Chapter 3- Learning
Touya and Syaoran met again, the first time they met was because of the tutoring job Touya had. The second time was just yesterday because of the wedding planning. They're feelings toward each other hadn't changed one bit. Syaorans attitude was better though, that's only because he was Sakura's friend now. He didn't want Touya to tell Sakura to stop hanging out with him. Touya had given Syaoran warnings, that he expected Syaoran to follow.
Sakura woke up it was Monday morning. When Sakura woke up Eriol was already eating breakfast. Eriol would be staying with the Kinomotos for another week. "Sakura your father already left for work. And if you don't hurry up we'll be late for school." Eriol said. "Hai, Eriol."
Eriol was driving them both to school because Sakura's car was at the mechanics. She would be getting it back by Thursday. When they got to school there were three spots left for parking. Eriol got the one closest to the exit. As Sakura and Eriol were getting out of the car Syaoran pulled up and parked right next to them.
"Li-kun, why are you late today?" Sakura asked.
"Oh, my cousin Mei Ling the one that likes designing clothes dropped by last night."
"You left her home by herself?"
"No, my butler Wei is with her. She knows she's welcome to drop by the school anytime she wants. It was set up by my mom actually."
"I hope she comes. She and Tomoyo could talk about so much stuff and I would like to meet her." Eriol said. Both Syaoran and Sakura had forgotten that Eriol was with them. They didn't realize he was there till he spoke up. Tomoyo was waiting in homeroom when Syaoran and Sakura entered. Eriol had homeroom next door.
Today all four of them Tomoyo, Eriol, Syaoran and Sakura had the same classes. First period unexpectedly Mei Ling entered the classroom. They had Math their teacher was Mizuki-sensei. She was discussing the wedding details so she didn't mind Mei Ling coming. But Kaho was interrupted when she came in though because Mei Ling entered and screamed "Syaoran!"
All the students turned to look at Mei Ling then to look at Syaoran. Syaoran turned beet red. Mei Ling went over hugged him.
"How can you leave for school without telling me your favorite cousin?" Mei Ling asked looking hurt.
"Mei Ling, can't we talk about this later? Mizuki-sensei was saying something before you entered."
"Okay Syaoran, but you better have a good explanation." She sat right between Sakura and Syaoran. Mizuki then continued to tell the class about the wedding details.
"The groom as you all should know by now is Touya Kinomoto." Mizuki said. All eyes went to Sakura. She blushed a little.
"Yes class Touya is Sakura's older brother. The maid of honor is my sister Ayumi Mizuki. The best man and her date is Yukito Tsukishiro. He's Touyas best friend. The two bridesmaids are Sakura Kinomoto and Tomoyo Daidouji. The groomsmen are Syaoran Li and Eriol Hiiragizawa. The four of them are in this class." Mizuki said.
"Wait, Mizuki- sensei does that mean Kinomoto-san and Li-kun will be each other dates?" Naoko asked.
"Yes, as a matter of fact Tomoyo and Eriol will be a set as will Sakura and Syaoran."
"That's not fair!" complained Mei Ling.
"Mei Ling this doesn't concern you." Syaoran whispered calmly.
"But Syaoran I was your fiancée before I left. Now you're going to go to a wedding with a girl you hardly know!" The class turned to see the two arguing.
"Mei Ling we cancelled the engagement the day before you left."
"Li-kun! How can you be so mean?" Sakura added in. Now everyone including Mei Ling and Syaoran turned to look at Sakura. Sakura felt her face turn pink.
"See Syaoran even Sakura-chan agrees."
"Mei Ling can we discuss this later?"
"Fine Syaoran, we'll be having a long chat about this at home." Mei Ling said angrily. 'Why doesn't he feel comfortable talking about it? We used to always talk about this in front of people.' Mei Ling thought angrily. Mizuki continued with no more interruptions. Although she hadn't minded them interrupting.
Mei Ling decided to stay and keep an eye on Syaoran. She noticed that Sakura and Syaoran sat next to each other in every class so far. Finally 5th period came and they were about to eat lunch. Tomoyo, Eriol, Sakura and Syaoran went to their regular eating spot. Today Mei Ling followed them. Tomoyo had made lunch again. Today she made extra because she had more time than usual. So Mei Ling joined them.
"Mei Ling, this is Eriol Hiiragizawa, Tomoyo Daidouji and Sakura Kinomoto." Syaoran introduced them. Mei Ling sent a glare towards Sakura but she didn't notice. Syaoran did though.
"Syaoran, why did you leave without telling me this morning?" Mei Ling asked. Tomoyo, Eriol and Sakura were watching them.
"I left without telling you because you were still sleeping."
"I was not! Syaoran you know very well that I was talking to Aunt Yelan."
"My mother called?"
"Yes, and I answered the phone. Aunt Yelan wanted to talk to you, but you had already left."
"I didn't know you were awake Mei Ling." Syaoran said apologetically. Mei Ling gave up arguing because she knew Syaoran meant it. Tomoyo thought this was the time to cut in.
"Mei Ling is it true that you go to a top rank fashion school in Hong Kong?" Tomoyo asked with interest.
"Hai, I guess Syaoran did mention some things about me." Mei Ling said smiling.
"He did. Mei Ling can I see some of your sketches later?"
"Sure Daidouji-chan."
"Call me Tomoyo."
"Okay." Mei Ling responded. They talked together for the rest of the lunch period. Sakura on the other hand wasn't interested in fashion. She decided to go talk to Kaho about the wedding. When she entered, Kaho seemed as if she was expecting Sakura to come.
"Konnichiwa Kaho." Sakura said happily.
"What brings you here Sakura?"
"I came because I had some questions about the wedding."
"Ask away Sakura."
"Well first of all, is it possible for balloons and collages to be put up?"
"I would think that Tomoyo would be asking these questions. Sakura, Touya and I don't have enough pictures to make collages. But the balloons sound good."
"Well I was thinking that maybe we could put like family collages and uniting them, just like you two are uniting."
"Sakura you're giving this too much thought. Is something bothering you?" Kaho asked fully knowing that something was wrong.
"Nothing's bothering me Kaho. I'm fine."
"Sakura, if it's about Mei Ling, you should ask Syaoran. Not think of ideas to improve my wedding."
Sakura stayed in the classroom thought about what Kaho had told her, since they had music in the room. 'Why do I even care about Mei Ling and Syaoran? He's just a friend. It's not like I like him right? I mean sure he's hot and has huge muscles and great abs. Stop it Sakura! You don't like him. You just want to get to know him better. That's it.'
The 6th period bell rang. All the students came rushing in. Tomoyo and Mei Ling were still talking. They decided to sit next to each other since the seats weren't assigned. Sakura and Syaoran took their regular seats in front of Tomoyo and Mei Ling. Eriol was next to Syaoran.
"Class today we're going to practice a song that I wrote especially for you to play at my wedding. There is also a duet sung. I will be choosing a boy and a girl for the part." Kaho announced. The students expected that the two chosen would be Tomoyo and Eriol because they were the best singers. The class started practicing the song. Sakura and Syaoran both were going play the piano. Touya had taught Sakura how to play and Syaoran's mother taught him how to play.
"Okay. That was great. Now it's time for the duet part auditions. Everyone is to participate. Mei Ling if you are going to stay for my wedding you may participate as well." Kaho said.
All the students lined up. The girls had to sing the first part while Mizuki-sensei was playing the piano. The guys had to sing the second part. The girls went first. Chiharu, Tomoyo and Sakura got into the finals. For the guys Takashi, Eriol and Syaoran made the finals. Kaho decided to make the guys and girls do the duet together. Syaoran and Sakura sounded the best together so they were picked to do the singing duet. "Mizuki-sensei, who's going to play the piano? Li-kun and I will be singing and you're the bride so I don't think you'll be playing it." Sakura said. "Don't worry Sakura. My sister Ayame is going to play the piano just for this song when I tell her to." Kaho said.
All the students were happy that for once it wasn't Tomoyo and Eriol singing a duet. Mei Ling didn't like the idea though. After school Mei Ling would be going to Tomoyos house and Eriol would be going home to get something. Syaoran and Sakura decided to practice the duet part. They didn't know where they should go.
"My brother would be against us going to your house." Sakura said.
"Do you think that he would mind us going to your house?"
"We don't have a piano at my house."
"Do you think that we could stay at school?"
"Why don't we go to the shrine? There has got to be a piano there. After all the wedding's being held there."
"Okay." Syaoran agreed. He drove them to the shrine where Kaho lived. The decorations were up and people were still moving furniture and sculptures in for the wedding. "Um sir, is the owner of this shrine home?" Sakura asked politely. "Yes she is." the mover said. "Arigato"
Syaoran and Sakura said in unison.
They entered the shrine. Kaho was sitting at the coffee table marking the tests that they took the previous week. She was also looking at wedding cakes. Kaho didn't realize Sakura and Syaoran had entered, until Sakura spoke.
"Kaho can we use your piano to practice the wedding songs?" Sakura asked.
"Sakura! I didn't realize you came in. Yes you may use the piano. It's in the guest room. I'm not using that for the wedding though."
"Thank you Kaho."
"No problem Sakura."
Syaoran followed Sakura into the guest room. They decided to practice the three other songs before the duet. The songs sounded great, but they were nervous about the duet. Sakura started first, both she and Syaoran were still playing the piano.
The song went like this: (I made the song up so it probably sucks)
Sakura: When I look out the window I think about you. When I dream, I dream about you. No matter what I do I'm always thinking about you.
Syaoran: When I look up at the starry sky, it reminds me of your eyes. When I'm in a flower garden it reminds me of your scent. Day after day the only thing on my mind is you.
Sakura: On this wonderful day we're together. I'm glad that we made it through the hardships that we came across.
Syaoran: Today brings joy to out family and friends. Today we are forever binded.
Sakura and Syaoran: Today we are to be wed. Today is our day.
Syaoran thought that it sounded okay and Sakura agreed. They decided to continue practicing it. Every time they practiced it Syaoran wanted to kiss Sakura. Sakura felt the same.
'It's just the song's effect.' The two of them thought. When they were done with their fifth time singing, Sakura decided that it was the right time to ask Syaoran about Mei Ling.
"Li-kun, can I ask you some questions?" Sakura asked shyly.
"Sure Kinomoto-san."
"If you don't want to answer them it's okay."
"I'll try to answer them Kinomoto-san."
"Why didn't you tell us that Mei Ling used to be your fiancée?"
"I didn't think it really mattered. Would you want people to know that you were someone's ex fiancée?"
"No, but Mei Ling took pride in it. She was disappointed that no one knew."
"Kinomoto-san, we broke the engagement when she went to fashion school. It was her request."
"Li-kun, that doesn't make it okay how inconsiderate you were before."
"How was I inconsiderate? I wasn't the one that barged into the classroom and disrupt the class."
"You kept telling Mei Ling that you would discuss the situation later and you sounded annoyed. How do you think Mei Ling felt? You're her cousin!"
"It's not my fault! She acts like a little kid. I don't know how anyone can stand her!" Syaoran said raising his voice a little.
"She acts like me! If you can't stand her why are you even my friend!" Sakura yelled but not loudly.
"Kinomoto-san, I didn't mean it like that."
"Yeah you did Li-kun!" After she said that Sakura left. Syaoran was still in the room. 'I don't think Sakura's annoying. Mei Ling is different from her. She has never complained about anything, all Mei Ling does is whine. What am I going to do about Sakura?' Syaoran thought.
'How could Syaoran be so mean? Mei Ling's his cousin and she's like me. If she annoys Syaoran, I guess I do too.' Sakura thought. "I guess I'm still learning about him…" she said to herself.
It had been two weeks since the argument between Sakura and Syaoran. This week was the wedding. They acted as if nothing was wrong. Tomoyo and Eriol noticed how they kind of avoided each other. They weren't as close as they used to be. The guys and girls in their classes realized too. Everybody had thought that Sakura and Syaoran had actually been dating. Since they weren't always together anymore the students thought it would be the best time to go and try to get one of them. The girls didn't hesitate, they were all over Syaoran. Syaoran could only think of Sakura even in this situation.
Sakura didn't notice all the guys watching her. Sakura had only one thing on her mind and it was Syaoran. The only time they had ever got together after their argument was for the duet and piano practice. Kaho Mizuki the bride to be and teacher realized the tension between the two. She thought it would be better if they solved their own problem. Tomoyo had a different perspective.
"Eriol we can't let them be like that!" Tomoyo said.
"Honey, we shouldn't interfere."
"But Eriol, they would be perfect together! If they don't talk to each other Sakura would probably go with another guy and Syaoran would be with another girl."
"Tomoyo; if they can't solve this on their own how can they make a relationship work?"
"That's true, but couldn't we help even a little?"
"No Tomoyo." Eriol said sternly. Tomoyo finally agreed that she'd let them figure it out on their own. But she didn't say she wouldn't talk to Mei Ling and Mizuki-sensei about it though. Mei Ling decided to stay until after the wedding. She really wanted to see her cousin in a tuxedo.
Today all the people in the wedding party were to gather at the shrine. They were going to have last minute ballroom dancing lessons. Kaho and Touya had already taken private lessons so Touya didn't have to attend. He did anyway just to keep an eye on Syaoran and Sakura. Mei Ling came although she was not asked to attend. She wanted to see her cousin dance with someone besides her. Since she and Syaoran were rich they always had to dance at formal balls. Usually Mei Ling and Syaoran danced together. Ballroom dancing would be easy for Syaoran but he wasn't sure if Sakura knew how to dance.
Tomoyo and Eriol both knew how to ballroom dance as well. Tomoyo had a private tutor and Eriol was wealthy and also had private lessons. Everyone seemed to know how to ballroom dance including Sakura. Sakura had lessons with both her brother and father. So she was in shape.
Because Touya was there, he and Kaho started the dancing. The music started and Kaho and Touya went into the middle of the dance floor. Yukito and Ayumi followed after, and then it was Sakura and Syaoran, and last but not least Eriol and Tomoyo. They were all having a great time. Syaoran was glad to see Sakura smiling as he twirled her. Sakura looked up at Syaoran.
"I'm sorry." Syaoran said.
"Why are you sorry?" Sakura asked.
"I'm sorry for making you feel that you were nuisance to me. You're not a nuisance."
"Thanks Li-kun." Sakura smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. He was about to hold her closer but then Touya glared at him. He decided that it was best to leave it as it was.
"Kinomoto-san, you can call me Syaoran." Syaoran said after they stopped dancing.
"You can call me Sakura, Syaoran."
"No he can't." Touya butted in. "Only friends and family are to call you Sakura."
"Touya, he is my friend." Sakura talked back.
"Fine, brat you can call her Sakura but if you call me Touya I will wring your neck."
"Touya, can you help me out?" Kaho asked who was now next to Touya. She didn't want him to make things go wrong again.
"Okay Kaho. Brat I'm watching you." Touya said before he left.
Mei Ling walked up to Sakura and Syaoran. She decided to sit in between them. Touya noticed this and smirked. 'Looks like someone else doesn't like them together either.' he thought.
Eriol and Tomoyo walked to the three of them.
"Sakura you were great. You two looked so kawaii together." Tomoyo said.
"Tomoyo" Sakura said blushing.
"Syaoran was better though." Mei Ling added.
"Mei Ling" Syaoran said blushing.
"You guys want to go to my place tonight? We could have a sleep over." Eriol suggested.
"Eriol, are you sure your sister won't mind?" Sakura asked. What she really meant was isn't your sister hyper?
"She won't mind at all Sakura." Eriol replied. He was also hinting that he would keep her out of their way.
"I'm in but I have to tell Touya and my dad." Sakura said.
"I'm there." Tomoyo chimed happily.
"I'll go too. I have to tell Wei though." Syaoran said.
"What about you Mei Ling?" Eriol asked.
"Yeah sure, I'll go." Mei Ling replied
"Great!" Tomoyo, Eriol and Sakura said in unison. Sakura walked over to Touya who obviously heard the conversation.
"No Sakura you are not going!" Touya said immediately.
"Why can't I go? Eriol and Tomoyo have slept over at out house before. Mei Ling's nice too."
"I'm not worried about those three. It's that brat. As long as he's going you're not allowed to go."
"That's not fair Touya!"
"Life isn't fair Sakura."
"If life isn't fair how come you get to marry Kaho?"
"Let me rephrase that then. Your life isn't fair."
"I'm asking dad. If he allows me to go you can't do anything about it."
"SAKURA, YOU ARE NOT GOING!" Touya screamed. Everyone turned to look at the two siblings.
"YOU CAN'T DECIDE FOR ME!" Sakura countered.
"YES I CAN!"
"NO YOU CAN'T! JUST BECAUSE MOM'S GONE AND DAD'S BUSY AT WORK DOESN'T MEAN YOU'RE IN CHARGE OF ME! YOU KNOW WHAT? I'M NOT GOING TO YOUR STUPID WEDDING!" With that Sakura left and drove around.
"She doesn't mean it Kaho. She's just being self centered that's all." Touya said to Kaho after Sakura left.
"You should've let her go to Eriol's house you know." Kaho said.
"Yeah Touya, you were the one being self centered." Yukito added.
"Touya, if you had let her go she wouldn't have done that." Ayumi added her opinion as well. Syaoran, Mei Ling, Eriol and Tomoyo only watched what was happening. Finally Tomoyo spoke up.
"I know that you're all upset but please don't blame Touya-kun. He only wants the best for Sakura. Even though he has bad judgments sometimes, he doesn't want anything to happen to Sakura. I think we should look for her and not sit here being depressed."
"Thanks Tomoyo. Do any of you know where Sakura might be?" Touya said.
"She could be at her favorite tree." Eriol said giving his opinion.
"Okay, Eriol and the brat go to her favorite tree."
"Hai" Eriol and Syaoran said and did as they were told.
"Go to your house and see if Sakura shows up Tomoyo and bring the other girl with you."
"Hai, come on Mei Ling" Tomoyo and Mei Ling went off to Tomoyo's house.
"Yukito and Ayumi go to my house and see if Sakura shows up." Ayumi and Yukito left.
"Kaho stay here and see if Sakura comes back."
"Ok Touya. Go to the cemetery where your mother is buried. Go to her tombstone and see if Sakura shows up."
"Why would Sakura go to the cemetery?" Touya asked looking confused.
"Sakura mentioned your mother didn't she? Maybe she needs to talk to Nadeshiko."
"Okay Kaho. Tell everyone to call me if they've found Sakura."
"Hai Touya" Kaho replied. Touya ran out the door and took his car and drove to the graveyard not far from the shrine where his mother was buried. Everyone was stationed and Sakura was still driving not knowing where she was going. Sakura was confused, frustrated and sad.
Her thoughts:
'How could Touya think that Syaoran would do something to me? Why couldn't they like each other? I'm not going to the wedding just to hurt Touya, but won't that hurt everyone else's feelings too? Since when did I become so selfish? So inconsiderate? Why do all my arguments with anyone have to be about Syaoran? Why did I get my mother involved into this? It's not her fault she got sick and died.' Sakura stopped her car and stepped out.
Syaoran's thoughts:
'All of this happened because of me. Maybe I should stop hanging around with Sakura. All I'm doing is making her feel bad. Why did her brother and I have to despise each other? I wonder where she is. Sakura…' Syaoran snapped out of his thoughts when he felt two arms wrap around him. He turned to see a crying Sakura. Eriol on the other hand was no where to be found. Syaoran hugged Sakura back comforting her.
Eriol went back to the shrine when he saw Sakura coming. "Mizuki-sensei Sakura's at her favorite tree with Syaoran." Kaho smiled at this. 'So Sakura unconsciously drove to Syaoran huh? Her brother will be very upset but, I'm glad she didn't run into Touya at the cemetery.' she thought. Kaho called everyone and told them that Sakura was with Syaoran. They were all relieved. Touya was about to find them and beat Syaoran up, but he decided that as long as Sakura was alright and happy he was fine.
Sakura brought Syaoran to the cemetery where her mother lied. Touya was already gone. Sakura thought she should tell Syaoran about her mother. He would be the only one that knew besides her family and Kaho. Tomoyo only knew because she was Sakura's cousin. Syaoran was confused at why Sakura had brought him to a cemetery.