Thank you so much for those people who reviewed! I love you guys! My computer have internet now! But geez..it's so SLOW! Well...here goes the next chapter!

CAUTION: It's SIX years that had passed and not five! My mistake! Sorry...

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It's Never Too Late

---

Seven o'clock in the morning and Sakura had to wake up for work. She can hear Tomoyo talking about how time flies by so fast when people are sleeping. Sakura can't help but smile at the thought of her favorite cousin, being silly like this. She always grumbles when she has to wake up early in the morning to go to work.

After all the morning ceremonies like fixing their hair, dressing up and eating breakfast, Sakura started her brand new car outside their beautiful, cozy-looking house and when Tomoyo climbed in, they hit the road to go to fulfill their jobs for the day.

"Hong Kong is so beautiful today, don't you think, Sakura?" commented Tomoyo.

"I know. Somehow, it looks special as if something is bound to happen" she replied cheerfully while driving.

"Maybe something will...who knows?"

Sakura got the message and just sighed.

"I don't know anymore, Tomoyo..."

Then Sakura gave out another sigh. She has been hoping and hoping that something special will do happen...everyday, she has been praying, never giving up on her wish to...

"Sakura? Don't tell me that you are giving up"

"I'm not. It's just that for five years, I have been searching"Sakura exasperatedly said.

"That's true. But don't lose hope. No one can predict the future, you know. Someday, you'll get what you wish" she interrupted.

"I sure hope so..."

After a few minutes of silent ride, Sakura pulled in front of a large little studio type shop and hopped out of the car with Tomoyo.

"Thank you, Sakura for driving me" she thanked her.

"It's okay" was Sakura's warm response.

"You're business is really doing well, Tomoyo. People love your designs and you are getting famous"

"Thank you. I'm glad my works are appreciated. You should go, Sakura. You don't want to be late. Oh and, you don't have to pick me up after work later. I can manage"

"Okay. Bye"

And she started the car again. But before she began to drive, she stared at the full window outside Tomoyo's shop. It has mannequins of women wearing wedding dresses. It has lovely white laces and beautiful styles, designed by Tomoyo herself.

Sakura can't help but smile as she drove. Tomoyo is the kind of person that everybody loves. Kind, generous, lovely and most of all understanding. Sakura feels so blessed finding out that she has a cousin like this.

For eighteen years, she never knew she has a cousin in Hong Kong and she once wondered why her dad hadn't said anything, only to find out that Fujitaka never knew it either. They just came up one day at their doorstep claiming that Sonomi is Sakura's aunt, sister of her mom and that girl with the long, beautiful hair with lavender eyes is her cousin.

Sakura continued to drive and thought with a grin how Tomoyo and her hit it off quickly as if they knew each other for so long.

Sakura then entered the huge parking lot of the hospital where she works.

She parked her car, got out and before resuming on walking, she stared at her new, silver, mustang convertible and her eyes twinkled with delight.

'I love my new car' she thought fondly and went on her way to the wide door of the hospital.

She has been doing this, for almost a year now. Walking at the same hallways of the busy and crowded hospital. But she grew to love it and wished that she will never have to leave these halls.

As she walked among the information ladies, she always receives 'hello Sakura' or 'Good morning, Sakura'. She developed friends here in Hong Kong. More friends than the ones she left at Tomeda.

She has been working here right after college and never regretted one moment of it.

Sakura settled at her own chair as she walked in on her little office. She has a table in the middle of the room and lots of drawers for the patients' files. That's her job. She keeps the files of the patients for Chihari, the doctor that she was assigned to help.

Sakura is a nurse, in charge of helping her doctor and to assist her in doing her jobs such as checking up on children and giving vaccinations. Sakura is grateful for this job because this is her main goal. To be a nurse, assigned with a nice person and most of all, to work with kids.

The day went by unusually fast. She never noticed because she's always to run errands for Chihari. She always go from room to room to talk with other doctors, ask something for Chihari and sometimes even get herself in a middle of a vaccination process when she has to help the poor doctor who has to take hold of a scared boy, screaming at the top of his lungs and running around in the room, scared of the needle.

After lunch, as Sakura was trying to approve a person's request of medical insurance, the phone rang. It was none other than her boss.

After awhile...

"No problem, Chihari"

"But then, you have to get out of the hospital and drive all the way downtown just to---"said a soft voice from the other line.

"No. Really, it's okay. I would really like to drive downtown...you know, with my new car" Sakura smiled.

"Fine. Thanks so much Sakura. I owe you" laughed Chihari.

"You're most welcome. See you" and she settled down the receiver.

She got up, fixed her things and took them, locked the door and went on her way.

She figured out that by the time she'll be done with her errand, the day will be almost done. So, might as well bring all her things.

So, she walked at the still-crowded parking lot and climbed in her car with a huge grin on her face.

'Yeah! I'll get to drive it again...' she thought happily.

She turned the key to start the car motor. She looked around and saw that it was clear, although she knows that she can never be too sure. The place is packed with cars and you will never know when a car will go and zoom by.

"Take it slow, baby..." she whispered.

"Take it slow...there...just a little bit more..." she continued to say as she drove reverse, trying to get her car out of the lot.

"Ok...just a little bit more..."

Then once she was almost out and tried to go and make a left reverse, she let out a sigh of relief.

But all of a sudden, a dark green Lexus car came by fast enough and accidentally hit the mustang's back. Luckily, it was just a slight hit.

Sakura stared wide eyed at her side mirror with a funny look of terror on her face. The car in back of her stopped and waited for Sakura to climb down.

"What the heck?!" she gasped. "My new car!"

Then she got out of the car, slammed the door shut and marched her way to the man driving the green Lexus and waited for him to roll down his window.

When he did, she was shocked how the man is so awfully handsome. But she snapped out of it as she remembered that her new car, just bought yesterday got hit already.

"What in the world happened!? Didn't you see that I was backing up!? Why did you have to go and zoom by!? I won't care if it's some old jeep but it's my new car, mister!" she whined.

The man got out of the car and smiled, seeing how the lady reacted at the small incident.

"I don't see any damage, miss. I'm so sorry that I bumped on to you...although there's nothing that got wrecked or something..." he mumbled.

Sakura put her hands on her hips and pouted angrily. "What did you say? I--- "

The man laughed.

"I don't see anything funny..."

"Well, I'm sorry. See, I was in a hurry. I'm late for a rehearsal so, I have to admit that I was really way fast in some crowded parking lot. It was my fault" he said altogether quickly.

He checked his watch and his eyes widen.

"I don't wish to be rude but I'm really late. Here is my card. If there is anything wrong with your car...although I doubt it, just call me" he smirked and went inside his car and with a swift click in time, he burst out of the parking lot.

"He has some nerve..." Sakura growled and glared at the fast car, almost out of sight.

She checked her car and saw that there is no big or visible damage and smiled sheepishly at the thought of her overreacting. Then she thought of the man. He was surprisingly too handsome to be a jerk and drive fast like that.

"He must be really in a hurry" she murmured.

Then she recalled the card he handed to her and looked at it. Then she caught her breath and her eyes grew huge in shock. It says...

Hong Kong Engineering Company

Engineer: Li Syaoran

Contact number: 522 5252

---

The rest of the day, Sakura spent it under a daze. Luckily, she didn't crash to anybody else's car because she can't concentrate on the road. Also, it was fortunate that Sakura found and delivered what Chihari asked her to get. She was right and when she came back to the hospital, her shift was almost done and after a few minutes, her day of work is completed.

She drove silently for home and when she inserted the key to her and Tomoyo's house, she found her cousin, sitting on a couch, eating popcorn and watching a movie.

She collapsed on the couch and closed her eyes.

"How was your day, Sakura? Are you tired?" she said, her eyes still glued on the set.

Sakura was quiet and that got Tomoyo concerned. So, she lowered the volume and turned her head.

"What happened?" she asked.

Sakura opened her eyes, reached something for her pocket and handed it to Tomoyo.

Tomoyo looked at it and gasped.

"I can't believe...could it be? How?"

"He bumped the back of my car. I was going to get out of my parking space when his car flew by and hit my car. I got mad and marched up to him" Sakura informed her cousin silently.

"Then? Tell me!" Tomoyo insisted.

"He said he was in a hurry and he's late for some rehearsal. So he just gave me his number and told me to call him if there is something wrong" she explained weakly. This is so hard to take in. After all these years of looking and inquiring...finally, out of nowhere, he pops out!

"Sakura! Don't you see!? Something did happen today!!!" squealed Tomoyo.

"I'm so happy for you!!!" and she gave Sakura a hug.

"You should have seen him..." Sakura smiled turning red.

"He was so..."

"Hot?" helped Tomoyo with her eyebrow inching higher and Sakura nodded her head.

"I can't believe that it was him...I mean, he turned out to be someone really...Well, I just want to make sure it is him..." she mused.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Call him now!" Tomoyo ordered.

"No. I-I can't! There's nothing wrong with my car. That would be so embarrassing!"

"Come on, Sakura! Get real! This is your chance! You didn't come here in Hong Kong five years ago just to let this kind of opportunity go!" Tomoyo scolded.

"I don't know. Somehow...I'm nervous! All those years without any contact with each other! I don't even know if he still remembers me!"

"Of course he does! You were his bestfriend...and from what I've heard, his first love! How can he forget you!?"

Sakura sighed.

"You have been longing to tell him how you honestly feel right? Since he left you at Tomeda, you decided that you will see each other again by all means! Now...that he's there, you are not going to call him because you're 'nervous'?" Tomoyo said incredulously.

"But...Tomoyo..." Sakura whined

"No buts! Too bad you live with me because I will not rest until you touch that phone!" she joked.

Then they both laughed and Tomoyo put her arms around Sakura.

"I just want to see you happy! You finally found the guy you have been searching for in all these years! Don't you feel excited?" squeaked the hyper Tomoyo.

"Fine"

Then Sakura slowly reached out for the phone, held the card at her other hand and dialed the numbers.

Sakura waited nervously as the other line rang. Then that was it. It just rang.

"Oh! We forgot! He's in some rehearsal right?" Sakura said.

Tomoyo looked at Sakura with suspicion, thinking that Sakura is somewhat relieved.

"You're right but that doesn't mean you're not going to call him again. It's just 6:30. You'll call him in two hours or so"

Sakura lay down at the couch while Tomoyo mentioned that she's going to make dinner.

Sakura closed her eyes, with a smile playing on her lips.

'I found you, Syaoran. All these years, I have been praying that one day, I will see you again. To finally tell you what I realize six years ago. A realization that never occurred to me until you left'

Then Sakura smiled widely.

'I wonder if things can work out between us. Maybe, just maybe, Syaoran can get his emotions back for me. I know that I still love him. It's been long but my feelings never really faded. Maybe we can be together!' she thought excitedly.

'Being together is something that fate didn't let us to have way back in the past. Or maybe it was ME who didn't give us the opportunity. I don't know. But right now, one thing's for sure. I found him and I will tell him that when he left Tomeda, I realized that I love him too...the love that he felt for me a long time ago...'

---

Sakura dialed the numbers nervously...again. She looked around to see that Tomoyo is watching her every move with her eyebrows high. Sakura gulped, thinking that Tomoyo won't let her get off the hook if she messes up this call.

The phone rang about six to seven times. Sakura was about to give up when a deep, masculine voice spoke up.

"Li Syaoran here" he said loud enough to make Tomoyo giggle.

Sakura smiled at the thought of Syaoran's answer at the phone, still not changing. Tomoyo has to go and step on her foot to take her back to reality land.

"uhh...Mr. Li?" Sakura started, causing her cousin to blurt out her hidden giggles.

"Yes?" answered the voice.

"Err---this is the girl that you bumped onto this afternoon"

"There's something wrong with my car" then Sakura looked at the laughing Tomoyo.

"...I think" she continued.

"You think?" said the man called Syaoran.

"Yes. I mean no. I mean---I'm sure that there is something wrong with my car"

"Okay then. Would you like to tell me where to discuss the damage and the involved amount of money?"

Sakura nodded.

Then she felt silly when she thought that nodding your head on the phone with the other person not seeing you, was just plain pathetic. Tomoyo rolled at the carpeted floor with unstoppable laughter.

"Um, miss? Where do you suppose to make deals with your car?" the man asked again.

"What about for dinner tomorrow?" Sakura suggested weakly. "I mean, I have work and I'm sure that you do too"

"Dinner is fine" he replied, slightly getting irritated with the slow flow of conversation.

"I think that the Stake House near the hospital will be fine. I have to go now. See you by seven" he finished and Sakura heard a click.

Sakura stared at the phone and gave out a groan.

"What did I get myself into?" she whispered and glared at her cousin, still smiling like a fool at the floor.

"That was so funny, Sakura! You're so hilarious! Nodding on the phone where he can't even see you!" then she continued to giggle.

Sakura just sat down, still thinking.

"But you know what's weird? He didn't even ask my name or how is he going to know that it was me" she pondered.

Tomoyo turned silent and thought about it too. ---

'I wonder what's wrong with her car. Our cars just almost brushed. What could be wrong? Well, I'm going to find out tomorrow anyway'

"Oh! I forgot to ask her name. I'm such an idiot. How can I know that I really am talking to the person that owns that mustang car?" he asked herself.

Then he remembered that girl. The funny lady who a little bit overreacted at the incident with her new car. Then he recalled that cute pout and her small structure, her pretty face and those bright, emerald green eyes. Reminding him of someone... so he just dismissed the thought.

"Yeah. No problem. I can identify her" he told himself.

---

The next day went by so fast to Sakura's disappointment. It's not that she doesn't want to meet the so-called Li Syaoran, it's just that she's so nervous to face someone she knows she owes.

Six years ago, something happened. Something that changed Sakura to be more matured and not just some happy-go-lucky kid who always depends on her bestfriend for every decision that she makes. Six years ago, she found out that the person she thinks only as a bestfriend, loves her. She rejected it, protecting her on-going relationship only to find out that she was betted on. A stupid bet that teenagers that days think is fun. A guy named Haruki played with her heart and feelings. He turned Sakura against Syaoran, breaking his heart and her own heart. Sakura thought that she is the most impossible fool in the world for believing someone she hardly knows rather than her all time bestfriend. But then he left. All of a sudden, the bestfriend left.

And that is when she realized that all her life, she never paid any attention at her hidden feelings for her Syaoran. But now, she's sure! She's sure! Those six years of Syaoran's absence made Sakura's heart more determined and fonder of the thought that someday they will actually be together. Her and Syaoran, in each other's arms.

Her train of thoughts is ruined with a phone call.

"Tomoyo?" Sakura asked.

"I just want to say good luck. Don't be late. He said by seven at the Stake House!" informed Tomoyo.

"Of course, I know. Thanks! Bye"

And the conversation ended. Sakura looked at the clock and saw that fifteen more minutes, her shift is done.

---

Sakura went home only to find out that Tomoyo wasn't there. Maybe she got caught up with work and that's the reason why she just called her awhile ago.

Sakura fixed her self. She took a shower, dried her hair and tried to choose the clothes that she's going to wear.

She ended up with a pink blouse and a knee-high black skirt. She didn't even bother to put make up and went on her way.

The traffic is being uncooperative. She looked at her watch and it's now exactly seven.

She entered the stake house, being five minutes late. She took a deep breath and spotted a handsome young man, at the furthest side of the place, looking out at the window and recognized him immediately.

Sakura walked stiffly towards him, her breath uneven. She's getting nervous...really nervous.

Syaoran saw her and had to fight the urge to stare. Sakura indeed looked so pretty and innocent at her clothes. So wholesome and pure with no revealing skin at her outfit. This made a good impression to Syaoran that this lady means business, nothing more.

"Hello!" Syaoran greeted first, putting out his hand.

Sakura said a small 'hi' and shook hands.

"Have a seat" he offered.

"Thank you" she mumbled.

Sakura looked around, the place is slightly full but the spot where Syaoran sat is almost deserted.

'But this is how the Syaoran I know likes it' she thought.

"So, can we talk about what is really wrong with your car now, or do you want to order first?" he asked.

But the approaching waitress that came by answered his question. The waitress eyed Syaoran with interest and asked him with a sexy voice his choice of food.

He just asked for coke while Sakura asked for an iced tea.

"So, what's your name Ms.---?" Syaoran inquired.

Sakura gulped. She took a deep breath.

"First of all, there is nothing really---wrong with my car" she explained silently.

"What?!"

"What are you talking about!?"

"There is nothing wrong with my car" she repeated.

"Then why in the world did you ask me to meet you here?"

There was silence.

"Don't you recognize me?" Sakura asked, almost in tears of nervousness.

"I'm sorry but I have a lot of clients. I can't remember them all, you know!" Syaoran said quite irritably.

"I'm so sorry. This is just so awkward. I wasted your time, I'll just leave" then she started standing up.

But she felt hands on her arm and pulled her down.

"No. I won't let you go until you tell me who you are" he stated stiffly.

"Fine. But why do you want to know?" Sakura said.

"Something tells me that I know you. Although I'm not too sure how. I just got curious" he mumbled.

"Are you sure that you want to know who I really am?"

"Of course I do!" he replied.

"Syaoran..."

He was surprised to be called 'Syaoran' by a stranger.

"Who are you, miss?" he said with mounting suspense.

"You don't really remember my face?" Sakura asked again, her face smiling. Syaoran is getting excited and nervous too...she can tell

'Those smiles!' Syaoran thought.

Then his eyes widened and he slowly stood up, looking at Sakura like he saw a ghost.

"No..." he said with his head shaking with a smile, slowly forming on his lips.

"This can't be" he whispered.

"How?---" he laughed awkwardly.

"Are you---?"

Sakura stood up and her eyes started to water.

"Yes, Syaoran. It's me, Sakura. Sakura Kinomoto" she said quietly.

"Sakura!? Sakura!?" Syaoran gasped with his eyes huge as tomatoes.

Then all of a sudden, he leapt at Sakura and gave her a hug. Sakura closed her eyes with the feeling of Syaoran's body.

'Thank God, finally' she thought as Syaoran spun her around.

"It's been so long!!! SIX YEARS!" he almost screamed ecstatically.

"I KNOW!!!"

Then they hugged again and excitedly sat down.

Sakura blinked back the happy tears.

"You look great, Sakura! I have to admit that I didn't recognize you! You look so grown!" he complimented.

"You too! When you handed me the card, I was under a daze. I didn't think that I will see you at the hospital! Syaoran! I'm so happy I found you!"

"Found me!? You were looking for me?" he questioned with amusement.

Then Sakura turned red. "Well, sort of looking for you..."

"Come on, Sakura! Don't tell me that you were searching for your bestfriend just to play with you!?" he joked.

"Of course not!"

"Then there is a reason" Syaoran teased.

Sakura smiled.

"Okay spill!"

"No. That's for later!"

"Fine" Syaoran said

"But I missed you so much. I have been thinking of you for so long" Syaoran confessed.

"What brought you here at Hong Kong? I thought you never wanted to leave Tomeda!"

"I went here with my cousin!"

"Cousin!? I never knew that you have a cousin here!"

"Me neither! Believe it or not, me and my dad had a hard time believing that we have a relative here in Hong Kong!" she explained.

"How did you find out!?"

Then the late drinks came.

"They just paid us a visit a year after you left. Then we found out that we are related. Sonomi is my mom's sister! So, Tomoyo is my cousin!"

"Tomoyo? Tomoyo Daidoji!? She's the one who owns that 'Wedding Bells' store and designs the gowns there, right?"

"That's her! I can't believe you know her!"

"Everyone does. She's hitting pretty big"

"Wow! I'm so proud of my cousin" Sakura said cheerfully.

"So, how have you been Sakura?" Syaoran asked seriously.

"I'm doing great. I work at the Central Hospital and I live comfortably with Tomoyo. I'm a nurse there. And as you know, I just had my new car" she smirked.

Syaoran laughed.

"I have to say sorry for laughing at you awhile ago, Sakura! While I drove, I kept on laughing at your reaction! You were so mad that I think I saw smoke come out of your nose and ears!"

Sakura pouted. "What do you expect!? I just got that yesterday!"

"So that's why" Then Syaoran smiled radiantly. "We have a lot of catching up to do"

"You're right" Sakura agreed.

"So...what about you, Syaoran? What's going on with your life?"

"I'm an engineer. I work at an engineering company where a lot of people like me work together"

"That is amazing, Syaoran" Sakura said happily.

Silence occurred at the table.

"I'm really glad we saw each other again" Syaoran muttered.

"I missed you so much, Sakura" he gently added...

"I did too...more than you will ever know" she replied softly.

Syaoran smiled.

"So, when I left...Tomeda, what happened?" he quietly asked.

"I found out about that bet, if that was what you're asking. I can still remember it like yesterday" she said sadly.

Syaoran reached out for her hand and caressed it.

"You weren't there when I needed you the most" Sakura stated with a smile.

"I know. I just wished that I was there to comfort you because I know that it's going to hurt you painfully"

Sakura nodded.

"But I'm over it" Sakura said to finish the recollection.

"That's good"

For a moment, they were just staring at each other's eyes.

Sakura still remembered that amber orbs that held so much love for her and only her.

"So, have you had any more relationships after Haruki's?" he questioned.

"No"

"Why not?"

"I haven't loved anyone else after that"

"There's only one guy I love" she continued, turning red.

"You are still in love with Haruki!?" Syaoran asked in disbelief.

"No. Not him"

"Then who?"

Sakura smiled.

"Sakura? We are still bestfriends right? You know you can still tell me" he soothed.

"Syaoran...when you left I realized something that I never knew I will feel..." she weakly said.

"And what is that!?"

"Syaoran---it's you that I---"

"Syaoran!" called out a sweet voice.

The couple turned their heads and saw a tall, beautiful lady with elegant black hair.

"Oh, hey" Syaoran said looking up from Sakura.

The lady reached them and smiled cheerfully at Sakura.

Then she went up to Syaoran and kissed him. Right on the lips!

Syaoran hugged her and responded on the kiss with pure pleasure that Sakura noticed immediately.

Her eyes started to water as she looked at the couple.

"What is going on here?..." she whispered.

After several seconds, the new couple broke apart.

"Are you tired?" Syaoran asked the lady.

"No. Not really" she replied with the same sweetness.

"Oh!" Syaoran remembered that Sakura is just standing there.

"Ciara, this is Sakura. She was my bestfriend when I was still there at Japan. Remember? I told you so much about her" he stated, gazing at Ciara's hazel eyes.

"Oh, I know!" she exclaimed. "So you finally found each other! I'm so glad" she said with sincerity.

"Sakura, this is Ciara"

Then the lady named Ciara held out her hand and shook hands with Sakura.

Naturally, Sakura's hands are cold as stone and she managed a quick apology.

Ciara smiled.

Then Syaoran cleared his throat.

"This is Ciara Ying, my fiancée!"

------------------------------------------

Did you people expect this? I hope you like that little twist.

It's getting interesting now, don't you think? So who would have thought that these problems would pop out of nowhere at the two regular bestfriends?

REVIEW!!! You won't find out what's going to happen next if you don't! So...please REVIEW!!!

Next: Sakura will feel how Syaoran felt when he keeps seeing Haruki and Sakura together. A flipped situation for our favorite couple.

Will there be hope!? How can you find out if there are no reviews!? So, give me!...haha

But if you are confused and if you are looking for some explanations, they will come at the next chapters. So, I will update faster if there is more reviews!!!!

Bye!

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