by : K a m I n a r I - c h a n
Chapter 2: Sakura Day
True to his words, the young captain ball gave Sakura a very rigid test by making her jogged---non-stop---in thirty minutes around the field, do five hundred touches in the ball by passing and heading, command her to make a long and high ball again and again that she even lost count of it, and lastly, he joins her in the scrimmage where she was the striker and Syaoran was the sweeper of the other team.
I hope that he'll accept me in the team… averting her head towards the professor. …After all, I did my best. I hope he has seen it. Slowly closing her eyes to the process. She knows that it's wrong to sleep in class but she still has the hangover of the training yesterday.
Then…
Slowly…
She removes her eyeglasses…
Fold it and hang it at the neckline of her blouse…
Gently resting her arms at the table…
Followed by placing her head to it…
As she started to enter the---BOINK!
"Huh?!" the young lady said in surprise shooting up her head at the same time and furiously glares at the eraser in front of her. Angrily, she silently scans the room for the possible suspect until her emerald eyes landed on the amber ones. Why you! Balling her fist at the process. Next time, I'll crash your handsome face viciously. So harsh that you'll need plastic surgery to restore it!
Syaoran smiles at the annoyed face of his housemate after learning that he were the one who chucked the eraser. He really doesn't want anything from the guy, but as he saw the sleepy figure of his seatmate, he felt guilty at what he has done yesterday. Even I wouldn't stand a try-out like that one… demo, he's really good and it'll be a loss if I won't accept him in the team. Turning his head toward the professor.
Seeing the earlier act of the young wolf towards Sakura, Matsumoto can't stop feeling a little jealous. He knows that the young Li's unconsciously falling for his old friend but he won't blame him for its what everybody turn out to be every time they met Sakura. I must say, it's her charm…
"Mr. Matsumoto, Mr. Nakamura would you both come here in front?" the professor asked in perfect English as she direct her students towards the platform.
Hearing her false name, Sakura swiftly get up and follow her teacher's instruction. She's somewhat shocked as she saw the guy she despises was now beside her. W-What's th---
"---Konnichiwa, Nakamura-kun. Fancy to be with you here, ne?" Japanese lingo greeted Sakura that's currently fuming in antagonism. She can still hear the sweet tone of her former friend that's dripping with sarcasm.
"Just shut your mouth, bastard." She retort silently, not wanting to be heard by the professor.
"Doushite? This is just like the old times?"
"Do I know you?"
"Ehem." Mrs. Tan bogusly coughed, "I thought, this was English class, but why speak Nippongo? Care to tell us what you're chatting about?"
"Du bu qi."
Nodding in response, "Okay, since Matsumoto here told me that you've been classmates before, I think it's easy for you to act this one…" smiling broadly as if she's going to do something wicked, "It's like a simple skit and I call it… 'Conversation at the park' for you'll be acting like best friends who have been away with each other for a year or so and today will be your reunion. I hope, you'll be serious about this for I will be grading your skills in English language and also in establishing rapport to other people, ok?" receiving a grin from her black-haired student and a glare from the auburn-headed one. "I can see that you both agree… Nakamura-kun here will be the one who'll end the conversation by saying, 'Forgive and forget.' So, let us start."
It's only a minute after the teacher gave them the cue to start but to Sakura, standing with her worst enemy felt like years. She doesn't want the idea in the first place, for it brought back memories to her mind. What are you saying? You don't know him so there are no memories to be remembered!
"Good day, Shun!" Matsumoto said with ease placing both hands inside his pockets. Might as well tell her something… "It's been a while now, right?"
"Un."
"Mr. Nakamura, I think you'll need to say something or I don't have any grade to write in your card."
Waking in her trance, "I'm sorry teacher."
"It's okay. So, from the start again!"
Heaving a sigh, "Good day, M-Ma---Kuno. It's been a while, right?" catching up on the young guy that's gently taking a seat to the teacher's table that's acting like a bench.
"Yes." Matsumoto replied, adjusting his self to the to the table, making a seat for the young lady. Looking at the lithe form, he began to talk seriously, might as well take this as an opportunity to talk to her… "How's life treating you, huh? Did you miss me after all these years?"
Is he joking or what? Looking at the gray eyes of the guy, He seems kind of serious, demo, why? "Yes, I really miss our gimmicks, especially our basketball match."
"You do?"
"Off course! There's no one who's good as you in our school. I bet you're the captain in your new school."
"Yes, and I really enjoy playing there." Sensing that they're getting off-track, "…so how are you? How's everyone? I mean after I left?"
Dimming her eyes, "Do you want the truth or what you just want to hear?" she said with cold stare that she forgot that they're not the one in the room.
"Of course I want the truth."
"The town… the town that was filled with cherry blossom back then were now covered in snow…" she began, deciding that she should use some figures of speech, "… so cold that even the icy pools can't be crack. There were no feelings… birds don't sing anymore. It was like a lifeless town."
"B-But why?"
"Somebody, no some people made it happen…intentionally. And they don't even bother to clear things out! They just leave… just like what you did. "
Knowing what Sakura is telling about, he come to a decision that he should tell her the truth, "I think you're kind of wrong… maybe it was the townspeople's fault for they let strangers enter their city. They easily trust people---"
"---But, they didn't do anything to those strangers to receive a treatment like that!" snapping herself as she rage in passion, "… they're not even strangers for they lived with them. They're close to the townspeople, that they didn't even believe it first that those strangers were the one who caused such horrible things." She was furious! She wasn't even aware of her surroundings, because all she cares about---for now---were the feelings she tried to keep all these years.
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry won't bring the cherry blossoms to bloom again."
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry won't melt the snow that covered the town."
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry won't even bring everything back to normal."
"I'm sorry."
With the passion the young man releases, Sakura woke up from her trance. Looking over her enemy's shoulder is her teacher that's somewhat amazed and confused at the same time… I hope he wouldn't take this seriously… smiling broadly that almost everybody can believe it, "…I think it's okay now! Past is past and we can't do anything about it…" she started to said in a cheerful yet still a masculine voice, "…All we need to do now is to forgive and forget!" clenching her fist in differ.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
"Well, the presentation is quite good!" Professor Tan said in admiration while clapping earnestly, "Your English were both fluent and the acting looks kind of real, though I somehow didn't understand your plot." Making the actors look at each other differently, "…So in that case, I'll give you both a perfect score in class standing. You may now take your seats."
"Thank you, teacher." the ex-friends said in unison as they walk in separate ways to their chairs.
Syaoran was still left astounded at the presentation. Never did he saw those passionate emerald eyes before. Even the scene with Chang wouldn't be compared to the anger he had seen in those green pools at the platform. Feels like I'm in another world, he thought as he playfully level his pen in his index finger like a weighing scale.
Whew! That was so dumb of me! I hope no one noticed how stupid I had been! Sakura awkwardly held in her mind while seating herself in the chair uncomfortably. I just wish this chair would swallow me now. Slumping her head at the table as the bell for the day starts to ring.
"Oh, before I forgot, you know that every school year we held some activities every Christmas eve." The voice interjects the noisy students that were currently celebrating after the whole day's work, "…And the faculty decided that our section should have a two-in-a-coat presentation or the 'nininbaori' from Japan. So I suggest Li-san and Nakuramura-san to act on this one, since Li-san is our top student and Nakumura-san here is our newfound actor."
Nani?!
No way!
"… Is that alright for both of you?" receiving a hesitated nod from both students, "Good. Since I've said this ahead of time---which is exactly seven months from now, I hope you'll both have a good performance. So, don't fail me guys!" leaving the whole class in shocked from the news and relief at the same time---save Syaoran and Sakura to it--- for they don't need to problem the rehearsal.
My God! What is the world coming to? Syaoran yelled in his mind as he turns his head towards his new partner.
Spotting the young wolf looking her way, Sakura can't help but look down in panic, This. is. Not. Good.
"Hey! It's not so bad!" Matsumo gleefully teased Sakura as some students hurriedly leave the room for their extracurricular activities. "… Besides, you're an expert in that field, ne?"
"Can't you just leave me for once?" the young lady hissed at the guy whilst looking venomously at those gray eyes. "And don't take seriously what I've said earlier… it's for the presentation."
"Why? I'm just stating the facts." He whispered, "… I'm really impressed at your acting skills, especially your disguising technique."
"I don't know what your saying."
"Then let me show you and the others…" placing his big hands to Sakura's polo, attempting to take off its button.
"I believe Nakumura-san here and I have something to talk about."
An unfriendly voice makes its way to the young teaser's ears, making him stop his mockery to the lithe form. "I see, the young prince is here to rescue his damsel…" murmuring at Sakura's right ear, then he walks away in satisfaction, "… the flower have withered, but spring may come again to change everything."
"A flower blooms in its own will." She replies whilst turning her gaze to the chestnut haired guy, "What do you want?" she asked coldly enough to freeze the entire room.
"Are you all right?"
"I'm fine, thank you." she answered, arranging her things at the same time, "Is that all?"
"Your glare won't make any difference. I'm not afraid of it."
"Who's said I'm scaring you? I'm always like this."
"I don't care what had happened between you and Matsumoto in the past, but I think you shouldn't include other people. I'm trying to be civil here." Syaoran said in ire as he tries to find some answer behind those spectacles, "… I know you don't want anything from me, but at least try to be nice for I don't want to be living with someone who has a grudge on me without any clear reason." He paused, God, why am I telling this to him? It's not that I need him to notice me… b-but why? "… And I don't want to have a partner who has mood swings. God! You're just like a girl!"
"Don't pretend like you know me." Bowing her head in anger.
"I'm not pretending because I don't really know you." Smiling broadly while walking towards the door, "… it's just, I want to know more about my new Co-Captain, ne?"
"Y-You m-mean?" Sakura abruptly turn away her gaze from the floor, only to find no one in the room. "Huh? Where did he go?"
***
"Nakamura-san! Move faster!"
"Sh! I'm coming!" Sakura yelled as she hurriedly tie her cleats. I can't understand this guy! One moment, he's so caring then the next h-he's---
"---Stop daydreaming! Just get your ass in here!"
Oh, never mind! She thoughtfully bawls, jogging her way to the group of guys that's wearing the university jersey. "I'm here." She gasps, making everyone turn their heads to her. "What?"
The young captain shakes his head, he doesn't know if he should scold him for being late or laugh at his jersey that's currently swallowing his housemate. Nah… I'll just forgive him. "Okay, now that you're here…" putting his hand on the newcomer's back as he turns his head towards his teammates, "…Guys, this is Nakamura Shun. I know you've played with him yesterday and I must say, it was a unanimous decision to let him be the Co-Captain of our team… So, Nakamura-san… Congrats and Welcome!"
"Xiexie! Xiexie!" Sakura kept on bowing to everyone except for the guy that's still standing behind Syaoran, Chang… she whispered, she almost forgot the arrogant pervert is also on the team! But she won't make a fuss about it. No one can ruin your day without your permission. She smirked inwardly while still bowing to the other team members; I can't believe I'm really on the team! This is my first time joining without minding the rumors!
"Okay, Okay! Stop the cheering and do the training. Now get your ass up and let's do the drill!"
"Sh!" everyone yelled in accord as they went to their partners and do the stretching.
Sakura has no clue what will happen next, I know I've been through this, demo this is different from what I've expected. Looking from left to right, only to see her teammates giving a piggyback ride to their partners. What the---
"---Oh, I see… you're not familiar with this stretching, ne?"
Sakura held a sweat drop while looking comically at the chestnut haired guy that's carrying her new found enemy at his back. "I must say… I really don't know."
"Ha! This is stupid Li! He doesn't even know the drill. I bet he can't even carry you." Chang interjects, saying his insults while bringing his self down from Syaoran. "He's all yours Li. I don't want to waste my time and energy to a scumbag like him."
"Enough!"
"Okay, okay!" the red-haired guy howled, raising his hands at the same time while waking towards Sakura, "I'll be seeing you…" he whispered as he passed by.
"Don't mind him." the young wolf said, motioning Sakura to come closer to him, "Are you going to train or not?" seeing the shocked face of his teammate.
"W-What are you doing?" Sakura yelled as she felt herself being carried by muscular arms.
"Continue!" he commanded to everyone as he saw them laughing at Sakura's reaction, "I'm carrying you, dummy!"
"I know!"
Syaoran can't take it anymore, "Would you just shut your mouth?" making his passenger held in reserve and hold him tightly in the neck, "Okay… this exercise helps you stretch the muscles in your feet…see?"
"Ah." I see… she thought while relaxing her body at her housemate's back. He's so warm… I feel like I'm safe with him… placing her head at the nape of Syaoran as she fight the urge to sleep on it, because the sandalwood smell that's surrounding the young captain's body calming her down so much.
"I said you could go down now."
Hoe?! "Oh! Gomen, gomen." As she hurriedly get down on Syaoran's back. "Should I also carry you?"
The young Li look at Sakura for a while… hesitating if he should let this guy do the drill for he's doubting its physical appearance. But as he remembered their spar, its fight with Chang and the training yesterday, "Of course! There's no special treatment in here. So get ready!"
"Un---Argh!"
"Daijoubu?" (You alright?)
"M-Mochiron." (Of course) Sakura said, adjusting herself at the weight she's bearing, "Just give me a sec." She reassured while gripping both thighs of Syaoran. Kami! I feel like carrying a cow! Imagining Syaoran to be a cow as she carries it in her back.
Heaving a sigh, she started to tiptoe then place her feet flat on the floor, then tiptoe again and flat. She did it several times but when she reached the count of twenty, she started to loose her balance. Oh no…
"Hey, watch ou---" BLAG! Sakura fell flat on her face. "Are you okay?"
"Whuugoofim?"
"Nani?"
"Ishuwhuugoofim?"
"Eh?"
Sakura starts to torque her head on the right, "I said, w-would you get off me? You're squashing me." Making Syaoran turn beet red and abruptly stand on the ground. "Hah. Much better… Huh?" she asked surprised as she saw the waiting hand of her partner. "Oh, Thanks!"
"You okay?" grabbing Sakura's small hands as he boosts her up on her feet. "Guys, you can now do the next drill!" he yelled while looking again at Sakura.
Nodding, "Un. I just felt my left foot starting to get cramped. No big deal!"
Syaoran shakes his head in dismay, "I think you need to sit down."
"But I---"
"Just do it!" he demanded, causing Sakura to sit hastily, "Now, try to flat your legs on the ground… good. Stay still…" he remarked as he gives pressure to Sakura's left knee while bending the left foot in the process. He somehow looked at Sakura's face to find any reaction to what he's doing; yet he found none. "You can scream if it hurts."
"Not needed."
"Oh." He replied amazingly as Sakura secretly winced in pain yet unfortunately, he saw it. Ha! You're not superman after all… "So, How are you feeling?"
"It's okay now… let's just do the next one." Hope it's not sidesplitting like the last one. She thought while standing up at the same time with Syaoran.
***
"Thank God it's finished." Sakura whispered while she silently closed the shower room door. As Sakura hoped for, the next training drills were not as comical as the piggyback one. I never thought there's a stretching like that that exists.
Sakura really enjoyed the training earlier, but in some way she's a bit troubled about Syaoran's action. She doesn't know if it was really a man's instinct to be that concerned to a fellow guy. Hmp! Men are the same, don't be fooled Sakura!
She won't fall for the same trick thrice! She believes in the cliché: 'Once is enough, two is two much.' But somehow, she revised it a little bit by adding… Three is a poison that kills a person… yeah! I won't fall for it again. She thought smugly whilst walking her way towards the gate and noticed that the sky was now dark. Looking back at the building she saw the university clock that reads: Six-forty, I didn't expect that it'd take me that long to change my clothes.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" a familiar voice makes Sakura turned her head towards the speaker.
"Chang."
"I told you, we'll be seeing again…" the guy smirked as he played with the baseball bat that he was holding.
Kami, if the question I'll ask will turn into money, I can be a millionaire! "What do you need this time?" she asked impassively, remembering what her housemate had told her earlier.
~~~Flashback~~~
"I think you should be more extra careful now that you're the Co-captain of the team." Syaoran carefully warned Sakura as they both untie their cleats at the bench with the other team members.
"Yeah, I must agree with Li here." The brown haired guy said while juggling the ball on his right foot. "Since you're the new Co-cap, Chang has more reason to be mad at you."
"Mao is right, Nakamura-san. I think the issue in the 'hot chick' doesn't really bother him but now that you're the co-cap, Chang has a reason to get mad at you."
"But why?"
The brown-headed guy stopped playing with the ball and quickly sat beside Sakura, placing his arm on the process, "… you see, the position for Co-cap is still open even before you came here. Everyone wants to be the co-cap but only Chang has the ability to be one…"
"Then why don't they give him the position?"
"That's what I'm going to tell you…" Mao immediately said as he continues, "… it was this one time---actually, our last game, which was just last month---when he had a terrible fight with one of the team member of our opponent. He was so furious that he intentionally tackled the guy, which unfortunately led the young man in the hospital. It was so bad that the poor guy must quit their team for he has no use of his feet, now that he is paralyzed."
Oh my… Sakura thought, "And that's why Chang was given a 'red card', telling him that he's not permitted to play for two consecutive games."
"For the whole season." Syaoran amend coolly, "…It was personally ordered by the officials… So even though he's qualified as the co-cap, he's no use to the team for he can't even play the game."
"It was such a big loss that he can't play, for he is really good." Mao said as he sway his head in dismay, "… but now that you're here, I think you and Li has a great teamwork that I must say, we can stand a chance to head on to finals!"
"Yeah, but not so fast. It's not only us whom you should count on. All of us here are talented and have a great skills, so I must say that we should work hard for the team." The captain said as everyone cheered for the upcoming games.
~~~End of Flashback~~~
"I want you to get out of my sight." Chang hissed, swaying the bat in front of Sakura, making the lithe guy dodge the blows with ease.
"That's hilarious! If I remember it right, you're the one who waited for me in here. So, its your fault." She smirked still evading the lousy attack of her challenger, "… besides, I also don't want to see your perverted face."
"You bastard! This is your entire fault! If you weren't here in the first place, my life will go smoothly like I expected it to be!" Stopping as he huff for air, "… and for that, you'll pay!"
"Am I that a nuisance to you?"
"Yes!"
"Then be my guess." She said, standing still, taking off her eyeglasses and spreading her arms beside the gate. I think it'd be better if I let him, he's so angry that he can kill anyone that he'll encounter at the way… "You can do anything to me if you like. Beat me into a bloody pulp or anything you desire. I promise I wont fight back."
"Are you making fun of my abilities? Huh! Answer me!"
"Oh, I get it. You're just all bark and no bites. Man, your like the dog I left back in Japan." She teasingly said, making the young man more furious than before. "Come on…" grinning widely, "… chicken. "
"Why you!" Chang yelled as he wrathfully dropped down the bat and lunge forward with full force to the motionless guy in front of him.
Sakura kept on smiling as she felt her body being beaten to death; She tried to count how many times the guy had hit her to keep her from fighting back, yet she can't help but feel sad to the guy. I know it was not right to pity you… she alleged in her mind while her vision starts to blur. But if this is the only way to make you burden light… then I'm willing to help you. She added as she received another hard punch from Chang. I guess this is the end…
"Hey you boy, stop it!" an officer approach them holding Chang from behind. "What's happening here?"
"Just let go off me, bastard!"
"Why would I? Can't you see? You're killing your friend in here! Let's go to the station to clear things out."
"Stop." Sakura interrupts, bringing herself up by leaning at the gate. "Please officer, just let us go. He's not hurting me, honest. We're just trying to show off some of our skills in martial arts." Grabbing her stomach as she winced in pain. "U-Unfortunately, he's better than me that's why I'm like this."
"Oh, is that so?" looking at the fuming guy he's still holding.
"Yes." Chang spat while he raised his right arm toward Sakura. "Not bad, Nakamura-kun, hope we'll have another match like this." faking a smile, "…but I expect that next time, you'll be better than this."
"Sh." Sakura reply smugly, giving a hard press to the offered hand. "So, see you when I see you?"
"Yes." As the two rivals walk on separate ways.
"Hey! Where are you two going?" the police yelled while looking dumbly at the floor, "Teenagers."
***
"Un, I understand. I hope she'll be found soon." Syaoran said twisting the cord of the phone absent-mindedly, Thank God! I hope she'll be lost forever! At last, I will be free from ear-breaking squeal! He though happily as his eyebrows started to furrow at what the other person in the line had said, "… Don't worry too much! Meiling can take care of herself; She's not that weak, Ma-Ma. Sh… Sh… yah. Bye-bye." He ended, bringing the phone to its plunger as he heard the door opened. Nakamura, "What happened to you?!" he asked, astounded at what he saw before his eyes. "Don't tell me Chang did that to you?"
"Mind your own business!" the skinny guy retorts back, going straight to its room.
"Well, thank you for reminding me!" he yelled back grabbing his dinner that he left earlier because of the phone call. "What's with him?" he asked to no one.
Seeing a badly bruised housemate really surprised Syaoran, "To think that he's only living been here for three days." Swaying his head at the same time. True, that he saw far worst condition than his puny teammate but it really shocked him because: first, he knows Nakamura can fight; next, the guy's new here; and lastly, he doesn't hardly knows anyone! He almost gave me heart attack after seeing his bloody face!
By some means, he winced after imagining the black-and-blue face of Sakura, "I don't care what happen to him, but why do I feel that everything is wrong? It seems like all of this are fake. Why?" dumping his plate at the dishwasher. He just lost his appetite after seeing such face.
Meanwhile on Sakura's room, the young lady couldn't help but smile at the success she had made. "At least I've helped someone." She whispered, agreeing to her foolish act.
"But, Li-san sure is funnier than me." She thought while recalling the stunned face of the young wolf, "He's been holding his breath after he saw me. Wonder if he realized it." Plummeting her body to her bed.
Somehow, she really likes her life here in Hong Kong. She felt as if she was really destined to be here in the first place. She loves her newfound independence, moreover, meeting Matsumoto and Chang is far more appealing than meeting her fiancé.
My fiancé…Takao…
She doesn't want to meet him for she's not ready. Not yet… she reflected. She's not ready to be with him, again. There are too many painful memories and events that can't be forgotten.
Those blue eyes… Back then; she wouldn't mind marrying that black-haired guy because she loves him dearly. She even quarreled with Touya everyday for her oniichan doesn't approve of the five-year age gap of her and Takao.
I find him very perfect… his smile… that crystal blue eyes… his deepest concern… smiling as she recollect, ha! Even Otousan admires him for his dedication to work!
But as the saying goes, "Every romance has its tragedy." Her loving affection towards Takao turned into hatred after hearing the truth from him. I can accept the fact that he has other affairs, demo… using p-people is really worst!
Tap! Tap!
"Who's there?" snapping back to reality and somewhat sweat drop at her action, "Sakura no baka! There's no other people in here than Li-san!" she whispered while mentally kicking herself.
Placing her eyeglasses on its proper place and heaving a sigh, she slightly opens the door. "Yes?"
Silence.
"Where is he? Huh?!" looking at the carpeted floor, finding a white box with a red cross lying in it. "Arigatou, Li-san."
TBC…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THANK YOU FOR READING!!!
Hey guys! I'm back!!!! Thank you for reviewing my story!!!! I hope you like this chapter. And for all of the people who had said that Matsumoto is the 'One' who hurted Sakura.... well, I would say that you should stay tuned for you to find out.
And here's my another question for you.... Who's Takao?
So, it's time for me to say buh-bye for now. Review this one, okay?
I also want you to review my other stories, namely:
The Canvas --> FINISHED!
Summary: I find it rather amazing… how we've come to know each other and eventually became friends, Life has its miracles… and finding you, Sakura, is a reason enough to believe in one--Li Syaoran
The Last Mission
Summary: Syaoran was sent by the elders to go back in japan after 4 years for a mission but wait... the problem is, the elders didn't tell syoaran what's the real mission! and sakura's having a miserable life! S+S and please R+R... i made it PG-13 4 d curses
meant to be broken~
Summary: It's about syoaran and sakura making a promise when they were five that they'll meet again after five years, but something happened... sakura lost her memories of syaoran and syaoran forgets all about sakura... what will happen next is for you to find out
Thank You!!! And I would like to thank my friends---Ran Zheng Hao, Xing Jiao Xi, Ran Shou Tian, Ran Jin Sun, Shi Fei Xi, Xiao Ai Liu and of course, to my buddy Ruizu Tomo who pushed me to continue my stories, even though the virus in my computer continuously eat my files.
Thank you for your never ending support!!!!!
That's it!
PLEASE REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!!!!!
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