Sakura, to say the least, was in a state of complete shock. She, being a typical woman, overanalyzed in her mind. Okay. So does he want to go out with me? Will he be expecting more from me? But he said he wanted to discuss the shoot. So, being a male, and having a one-track mind, he wants to talk about the shoot. That's right. He doesn't want to see me for anything else. Not even to kiss me like that again. She had to stop herself before she went down that road. His kiss had stirred emotions in her that she hadn't felt for anyone before. She wasn't sure if it was lust, or pure desire. But she was sure that she hated him, and she wouldn't allow herself to pursue these thoughts any further. You have to think of his personality, Sakura. Have to think of what he has said to you. Think of these things. And don't forget Eriol. Even though his kiss wasn't as wonderful as Syaoran's…he still is a beautiful man, inside and out. All these wonderings occurred in a matter of seconds, and before she knew it, she caught herself uttering the words.
"Sure, where do you want to meet…to talk about the shoot, of course?" A telltale blush flushed becomingly on his cheeks.
"Yes, yes, to talk about the shoot. Nothing else. Just talking…and eating dinner…and maybe dessert. But NOTHING else…" He acted as if going on this tangent was worthless and mutated the conversation, once again hiding behind his demeaning manner. "Seven o'clock, sharp. The Cherry Blossom, I'll pick you up." He then abruptly turned and left the studio.
Cherry Blossom cafe? Sakura thought. That is the finest restaurant in town. You can only get a table if you know someone or pay a huge sum of money. What is he up to? She packed up swiftly and headed home, lost in her womanly wonderings.
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Syaoran's wonderings were in the same arena. Cherry Blossom café? That is the most expensive place around. What made me say that? There are so many other places - less romantic places - that I could have chosen. The Cherry Blossom café specializes in little secluded corners with dim lighting and an overpriced menu. Anyone would be tempted into love, almost as easily as if reading romantic poetry! And with that in mind, he walked home to his loft, to battle his own demons.
The next day was a tense one at the studio. Everyone around the set could feel the chemistry sparking between Sakura and Syaoran. Syaoran showed his unease by snapping at everyone who so much as moved the wrong way. Sakura picked up the tempo of her usual hair teasing, and ended up having her hair redone by the hairdresser seven times in one hour. Neither one could say why they were upset; it was something in the air, something that made them cringe at words such as love, marriage, and destiny. And finally, finally, it was time to go home. But Sakura and Syaoran's night was just beginning.
He picked her up promptly at seven, almost getting lost with the directions she hastily gave him that morning. She wore an elegant black dress that ended mid-calf. It had a sheer, flowing front, and underneath was a tighter black material that clung to her body like her own skin. It was something that she had worn once to a boat party for the producers of Vogue. However, the complexity of her dress did not downplay her beauty, and at her appearance at the door, Syaoran had to gasp, and remind himself to breathe. He himself looked dashing in a pants and jacket ensemble, Armani-made specifically for his tall and daunting frame. He offered his arm to the fine lady, and Sakura took it without hesitation, as if this was meant to be from the beginning of time. Opening the door to his jet-black Jaguar, he couldn't help sneaking another glance at Sakura's beautiful body. She was truly a specimen of purest perfection. But tonight is for business, strictly business, Syaoran tried to remind himself. However, with Sakura there, he wasn't sure what would happen, as having her that close to him was already making his senses reel. The ride in the car was uneventful, and almost too long for Sakura, when they finally reached the café. It was a glamorous place, full of glamorous people. Again, she took the arm that was offered to her, and they made their way to a table. It wasn't every day that the two brightest stars in the fashion industry dined together.
Dinner started out with the uncomfortable silence that usually accompanies people who do not have much to say to each other. Instinctively, Syaoran ordered for Sakura. He ordered for me? Sakura thought. At first she was overwhelmed with the desire to leave, for she hated such controlling men, but then she reconsidered it. He was doing it because he is a gentleman. He isn't dominating me. In fact, it's kind of cute. Maybe he isn't so bad after all. And with that, she too had to remind herself that tonight was purely business.
Dinner became a boring affair; with the discussion of the shoot shortly bringing a need for more to discuss. Until they wandered to different topics, they discovered that they truly did have more in common than they each had realized. The mood of dinner was morphing into a romantic scene, and Sakura got up to leave before anything could come of it.
"Would you like to come to my flat," he ventured in the parking lot, "and have some coffee?" Sakura seriously doubted that it was necessary to have coffee at his flat – alone - but she obliged all the same, and they were soon there.
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Sakura's first impression of the flat was that obviously no one lived there. The walls were stark white; even his furniture seemed to blend into the walls. She smiled awkwardly, but didn't know what to say.
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Syaoran closed the door, his desire clouding his judgment now that they were alone. His nose was intoxicated by her beautiful clean scent. His lust overtook his rationality and he attacked her.
In one bound he had her in his arms, accosting her with his kisses, brutal and overbearing. Her muffled cries sound like moans to his ears, and he continued, letting his hands roam freely over her supple body, taking in her beauty one inch at a time. It wasn't until he tasted her tears and felt her sobbing uncontrollably against his chest that he stopped. His senses on overload from her sweet closeness, he could only murmur what he felt in his heart at that moment. It came out rushed and passionate, and he knew he was losing control of every tangible thought.
"S..Sakura. You are so beautiful. I want you, Sakura. Even though you are a model, I can get over that. You're just the woman for me. I know that this may come as a surprise to you, because I'm sure you know my reputation, the many women whom I have dated... But I am willing to give up the bachelor life for you, if you please me." His amber eyes declared his absolute assurance of her answer, but she could not tell him something that was a lie. Furiously she pushed herself out of his arms, grimacing. That was the last thing she ever thought she would hear from Syaoran Li.
"You want me? How could you want me? You just lust over me. You don't even know who I am! And then after you confess your desires, you insult my profession and me? Acting like you are some prize I have won. I am the lucky woman who gets to have you! 'If I please you', indeed!'"
Syaoran was quickly brought out of his daze, dumbfounded.
"You refuse me? But I need you. I mean, you being a model doesn't mean anything to me."
"You don't want me. You lust over me like a dog for a bitch."
Syaoran's stunned reaction quickly submitted to anger, and it was with difficulty that he controlled the bitterness in his next words.
"Well then, if you are that set against me, can you please tell me why?" Sakura took a moment to consider this, and the silence in the apartment vibrated with awkward tension.
"Ever since I met you, you have been rude and unbearable. Your disagreeable temper has been a constant annoyance. Your complete disregard for the people around you alone leaves you open for my dislike. I may be a model, but leave my body out of your animal instincts. You will get no pleasure from me. I will continue shooting, on the condition no one hears of this disgusting event. There is no way you could have put your offer that would have tempted me to accept it.1" And with that she left his loft, leaving Syaoran red-hot with anger and embarrassment, alone with the memory of her kiss on his lips.
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(1AN: I received the rejection idea from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. That line is a quote. However, read the book, its good.)