Chapter 8 – A Casual Date

Sakura clutched her pillow tightly as Syaoran entered her mind. Sprawled on her bed, she thought of how her life had sorely changed ever since he came back. She remembered the several promises she made to herself that she would no longer think of him, no longer keep him in her heart, and how deep inside, she kept her heart open anyway. Six years had been enough for her to forget him…but so was a mere day to remember him. She rolled on her back, gave a disgruntled sigh, and remembered the conversation they had before he dropped her off.

"Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?" He asked, his eyes never wavering from hers.

His words shouldn't have surprised her. But they did. And she faced him,lipsapart in surprise. By impulse,he reached over andcaressed her cheek, pushing away the hair strands around her face. Her eyes never left hers as she swallowed and lightly took his hand in hers."Yes."

"Really?" He looked deep into her eyes once more. "You sure?"

She fought with herself for a moment, and then nodded. "I think so. I'm…putting my heart out there again, you know," she said quietly. "I'm probably going to get my heart broken again, but at least I'm taking the risk."

Syaoran lowered his gaze, feeling guilt wash over him.

"And…I'd rather not see you go yet," she added softly. "I want to at least…at least make your last trip to Japan memorable."

His silence was deafening.

Cheeks heavily reddened, Sakura gave him another smile and said her goodbye. "So…I'll see you tomorrow."

He watched her, her words still stunning him. "Wait," he began and caught her arm.

Sakura stopped and turned to face him. "Yes?"

"Don't go formal," he caught his voice and cleared his throat. "We just had a formal date, believe it or not... and it wasn't…comfortable."

Sakura laughed quietly in agreement. "That's true."

"So," he turned a little serious. "What do you think of a movie and dinner?"

She stared into his eyes. "Sure."

"Ok," he finally let out a grin. "Seven's okay?"

She nodded, and managed to smile back despite the wobbly feeling her whole body felt after that handsome smile he sent her way. "Bye."

"'Bye." Sakura had walked her way into the building as quick as her legs would go, and as soon as she had entered the elevator, she felt her knees give in.

Sakurasighed once againand changed positions on her bed. Thirty minutes later, early signs of a cloudy morning appeared across the grayish blue sky. She hadn't gotten any sleep at all, but instead of getting back in bed and sleeping in; Sakura grabbed her bathrobe and towel, and prepared a hot bath. After how many hours of just thinking and feeling, she needed to get rest and relax her body. It was the only way to keep her from going crazy over the fact that Syaoran was so far away……and she was missing him a whole lot.

--- --- ---

The warm, summer night was a beautiful view in Tomoeda, Japan. The stars glittered across the night. Thepine trees swayed gently, filling the air with cool breeze. The people walking along the sidewalks, by the parks and buildings, wore thin clothing to keep cool from the still-radiating sun just above the horizon. The streets were filled with brightly-lit cars and the usual traffic noise. Syaoran got out of his car and walked to the apartment door, pushing a button to signal Sakura's phone. For a moment, no one answered.

Syaoran buried his free hand inside his pant pocket and waited. Soon, she replied. "Syaoran?" She asked, sounding a little breathless.

"Yeah, it's me," he responded. "You ready?"

"Um…you want to come in?" She buzzed him in.

Hesitating a bit, Syaoran stepped into the warm, apartment building and walked to the elevator.

Sakura bit her lip as she walked around the living room, trying to find the other pair of her shoes. She had already gotten herself in a pair of newly laundered jeans and a nice, light orange top with a thin, pale pink sweater over it. Her tennis shoes, the only casual pair of shoes she had, were missing, and so she decided to go with her short, black boots. Much to her dismay, one was also hiding from her. Sakuracursed under her breath and looked beneath her bed one more time. Ugh, where could that— Syaoran knocked on the door. Sakura lifted herself up and looked at the door, as if willing it to open by itself. He knocked once more. She blinked and breathed in.

She walked over, clutched the knob, and swung open the door gently. Syaoran stood outside, wearing normal clothes, like those she'd seen when they ate together, but she never realized how handsomely sexy he looked just wearing simple clothing. He took her breath away, literally. Sakura continued to stare, her cheeks however blushing incredibly fast. Syaoran, boosted with self-confidence, took this time to look over at her with a small smile. She looked beautiful as well. Her eyes were wide and appreciative; her hair was cascading down her shoulders shining from the light, her clothes hanging comfortably loose on her body, but her curves were still visible, much to his pleasure, and all in all, she was gorgeous…and like always, it didn't take much for her to take his breath away.

"Hi," she said, her voice sounded breathless like before, though this time the reason was different.

Syaoran met her eyes. "Hey."

She felt her whole body warm at his gaze. "Come in," she pushed the door wider and moved in. "I'm not…ready yet."

"Did I come too early?" He asked, cautiously entering the apartment.

She shook her head. "You're just in time. I'm just…running late." She took out her bare left foot. "I can't find my other shoe," she said in embarrassment.

Syaoran chuckled. "Want me to help you look for it?"

"No thanks," sheclosed the door behind him. "Go ahead and sit in the living room. I'll be there in a few minutes."

He nodded.

--- --- ---

Precisely 33 minutes later, Syaoran and Sakura finally made their way out of her apartment and to the movie theatre. Fortunately, the awkwardness, embarrassment, and tension had been long gone. In the passenger seat, Sakura set her hands together and looked out the raining day. She felt guilty for taking such a long time, but after Syaoran's constant assurances, which was peculiar since he couldn't stand her being so late whenever they went out 6 years ago, Sakura decided not to think about it anymore. The boot was particularly hiding in the bathroom cupboard, the last place Sakura expected it to be. A day before, she'd washed the grime and mud she stepped on, but she completely forgot about it.

"Are you sure we're not late?" She asked again, looking up at him.

"I don't know, but if we missed the movie, we can always catch another one."

She nodded, watching a raindrop fall along the window pane in front of her. "I didn't think it would rain tonight."

"Me neither. When I pulled in, it was nice out."

Sakura traced a drop of water on her side of the window. "Syaoran..."

He glanced at her, once again appreciating how great she looked, her skin glowing from the streetlights.

"Can I ask you something…personal?"

"You don't need to ask permission every time, Sakura," he said wryly.

Sakura lightly smiled, and then turned serious as she glanced away. "What happened when you went back to Hong Kong?"

"How do you mean?"

She looked at him once more. "I mean, did you go to work immediately? Or…did you have a year to relax and relearn the language?"

He shook his head. "As soon as the plane landed in Hong Kong, I literally had to work my ass off and learn the business, the industry, and everything connected to that. I didn't even get a break for a year, so my Chinese was definitely horrible. When I was used to how the business world worked, my mother gave me a permanent job as one of the high ranks in our corporation. I hated it at first, being only 25 and already bossing people around."

Sakura continued to watch him, not saying a word at all. She was very curious to know how he went through it all.

"Then my mother died," he shrugged. "For a while I was a little dead inside. You know, leaving Japan…and you," he hesitated, "and then my mother. It was hard to take in. I worked harder, though, and I just went through it. Of course there were also my sisters I had to think about. They were a handful. I was only 25, and they were 30, but I was like a father to them. They took turns crying and I had to console every one of them." He chuckled while Sakura gave a wistful smile. "I think I matured a lot the last 6 years than normal."

"I agree," she murmured, cocking her head to the side. "You look older."

He glanced at her. "So how about you?"

Her eyes widened. "Me?"

"What happened at your graduation? And after that?"

"Oh," she let her gaze roam around the streets outside. "Well…it went fine. My brother and father were there. We had a small celebration. Simple as that," she vaguely explained, not wanting to really to tell him how she cried the rest of the day and didn't leave her bedroom at home until the next day.

Syaoran raised an eyebrow at her. "I think there's more to it than that," he said questioningly. "But we're here, so I guess you'll just have to tell me after the movie."

Relieved, Sakura managed a weak smile and got out of the car. Syaoran went to her side and they walked together to the cinema.

--- --- ---

After the 2-hour comedy, the couple had enough laughs for one night. They walked out of the theatre, feeling satisfied, though nothing really happened. Syaoran hadn't known which type of movie to go to, and when he thought of how uncomfortable and awkward they would be in a theatre where the movie was serious, frightening, or worse, romantic. Even after the time they'd spent together in Sakura's apartment just talking and finally becoming comfortable with each other, it was still hard to be friends. The history was a big barrier between them and neither could break it down.

They had decided to eat dinner at a local diner. Syaoran chose the diner he went to when he looked for her in Tomoeda. Surprised and amused by the choice of place, Sakura went along with it. They drove for a quiet 10 minutes, and then entered the small restaurant. As Syaoran parked the car, a quick memory of his and Sakura's first, real confrontation flashed in his mind. He chuckled. Sakura looked up from her seat and sent him a curious, questioning look.

"What is it?" She asked.

"Huh?" He glanced at her, obviously surprised she had talked.

"You were laughing about something. What's so funny?" She asked once more.

He grinned and shook his head. "Just remembering that time when you ran out on me here." He got out of the car and walked over to hers, opening her door.

Sakura, with a flushed look, thanked him and glanced at the parking lot and back at him. "Are you trying to build memories by coming here?" She asked in a slightly playful tone, yet there was seriousness in there.

They began to walk to the diner. With hands in his pockets, Syaoran shrugged, noticing how her eyes never wavered from his face. "Is that so bad?"

She was stunned for a moment at his reply, but she caught herself and shook her head. "Not at all. I was just asking."

He glanced at her flaming face and couldn't stop the lopsided grin appearing on his features.

Without hesitating, Syaoran grazed her soft cheek with his fingers, caressing them. A silent gasp emitted from Sakura's mouth. He looked into her eyes and took her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. Before she could react to it, he pulled her with him in the diner, ignoring the curious looks from the people. Sakura hadn't tried to take her hand away. Quite the opposite really; she tightened her hold on his hand as they walked to a corner booth. When Syaoran sat down, she sat beside him, their hands still holding beneath the table.

"Sakura," a man spoke softly with a warm smile on his face.

Her eyes glowed in surprise as she let go of Syaoran's hand and stood up. "Yukito!" She cried and jumped in his arms.

The tall, gray-eyed man laughed with pleasure as he put his arms around Sakura comfortingly. "How are you?" He asked as soon as they let go.

"I'm doing well," she smiled back and turned to Syaoran, who was staring at them curiously. Surprisingly, he didn't feel any animosity or jealousy towards the man. He looked too kind. "Yukito, this is Syaoran Li. Syaoran, this is my brother's best friend, Yukito Tsukishiro."

"How're you doing?" Syaoran greeted as he stood up and offered his hand.

Yukito, impressed with the manners of the young man, shook his hand. "Good; and yourself?"

"Not bad," Syaoran smiled.

"When did you get back??" She asked when they settled in the booth.

The interruption of this man during their date didn't irk Syaoran. Part of the reason was because Sakura was genuinely happy and surprised to see him. Her face was bright as she leaned on the table and asked him questions. It was like a glimpse of the past for Syaoran. Though the night had already been great, they still hadn't reached that comfort level where they could be themselves. In this moment, however, it was as if there was nothing between them, and she wasn't afraid to be herself. Syaoran glanced at her, watching her soft, kissable lips move as she spoke. She looked great tonight. Syaoran bit his tongue to keep from pulling her to him.

"…going to be here a week," he caught the end of their conversation.

"Really?" Disappointment reflected in her eyes. "Have you gone to see Touya yet?"

He shook his head. "Speaking of, I'm meeting him soon, so," he glanced at Syaoran with a smile, "thanks for letting me steal your date here for a few minutes."

"No problem," he grinned, sneaking a look at Sakura, whose face flamed once more.

"I'll talk to you another time, ok 'Kura?" He kissed her cheek as they stood up.

She nodded. "It was really good to see you again, Yukito."

"It was good to see you too." He looked over her shoulder and waved at Syaoran. "It was nice meeting you."

"Same to you," he responded.

--- --- ---

When dinner was finished, Syaoran paid the check, and they headed to the car. Sakura, famished, sighed in quiet bliss as she walked beside Syaoran. He walked with her, enjoying the silence and the moist night. The rain had stopped an hour before, so the night sky was slightly cleared of the black clouds. Dozens of sparkling dots made the sky beautiful to look at. It had been so long since Sakura felt content, and the feeling was so precious. She turned to face him when she was standing on her side of the car. Syaoran glanced at her just standing there.

"What is it?" He asked, raising a brow.

Sakura continued to stare at him, and after a long moment, she shook her head. "Nothing," and then she opened her door.

Syaoran glanced at her, curious at what just happened. "What was that all about?" He asked again as he began to drive.

She didn't answer for the longest time. He looked at her once more when they stopped at a red light. She was just looking at him. "It's been a while since I've felt this way," she whispered in the quiet night.

Her words stuck something in his throat. He swallowed with trouble. "Felt what?"

"You know," she murmured, continuing to look at him. "I can see in your eyes you feel it too."

His heart lost its calm beat and began to pound heavier.

"And I don't want it to end…not yet." Her confession struck him hard.

"So…what should we do about it?"

"I don't know," she honestly replied, sagging in her seat. "All I know is…" she paused and shook her head, giving a small wan smile. "I don't know anything. I'm so confused…"

He didn't know what to say except, "me too."

--- --- ---

To be continued…