his hands crossed on the desk. "Since there is no family member that I can talk too, the two are you are simply filling in because I've heard how close friends you are."
"Arigato for letting us be here," Eriol responded politely.
"It's nothing." The principal focused his eyes on me and continued, "Kinomoto, your father called me a while ago."
"Otosan? Is he alright?" I asked immediately. It seemed all in place. Why would they ask for someone close if it weren't the matter?
"He's alright, Kinomoto." The principal continued. "He's moving his excavation site to Beijing and he wants you to come along with him. He's been quite concerned about you, without a family member by your side. He has asked me to tell you that you will be boarding the flight to Beijing eight this evening."
"Today?" I asked incredulously. The principal nodded.
"I believe that is what he told me." He replied calmly. "You will be in Beijing roughly for three months and will be privately tutored for those few months. Afterwards, you will return back to Hong Kong and continue studying at our school."
"Hai." I nodded numbly. Tomoyo gave my hand a tight squeeze and an encouraging smile. I found that I couldn't even muster a smile back. This was so sudden and I had so many things to do! God why now? I had so many things to say to Syaoran and now that I was leaving for three months, would he still remember me?
"I'm sorry that this was such a short notice. Meanwhile, you are excused from all your classes to prepare for this trip." I nodded mutely.
"If it's alright with you sir, may Eriol and I have the day off as well?" Tomoyo asked in a clear voice. The principal looked at her for a while before he nodded.
"That can be arranged." He replied after clearing his throat. Pressing the intercom to his secretary, he asked her to inform the teachers that I, Eriol and Tomoyo would not be attending class that day.
The three of us excused ourselves and were greeted by the bright sun in our eyes. "What are you going to do Sakura?" Tomoyo asked me.
"There's nothing much I can do, isn't there? I'm going to Beijing." I replied, my voice monotone. I squinted at the sun.
"What do you mean there's nothing for you to do?" Tomoyo cried. "You can stay here." She said pleadingly.
"Tomoyo-chan, it has been quite hard for Mr. Kinomoto being by himself without family as well. Right now the whole family is scattered." Eriol told her girlfriend. He looked over at me to see if he was right. I simply ignored them and looked at the sky. Tomoyo and Eriol exchanged a look.
"You tell Meiling about Sakura's current situation and I'll get Sakura back to the hotel." Eriol suggested to Tomoyo. Tomoyo nodded and she set off to find Meiling and Eriol sidled up to me.
After a moment's silence, Eriol spoke. "This is about Syaoran, isn't it?" I looked over at him and nodded once. He sighed and ran a hand through his dark blue hair. Taking off his glasses, he cleaned them before donning them on again and looking at me.
"What are you going to tell him?" He had asked the question that I had been pondering about.
"I don't know." I whispered. He nodded and wrapped an arm around my shoulder comfortably and guided me back to the hotel. I left Eriol to explain everything to Kero while I took a long bath. Everything was swirling in my mind and I had no idea what to do. What would Syaoran say about me leaving?
*** Third POV ***
"What! How can Sakura leave now!" Meiling demanded Tomoyo, her red eyes blazing as she slammed her fist on the table. Everyone in the classroom goggled at her. "What are you looking at?" She glared at them. Immediately everyone quickly turned the other and quickly bruised him or herself in some situation. Tomoyo sighed and lead the angry girl outside to talk.
"How can Sakura leave now? Syaoran is just beginning to remember her! With three months gone, what will happen to them?" Meiling asked furiously.
"I agree." Tomoyo replied, her voice soft. "It seems that they are just beginning to be friends, and yet both are scared of actually being friends." She quickly summed up what happened after track and what she and Eriol had saw last night.
Meiling swore. It was expected of her, but still it made Tomoyo blink a few times before nodding in agreement.
"How should we tell him?" Tomoyo asked. Meiling closed her eyes and sighed out loud.
"I have no idea. I'm sure Sakura's trying to find a way to break the news to him as well, though."
"Should we wait and see?" She replied then. Meiling and Tomoyo locked eyes.
"Alright then. I'll see you after school at the hotel room then. We can all send Sakura off." Tomoyo reminded the Chinese girl. Meiling nodded.
"Hai. Ja ne," Meiling said. The two quickly parted ways to get what they needed to do before Sakura left them.
Sakura was moping around the whole day, her eyes totally distant. She only talked when she was talked to and was hardly like herself. Tomoyo packed Sakura's stuff with care, folding the clothes and packing the necessary items. Eriol meanwhile went to buy things that Sakura would bring on her trip to Beijing. Kero helped by being quite and packing some food. Such food was important to him; after all, it would be what he was eating on the plane.
Touya called, three times actually, to remind Sakura to be careful about being at Beijing and constantly fussed about small details about strangers and boarding and getting of the plane. The last time he called though, was to ask how Sakura was, because during the earlier phone calls, he had noticed that Sakura wasn't acting herself. He didn't get much about from her and Tomoyo told him about how uncomfortable she was, leaving her friends behind.
*** Syaoran's POV ***
"What! How can Sakura be leaving now?" I heard Meiling's voice cry as I passed her classroom. Sakura was leaving? Now? Where to? Why was she leaving now? I had so many things I wanted to tell her and settle some thoughts. With her gone, who knows how long, will I still remember her?
The rest of the day passed in a blur and the thought of Sakura leaving stung in my heart again when track meet came along after school. I was so used to running with her, her laughter ringing in my ears, even if we only ran together for less than a week. It just seemed that she was important to me..
My thoughts began to wander as I ran by myself on the six laps. It traveled back when Sakura and I were walking to gym. Why had she apologized? I should have been the one to apologize. And, god, her eyes, those emerald pools were too beautiful to behold. And why I touched her face, I'll never know. It just seemed like an impulse and it was heaven, those few minutes as I admired her beautiful features and her eyes.
What was I thinking? What did Sakura mean to me? I had Kali and I had no intentions of cheating on her or breaking our relationship. What did Sakura mean to me?
I wouldn't mind being friends.
*** Sakura's POV ***
"Sakura!" Meiling's voice greeted me as she opened the door. I pasted smile on her face and tried to make my voice sound cheerful as I greeted her back. Almost immediately her face frowned.
"You can stop pretending now, Sakura Kinomoto," She said in that commanding voice of hers. I grinned sheepishly. Meiling knew me too well.
"I can't believe you're leaving us for three month though! You've only been here about a week!" Meiling cried, pacing around the room.
"I know." I commented.
"You don't care?" She demanded me, stopping right in front of me. "You don't care what happens to Syaoran?"
"Of course I do." I whispered back silently. "How could I not? I practically came for him." Everyone around me stopped doing what they were doing.
"Oh, gomen Sakura," Meiling cut in with a smile. "I'm always like that, too direct. Wei always told me that my tongue cuts."
"It's okay." I replied quietly. "I mean, you actually have the guts to say what you feel, unlike me." Tomoyo got up from her kneeling position as she packed a few dresses that she had made for me.
"Oh Sakura-chan." She gave me a tight hug. "You're the bravest friend I've ever known, besides Meiling." Meiling laughed and that made me smile a bit.
"Arigato, you guys." I looked at all of them. "Here I am, being all so dopey as you guys pack and get everything ready for me. Arigato."
"That's what friends are for," Eriol replied. "The essence of friendship is wanting the best for your friends." I smiled at that. If I hadn't known better, I would say that Eriol and Kaho are related.
"Arigato Eriol-kun." I said emotionally. "I swear some of Kaho's charms are rubbing off on you." Eriol grinned and bowed waist down.
"I shall tell her at school tomorrow."
"Wait! You guys never told me Ms. Mitsuku's going to teach at our school!" Meiling cried.
"Well, now you know," replied Tomoyo calmly. I grinned.
"You're been spending too much time with Eriol, Tomoyo." I commented. Meiling snickered in agreement as the two blushed furiously. I looked at the clock; it was about time.
"Tomoyo, is it alright with you that I go out for a walk? I'll be back before six." I asked. Tomoyo gave me one of her best smiles.
"Hai." She replied. "Just let me, Eriol, and Meiling deal with everything left. You go on and have a break before you leave." She said supportively. I smiled and went outside, letting the cool air wash over me as the hotel doors opened.
"Where do you think she's going?" Eriol asked as he watched his friend walk out the door and onto the busy street of Hong Kong.
"Five is the time track practice ends." Meiling replied as she joined her friend by the window. Later Tomoyo joined and the three just stood there for a while before continuing what they were supposed to do.
I walked in the mist of everyone else. What was I thinking? I didn't even know where he lived? And what was I going to say when I saw him? You're my boyfriend; I love you? That was just totally stupid. Ugh! I just can't get my mind off him.
Did Syaoran wanted to be friends? I just remembered that he had never answered my question. And his eyes. oh God. I can still feel his intense eyes on me. It sent my shivers through me. Closing my eyes, I titled my head up and let the sunset soak over me. What had he wanted to say to me? He never did get the chance to say something.
Great. Wonderful. It's five. I can just feel butterflies flutter in my stomach. I can't just walk on this street until I have to leave. I can't just leave him here for a month. Whatever will become of him? Will he. still remember me?
"Miss, are you alright?" A deep voice in Chinese spoke. My mind went blank, but faintly I heard Tomoyo's reminder to speak in Chinese.
Well, here goes nothing. "Do you know where the Li residence is?" I asked in slow Chinese. He grinned.
"Hai, Sakura Kinomoto." I looked up into a pair of twinkling eyes.
"Wei!" I shrieked with joy. I had not seen the old friend in two years! I hugged him tightly. "How have you been?"
His light chuckle made me feel calmer. "Fine, and you Ms Kinomoto?"
"Wei! I told you to call me Sakura." I scolded him playfully. He smiled.
"So, why are you looking for the Li residence?" He asked. I blushed and stared at my toes. He smiled in a grandfatherly way and patted my shoulder. He started walking, presumably towards the Li residence, and I followed.
"I'm sure Syaoran will understand whatever it is you are trying to tell him."
"Nani! How do you know?" I exclaimed, my head snapping up. The old friend smiled.
"I've known Syaoran longer than you have, Sakura-Chan and I know you as well too. Knowing that Syaoran lost part of his memory, the two of you would be no longer together although my heart wishes that it was not so."
I smiled warily. "You know me too well."
"Not as well as Syaoran does. So tell me, what matters do you have with him?"
I gulped. "I wanted to talk to him. in private." I said.
"Hai. You're catching him after his track meet, aren't you? Meiling told me the other day that you're in as well. Why aren't you at practice?" He asked concerned.
"I'm. I'm leaving to Beijing for three months today." I said in a whisper.
"Does Syaoran know?" Wei asked kindly.
I shook my head. "That's what I wanted to tell him."
"He'll understand. He won't forget you, you know." His words were so sure of himself that it made me feel better a bit.
"Arigato." I said brightly. Wei smiled lightly.
"Here's the Li's gate. I presume you'll be waiting outside for him?" Wei asked kindly. I nodded and mustered up all the courage that I had left in my heart. "May the Gods shed light on you both." He bowed to me and opened the gate and entered. I took a few deep breaths. This was so nerve racking. I had not yet decided what to say to him. I hoped that he would still remember me.
I leaned against the wall with my hands behind my back. My hair was let down and my long green skirt billowed lightly in the cool breeze. I closed my eyes and let myself relax and remember the sounds and feelings of Hong Kong.
"Sakura?" He called me my name. My thoughts wouldn't settle. I opened my eyes and saw Syaoran walking over to me. I leaned off the wall and looked at him. My nerves were totally failing me.
"Um, hi." I whispered. I just couldn't look make eye contact with him.
"What are you doing here?" He asked, his voice steady and calm. He had no idea what emotions I was going through.
"I just wanted to tell you that um.." I bit my lip, not knowing how to continue. I peeked a look at him. He was looking at me patiently for me to continue. "I'm going to Beijing for three months."
"I see." His voice was the same tone, yet there was something in the way that he said it that I couldn't understand.
Silence drifted between us. My heart was pounding. I hoped I had this the right way. Please don't let me make a fool out of myself. "Syaoran?" His amber eyes pivoted on me. My heart thudded so loud that I'm surprised that he couldn't hear it.
"What was it that you were going to say. when we walked to gym?" I asked, crossing my fingers for good luck.
Syaoran looked at him, his gaze holding mine that I could not look away even if I wanted to. But it was he in the end that broke the gaze away. His sisters were staring and crowding at the window above and it would only be the matter of time that they made it downstairs.
"I'll tell you. when you get back." He said quietly.
"Oh." I answered. "Well, three months isn't that long, right?" I asked, trying to be cheerful. Wei was stopping the girls from coming and they finally retreated back into the house in defeat. I was going to miss Hong Kong and the people here. I turned my attention back to Syaoran.
"I'll see you then. Ja ne, Syaoran-kun." I smiled and turned to walk away. Please, don't say anything I prayed. I could feel tears starting to flow in my eyes. Don't cry, I commanded myself.
Suddenly I felt Syaoran's hand on mine, gently pulling me back. I looked back in confusion only to see him walking slowly over to me, his eyes never leaving me as he pulled me into a tight hug. His warm embrace filled me, his arms tightly around me. My eyes widen a bit until I relaxed, closing my eyes and breathing in the fresh smell of him. I wished this moment would never end. I tightened my grasp around him. The two of us stayed like that for a while before we broke apart. Tears were swimming in my eyes. He brushed it away with a swift, caring gesture of his hand.
Don't cry, I repeated to myself again. I smiled feebly and nodded. "Ja ne, Syaoran."
He nodded and I sprinted past him, my tears falling and marking the path I walked. "Ja ne, Sakura-chan." His voice full of strong timber floated gently on the winds and to my ears. I smiled sadly and quickly hurried back to the hotel.
*** Third POV **
Wei was standing at the entrance and smiled when the two hugged each other. It was almost like the old times he had witnessed back in Japan.
"Don't forget her, dear friend." Wei spoke quietly in Japanese.
"Wei! Who was that kawaii girl Xiao Lang was talking too?" Shiefa squealed, adding bits of Japanese into her daily Chinese language. Her other sisters were bursting of questions. Wei hushed them and forced them back inside, bribing them with a special treat.
A young man stood there silently, his ruffled brown hair swaying slightly in the air. He was looking down the road, as if someone important had just walked down it. A lady stood on the other side of the road, her long hair billowing with the breeze. It had not been in her plan for her to go. Things would be more complicated. She needed to talk about this with her partner. He would just have to be protected for the while being. The man looked her way, but she quickly blended into her surroundings and disappeared.
*** Syaoran's POV ***
Who was that girl I just saw looking at me? She seemed familiar some how. I shook my head and looked back down the road Sakura had just left. She was going to Beijing. for three months.
I clenched my hand into a tight fist and I slammed it on the wall. A small trickle of blood flowed down my hand, but I felt no pain, only numbness. What was wrong with me?
I can't think right. All I can see is her face. Her emerald eyes shinning bright through her tears that she is trying to hold in. Her auburn curls framing her, oh so perfect face. The light pink color across her cheeks as she blushes faintly will never leave my mind. Three months.. Why didn't I say the words I wanted to say?
I closed my eyes and let everything sink into me. Her body pressed up against mine and her arms holding me tight. What I would give to have her in my arms again. It simply just felt perfect. But why? She was only my friend and nothing more.
I think.
*** Third POV ***
Eriol and Meiling carried the two luggages that Sakura had through the busy crowds of the International Hong Kong airport.
"Remember Sakura to call us once you get to Beijing. Your dad will be there to pick you up, remember that." Tomoyo reminded Sakura as she helped me check in. The girl nodded with a bright smile.
"Hai Tomoyo-chan." She responded.
"And remember to talk in Chinese," Meiling reminded in a motherly fashion. "You don't want to let people giving you those weird looks. And don't mix Japanese and Chinese together. It's weird enough as it is."
Sakura giggled. "I'll remember, Meiling." The Chinese girl nodded in satisfaction and carried the luggage that she was holding to be weighted.
"Say hello to your father to me, Sakura-chan." Eriol asked politely as he hefted the other luggage to be weighted. She nodded.
"Hai!" She smiled. "I'll write all of you of course, and call."
"Of course you will!" Tomoyo said. Sakura smiled and nodded positively. The four friends made it through the entrance points and it was almost time for Sakura to board the plane. She was looking out the large windows, thinking deeply.
"What do you think happened between her and Syaoran?" Meiling asked quietly to her two friends. They shrugged. Tomoyo looked over her shoulder at the girl.
"She seems happier than before. I'm sure something good happened yet she doesn't want to leave him or anyone here for three months. You know how Sakura is with friends." Tomoyo replied, giving her best guess.
"You're probably right." Meiling agreed. This was Tomoyo talking, Sakura's best friends for years now.
"I can't imagine without our happy go lucky Sakura for three months." Eriol spoke quietly, as if almost to himself.
"I know." Tomoyo replied. "It'll be a long time before we hear her voice and her smiles as always. I'm going to miss her like crazy."
"Make that two, Tomoyo." Meiling added. Then she grinned. "Or rather three." Eriol gave her a wary smile. Meiling's grin grew broader.
"Come on, let's give her a surprise bear hug." She suggested, her ruby eyes twinkling. The three nodded and crept behind Sakura.
"Hoe!" She shrieked out loud before the three could surprise her. Instead, her sudden voice had made the three fall back in surprise.
"What's wrong?" Eriol asked.
"Why are you all behind me?" She asked, dense as ever.
"Never mind that," Meiling answered. "What did you yell for?"
"Nothing. I just forgot to say goodbye to Kaho." She replied earnestly.
"I'll tell that for her," Eriol offered. "Besides, I'm sure she knows already."
"We'll miss you, Sakura-chan. There won't be a day we won't be thinking of you." Tomoyo said with emotion. Sakura felt tears coming up and Tomoyo gave her a big hug. Meiling leapt in and hugged the two while Eriol connected them all together. The four friends laughed and hugged each other tight until they toppled over. A pair of grandparents were staring at them and gawking.
"Bye Tomoyo! Bye Eriol! Bye Meiling!" Sakura called, waving her hand in front of the entrance. The three furiously waved back and called her name back. She smiled once more at her best friends before turning around and stepping aboard on the plane. She sat on the seat beside the window and peered out. She could see her friends waving at her from the windows. Smiling, she waved back, hoping they could see her.
Goodbye Hong Kong.
She settled in her seat as the plane started to run. Kero peaked out of the bag to check on his mistress and friend. She was looking outside and humming a song she loved. (A/N: I do not own Michelle Branch's Goodbye to You.)
Of all the things
I've believed in
I just want to
Get it over with
Tears form behind my eyes
But I do not cry
Counting the days
That pass me by
I've been searching
Deep down in my soul
Words that I'm hearing
Are starting to get old
It feels like
I'm starting all over again
The last three years
Were just pretend
And I said
"Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything
I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that
I tried to hold on to"
I still get lost in your eyes
And it seems that
I can't live a day without you
Closing my eyes and
You chase my thoughts away
To a place where
I am blinded by the light
But it's not right
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything
I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that
I tried to hold on to
And it hurts to want everything
And nothing at the same time
I want what's yours
And I want what's mine
I want you
But I'm not giving in this time
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything
I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that
I tried to hold on to
The one thing that
I tried to hold on to
And when the stars fall
I will lie awake
You're my shooting star
*** Sakura's POV ***
Goodbye to you. Syaoran. I. I still love you though. I'll still love you from a distance, even if you can't remember me no more.
My thoughts kept repeating the moment when he and I had hugged. It was so perfect. It was like every puzzle piece was where it belongs.
I hoped he would remember me. even if I'm not there.
Syaoran
Tomoyo
Eriol
Meiling
I'll miss all of you. I'll come back though, I promise you that. Three months. isn't the worst scenario right?
I hoped I was right because I didn't know what was right and what was wrong anymore.
I love you.
*** How was it? It was quite a long chapter, don't you agree? You guys out there better thank me a lot for putting this chapter up this week! I have my midterms next week, yet I get this long chapter out for you guys! I'll forgive you all if you grant me three wishes and review! LOL. I need to study now. Cross your fingers and wish me luck! Heheh.. Rainbow Dreamer.
By Rainbow Dreamer and co-author Cryst and Ying Fa
*Dedicated to Cryst and Ying Fa, who have helped me with this story. If it weren't for you both, none of this would of happened. Arigato.
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT, I repeat, I do NOT own CCS. It belongs to Clamp! I think you all know though, that this story is my own and every idea is of my own. Yep.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hmmm.. I got so many evil plans going through my brain. This is going to be a really, really long fic. I hope all you readers out there don't mind. LOL. I can hear all your replies. I thought you guys wouldn't mind. Hehe. This is going to be one heck of a story! I hope that all you readers will continue to read this story as it gets longer and longer, revealing all the hidden secrets inside.
Oh, and I'm SO delighted to know that those who reviewed read my special thanks column. It makes me feel as if I'm actually talking to someone. It's kind of replying to a letter or an email. A very nice thought!
Thanks to all of you wonderful people. Rainbow Dreamer
IF YOU REVIEWED FOR THE LAST CHAPTER, LOOK FOR YOUR NAME UNDER SPECIAL THANKS BELOW!
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
I love Li Syaoran: Thanks for you high compliment! ( Kirei Ayumi: I'm glad you're still loving it and I hope you'll love this chapter. Ying Fa: It's great news that you can log into fanfiction again! Usagi yf: Sorry that I took so long to update! I usually will post them on Fridays or Saturdays, by the way. I'm sooo psyched out that you read my special thanks! ( Lilyflower: You're the perfect dramatist! Hehe. It's always nice to see someone new reviewing as well. Keep on reading! Anonymous: I must agree the last chapter was sad. hopefully this chapter isn't as bad, okay? Kawaii Cherry Wolf: Your wish is my command. LoL. Here's your update. Pnaixr0se8: I'm glad that you like! ( And for the people talking in the end. you'll see when time comes! Keetra: LOL. thanks for all FIVE of your reviews! And about Kali.. Keep reading! Hehe. There's lot more in store for you! Anyhow, I'm positively gushing that you're reading my story! (
CherryzAngel: Hey! If you're wanting this fic to end soon.. Um, this story is going to end up really, really long actually. I think. Hehe. Thanks for reading my sepeical thanks column. And hey, don't hate people called "kali" just because of this fic!! Heheh (
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Goodbye to You
*** Sakura's POV ***
"Sakura-chan, wake up." Tomoyo's voice was gentle and soothing. I mumbled and turned around on my bed, not wanting to waste a moment's sleep.
"Sakura, wake up!" Her voice became more serious. Hmmm. just a moment more.
"SAKURA!!!!!" Kero yelled in my ear. Opening one eye I saw his yellow face and black eyes. Eriol watched amused. Only Kero it seemed could wake Sakura up. But then he had lots of practice.
"Hm, ohayo Kero." I greeted sleepily.
"It was about time you woke up." Kero mumbled to me. I grinned and sat up in my bed, patting my guardian on the head playfully. He grunted but allowed me to pat him on the head.
"Ohayo Tomoyo. Ohayo Eriol." I said with a yawn. I could see their amused faces. As I rubbed my eyes, I saw that their faces were a bit serious and troubled.
"What's wrong?" I asked. "Did something happen when I fell asleep?" Tomoyo smiled softly at me and sat down on the edge of my bed.
"Sakura-chan, what happened with you and Syaoran-kun after the tryouts?" I froze at her question. I had forgotten everything but now it all hit me in the face like a ton of bricks. I groaned.
"I'm such a baka," I confessed, my fingers running through my hair.
"Figures, since Syaoran kept mumbling that to himself as well." Eriol commented. I looked surprised over at him.
"He said that?" I asked. Eriol nodded.
"Hai. Me and Tomoyo met him and Jiang during dinner and he seemed off focus." My friend explained casually. "What happened?"
I sighed and leaned my head against the wall. "He insisted to walk me home yesterday, and on the way he treated me to a drink. I don't know, I guess I felt so happy to be with him that I was acting so stupid."
"Oh, Sakura-chan, you're not stupid at all." Tomoyo comforted. I smiled bitterly at her.
"No, I am. I asked Syaoran if we could be friends when we were at my door. Then I lost all my courage and ran inside. I just couldn't stand it. Syaoran left after a while. Then everything came and hit me in the face." I explained, laughing bitterly at my stupidity. "He called me by my first name yet I called him by his last." Tears stung in my eyes.
"I ran out to look for him, but he was gone. I met Kaho on the way and she comforted me." I sighed and closed my eyes. "Everything seems so confused, at least I do know my true feelings now."
"And what are they?" Eriol asked calmly. I opened my eyes. He was so much like Kaho, wise and so understanding.
"That I love him." I said.
"But he's hurt you so much," Kero cut in. I smiled at him. He reminded me like Touya, that overprotective brother that I always will have. Earlier when Kaho sent me back to my room, I had called him. It was nice, hearing his voice on the phone again. I even loved it when he teased me, calling my kaiju, and how he reminded me to be careful. It was thoughtful of him not to bring anything up about Syaoran and I loved the big brother that he was.
"Yes, but I still love him. I've learned that much." I replied. Tomoyo sat quietly listening to all that I had to say.
"Sakura, I'm glad that you've found what you want." She started. "You have the courage and the heart to love." Tomoyo hugged me tightly. I hugged her tightly back, breathing in the soothing fresh smell of lavender she sometimes had.
"Arigato, Tomoyo." I said, wiping my eyes. "Arigato Eriol." Eriol smiled at me, his blue eyes twinkling. "And arigato to you too, Kero." Kero grinned at me.
"Now with that's over with, how about some breakfast for me before you guys run to school?" Kero asked with an evil smirk over to the clock.
"Hoeee!" I cried, dashing into the bathroom to get changed. Tomoyo quickly grabbed some quick breakfast while Eriol took hold the three backpacks. Kero sighed as he watched the three teenagers rush.
"Bye Kero! Lock the door for us!" I called, skidding out the door with my friends before me. With a slam, Kero sat in the room all alone.
"Just great. Now let's see, what do you want to eat today?" the stuffed doll asked its tummy. "Hmm. you have great taste." Kero answered to its growling tummy as he started to eat egg rolls.
"Ah, run you two!" I cried, motioning them to hurry up as I held open the door for them.
"Just because," Tomoyo started, but was cut off as Eriol held her hand as he ran up the stairs. "Aie!" She shrieked and hurried up her pace to match with Eriol's.
"I have physics, ja ne!" I called to them as I dashed down the hall to the physics lab. I could hear a dim "ja ne" back from Tomoyo as she and Eriol rushed to their classes. I slid open the door and quickly scanned for my seat. There were three long desks and two rows were on each side.
Darn! Out of all the days, my seat has to be taken! I gave the girl who was sitting in my seat a glare before quickly looking for a seat before class began.
"Kinomoto, over here!" A familiar voice called. I looked over and saw a redhead in the mist of black and brown hair. I slid into the seat next to him just as the teacher came in. I sighed.
"Playing close, huh?" Kai asked. I grinned.
"Yeah, well." I stopped. Sitting in front of me was no other than Syaoran Li. A lump caught in my throat and I had no idea what to say. Syaoran's amber eyes were intense, locking into mine.
"What you guys doing, playing the staring game?" Kai broke my thoughts. I broke the gaze and blushed a bit. Thank god the teacher started talking. My brain had completely failed me and I had no idea how to answer Kai's question.
I was totally off focus during physics. I kept wondering how to face Syaoran after class. He and I had gym next and I'd have to talk to him then. No escape. God, my heart was thumping so loudly, I'm surprised that no one heard me.
"Riiiing!" the bell rang shrilly and I got up my seat and sighed. Ryoko smiled at me.
"Close call there Kinomoto." He teased again.
I blushed. "Yeah, well thanks." I replied. He just grinned.
"Yo, Syaoran, I'll catch you later okay?" Ryoko asked, playfully punching his friend's arm. Syaoran gave him a death glare, but nodded.
"Yeah sure." Ryoko nodded.
"Bye Kinomoto." He said to me. I smiled and nodded back. "You guys walking to gym together?" I froze and stood looking at my shoes.
"Yeah." My head snapped up and looked over at Syaoran surprised. It was Syaoran who had responded! Ryoko walked off to his next class and I fell into the same pace as Syaoran as we walked to gym. I kept peeking glances at him, but he wasn't looking at me.
"Um, Syaoran?" I asked timidly. I had my fingers crossed, hoping that he would respond. He looked at me, his amber eyes staring into mine. I gulped.
"About yesterday. I'm really sorry." I apologized.
"For what?" He asked calmly. I stared back at him, not knowing what to say. His question had totally thrown me off. What was I sorry for?
"I, I don't know. It just all seems my fault. I'm such a baka," I admitted with a laugh, twirling a lose strand of hair around my finger. He stopped walking and I stopped as well, looking confused at him. He reached out a hand to me. My heart thudded. What was he doing? His amber gaze was intense and I had no idea how he was feeling. Oh god, he had the perfect face. How long had it been since I've looked into his face clearly? It's been too long.
His hand touched my cheek ever so lightly and pulled my hand away from my hair. As I looked at him, I felt a slight blush come over my cheeks. He took his hand gently away from my hand and placed it on my shoulder. We stood there for a while, just looking at each other.
"Yo, Kinomoto, the office wants you!" A girl came running towards her, her loud demanding voice jarring the moment. I looked at her and Syaoran took his hand off my shoulder.
"Hoe?" I asked, confused. "Now?" The girl panted hard from running.
"Hai. It's something important and the office wants to see you immediately. You will be excused from all your class." She responded quickly, her black eyes darting from me to Syaoran.
I nodded and looked back at Syaoran. His brown eyes now contained some indescribable sadness. I wanted to hug him, to breath in his sweet scent and to have his arms around me tightly.
"Syaoran?" I asked. He nodded at me.
"I'll tell you later, Sakura." He responded in his usual serious tone.
"Kinomoto, it's important!" The girl whined. I looked at Syaoran once more before running to the office. I could see from the corner of my eyes that he was still standing there, looking at me. What was it that he wanted to tell me?
When I reached the office, Tomoyo and Eriol were sitting there already. "Tomoyo? Eriol? What are you two doing here?" I asked. They smiled at me in greeting, but I could tell that they knew not of the reason why.
"Kinomoto, please sit." The principal instructed me, giving me a polite smile. I returned the smile hesitantly and sat down on the couch next to Tomoyo.
"Gomen, Hiiragizawa and Daidouji for calling you here. Both of you are not in trouble and neither is Kinomoto of course." He said calmly, his hands crossed on the desk. "Since there is no family member that I can talk too, the two are you are simply filling in because I've heard how close friends you are."
"Arigato for letting us be here," Eriol responded politely.
"It's nothing." The principal focused his eyes on me and continued, "Kinomoto, your father called me a while ago."
"Otosan? Is he alright?" I asked immediately. It seemed all in place. Why would they ask for someone close if it weren't the matter?
"He's alright, Kinomoto." The principal continued. "He's moving his excavation site to Beijing and he wants you to come along with him. He's been quite concerned about you, without a family member by your side. He has asked me to tell you that you will be boarding the flight to Beijing eight this evening."
"Today?" I asked incredulously. The principal nodded.
"I believe that is what he told me." He replied calmly. "You will be in Beijing roughly for three months and will be privately tutored for those few months. Afterwards, you will return back to Hong Kong and continue studying at our school."
"Hai." I nodded numbly. Tomoyo gave my hand a tight squeeze and an encouraging smile. I found that I couldn't even muster a smile back. This was so sudden and I had so many things to do! God why now? I had so many things to say to Syaoran and now that I was leaving for three months, would he still remember me?
"I'm sorry that this was such a short notice. Meanwhile, you are excused from all your classes to prepare for this trip." I nodded mutely.
"If it's alright with you sir, may Eriol and I have the day off as well?" Tomoyo asked in a clear voice. The principal looked at her for a while before he nodded.
"That can be arranged." He replied after clearing his throat. Pressing the intercom to his secretary, he asked her to inform the teachers that I, Eriol and Tomoyo would not be attending class that day.
The three of us excused ourselves and were greeted by the bright sun in our eyes. "What are you going to do Sakura?" Tomoyo asked me.
"There's nothing much I can do, isn't there? I'm going to Beijing." I replied, my voice monotone. I squinted at the sun.
"What do you mean there's nothing for you to do?" Tomoyo cried. "You can stay here." She said pleadingly.
"Tomoyo-chan, it has been quite hard for Mr. Kinomoto being by himself without family as well. Right now the whole family is scattered." Eriol told her girlfriend. He looked over at me to see if he was right. I simply ignored them and looked at the sky. Tomoyo and Eriol exchanged a look.
"You tell Meiling about Sakura's current situation and I'll get Sakura back to the hotel." Eriol suggested to Tomoyo. Tomoyo nodded and she set off to find Meiling and Eriol sidled up to me.
After a moment's silence, Eriol spoke. "This is about Syaoran, isn't it?" I looked over at him and nodded once. He sighed and ran a hand through his dark blue hair. Taking off his glasses, he cleaned them before donning them on again and looking at me.
"What are you going to tell him?" He had asked the question that I had been pondering about.
"I don't know." I whispered. He nodded and wrapped an arm around my shoulder comfortably and guided me back to the hotel. I left Eriol to explain everything to Kero while I took a long bath. Everything was swirling in my mind and I had no idea what to do. What would Syaoran say about me leaving?
*** Third POV ***
"What! How can Sakura leave now!" Meiling demanded Tomoyo, her red eyes blazing as she slammed her fist on the table. Everyone in the classroom goggled at her. "What are you looking at?" She glared at them. Immediately everyone quickly turned the other and quickly bruised him or herself in some situation. Tomoyo sighed and lead the angry girl outside to talk.
"How can Sakura leave now? Syaoran is just beginning to remember her! With three months gone, what will happen to them?" Meiling asked furiously.
"I agree." Tomoyo replied, her voice soft. "It seems that they are just beginning to be friends, and yet both are scared of actually being friends." She quickly summed up what happened after track and what she and Eriol had saw last night.
Meiling swore. It was expected of her, but still it made Tomoyo blink a few times before nodding in agreement.
"How should we tell him?" Tomoyo asked. Meiling closed her eyes and sighed out loud.
"I have no idea. I'm sure Sakura's trying to find a way to break the news to him as well, though."
"Should we wait and see?" She replied then. Meiling and Tomoyo locked eyes.
"Alright then. I'll see you after school at the hotel room then. We can all send Sakura off." Tomoyo reminded the Chinese girl. Meiling nodded.
"Hai. Ja ne," Meiling said. The two quickly parted ways to get what they needed to do before Sakura left them.
Sakura was moping around the whole day, her eyes totally distant. She only talked when she was talked to and was hardly like herself. Tomoyo packed Sakura's stuff with care, folding the clothes and packing the necessary items. Eriol meanwhile went to buy things that Sakura would bring on her trip to Beijing. Kero helped by being quite and packing some food. Such food was important to him; after all, it would be what he was eating on the plane.
Touya called, three times actually, to remind Sakura to be careful about being at Beijing and constantly fussed about small details about strangers and boarding and getting of the plane. The last time he called though, was to ask how Sakura was, because during the earlier phone calls, he had noticed that Sakura wasn't acting herself. He didn't get much about from her and Tomoyo told him about how uncomfortable she was, leaving her friends behind.
*** Syaoran's POV ***
"What! How can Sakura be leaving now?" I heard Meiling's voice cry as I passed her classroom. Sakura was leaving? Now? Where to? Why was she leaving now? I had so many things I wanted to tell her and settle some thoughts. With her gone, who knows how long, will I still remember her?
The rest of the day passed in a blur and the thought of Sakura leaving stung in my heart again when track meet came along after school. I was so used to running with her, her laughter ringing in my ears, even if we only ran together for less than a week. It just seemed that she was important to me..
My thoughts began to wander as I ran by myself on the six laps. It traveled back when Sakura and I were walking to gym. Why had she apologized? I should have been the one to apologize. And, god, her eyes, those emerald pools were too beautiful to behold. And why I touched her face, I'll never know. It just seemed like an impulse and it was heaven, those few minutes as I admired her beautiful features and her eyes.
What was I thinking? What did Sakura mean to me? I had Kali and I had no intentions of cheating on her or breaking our relationship. What did Sakura mean to me?
I wouldn't mind being friends.
*** Sakura's POV ***
"Sakura!" Meiling's voice greeted me as she opened the door. I pasted smile on her face and tried to make my voice sound cheerful as I greeted her back. Almost immediately her face frowned.
"You can stop pretending now, Sakura Kinomoto," She said in that commanding voice of hers. I grinned sheepishly. Meiling knew me too well.
"I can't believe you're leaving us for three month though! You've only been here about a week!" Meiling cried, pacing around the room.
"I know." I commented.
"You don't care?" She demanded me, stopping right in front of me. "You don't care what happens to Syaoran?"
"Of course I do." I whispered back silently. "How could I not? I practically came for him." Everyone around me stopped doing what they were doing.
"Oh, gomen Sakura," Meiling cut in with a smile. "I'm always like that, too direct. Wei always told me that my tongue cuts."
"It's okay." I replied quietly. "I mean, you actually have the guts to say what you feel, unlike me." Tomoyo got up from her kneeling position as she packed a few dresses that she had made for me.
"Oh Sakura-chan." She gave me a tight hug. "You're the bravest friend I've ever known, besides Meiling." Meiling laughed and that made me smile a bit.
"Arigato, you guys." I looked at all of them. "Here I am, being all so dopey as you guys pack and get everything ready for me. Arigato."
"That's what friends are for," Eriol replied. "The essence of friendship is wanting the best for your friends." I smiled at that. If I hadn't known better, I would say that Eriol and Kaho are related.
"Arigato Eriol-kun." I said emotionally. "I swear some of Kaho's charms are rubbing off on you." Eriol grinned and bowed waist down.
"I shall tell her at school tomorrow."
"Wait! You guys never told me Ms. Mitsuku's going to teach at our school!" Meiling cried.
"Well, now you know," replied Tomoyo calmly. I grinned.
"You're been spending too much time with Eriol, Tomoyo." I commented. Meiling snickered in agreement as the two blushed furiously. I looked at the clock; it was about time.
"Tomoyo, is it alright with you that I go out for a walk? I'll be back before six." I asked. Tomoyo gave me one of her best smiles.
"Hai." She replied. "Just let me, Eriol, and Meiling deal with everything left. You go on and have a break before you leave." She said supportively. I smiled and went outside, letting the cool air wash over me as the hotel doors opened.
"Where do you think she's going?" Eriol asked as he watched his friend walk out the door and onto the busy street of Hong Kong.
"Five is the time track practice ends." Meiling replied as she joined her friend by the window. Later Tomoyo joined and the three just stood there for a while before continuing what they were supposed to do.
I walked in the mist of everyone else. What was I thinking? I didn't even know where he lived? And what was I going to say when I saw him? You're my boyfriend; I love you? That was just totally stupid. Ugh! I just can't get my mind off him.
Did Syaoran wanted to be friends? I just remembered that he had never answered my question. And his eyes. oh God. I can still feel his intense eyes on me. It sent my shivers through me. Closing my eyes, I titled my head up and let the sunset soak over me. What had he wanted to say to me? He never did get the chance to say something.
Great. Wonderful. It's five. I can just feel butterflies flutter in my stomach. I can't just walk on this street until I have to leave. I can't just leave him here for a month. Whatever will become of him? Will he. still remember me?
"Miss, are you alright?" A deep voice in Chinese spoke. My mind went blank, but faintly I heard Tomoyo's reminder to speak in Chinese.
Well, here goes nothing. "Do you know where the Li residence is?" I asked in slow Chinese. He grinned.
"Hai, Sakura Kinomoto." I looked up into a pair of twinkling eyes.
"Wei!" I shrieked with joy. I had not seen the old friend in two years! I hugged him tightly. "How have you been?"
His light chuckle made me feel calmer. "Fine, and you Ms Kinomoto?"
"Wei! I told you to call me Sakura." I scolded him playfully. He smiled.
"So, why are you looking for the Li residence?" He asked. I blushed and stared at my toes. He smiled in a grandfatherly way and patted my shoulder. He started walking, presumably towards the Li residence, and I followed.
"I'm sure Syaoran will understand whatever it is you are trying to tell him."
"Nani! How do you know?" I exclaimed, my head snapping up. The old friend smiled.
"I've known Syaoran longer than you have, Sakura-Chan and I know you as well too. Knowing that Syaoran lost part of his memory, the two of you would be no longer together although my heart wishes that it was not so."
I smiled warily. "You know me too well."
"Not as well as Syaoran does. So tell me, what matters do you have with him?"
I gulped. "I wanted to talk to him. in private." I said.
"Hai. You're catching him after his track meet, aren't you? Meiling told me the other day that you're in as well. Why aren't you at practice?" He asked concerned.
"I'm. I'm leaving to Beijing for three months today." I said in a whisper.
"Does Syaoran know?" Wei asked kindly.
I shook my head. "That's what I wanted to tell him."
"He'll understand. He won't forget you, you know." His words were so sure of himself that it made me feel better a bit.
"Arigato." I said brightly. Wei smiled lightly.
"Here's the Li's gate. I presume you'll be waiting outside for him?" Wei asked kindly. I nodded and mustered up all the courage that I had left in my heart. "May the Gods shed light on you both." He bowed to me and opened the gate and entered. I took a few deep breaths. This was so nerve racking. I had not yet decided what to say to him. I hoped that he would still remember me.
I leaned against the wall with my hands behind my back. My hair was let down and my long green skirt billowed lightly in the cool breeze. I closed my eyes and let myself relax and remember the sounds and feelings of Hong Kong.
"Sakura?" He called me my name. My thoughts wouldn't settle. I opened my eyes and saw Syaoran walking over to me. I leaned off the wall and looked at him. My nerves were totally failing me.
"Um, hi." I whispered. I just couldn't look make eye contact with him.
"What are you doing here?" He asked, his voice steady and calm. He had no idea what emotions I was going through.
"I just wanted to tell you that um.." I bit my lip, not knowing how to continue. I peeked a look at him. He was looking at me patiently for me to continue. "I'm going to Beijing for three months."
"I see." His voice was the same tone, yet there was something in the way that he said it that I couldn't understand.
Silence drifted between us. My heart was pounding. I hoped I had this the right way. Please don't let me make a fool out of myself. "Syaoran?" His amber eyes pivoted on me. My heart thudded so loud that I'm surprised that he couldn't hear it.
"What was it that you were going to say. when we walked to gym?" I asked, crossing my fingers for good luck.
Syaoran looked at him, his gaze holding mine that I could not look away even if I wanted to. But it was he in the end that broke the gaze away. His sisters were staring and crowding at the window above and it would only be the matter of time that they made it downstairs.
"I'll tell you. when you get back." He said quietly.
"Oh." I answered. "Well, three months isn't that long, right?" I asked, trying to be cheerful. Wei was stopping the girls from coming and they finally retreated back into the house in defeat. I was going to miss Hong Kong and the people here. I turned my attention back to Syaoran.
"I'll see you then. Ja ne, Syaoran-kun." I smiled and turned to walk away. Please, don't say anything I prayed. I could feel tears starting to flow in my eyes. Don't cry, I commanded myself.
Suddenly I felt Syaoran's hand on mine, gently pulling me back. I looked back in confusion only to see him walking slowly over to me, his eyes never leaving me as he pulled me into a tight hug. His warm embrace filled me, his arms tightly around me. My eyes widen a bit until I relaxed, closing my eyes and breathing in the fresh smell of him. I wished this moment would never end. I tightened my grasp around him. The two of us stayed like that for a while before we broke apart. Tears were swimming in my eyes. He brushed it away with a swift, caring gesture of his hand.
Don't cry, I repeated to myself again. I smiled feebly and nodded. "Ja ne, Syaoran."
He nodded and I sprinted past him, my tears falling and marking the path I walked. "Ja ne, Sakura-chan." His voice full of strong timber floated gently on the winds and to my ears. I smiled sadly and quickly hurried back to the hotel.
*** Third POV **
Wei was standing at the entrance and smiled when the two hugged each other. It was almost like the old times he had witnessed back in Japan.
"Don't forget her, dear friend." Wei spoke quietly in Japanese.
"Wei! Who was that kawaii girl Xiao Lang was talking too?" Shiefa squealed, adding bits of Japanese into her daily Chinese language. Her other sisters were bursting of questions. Wei hushed them and forced them back inside, bribing them with a special treat.
A young man stood there silently, his ruffled brown hair swaying slightly in the air. He was looking down the road, as if someone important had just walked down it. A lady stood on the other side of the road, her long hair billowing with the breeze. It had not been in her plan for her to go. Things would be more complicated. She needed to talk about this with her partner. He would just have to be protected for the while being. The man looked her way, but she quickly blended into her surroundings and disappeared.
*** Syaoran's POV ***
Who was that girl I just saw looking at me? She seemed familiar some how. I shook my head and looked back down the road Sakura had just left. She was going to Beijing. for three months.
I clenched my hand into a tight fist and I slammed it on the wall. A small trickle of blood flowed down my hand, but I felt no pain, only numbness. What was wrong with me?
I can't think right. All I can see is her face. Her emerald eyes shinning bright through her tears that she is trying to hold in. Her auburn curls framing her, oh so perfect face. The light pink color across her cheeks as she blushes faintly will never leave my mind. Three months.. Why didn't I say the words I wanted to say?
I closed my eyes and let everything sink into me. Her body pressed up against mine and her arms holding me tight. What I would give to have her in my arms again. It simply just felt perfect. But why? She was only my friend and nothing more.
I think.
*** Third POV ***
Eriol and Meiling carried the two luggages that Sakura had through the busy crowds of the International Hong Kong airport.
"Remember Sakura to call us once you get to Beijing. Your dad will be there to pick you up, remember that." Tomoyo reminded Sakura as she helped me check in. The girl nodded with a bright smile.
"Hai Tomoyo-chan." She responded.
"And remember to talk in Chinese," Meiling reminded in a motherly fashion. "You don't want to let people giving you those weird looks. And don't mix Japanese and Chinese together. It's weird enough as it is."
Sakura giggled. "I'll remember, Meiling." The Chinese girl nodded in satisfaction and carried the luggage that she was holding to be weighted.
"Say hello to your father to me, Sakura-chan." Eriol asked politely as he hefted the other luggage to be weighted. She nodded.
"Hai!" She smiled. "I'll write all of you of course, and call."
"Of course you will!" Tomoyo said. Sakura smiled and nodded positively. The four friends made it through the entrance points and it was almost time for Sakura to board the plane. She was looking out the large windows, thinking deeply.
"What do you think happened between her and Syaoran?" Meiling asked quietly to her two friends. They shrugged. Tomoyo looked over her shoulder at the girl.
"She seems happier than before. I'm sure something good happened yet she doesn't want to leave him or anyone here for three months. You know how Sakura is with friends." Tomoyo replied, giving her best guess.
"You're probably right." Meiling agreed. This was Tomoyo talking, Sakura's best friends for years now.
"I can't imagine without our happy go lucky Sakura for three months." Eriol spoke quietly, as if almost to himself.
"I know." Tomoyo replied. "It'll be a long time before we hear her voice and her smiles as always. I'm going to miss her like crazy."
"Make that two, Tomoyo." Meiling added. Then she grinned. "Or rather three." Eriol gave her a wary smile. Meiling's grin grew broader.
"Come on, let's give her a surprise bear hug." She suggested, her ruby eyes twinkling. The three nodded and crept behind Sakura.
"Hoe!" She shrieked out loud before the three could surprise her. Instead, her sudden voice had made the three fall back in surprise.
"What's wrong?" Eriol asked.
"Why are you all behind me?" She asked, dense as ever.
"Never mind that," Meiling answered. "What did you yell for?"
"Nothing. I just forgot to say goodbye to Kaho." She replied earnestly.
"I'll tell that for her," Eriol offered. "Besides, I'm sure she knows already."
"We'll miss you, Sakura-chan. There won't be a day we won't be thinking of you." Tomoyo said with emotion. Sakura felt tears coming up and Tomoyo gave her a big hug. Meiling leapt in and hugged the two while Eriol connected them all together. The four friends laughed and hugged each other tight until they toppled over. A pair of grandparents were staring at them and gawking.
"Bye Tomoyo! Bye Eriol! Bye Meiling!" Sakura called, waving her hand in front of the entrance. The three furiously waved back and called her name back. She smiled once more at her best friends before turning around and stepping aboard on the plane. She sat on the seat beside the window and peered out. She could see her friends waving at her from the windows. Smiling, she waved back, hoping they could see her.
Goodbye Hong Kong.
She settled in her seat as the plane started to run. Kero peaked out of the bag to check on his mistress and friend. She was looking outside and humming a song she loved. (A/N: I do not own Michelle Branch's Goodbye to You.)
Of all the things
I've believed in
I just want to
Get it over with
Tears form behind my eyes
But I do not cry
Counting the days
That pass me by
I've been searching
Deep down in my soul
Words that I'm hearing
Are starting to get old
It feels like
I'm starting all over again
The last three years
Were just pretend
And I said
"Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything
I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that
I tried to hold on to"
I still get lost in your eyes
And it seems that
I can't live a day without you
Closing my eyes and
You chase my thoughts away
To a place where
I am blinded by the light
But it's not right
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything
I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that
I tried to hold on to
And it hurts to want everything
And nothing at the same time
I want what's yours
And I want what's mine
I want you
But I'm not giving in this time
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything
I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that
I tried to hold on to
The one thing that
I tried to hold on to
And when the stars fall
I will lie awake
You're my shooting star
*** Sakura's POV ***
Goodbye to you. Syaoran. I. I still love you though. I'll still love you from a distance, even if you can't remember me no more.
My thoughts kept repeating the moment when he and I had hugged. It was so perfect. It was like every puzzle piece was where it belongs.
I hoped he would remember me. even if I'm not there.
Syaoran
Tomoyo
Eriol
Meiling
I'll miss all of you. I'll come back though, I promise you that. Three months. isn't the worst scenario right?
I hoped I was right because I didn't know what was right and what was wrong anymore.
I love you.
*** How was it? It was quite a long chapter, don't you agree? You guys out there better thank me a lot for putting this chapter up this week! I have my midterms next week, yet I get this long chapter out for you guys! I'll forgive you all if you grant me three wishes and review! LOL. I need to study now. Cross your fingers and wish me luck! Heheh.. Rainbow Dreamer.