What is love?
Summary: Still in depression from her breakup with her boyfriend, Sakura meets Syaoran in unusual circumstances. Will love blossom between the 2 individuals who don't believe in love? SS, TE
Legend:
- words - refers to thoughts
Disclaimer: FANfiction. Period.
In the last chapter...
Her mind felt blank when she reached home. Naoko was not in, nobody to accompany her, nobody to listen to her problems. Why was it that Naoko wasn't here when she needed her most? After changing out of her wet clothes, Sakura just lay down on her bed to rest her head, and was soon in dreamland. It had been a very tiring day for her...
Chapter 8
"Oh my god! Isn't that Tomoyo Daidouji, the famous fashion designer?"
"I'm positively sure it is her! I'm a big fan of hers!! What is she doing here anyway?"
"I think she came to look for Kinomoto, Boss Hiiragizawa's new secretary. I personally heard her say that at the reception counter!"
"If I'm not wrong, this is not her first time here to look for Kinomoto."
"Yea, I saw her together with Kinomoto the last time with my own eyes!"
&---&---&
"Oh my, is that Tomoyo Daidouji?! I can't believe I'm seeing her again! Oh yeah, wasn't she with that Kinomoto last time? We must have forgotten to ask that bitch about their relationship because of Syaoran!" Serika suddenly remembered while feeling excited as she watched Tomoyo walking towards the direction of Eriol's office.
"Hey! Ami? Maki? You guys there? Are you all dead or something?" Serika turned around crossly when she received no reply to her comment.
"Oh my gosh! No way! This can't be!" Maki suddenly cried out aloud as she was reading a fashion magazine.
"I don't believe this! She can't be this lucky!" Ami continued in disbelief, also reading the same fashion magazine.
"What is it?" Serika asked curiously, baffled by their weird behavior.
Both Ami and Maki just pointed to a page of that magazine they were reading.
"Famous fashion designer, Tomoyo Daidouji is set to return this season by introducing this year's collection in her annual fashion show. In addition to the usual glamour and style that accompanies her masterpieces, there is also a shocker! Daidouji has stated that a Kinomoto Sakura who has only just entered the modeling scene, and is a total newbie, will be joining the likes of experienced models Rika Sasaki and--- " Serika read out the report slowly as her jaw was left wide open. She couldn't believe it.
"There's more!" Maki said tensely as she proceeded to read the red column at the right side of the page which had Sakura's name as a header and a photo which covered half of it.
"In one of the most unexpected turn of events, well-known model Ikita Mizuki has been ousts by first time model Sakura Kinomoto for an honored position of modeling for Daidouji's line of clothing. It has always been a trend that only the most experienced models are allowed to take part in Daidouji's fashion show; there would be an audition to pick out the best models. Yet, this time, the company has broken the trend. When interviewed, Daidouji explained that Kinomoto had 'a unique quality about her that no one else has' and later added in an excited voice that 'she is just so kawaii!'
There was a rare moment of silence as each processed the article, and what it meant. They stared uncomprehendingly at the article and at the photo of Sakura.
"Come on, let's go find that Kinomoto and set things straight. I don't believe this article!" Maki bit out as if Sakura's name was poison.
&---&---&
"Ano... Tomoyo-chan, you don't need to come down personally to tell me about the change of time of the rehearsal for the fashion show. You could have just informed me on the phone!" Sakura said to Tomoyo, giving her a puzzled look.
"It is alright! It's not like I came here just to inform yo-- Oh wait! I mean erm... It's okay, I'm er... taking a break for a while and thought I'd visit you. Plus it is part of my job to have a good relationship with my workers as well as with my friends!" Tomoyo replied quick-wittedly as she realized just on time that she had almost given herself away.
"Oh really? Or is it because you want to see your lover Eriol-kun?" Sakura asked cheekily. For once again, Sakura wasn't that dense about this.
"Eh? How did you know about it?! Don't tell me Eriol-kun told you about it!" Tomoyo asked, feeling surprised and shocked.
"Wow, already on the first name basis? How about asking your lover about it?" Sakura replied, winking to her. "Anyway are you sure you are not here just to see your lover?"
Of course not! I just have to see Eriol-kun about something very important." Tomoyo replied nervously, blushing many shades of red by then.
"Ahah! You are here to see Eriol-kun!" Sakura smiled gleefully.
"Oh well, I just want to discuss with him about your schedule for modeling. Nothing else..." Tomoyo maintained, trying hard to contain her blush.
"Yah right... Like I will believe you..." Sakura teased as she stuck out her tongue.
"Hey, it is true! Think what you want... I'm really meeting Eriol-kun about it and nothing more." Tomoyo finally said, even redder than before.
"Alright, I believe you. Wait a moment while I inform him about your arrival. Or do you want to give him a surprise?" Sakura suggested cheekily.
"I think I will go for the second one!" Tomoyo chose quickly and made for the door to Eriol's office before Sakura could say anything.
&---&---&
B3 glared at the scene before them. Sakura and Tomoyo were laughing very happily and seemed to be great friends. Tomoyo then moved towards Eriol's office door and went in.
"Now's our chance! Let's hurry before anyone sees us!" Maki exclaimed to her friends as they quickly made for Sakura's desk.
"Hey bitch, how do you know her?" Ami immediately directed the question at Sakura.
"Huh? Oh...You meant Tomoyo-chan? She is my boss and friend and I am currently modeling for her." Sakura replied quickly, hoping that 'B3' would get out of her sight after getting their answers.
"What?! This can't be true! This is so unfair! Why did she choose someone like you that look so much like a child? And you are already that close to be on first name basis?!" Maki spat out vehemently.
"Yeah! She isn't fit to be a model for the fashion show of the year! There is no way she is better than Ikita Mizuki, an experience and well-trained model. Well, look at her! She doesn't look the slightest bit like a model. Unlike us!" Serika added.
"You are soo right, Serika. We can easily be a better model than you with our figures and looks. I just don't understand why Tomoyo Daidouji will choose you of all people!" Ami agreed.
"Hey! I may be a newbie to modeling but don't insult Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura shouted back, defending her friend.
"Hurry, let's go! Someone's coming out of the office!" Ami suddenly shouted after hearing the door knob moving, cutting off Sakura's words and B3 instantaneously left.
-Strange, how did B3 come to know that I'm going to be in Tomoyo-chan's fashion show? I only mentioned that I'm her model... - Sakura thought to herself.
Sakura's thoughts were interrupted when the door abruptly opened. Tomoyo stepped out looking happier and more contented than before while Eriol stood behind her with his hair slightly ruffled just like both of their clothing. He was sending her out.
Tomoyo smiled sweetly at Eriol, bidding him one last goodbye before leaving his office. She sighed dramatically before facing Sakura.
"I don't want to know what happened in there." Sakura started mischievously.
"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo started to blush furiously.
"What?" Sakura merely smiled innocently.
"Hmph! Anyway, I need to go now. I've something on now and it's very urgent. See you on Saturday! Ja." Tomoyo said all of it in breath and waited for Sakura to say her bye before rushing off quickly.
"Oh yeah! And don't be surprised if people start coming up to you for your autograph or ask about you. I mentioned that you'd be in the fashion show in an interview. There is also your picture. I'll let you find out slowly on your own which magazine has it!" Tomoyo suddenly turned around and grinned while winking at Sakura before she ran away.
"Hoe..." Sakura was stunned.
-Ah! That must be how B3 found out that I was going to model for Tomoyo-chan's fashion show!-
Eriol came out of his office once again, but unusually neat, not that he was ever untidy, he just looked so stiff and serious this time. "Sakura-chan, I've to go for an important meeting now. It's only for the board of directors so you don't need to attend. I'll see you in a while. Ja!"
&---&---&
"Syao-kun, I've something very important to tell you." Meiling rushed breathlessly after her cousin who was heading for the lift to the meeting room.
"What is it? Can't it wait?" Syaoran snapped back while continuing to walk towards the lift, his thoughts had been plagued by Sakura all night that he hadn't slept a wink.
"Look, I understand you're not a morning person but this is very important! I saw Andy outside our company..." Meiling replied agitatedly, following Syaoran.
"What? What on earth was he doing here for no reason? Or could he just be passing by?" Syaoran asked curiously and anxiously while he turned around immediately on hearing his cousin's name.
"I'm not very sure. However I'm sure that he was not merely passing by. I saw him talking to Kinomoto-san, Eriol's new secretary. It seems that something happened between them. Kinomoto-san is not very friendly to him, when lightly put across... It seems like he cheated on her with another woman and he wants to get back with her now." Meiling gushed out.
-What?! That bastard! What did he do to my Sakura! Well, not my Sakura, but she is my worker. I have the right to feel concern for her.-
"Did she agree? She didn't right? Well, not that it really matters of course. But Andy isn't the kind of person that will do anything unless there is something for him to gain." Syaoran asked interestedly but quickly changed it to indifference.-Why do I care so much? It's is not like she is anything to me...-
"Nah. She scolded him and even bit his hand! Hmm, that is true... Maybe we should warn her about him. Anyway, do you think his coming near to the company has something to do with Elder Toshi?" Meiling replied without much thought.
"It's up to you if you want to tell her, it doesn't concern me. Moreover, we do not have evidence that that is the situation. We are just guessing blindly. Anyway, Elder Toshi is a director in the company and favours Andy like nobody's business since he was his only son. But what could Andy want here anyway? He rejected working here a few years ago. Besides, since he helped to set up this business, he wouldn't let his good-for-nothing son ruin it, would he?" Syaoran pondered slowly.
-Whew! I'm so glad she did not agree! Wait, it is none of my business what happens to her, I only want to know about that useless perverted cousin of mine- Syaoran reasoned with himself.
"I know that, but you never know. We have an urgent meeting soon, could it be connected? Aunt Yelan said that she had something important to announce." Meiling asked as something suddenly turned in her head.
"I don't know. It was Mother and some of the directors who arranged it. Maybe we should wait until then to find out." Syaoran replied after some consideration.
"Alright then... Anyway, look behind you, good luck!" Meiling said while grinning evilly.
Syaoran gave Meiling a weird look as he looked out of the corner of his eye and saw them. The most annoying people to walk the Earth – B3. They giggled and started to flip their hair in what they believed was a seductive manner when they saw that their 'beloved' was just in front of them. Syaoran sighed as he put on his usual cold demeanor and raised an eyebrow when Meiling winked at him.
B3 were approaching them. Meiling suddenly commented while looking straight at B3, "You know something Syao-kun? The company has been very busy lately but some people just don't seem to be busy. I feel so sorry for those some people who only know how to use their brains for gossip and make-up, not much good it does for them anyway. Not making any contributions at all, yet those some people surprisingly managing to stay in the company." Meiling added as an afterthought, "or maybe not that surprisingly."
Syaoran didn't react to Meiling's comment except for the slight quirk of his eyebrow.
"What the?! Are yo..." Ami wanted to speak up but was stopped by Serika. Obviously, B3 were very angry about the comment but couldn't do anything since Meiling was one of the important people in the company and they didn't want to look bad in front of Syaoran.
"Oh my dear Syao-kun, I think I left an important document in my office that is needed for the meeting. I have to go back and get it. So ja!" Meiling said while smirking as she walked in the direction of the B3. As she walked past them, she had knocked Maki down 'unintentionally'.
"Oops! It was an accident! I'm soo sorry about this but I have to get ready for a VERY IMPORTANT meeting with some VERY IMPORTANT people that some normal workers cannot attend. So since I'm very busy, I don't have the time to help you up. Ja, got to rush!" Meiling said with a hint of sarcasm as she smirked and walked away. She was trying to stress that she was an important person in the company and that they couldn't do anything to her.
-Well done man, Meiling!- Syaoran thought, in awe of her actions. Nodding at her to show that he was amused at her actions, he then turned his back at B3 and headed straight to the lift, as though not seeing them at all. He ignored the 'pitiful' look that Maki was giving him, hoping that he would help her up and he entered the lift. He made it clear that he didn't want to have anything to do with them as he did not acknowledge their presence at all.
"Sigh, I wish he'd stop doing that to us. It really hurts my heart." Ami, who was the first to speak up, sighed.
"If he did, he wouldn't be Li Syaoran anymore." Serika replied coolly. She was used to Syaoran's and Meiling's behavior towards them.
"But he treated that Kinomoto slut differently!" Maki cut in hotly as she picked herself up. She was angry at Meiling for knocking her down.
"Yeah, it's not fair to all of us here! We are so much better than her, regardless of look or figure!" Ami pouted slightly.
"The Bitch so doesn't deserve it! Eriol, Syaoran and even Tomoyo Daidouji the famous designer! It's so unfair! Why is she so lucky?! All of them don't give us a damn at all, but they do to that slut!" Serika complained loudly.
"Hey, let's don't get upset over her, it is not worth it. Instead of going against her, why don't we take advantage of her connections?" Maki suggested simply.
"It's a good idea, but how? Trying to be her friend and getting close to her? But I don't think she'll trust us after everything..." Serika contemplated the idea while frowning.
"Do you have no faith in our acting abilities? You disappoint me." Maki responded with the annoying I'm-so-disappointed-in-you tone.
"Of course not!" Serika immediately shouted. "Our acting skills are so good, we can even be actresses!"
"If that is the case, what are we waiting for? Let's get started!" 'B3' shouted together as they walked to their desks and in low voices came up with a plan.
&---&---&
"Syaoran, maybe we should hold our own meeting and discuss this matter further." Meiling said to Syaoran as the people filed out from the meeting room.
"Hai. Let's get Eriol to join us as well." Syaoran said looking tired after the meeting.
"Sure!" Eriol suddenly cut in, making Syaoran and Meiling stare at him as though he had been eavesdropping.
"What's wrong? Come on, let's discuss it now before lunch." Eriol suggested, deciding to become more serious.
&---&---&
"Alright, let's get started. First of all, who is this Andy Li fellow?" Eriol asked almost immediately.
"He... is sadly, our distant cousin." Syaoran started.
"Who happens to be a useless good for nothing bastard" Meiling added bitterly.
"I'm presuming you guys don't like him much. But why was there so much to discuss about his entry into the company earlier on in the meeting?" Eriol asked.
"Well, you know the one that person who first suggested it to us just now? He is a very important director and is our distant uncle. He is also Andy's father. At first after Andy graduated, his father wanted him to join our company. However he rejected it as he doesn't like the serious job here. He then set up a company with his friend which employs only the 'old and ugly' men and the 'pretty and young' girls for obvious reasons. He is really a good-for-nothing and a big pervert. Now that Andy suddenly wants to join the company and to get involved in all the serious work here, it is really suspicious as he has never seemed interested to join the company at all." Meiling answered.
"So you think he has a motive?" Eriol asked after a short pause.
"Yes. I'm very sure of it" Syaoran replied straight away, recalling what Meiling told him before the meeting.-It is probably that-
"Oh yea, by the way Eriol-kun, about your secretary, Kinomoto-san. I saw her and Andy outside the company a few days ago. I think they just broke up and Andy seemed to want to get back together." Meiling remembered all of a sudden.
"Oh really? I can't believe it is him! Shit, don't worry, I'll warn her about this." Eriol replied feeling aggressive and shocked that it was that Andy that Sakura had been dating. He did not know his surname until now. -That asshole! He hurt Sakura-chan badly enough and now he wants them to get back together again?-
"You know him?" Syaoran asked curiously.
"Yah, sort of. I didn't think that it was the same person. Anyway, long story. I will explain it to both of you another time." Eriol explained briefly, thinking that Sakura might not want other people to know about it.
"Alright. By the way, do you think that the reason he suddenly wants to join the company is because of Sak... I mean Kinomoto-san?" Syaoran cut in abruptly.-Shit, why did I almost call her by her first name? We are not even that close!-
"Hmm, there is a huge possibility for that to be the case. Why didn't I think of it before?" Meiling responded to her cousin's question.
Eriol agreed and they continued to try to think of possible reasons why Andy was willing to do so much to get back Sakura,
&---Flashback---&
"I'm sure that all of you are wondering what this important meeting is about and why it is so urgent. It is concerning the entrance of someone into the company." Yelan spoke first, being the leader of the company.
"Why is it so important that all of us have to gather and discuss this? We never had to discuss any entrances into the company before and we are all very busy." Another voice spoke up, slightly cross that he had to waste his time on this.
"It is not a normal person, nor a normal position we are talking about. I wish for my son, Andy Li to join the company." Elder Toshi who was in his 50s replied shortly.
"Yes, and we are here to get some input and opinions from all of you here on whether it is appropriate to let Elder Toshi 's son, Andy Li join the company and to undertake this high position." Yelan added.
-What the heck? Andy wants to join the company? What's going on?- Syaoran thought to himself, making sure that his emotions weren't shown on his face.
There was not much of a reaction from the board of directors. Most of them didn't really seem to object to it, only Syaoran and Meiling but they had no proper proof to object. However, the reason why most of the board of directors didn't really object was because of Andy's father; they didn't want to argue. All this was in addition to his keenness to get his son into the company.
Although no final conclusion had been reached and the idea was going to be discussed further, Andy was almost assured a rather important position in the company.
&--- End of Flashback ---&
&---&---&
Sakura stared at the jacket that she had placed neatly in a bag with mixed feelings.
-Should I return it to him? He was so rude to me when I said about returning his jacket! But... He was really nice to me that night and... It is his jacket after all... Ah, alright, I'll go and return it to him. I can only hope that he doesn't bite my head off!-
Sakura finally made up her mind and after taking a deep breath, got up from her seat and went to look for Syaoran.
&---&---&
"It's him!" Sakura said to herself softly as she saw Syaoran walking out of the toilet. Her heart started to beat very fast and she started to blush a little as she remembered the night that they had spent together.
-I'm just nervous, there's nothing to worry about- She tried to convince herself.
Dreading the moment she would have to talk to Syaoran, Sakura took small and sluggish steps towards him.
Concentrating too hard on walking slowly, Sakura didn't notice the 'Wet Floor' sign on the floor. Needless to say, Sakura slipped.
"Hoeee!" Sakura screamed loudly in a not very lady-like fashion.
Syaoran quickly turned around just in time to see Sakura fall hard on her butt.
"Ouch!" Sakura cried out loud, with an expression that looked slightly comical.
Syaoran's expression was unreadable for a moment as he looked at her before he burst into laughter. Sakura naturally pouted on hearing him and Syaoran immediately stopped himself, or at least he tried.
"Hey, you should be more careful Kinomoto. How many times exactly have you fallen in your few days here?" Syaoran said sarcastically, but with a big smile.
"Hoe..." Sakura mumbled as she pulled herself up. -I can't believe I embarrassed myself in front of him again!-
"Actually, not that many times! I originally wanted to return your jacket to you but since you don't seem to appreciate it, I think I'll forget it. I can keep it for my own use! By the way, you look better when you laugh." Sakura exclaimed angrily at first but continued to her own shock.
Sakura quickly covered her mouth with her hands. She started to blush at her own comment. What had she just said?
"It does not really matter to me what you think of me anyway. But where is my jacket? You had better return to me." Syaoran replied as calmly as he could but not really meaning what he said. He too was surprised by Sakura's second statement and was slightly blushing because of it.-Hmm, what has happened to me? This is my first time I can't control my emotions in front of a person!-
Sakura handed the jacket to Syaoran gruffly. "I just don't get why all the girls are crazy over you! They must have no taste at all, to like such a cold-hearted creature like you!" Sakura said with her arms folded, trying to hide the embarrassment she felt from her earlier statement.
&---&---&
The park looked just like how it usually did, the trees were in full bloom and the lake was a calm blue. Yet, the perfect picture of tranquility was suddenly spoilt by a sudden tremor. A crowd of people started running frantically, some looking around while panicking and stumbling in their footsteps. All of them were looking for a shelter...
&---&---&
"You know what Kinomoto-san? I think I agree with you for once. Those --" Syaoran suddenly paused as he felt something. The ground was moving!
"AHHH" Sakura screamed as she almost fell to the floor. With Syaoran's quick reflexes, he quickly grabbed onto Sakura, falling down with her. He had taken most of the fall for Sakura by cushioning her.
"Are you alright?" Syaoran asked Sakura almost immediately, fearing that she had been hurt.
"I'm fine. Speak for yourself, you took most of the fall while trying to save me! Are you hurt? I am so sorry about it!" Sakura asked worriedly, feeling both sorry and grateful to the guy who had just saved her.
-Why does he so mean but yet so nice at times?- Sakura felt butterflies in her stomach as she was confused about her feelings towards him.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm much stronger than you think. You don't have to--" Before he could finish his sentence, he felt something, causing him to look up almost immediately.
Sakura had been looking down slightly but just like Syaoran, her head shot up suddenly.
-An aura! It is quite a strong one too!- Both of them thought at the same time and both of them quickly stood up.
"Well, as I was saying, you don't have to worry. Anyway, I suddenly remembered that I have something important to attend to. I had better go now. You should go and find a shelter to hide in case." Syaoran continued with his sentence. He was worried about leaving Sakura alone there, but it couldn't be helped.
"Ah, don't worry. I will be fine." Sakura replied, glad that he had to leave too.
"I have to go now. Talk to you later." Syaoran said hurriedly as he rushed off by the stairs at an amazing speed.
Sakura stood there, momentarily stunned by Syaoran's speed. But she soon snapped out of it and she too ran down the stairs, ignoring the shaking of the building that she was in.
&---&---&
"There is something very wrong with this area. I can feel it." Syaoran said under his breath as he stood on the top of a building. Apparently, he was the only one there as the rest of the people had fled for shelter.
"Where is the energy that caused this earthquake coming from? If only it wasn't so spread out, then I would be able to spot it more easily." Sakura stood at the other side of another building as she glanced around her.
Syaoran was dressed in his green battle outfit with his sword summoned. Sakura had no need for a battle outfit or sword; she was fortunately wearing a pair of comfortable pants and her wand was summoned out. They were all fully equipped. Without any warning, there was a sudden burst of energy and both sorcerer and sorceress sprinted towards it with Sakura using her magic to help.
"Li?!" Sakura exclaimed, shocked as she saw Syaoran turn the corner at the same time as her.
"Kinomoto?" Syaoran had a similar reaction.
End of Chapter 8
Jo: Chapter 8 is done... Woot! Hope you enjoyed it and remember to Read and Review!
Ling: Sorry for the delay in updating our story. Holidays are officially here and we are finally free from those homework! Anyway there might be a small treat in our next chap so look out for it!