Thank you so MUCH for all those wonderful reviews...there's nothing more I can say but THANK YOU! Well, maybe you readers are itching to know about what Syaoran is thinking right now. Sorry to disapoint you but I will have to keep it a mystery for now. But you'll soon see. And the SS moments? They'll come...it took so long but when they do come...man, will it be so intimate!!!
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It's Never Too Late
---
Sakura studied the beautiful invitation and her vision began to be nothing but a blur. She just let them roll down and she smiled sadly as she thought that her name can be written there at the brown paper instead of Ciara's. Sakura will be the happiest person alive if it says 'The Uniting of Two Souls...Syaoran Li and Sakura Kinomoto'.
Sakura hates being so sad. She hates it when she feels so vulnerable and weak. But when it comes to her emotion for Syaoran...there's absolutely nothing she can do. She fell in love and she fell hard, period. There's nothing more anyone can say that will be able to change that. It's ridiculous if you think that she just realize it over some picture.
All those years, she has that love in the darkest hole in her heart and she never thought of it. But when she did, she fell deep and hopelessly. She then thought that this maybe the kind of situation Syaoran was in when he was still in love with Sakura.
'Syaoran...did he love me the way I love him now?...' she thought as she lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Now Sakura can't help but think the 'what if's' that can twist everything. What if Haruki never entered their lives? What if Sakura feels the same about her bestfriend and realized it sooner? What if Syaoran didn't have to leave Tomeda? Wouldn't everything just be plain perfect? Wouldn't it be so wonderful? But no...fate has plans on its own. What Sakura can't understand is why her...among all people?
She rolled on the bed and groaned loudly because of emotional exhaustion and just closed her eyes and tried to relax for a moment. But she found out that closing her eyes only caused her to remember certain flashbacks that she'd rather forget and burry on the ground.
Sakura remembered how she cried so much at Syaoran's departure. She recalled as she was so miserable thinking that she will never see Syaoran again. But now she did...and it turned out that she can't be with him...ever again. That is one thing Sakura yearn for...but she can't get it. Things got out of hand already.
Then she also thought of the time that they were at the restaurant and Ciara marched up to Syaoran and gave him a sound kiss. She thought that she was going to be insane. With that sight, she thought of that kiss that happened so many years ago. She was amazed on how much detail she still remembers. That's what really happened when the memory that happened is truly special.
Those lips...so smooth and red. It's so soft and gentle that Sakura thought she can't live without it. Those hugs that gave her chills, those looks that melted her...and most of all, the smile. That smile that is only reserved for one girl and for one girl only...her.
Sakura rolled on her bed again when she heard a knock. She then told Tomoyo to come in. When her cousin came in, she sat on the bed with the noticeable grin and brightened eyes.
Sakura smiled.
"What's going on, Tomoyo? You look so excited" Sakura observed.
"Of course I'm excited!" she squeaked.
"I know that this is no time to be happy for your sad news" she started, "But...Eriol just called and he is coming for a visit tomorrow!!!"
Sakura jerked up from bed, her eyes temporarily enlightened and she also squealed.
"ERIOL!? ERIOL HIRIGIZAWA!?" she said out loud.
"Yes! My Eriol!"
"That is so awesome! I miss him so much. Last time we saw each other was two years ago when he came to visit us!" Sakura was starting to be ecstatic.
"I knew that this news will do some good. At least you cheered up, Sakura" Tomoyo commented.
"I know. Imagine, Eriol. Here!"
"I miss Eriol so much. I miss his touch...he's staying for two weeks. That would be so short then he has to leave again..." Tomoyo mumbled.
"Aww, Tomoyo. You're not even supposed to think that it's going to end already. Because if you do, it will just go faster. Think positive!" Sakura soothed.
"You're right. I'm so happy that he's going to be here..."
"It's amazing how you two can survive a long distance relationship. I mean, some people I know always stay unfaithful since they are far away from each other" Sakura mused.
"The key in a long distance relationship is trust, Sakura. You know the saying! 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder...' And that is so right" then Tomoyo stood up.
"Take a rest, I just wanted to tell you the news. I'll se you tomorrow. Remember, at ten okay?"
Sakura just nodded while Tomoyo got out of the room.
Then Sakura was back to her own thoughts. The only difference is that she doesn't feel that gloomy anymore since she knows that Eriol will be here tomorrow.
'Eriol...' she thought.
Sakura smiled as she thinks of how much Eriol helped her... how much he had encouraged her when she needed support more than any time. He had lifted her spirits when she was down. Eriol was the one who stuck by her side when Syaoran left, when she found out about that bet and when she needed boosts when she realized that she loves her long gone bestfriend.
Sakura felt so lucky to have a friend like Eriol. Sometimes annoying with all the teasing, sometimes hard headed when he thinks he's right but those little naughtiness are nothing compared to Eriol's kindness and gentleness.
There's nothing more she can wish for her cousin, Tomoyo than to have a loving man like Eriol.
When Tomoyo visited Tomeda five years ago and introduced her cousin to Eriol, sparks flew. Sakura just know it. They were meant to be together...it was destined that Eriol and Tomoyo meet and be with each other. During Tomoyo's stay at Japan, Eriol confessed that it is the most wonderful summer that he had. He once mentioned that he is not a devoted believer of love but when he saw Syaoran fell for Sakura, he believed. Well, now that he met Tomoyo, he fell deeply in love that he understood what Syaoran must have felt.
Sakura was grateful that her cousin's love life didn't get crazy like her love life did.
Then Sakura drifted off to sleep, fortunately, without any tears for she had temporarily cheered up with the unexpected news of Eriol visiting.
---
There was an urgent knock on Sakura's door. "Sakura!! Wake up! We'll be late!"
Then Sakura suddenly sat straight at her bed and snapped her head on her right to look at the clock.
"9:45!? We have to be there by ten!" she yelled and immediately got out of bed.
She went to the bathroom, fixed her hair messily and put on her underwear. Then she stood in front of her dresser, trying to decide what to wear. She came up with black jeans with baby blue blouse. She slipped on her slippers and tried to gather her things to bring. Cell phone, house keys, face powder, lip gloss and sunglasses.
She stepped out of her room to see Tomoyo waiting impatiently outside the door.
"You made it in five minutes. Good job, Sakura" Tomoyo joked.
"I'm sorry. Let's go! Who's driving?" she asked.
"I will" Tomoyo replied.
They locked the house and hit the road to Pancakes Place and they got there five minutes late. Sakura spotted a couple at the far side of the place and started walking stiffly towards them with Tomoyo at her heel.
"Good morning, Ciara...Syaoran" she greeted. The couple then stood up with smiles on their faces.
"Hello, Sakura" Ciara and Syaoran greeted back.
"This is my cousin, Tomoyo...Tomoyo Daidoji" Sakura introduced her cousin.
Ciara was the first to offer her hand and Tomoyo shook it. Then Syaoran shook hands with her and Tomoyo gazed at him quizzically.
'Sakura is so stupid for letting him go before' she thought to herself with a laugh.
They all sat down and when the waitress came, they ordered their breakfast.
"I'm so sorry that we were late...Sakura here woke up a little bit...late" Tomoyo started and Sakura turned quite red.
"That's the Sakura I know" added Syaoran. "She's always late...at high school, we hardly have time to hang out in the morning 'cause she wakes up late...then she'll come rushing down to walk with me with her hair all messy and her clothes crumpled"
"Hey!"
Then the four people laughed. After a few minutes, the pancakes came with its scent filling the whole area. They all ate happily. Even Sakura was happy. The reason to this is she's pushing all sad thoughts for the moment. She joined in the conversations most of the time. She feels so proud of herself when she wasn't tearing up...until...
"I can't wait 'till the wedding, you know" Sakura heard Syaoran speak.
Then her stupid eyes are now betraying her...
They were talking about the wedding. They were discussing when it will be and why when Syaoran have to say that dumb remark. But it's not his fault, is it? He doesn't know how Sakura honestly feels.
Tomoyo giggled. "Who could? I mean, if it was me getting married? I won't be sleeping until the wedding day!"
"Exactly! I can barely concentrate with what I do because I always think of Syaoran and the wedding" piped in Ciara.
"You think of me all the time?..." Syaoran joked and kissed Ciara's cheek.
Tomoyo exchanged a meaningful glance with Sakura. Sakura pretended that she doesn't care...but it's the complete opposite on the inside.
"Well, I contacted you for so long but you're always busy. I was going to ask you if I can see your selection of designs and have you make them" Ciara then said with a business manner.
"Sure. Anytime that is convenient for you will be fine with me" Tomoyo smiled.
"I was hoping to do that today. You see, I'm going back to Japan for four days. Tonight until Thursday morning next week, two day before the wedding...and I hope that you can take that time to do my dress once I've decided on the style"
"Oh no! That would be too short of a time! But if you want to, you can take a look at my exclusive gowns. They are already done in different sizes! You can pick one that suits you the most" Tomoyo offered.
"That would be so wonderful!" she exclaimed. "Thank you so much Ms. Daidoji!"
"You're most welcome. But can you please call me 'Tomoyo'?"
Then they all laughed appreciatively. Sakura was just smiling as she slowly ate her pancakes.
But unknown to her, Syaoran's eyes are gazing at her, studying her face.
'That beautiful face...how come I didn't recognize her...how can I forget?' he told himself. But his thoughts were interrupted when he felt Ciara's arms slipped around his waist. He smiled at her and kissed her forehead.
Sakura was watching them...they are the sweetest couple that she ever saw. Love is positively evident on their eyes. Something that she had hoped would happen to her. She stared at her plate and saw the image of Syaoran there. Then in a blink of an eye, it was gone, she shook her head as if to wake herself up and opened her eyes to see that tears were in the verge of falling down. Would they make this kind of sweet couple if they were together?
'Would Syaoran be sweet and romantic to me if we are a couple?' Sakura can't help but think.
"Sakura, are you okay?" Syaoran asked concernedly.
"Oh, yes. I'm fine" she answered with a smile, avoiding Syaoran's eyes.
Then the four of them resumed on talking and chatting about the smallest things in life. They act as if everything is normal and everything will be plain and perfect.
Well, not to Syaoran's and Sakura's lives. ---
"Wow! That was a super meal" Tomoyo stated.
"Yeah" Syaoran agreed. "I'm stuffed"
Then Sakura accidentally burped rather loudly causing everybody to giggle and chuckle.
"Excuse me" Sakura said blushing.
"Well, where do you girls plan on going now?" Syaoran questioned the three ladies surrounding him.
"Me and Tomoyo are going to her shop. I have to choose my gown. Do you want to go with me, Syaoran?" Ciara said as they all stood up.
"What is a guy supposed to do in a wedding gown store?" Syaoran replied. "But seriously, I don't want to see the gown you'll be wearing. I want you to surprise me..."
Then Syaoran wrapped his arms around Ciara from behind and continued to walk out. Sakura looked at the other direction. Unfortunately, Syaoran noticed.
"Fine. Where are you going then?" Ciara asked.
"I have to go somewhere. I think I'll just take Sakura with me..." Syaoran announced.
Then Sakura looked lost when she heard her name. She wasn't listening. How can she listen? It's torture.
"Huh? What's going on?"
Syaoran chuckled. "Your cousin and Ciara are going to 'Wedding Bells' and I'm going somewhere and I will take you with me...did that answer your question?"
They got out of the restaurant and mounted on two different cars. Sakura got on the dark green Lexus car that bumped the back side of her car and she can't help but to grin as she remembered the way she overreacted over the incident.
Syaoran started the engine and somehow, Sakura seemed to relax. At least she knows that she won't be pretty much hurt here because Ciara's not there with them to make the sight intolerable. It's not that she has something against Ciara...it just hurts...when they are together...
"So, where are we going Syaoran?"
"Don't tell Ciara but I plan on giving her a necklace...so we are going there to pick one" Syaoran explained cheerfully. Sakura just smiled and continued to stare at Syaoran's face as he drove. It has the kind of smile that she saw on that picture.
That picture that Sakura used to think captured Syaoran's best smile. She recalled thinking that Syaoran's best smiles are reserved only for her, according to Eriol. But is this smile there on his face because he's with Sakura...or because of the joy he's feeling for the upcoming wedding?
They got in the store and hopped down. They entered and Syaoran started to look around, so she did the same thing. But on every glass that she looked through, she can just see a miserable face...no, a mask. She can see an emerald eye girl with a normal expression on like what others have. But to her, it was just an ugly face mask, trying to hide her real emotions inside.
After ten minutes, Syaoran approached her, clutching a small velvet box in his hand.
"Sakura! Look at this!" and he handed her the tiny box.
Sakura opened it and gave out a little gasp. "It's lovely!" she exclaimed.
It's a small heart of pure white gold and in it is carved the name 'Ciara' with elegant gems on the side. So simple yet so sophisticated looking that it matches Ciara so much.
"Do you think she will like it?"
"Of course!" she responded
Then Sakura gave him back the box and was slightly shocked when there's another pink box that Syaoran gave her.
"What's this?" she inquired.
"Just open it. It's for you"
When she did, her eyes grew larger. It's silver. A plain necklace but instead of a stone, it has a little charm that looks like a pink cherry blossom flower. In the middle of the flower was a blue little gem. It looks so childish...and Sakura loved it.
"Oh, thank you so much, Syaoran! I love it!" and she gave him a quick hug.
"Sure or have you forgotten that you are after all, my bestfriend. Let's go"
Then he began to walk out...but Sakura was right there, still gazing at the moving figure of the person she adores more than anything.
"My Syaoran...he's so sweet" she whispered and she too stepped out of the store and found her way to the car.
---
"THIS GOWN IS FOR ME!!!" Ciara almost yelled with ecstasy.
Tomoyo giggled. "I really think so too. Honestly, among all my designed gowns, this is the most special one because I was totally inspired by that time"
"Why? What happened?"
"I'm in love with this man at Japan. His name is Eriol Hirigizawa and I was imagining myself wearing that gown and being married to him while I designed that wedding gown you're holding" she answered.
"That's so sweet! I'm glad you found someone that you want to spend your entire life with"
"Thank you. But I just hope that Sakura will too" she mumbled.
"Sakura? That's right...whatever happened? I'm sure she loved someone before..." Ciara pondered.
"She did. She loved a friend. All her life, she never expected that all along, she loves her close friend. The good thing is, he loves her too..." Tomoyo told Ciara.
"Then what's wrong with that?" Ciara was curious.
"Well, he has to go leave and she never even got the chance to tell him. It's so sad that they had to fight right before the departure of the man"
"What do you mean?" Ciara asked once again.
"They fought...something that they had never done before. The reason? Because that man called Haruki who played with Sakura's heart lied to her. Haruki broke Sakura's trust on her friend and that friend is the man that loves her more than anything in the world. Sakura believed her boyfriend instead of her friend. So, they fought" Tomoyo explained confusingly.
Funny how Ciara understood. "How awful!" Ciara said. "What happened to the man, you know...the friend?"
"Well, they haven't seen each other for so long. But when they do, they will just have to move on because the man that Sakura used to love so much will probably have a family now"
"That hurts" Ciara then bowed her head. "I feel so sorry for poor Sakura"
Then her phone rang and she answered it.
"Syaoran?---Yeah, we're done. I'll be there....see you!--- I love you too, honey"
Then they closed the shop and went to the ice cream parlor and met there.
They said their goodbyes and decided that they will just see each other some other time. Tomoyo and Sakura asked Ciara to take care in Japan and wished her to have a safe flight.
Once Sakura and Tomoyo are all alone at the car, Sakura sighed in relief.
"Finally" she spoke.
"It's so hard to act normal in front of them..." she complained.
"Well, the next time that you will see each other is on the wedding...I guess" Tomoyo told her cousin.
They have no idea that they are wrong.
---
6:20 in the late afternoon and Sakura and her cousin Tomoyo is at the airport.
"Sakura! Look there! See who's coming!" Tomoyo shouted.
Then when Sakura turned her head, she saw Syaoran and Ciara walking towards them and gave out a groan.
"Hello you two" the couple greeted to the cousins.
"Hey! What are you guys doing here!?" Ciara asked incredulously.
Sakura immediately noticed the necklace that Ciara was wearing.
"We are waiting for someone from Japan...he's---"
"FLIGHT 248 TO JAPAN! BOARD YOUR PLANES!" says the flight attendant.
"That's yours Ciara..."
Then Syaoran cupped her chin and whispered softly; "Be safe...I love you" and kissed Ciara on the lips. A gentle kiss that lasted for quite a long time before Ciara has to break it up and giggled.
Sakura watched the two with her lips trembling. She wants to break down and just cry. But she can't! She has to act normal! But hearing Syaoran say those words that are supposed to be for her hurts so much...it's not just jealousy...it's the thought of stupidity that if she hadn't made that mistake, Syaoran will be saying ' I love you' to her.
"I'm going to be late, Syaoran! Let go" Ciara squealed.
Syaoran hesitantly let go of her and watched her sadly as she went inside the hall heading for the plane.
"I hope that she'll be safe"
"Don't worry, she will be" assured Tomoyo.
"Thanks! But hey, who are you waiting for here!?" Syaoran turned to Sakura.
"Oh...we are waiting for Eriol" she informed Syaoran.
"ERIOL!? ERIOL HIRIGIZAWA!!?" Syaoran burst out, all his dignity down when he literally jumped an inch from the ground.
"Yes!" and the two cousins giggled.
"He's coming here to Japan!? Wow! I haven't seen him in so many years!"
"Six years to be exact!" Sakura added.
"Six years!? Really?" Syaoran knitted his eyebrows.
"Yeah. You left Tomeda when you were just seventeen right? And now, you're twenty three!"
"Whoa. You know me more than I know myself. Well, that means you are already twenty two, Sakura. And you came here five years ago when you were seventeen?"
Sakura nodded her head. Then Tomoyo squeaked. "Here he comes!!!"
Then they saw from the wide glass doors for the flight from Japan, emerged a fine-built blue-haired boy with glasses, dressed like a teenager model.
"ERIOL!!!" yelled out Tomoyo and rushed to him. She then jumped on him and gave him a bear hug while Sakura and Syaoran ran to Eriol too.
Eriol hugged her tightly...it's been so long!
Then when Tomoyo settled down from her excitement, Eriol saw Sakura and gave her a hug too. Syaoran was just staring wide-eyed at the new Eriol that he is seeing...
"We missed you so much, Eriol!" Sakura said fondly, hugging Eriol.
Then all of a sudden, Eriol and Syaoran made eye contact. Syaoran was gazing at Eriol's eyes while Eriol questioned the amber ones of the man in front of him. Syaoran started to grin broadly...then Eriol suddenly started smiling too...
"Syaoran!?" Eriol whispered sharply.
"I don't believe it...could it be?..." he pondered.
"Well, you better believe it Hirigizawa...because It's me, Syaoran Li!" he told him.
"Syaoran!"
"Eriol!"
Then the two old friends hugged each other...their manliness shunned at the side for a moment as they clapped each other's hands on their backs.
"It was so long! It was so long!" Eriol suddenly became hyper.
"I know!!! Look at you! Look at you! You look...good!" Syaoran almost screamed.
Sakura and Tomoyo were just giggling at the side looking at the two boys. They haven't noticed that some passerby's were staring at them, thinking that they must have come from some mental hospital because of the noise that they are doing. But they didn't really care.
Then Eriol tore his eyes from Syaoran and looked at Tomoyo. His eyes softened and his face turned red.
"I've been neglecting you, my Tomoyo"
And he wrapped his arms around Tomoyo's waist and immediately captured Tomoyo's lips. Once in a while, Tomoyo will moan and giggle at the kiss.
But Sakura was busy laughing her head off because Syaoran's lower lip was hanging lowly as he saw Eriol kiss Tomoyo. Tomoyo! The famous wedding gowns designer in central Hong Kong?
He looked at Sakura with his face screwed up in confusion.
"Yes, Syaoran! They are together! Since Tomoyo came to Japan, they met and then got together"
The couple broke with the satisfied Tomoyo and they walked all together towards Tomoyo's car.
"I can't believe that Eriol will get a woman like Tomoyo" Syaoran muttered.
For a moment, they were just staring at each other's faces...all their eyes are brimming with happiness at this small reunion. Sakura, Syaoran and Eriol had been friends since elementary. This is so great! Then Tomoyo is a cousin, a friend for Syaoran and a girlfriend for Eriol...what more could they wish for?
"So, what should we do first?" Eriol asked them.
"What about we go and have dinner then discuss it over there?" suggested Tomoyo.
"Sure!" they all agreed.
Once they got to a fine restaurant, they ordered their meals and looked and smiled at each other. Tomoyo is already snuggled next to Eriol, leaving Syaoran and Sakura to seat next to each other.
"So, people! Tell me, what has been going on? You already found Syaoran, Sakura!"
Then Eriol muffled a cry of pain as Tomoyo stepped on his foot.
"Oh yes... about that, Sakura. You told me one time that you were kind of looking for me. For a reason right!? What was that?" Syaoran questioned her.
"You haven't told him, Sakura? Why not?" interjected the clueless Eriol.
Then another stump from came Tomoyo causing Sakura to grin wildly.
"Ouch---what the heck is going on?" Eriol whined.
Syaoran laughed. "I think you're lost, Eriol! What about we tell you everything and you ask?"
"Okay..."
Then the food came...
"I just met Syaoran yesterday. We accidentally bumped with our cars. He gave me a contact number and I called him to introduce myself. I work there at the Central Hospital as a nurse"
"I'm a designer of wedding gowns, Eriol. I own the store called 'Wedding Bells'"
"Wow! Has it been that long?"
"Yeah! Now, I'm an engineer. I live by myself. My mom and dad went to take a cruise in this place called Hawaii...that's why they can't go to my wedding"
"Wedding?!"
"Yes, Eriol. I'm engaged! To this one lady named Ciara Ying"
"Oh--oh..." Eriol's face saddened but he faked a cheerful smile. There's nothing else to do right?
"Congratulations Syaoran!" Eriol said, shaking his hands again.
Inside his head, he can't help but wonder what happened to the Sakura and Syaoran relationship. Aren't they supposed to be together?
"Thank you! Too bad...that you didn't have the chance to meet her. She's amazing"
Eriol then took a glance at Sakura and saw that she was pretending to not care and as if that it's so easy to shrug it off...but he saw right through her.
"Wow. I never knew that you'll move---"
"I know" Syaoran cut him off rather too quickly.
Then they ate in silence and just share conversations once in a while. Sakura hadn't spoken since the mention of Ciara but she does listen.
"So, you guys, what are you planning to do!?" Tomoyo spoke up.
"Umm...what about a sleep over?" Sakura finally spoke up.
"Cool idea, Sakura!" Syaoran complimented. "What about my house!?"
"Sure!" agreed Tomoyo and Eriol nodded eagerly. Sakura pretended to brighten up and said yes.
This is not the plan that she thought. She suggested the sleep over so that they can do it at Tomoyo's house. She has a room there and somehow can hide there when she needs to. And now that they are supposed to stay at Syaoran's house, how can she hide and just hang out on her own world?
"Okay, what about this theory?" Syaoran started. "What about allowing me to be the host for the next four days while Ciara is gone? Consider it as my little party and last opportunity because once I get married, I won't have time to spend with you three and I won't be able to do that"
"That's fine with me!" Eriol chuckled.
"Yeah. I'd love to be served by a host like you, Syaoran! I know that we will go to a lot of beautiful places!" squealed Tomoyo.
"Sakura?" they all asked.
"That would be really great...I think" she answered silently.
"It's settled then. I'll be your host and I will plan everything that will go on in the next four days!" Syaoran confirmed like a little boy causing everybody, even Sakura to laugh.
Then they ate their dinner, paid the check and got out of the restaurant.
"What about you girls drive home then get your things while I take Eriol home and wait for you two there!?"
"Nice plan! See you guys!" waved Sakura.
Then they mounted on the car and went their way towards home.
Once Eriol is settled in Syaoran's Lexus, he started smirking...which really annoyed Syaoran just like the old days...
"So, you're engaged huh?"
"You better be quiet or have you forgotten that I have a way to get to you...Tomoyo" Syaoran smirked back.
"Fine! But seriously...I thought...you love---Sakura?" Eriol whispered.
"I can't wait on her forever. I have to move on and I did. I forgot the love that I felt for her. Ciara is the one I love now. She's the one that helped me through my pain when I was moping for Sakura. I love Ciara now" he explained with an intensity of conclusion.
"Does Ciara know?...that you loved Sakura, I mean"
Syaoran shook his head no.
"Syaoran?... what if she loves you too, Sakura I mean?"
Syaoran scoffed. "What are you talking about, Eriol!? She ignored me when I was in Tomeda. What can make her love me when I was here at Hong Kong"
"Pictures can..." Eriol murmured.
"Say that again. I didn't hear you"
"I just said, you're right" he replied and fell quiet as he they continued to drive.
---
The doorbell rang and Syaoran got up and answered it.
Tomoyo and Sakura entered the house with lots of bags on both their hands.
"Whoa, girls! Four days, not four months" Eriol teased earning a glare from Tomoyo.
"You will have the master's bedroom" Syaoran told the ladies.
They went upstairs and stepped inside the room to see a neat and clean room with a huge bed in the middle, a vanity on the side, a little drawer and a small couch. There was no bathroom though but they found out that if you step out of the room, the door, a few steps away, is the bathroom and next to that is Syaoran's room.
'This house is huge' Sakura thought.
When everything was settled, they all gathered around the fireplace area and sat down on the comfortable couches and started to relax with hot cocoas served by Syaoran.
"This is the life" Eriol moaned.
"So Eriol, we have told you what is new to our lives but you never told us what's yours" Syaoran said.
"Well, I work at the University as a teacher, but that is only part time. I'm a part time model too. But I'm studying right now to be a pilot. That's what I want to be" Eriol explained.
"Wow" muttered Syaoran.
"So, how's Tomeda Eriol?" Sakura asked.
"Same places, same things and same people living there" he answered.
Then there was silence. The house's air conditioner is running but the hot cocoa's satisfying hotness gave the four reunited people to feel so warm and welcome in each other's presence. Syaoran got out some blankets and arranged them on the ground and Tomoyo and Eriol chose to lay down there while Sakura has her couch and so does Syaoran.
It's like the old days when they were all careless. There was no pain, there was no sadness and there were no heartbreaks. But this is not the old days, is it?
---
"What about we play a nice little game. A game of questions and answers to help us catch up with each other" Eriol mused.
"Aren't we a tiny bit old for that?" Syaoran joked.
"Maybe you're getting old Syaoran but not us" Sakura replied.
Then Syaoran growled in a joking manner and the four laughed.
"Fine. Let's go. Who's starting?"
"Wait! We are not going to ask each other any personal questions right?" Sakura asked nervously.
"Of course we are...after all, we are all close friends here. You are not hiding something from us, right?" teased Syaoran.
Sakura gulped, while Eriol and Syaoran looked mischievously at the two girls, already planning what to ask.
Tomoyo cleared her throat. "I'll start! Syaoran...how far have you gotten with Ciara?"
Eriol smirked while Sakura flushed with the unbelieving Syaoran. This is one topic that they shouldn't talk about...of all questions to ask...
"Hey! That's foul!" Syaoran whined.
"I thought we are close friends!?" Sakura interrupted with a smirk on her face...a fake smirk, to be exact.
"All right! I slept with her already!" but with the looks of his friends, he chuckled. "What are you guys thinking? I have slept with her but nothing happened!"
Everybody gave out a sigh of relief.
"My turn" Syaoran said. "Hmm...Eriol, I'm sure that you are planning to marry Tomoyo right? How many kids?" Syaoran grinned and so did Sakura when Eriol turned beet red.
"Uhh---Umm---yes yes of course! And maybe two or three..." he mumbled, causing Tomoyo to blush heavily.
Eriol coughed a little with all the embarrassment while Sakura made fun of him by rolling on the carpet, trying to imitate the way Eriol mumbled.. But then she stopped immediately when Eriol looked at her with scary and evil eyes and she started to sweat badly.
"You are scaring me, Eriol" Sakura pouted.
"You should be scared"
"Now, Sakura!... What is the biggest regret of your life?" Eriol smirked.
"Nothing!" Sakura said out immediately.
"Sure..." whispered Tomoyo and Eriol just raised his eyebrow while they all stared at Syaoran and Sakura.
"Am I missing something here? Come on, Sakura! What is your biggest regret?" Syaoran questioned innocently.
"Well, it was when I---um...when I believed Haruki...yeah. But that was so long ago. Right now...I don't have any regrets"
"Are you sure that's it?"
"Yes. Of course" Sakura is turning red.
"What about the part that you didn't get to tell the person you love that you really love him because he left?!" Eriol smiled.
"Who was that person?" Syaoran is getting curious by the second.
"You know, when you realize that you really love him by looking through his forgotten pictures. And you were hoping so bad to tell him so that you will be together?" Tomoyo stated.
"You told me that you love him so much it hurts and you were blaming yourself for not realizing so soon. You regretted it that you never told him because obviously, if you did you will be happy together now and he won't meet another girl and marry her" Eriol reminded her.
"Wait! What are you three talking about!? Do you mind enlightening me!?" Syaoran said irritably.
"Well, six years ago, when Sakura was sixteen, she realized that the person she truly loves was her bestfriend. She never expected that to happen but it did. Too bad that she didn't find out sooner. Because he left for Hong Kong and we know that he's never going back. Sakura came here to look for him. But it seems like it's just always too late for her"
"That can't be! You said she loves her bestfriend! And I am only her bestfriend by then---what?---"
"Hey...you mean?..." Syaoran interpreted quietly with huge eyes.
"Then it's---"
"Yes, Syaoran...it's you... that I love the most" Sakura finished the sentence weakly.
She then moved slowly to where Syaoran is sitting with a sad expression plastered on her face and placed her lips against Syaoran.
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If you people are confused about the year difference, here it is...SIX years ago was when Syaoran left and when Sakura realized that she love her bestfriend. FIVE years ago was the year Sakura left Japan and went to Hong Kong. It means that after a year of Syaoran's departure, she went to Hong Kong too. Then TWO years ago, Eriol visited the two cousins but they he never saw Syaoran because Sakura haven't found him yet. I'm sorry if it's confusing. I was confused to..
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Next: The first day of the four days in the three people's lives when Ciara is gone. What do you think will happen? A LOT! Read and find out!
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