Hello, everyone! Another new chappy for all of you! I hoped you like this one. Just want to say thank you to everyone who reviewed! ^___^

CHAPTER SEVEN

DATING

            "Sugoi! I mean, I can't believe Yukito-san is actually here!" Sakura practically gushed right in front of her brother's face.

            She could still remember how devastated she was when her childhood crush left Tomoeda almost a year ago to work in Canada.  Yukito was like a second brother to her; he's always right by her side to support her in everything she does just like her true brother, Touya. When Touya left her, he even became more like a real brother to her because he fulfilled all the things that Touya wasn't able to do physically since he is so far away.  So it's no exaggeration to say that she felt really sad when he left her.

            "We can hear you.  You don't have to shout, you know."  Touya rolled his eyes.  He just arrived from his work deadbeat tired already when he saw Sakura and Yukito inside his apartment.  It was such a delight to see again his bestfriend, after not seeing him for almost two years now, that all the stress inside his body seems to be dissolved in an instant that he saw him.

            "Glad to see you're still the hyper Sakura that I knew." Yukito chuckled from across the living room.

            "And you're pretty much like the Yukito-san that I knew." She replied, placing the pitcher of juice which she prepared from the kitchen, in the table infront of him. "But…only more kawaii, ne?"

            He couldn't help laughing loudly at that. "You really haven't changed at all!"

            "You could say that.  She's still the same kaijuu.  But the difference is that, she's a bigger kaijuu now than before." Touya added helpfully, as he emerged back from the kitchen.

            "Oi, I am NOT a kaijuu!!!!"

            "Fine.  You keep telling yourself that." Touya smirked as he sprawled in the couch.

            "And you, Touya, still haven't changed." Yukito said, his eyes twinkling in amusement.

            "Hai. Hai." Sakura nodded vehemently.

            "Well, first things first, ne?" Touya cleared his throat loudly. "How come you never told me over the phone or thru e-mail that you're going to visit me here, Yuki?"

            "I purposely didn't tell you because I really wanted my arrival here to be a surprise."

            "And what a surprise indeed!" Sakura exclaimed. "I never expected that you'd visit me at my work, you know."

            "You dropped by at her office?" Touya asked in surprise.  All along, he thought that Yukito went to his apartment first.  But he did mentioned something about Sakura's job in his last e-mail so it's no wonder if he knows the place and he decided to go there first.

            "Hai.  I decided to visit her there since my office is just around the next block from her work."

            "So you mean to say—"

            Yukito smiled, cutting Touya off in his sentence. "I'm assigned to work here in Tokyo."

            A grin made its way in Touya's face when he heard his statement.  "That's…great!"

            "You could say that, Oniichan.  At least, you and Yukito-san would get to see each other for practically everyday since today!"  She smiled. "It's just like the old days, you know.  Too bad, I'm left back in Tomoeda.  It's no fair!"

            "Well, at least I'm closer now to Tomoeda compared when I was back in Canada." He glanced affectionately at her. "Touya and I could visit you more often during our vacations or during the holidays."

            "I guess so…" She paused. "Hey, since it's been ages since I last saw you, why don't I whip a nice meal for you?  What do you want to eat for dinner, Yukito-san?"

            "Hey, why didn't you asked me that question when you first arrived here, huh?"  Touya teased, shaking his head, "I thought you missed me!"

            She made a funny face at him.  "It's because you called me a 'kaijuu' right the very minute I saw you!"

            "Arigatou, Sakura for asking me but I really don't want to trouble you about it."

            "Don't tell me, you're not going to eat over here with us! I insists, Yukito-san.  It's really no trouble for me at all."

            "Yeah.  You should eat here, Yuki."

            "No, I don't have to eat here.  Nor are the two of you."  Yukito smiled widely. "I've decided to treat you out for dinner tonight."

            Touya glanced at him in surprise. "You know, you don't have to do that."

            "Let's just say that it's like my treat as a celebration of my arrival here in Tokyo, okay?"

            "Arigatou, Yukito-san.  You're sooo nice." Sakura couldn't help saying out loud.

            "Anything for two persons who are special to me." He replied, a faint blush appearing in his cheeks. "Anyway, I suggest that you were something dressy for today because we're going to that ritz restaurant in the city."

            "Yuki! You really don't have to do—"

            "And you really don't have to remind me over and over again, Touya. Come on, get moving now so we could get there in time."

            After minutes of persuasion from Sakura and Yukito, Touya finally agreed to get up from his seat and get dressed.  He still didn't approved of the fact that Yukito is going out to treat them because he felt that he should be the one to do it, not him.  But since he insisted and his little sister even joined in insisting him, he has no choice but to agree.

            After about forty minutes later, the three were already on Touya's car, making their way to the restaurant. 

            "Ohhhh….so that's why you are so dressed-up, considering that you just came from work, today!" Sakura giggled from the backseat.

            "So you notice."

            "Of course!"

            "With all of the commotion since you arrived, I forgot to asked you when did you actually arrived here in Tokyo." Touya asked, still staring straight ahead of the road as he drives.

            "I arrived here just last night. I just dropped by the office earlier to check out the place.  I'm officially starting my work tomorrow."

            "Tomorrow already?!? You still haven't gotten a proper rest, you know."

            "I know, Sakura.  But there's still a lot of work to do and I can't be out of the office for such a long time."

            Before Touya could even say a word, the car cell ring, taking them by surprise.

            "Who could it be…?" Touya muttered silently, reluctantly taking the phone.

            "Moshi, moshi…"

            Sakura and Yukito sat silently in the car to give Touya some time to talked over the phone without distractions. 

            "Hai, sir. I'll be there." Touya finally said, after two minutes later, before hanging up the phone.

            "Gomen nasai, Yuki but it looks like I can't be with you tonight."

            "What do you mean by that, Oniichan?"

            "That's my boss.  He told me to do some overtime today." Touya sighed loudly. "There's still some work to be done and it seems like the person who is supposed to do it came down with a flu."

            "I suppose it's a rush work, ne?" Yukito asked.

            "Hai.  The paper's going to be turned over by tomorrow.  And they badly needed help with as much people as they can."

            "Don't worry, Touya.  I understand.  That's one of the hassles of working you know."

            "I know." He replied before stopping the car infront of the restaurant. "Well, here we are.  I'm really sorry I couldn't be there with you."

            "Mou, Oniichan.  That's too bad." Sakura answered disappointedly.  She really wanted to be out with the two persons she missed the most and it seems like her brother's work ruined the night for them.

            "There's still a lot of time to go out, Sakura." Touya smiled slightly. "Anyway, if I still have some time, maybe I could come here and join you from work.  I'm pretty sure that they're already past halfway on getting the job done."

            "I really hope that you could join us." She answered back.

            "I'll try kaijuu, okay? I'm going to leave the car so you could drive yourselves home when you're done eating.  I'm just going to take a taxi because it'll be more convenient and easy to get around."

            "Well…hopefully we'll be seeing you later, Touya."  Yukito said.

            "I hope so.   Just enjoy the evening okay?"

            "Hai.  Take care, Oniichan!" Sakura called out with a small wave as she watched her brother call out a taxi and ride in it.

            "So…shall we?" Yukito smiled good-naturedly at her, offering his hand to her just like a real gentleman.

            Sakura couldn't help smiling as she offered her small hand to his.  Suddenly, it seems like she's out on a date with him!  Anyone who doesn't know the two of them would think that they are two people going out on a date with each other.

            When they finally entered the restaurant, Sakura couldn't help marveling at the sight of the place.  The restaurant looks so elegant and sophisticated; it's European architecture is certainly a feast to the eyes.  Every table is perfectly arranged just like a piece of art drawn to a canvass with the fresh flowers as its centerpiece.  She was even delighted and surprised to see a small ballroom situated in the center for dancing and a small stage set-up infront.  Currently, the performers on the stage were doing a classical piece of music that really set the cozy ambience of the place.

            "This is so beautiful, Yukito-san." She whispered breathlessly as her eyes scanned the restaurant filled with people.  It is only seven o' clock in the evening and yet the restaurant is almost jam-packed.

            "Glad you liked it."

            "Like it? Are you kidding me?" She replied as they followed the white-jacketed maitre 'd leading them towards their table. "I loved it!"

            "Well, I'm glad you loved it." He corrected, laughing quietly.

            After giving out their orders, Sakura was still busy admiring the place.  She just couldn't imagine that Yukito would spend all his money on them just to eat in a restaurant like this! Certainly, when she saw the costly prices of the food in the menu earlier, any person who doesn't have enough money would go broke over one night.

            "The place is certainly awesome. However, the food's prices are so high!" Sakura commented softly. "Are you sure that's just okay for you?"

            "Of course, Sakura.  I wouldn't take you out here if I didn't know that."

            "Gee…you must have a high-paying job."

            "Not really." He grinned. "Being a network analyst is really not that 'big'."

            "You're just being humble."

            Yukito winked at her. "I'm just being a hardworking person, that's all."

            Sakura was just about to make a comment when a familiar person caught her eyes.  She was seated in such a way that she could see any person entering the place that's why she saw him.

            "I couldn't believe it!" She muttered under her breath. "It's really that jerk!"

            Her eyes followed Syaoran as he walked towards the receiving area of the restaurant.  She was even more surprised to see a very gorgeous and sophisticated woman along with him, who is obviously his date.  She couldn't help wondering what in her right mind did that woman thought of when she decided to go out with him.  As far as Sakura is concerned, he is the most arrogant guy she ever knew!

            "What's the matter, Sakura?" Yukito asked curiously when she saw her staring past behind him.

            But before she could even reply to him, Syaoran and his date were already making their way towards their own table and she have this sinking feeling that they're headed for the empty table just two tables away from them!

            Because she was looking at them the whole time, she was caught staring by Syaoran when his eyes turned to look their way.

            Sakura immediately whipped her head around, facing Yukito, whom in turned is looking back at her in curiosity.

            "You looked like you have seen a ghost." Yukito commented, noticing her face, which suddenly paled.

            "Ano…Umm.."

            A familiar voice cleared his throat from behind her.  Sakura is pretty much sure who is it already but nevertheless she still didn't turned around to face and greet him.

            "Sakura, my what a surprise!"

            "Li!" She replied sweetly, too sweetly in fact. "Nice to see you here too!"

            Sakura glanced up to see Syaoran standing casually infront of their table, with the woman she saw earlier with him.

            "I saw you earlier when we were just making our way to our table and since you're also here, I decided to come by your table and greet you, of course." Syaoran stated charmingly, which really made her hairs on the back of her neck stand out.  She really just couldn't believe how he could act so civilized and so polite if he wanted to.  He must've really wanted to impress his date so much.

            Sakura felt an annoyingly small twinge in her heart at that thought.  But she dismissed it easily as that of infuriation at him rather than anything else.  Besides, why would she be affected at the thought that he's out with a very beautiful lady tonight?

            "Anyway, allow me to introduce you to my date." He continued. "She is Otsuka Rina.  Rina, this is Kinomoto Sakura…my partner in my part-time job and her date…?"

            "Tsukishiro Yukito."  She finished off, smiling gently at Rina.  "Yukito, this is Li Syaoran and of course, her date, Otsuka Rina."

            Yukito stood up and extend a friendly hand to Syaoran. "Nice meeting you."

            "Nice to meet you, too." Syaoran shook his hand warmthly. "Anyway, we'll be going now to our own table so we could give you privacy now."

            "Yeah, you should be." She muttered, rather a bit loudly. "Er—I mean, of course.  Well, nice to meet you Otsuka-san.  I do hope you both have a great time."

            Rina smiled at her, and Sakura thought once more how sophisticated and beautiful this woman really is.  Compared to her, she looks like a highschool kid in her prom dress.  Rina's deep red evening dress with a very low cut in her back is just enough to make any male boil its blood.

            "Nice to meet you too.  I also hoped that you and your handsome date would enjoy the night."

            When they finally walked away and settled to their own seats, Sakura was never been more relieved.  When their food finally arrived, she was more than happy to eat so she could get away from the place as soon as possible.  She suddenly felt as if she's being suffocated inside the place.

            "You sure looked hungry, Sakura." Yukito couldn't help pointing out, his face that of amusement.

            "What made you say that?"

            "Well, you sure did eat your food in a breeze."

            "Um…Yeah! That's it! I'm just hungry." She lied weakly.  She certainly doesn't want to go into details as to why she wanted to get out of the restaurant as soon as possible.

            "I thought so." Yukito's face lit up. "And since we're finished already, why don't we dance, ne?"

            "D-don't you think that it's a rather bad idea cause you know we've just eaten and—"

            "Aaaw, come on, Sakura! Besides, it's not like we're going to do some break dancing or something." He stifled a laugh. "The music is too mellow for that.  I'm pretty much sure you know ballroom dancing, don't you?  I still remember how good dancer you were, Sakura."

            "Of course, I do." Sakura replied. "Well, I guess since you insist…"

            "Arigatou, Sakura.  Forgive me for insisting you about it, it's just that the song is so nice and the night certainly wouldn't be complete if we don't dance.  Don't you think so?"

            "You're right." She smiled genuinely at him.  "So what are we waiting for? Let's hit the dance floor!"

            Yukito and Sakura made their way across the dance floor, which is almost filled with a few couples dancing in rhythm to the music.  As they walk, Sakura had this weird feeling that someone is looking at her. 

            "Are you and Li in good terms with each other?"  Yukito asked as they dance in time with the music.

            "Why'd you ask?"

            "Nandemonai.  It's just that I have this feeling like you are just about ready to walk out of the restaurant when he turned up beside our table."

            Sakura couldn't help laughing loudly at Yukito's observations. 

            "You're observing skills really amazes me, Yukito-san.  Well, to put it simply, we really do not get along."

            "You don't get along with him? The person who is well-liked by people in her school has an enemy?"

            "Such flattery.  And yes, we really do not get along." She sighed. "He's too conceited for me!"

            "But he looks like a real nice guy to me." Yukito shrugged. "And handsome too, don't you think so?"

            "Yukito-san!"

            "What?!?" He chuckled. "I'm just asking you a very simple question."

            "Well, maybe."

            "What do you mean by that?"

            "Well, I—"

            "Hello, again Sakura!" Syaoran cut-off cheerfully from nowhere, interrupting their small talk. 

            Sakura almost jumped in surprise when she heard his voice again.  How could he do that, appearing out of behind her in an instant?  Just when she's about to say that he looked handsome for a jerk… It's a good thing that she wasn't able to say that or else he might've heard her!

            "Hi, Li." She stressed out his name.  She couldn't help raising an eyebrow at the way Syaoran and his date were dancing so close to them.  Sure, the dance floor may be filled but they certainly could find a spot someplace else.  Away from them.

            "I've been watching you from our table and I couldn't help but be amazed at your dancing skills." Syaoran smiled. "You're such a great dancer, Sakura."

            Yukito nodded. "Yes, she is.  She was even a member of her cheerleading club back in—"

            "You really don't have to tell them that, Yukito-san." Sakura smiled innocently at him. "We wouldn't want to bore them to death aren't we?"

            "Well…"

             "Oh, I just remembered something very important to do." Sakura blurted out hurriedly. "I really need to go home now.  Would that be okay with you?" She stared knowingly into Yukito's eyes, hoping he'd get her cue.

            "Of course, Sakura!" He smiled impishly, catching on. "I could drive you home now, if you wish too."

            "Arigato, Yukito-san!"  She said loud enough for Syaoran to hear.  "Got to go, Li. Nice meeting you again, Otsuka-san." 

            And before Syaoran could say another word, she quickly walked out of the dance floor, with Yukito trailing behind her.

~~~~~~~

            "Konnichiwa."

            Sakura glanced up from her seat reluctantly.  She found herself looking at a pair of amber eyes staring back at her.

            "Hmmm…seems like you woke up from the wrong side of bed today, huh?" Syaoran mused out, when she didn't reply.  He casually placed his briefcase atop his desk before settling down on his chair. 

            "Anyway, good to see you so early today." He continued. " I thought you're going to be so tired from your date last night."

            "Funny, but I thought of the same about you too."  She replied coldly, not even glancing up from her computer.

            "So you're thinking about me too, huh?" Syaoran chuckled. "Guess you really missed me so much."

            "I do not!"

            "But your face tells the opposite, nevertheless."

            Sakura could practically feel the heat of anger rising up on her cheeks.  What gave him the right to act like that towards her? Ever since they first met, it seems like he found pleasure in the sight of torturing her.

            "For your information, my face just shows what I really feel about you.  And that is pure disgust."  She spatted out. "And we're here for work, Li Syaoran and not for any of your flirting."

            Syaoran snicker at her. "What??? Do you honestly think I am flirting with you?"

            "Yes." Sakura finally whirled around to look at him. "And sorry to disappoint you, darling, but I have more handsome guys who are lined up to be my date far more qualified than you.  In fact, you really didn't even meet my qualifications.  Better luck next time."

            "God! I never thought you could be so funny, Sakura!" He choked through his laughter.  He is practically shaking out of laughing too hard.

            "I'm glad that got you entertained. So now, could you please shut up so we could get some real work done?"

            "Sure, sure." Syaoran chuckled.  He turned around to face his own computer. "I hope you don't mind my asking but…are you and Tsukishiro…you know…" He trailed off, not finishing his question.

            "What?" She snarled, sounding annoyed.  It seems like Syaoran is not going to stop talking to her.

            "Is he your boyfriend?"

            "Huhhhh???!?? Are you serious? Yukito is just---" Sakura paused.  An idea suddenly entered her mind. "Well, he is a special person to me, that's all."  And it's true.  Yukito is indeed one of the special persons in her life. 

            "Oh."

            "What's it to you anyway?"

            "Nothing." He grinned. "Nice catch.  He's handsome."

            "Just what are you getting at?"

            "Hey…nothing, okay? Sheessshh…stop being so defensive."

            "Hmp! I just thought that you'd say that you couldn't believe that a guy as handsome as Yukito would go out with me!"

            "You said that. I didn't say that."

            "You, Syaoran Li is a class-A jerk." Sakura grunted in frustration.

            "Thank you, Sakura. Such a sweet compliment coming from such a demure lady like you." Syaoran replied lightly.  If Sakura would look at him, she would definitely see the amusement dancing in his eyes.

            "Shut up, shut up, shut up!" She groaned, trying to keep her voice down.  She certainly doesn't want to cause any commotion inside the office.  She is so fed up at him that she couldn't take it anymore.  No guy has ever affected her in such way before!

            A laugh escaped from Syaoran's mouth.

            "You know, such harsh words from you certainly doesn't suit you.  Your actions right now are far from that woman I saw last night at the restaurant.  You looked so sophisticated and elegant back there, you know.  If it weren't for your green eyes, I wouldn't have thought it was you."

            "Would you just please quit the whole thing, Li Syaoran?"

            "What?" He smirked. "I'm trying to give you a compliment here.  Are you sure you don't want to hear that?"

            "Somehow, your compliments sounds like insults."

            "Aaawww…that's not nice. I'm trying my best to be kind and honest here."

            She rolled her eyes. "You should try harder."

            "You have such high standards for a man, you know." He shook his head. "Tell me, how many boyfriends did you have?"

            "That's none of your business."

            "I'm sorry.  Was it too personal?"

            Sakura glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes.  She looked at his profile typing seriously in his computer.  Did she just hear him say 'sorry'?

            "Well, not really."

            "So…how many is it then? Two? Three?"

            "A few."

            "Really?"

            "Well…quite a handful than others, I guess."

            "Are you kidding me?" Syaoran raised an eyebrow haughtily.

            "Just what do you mean by that?"

            "I mean, you're so scary with the way you almost always shout at me and everything that I almost thought you never had a boyfriend in your whole life!"

            Her face crumpled into annoyance after hearing what he just said.  And she even thought that he almost sounded too polite and honest for a decent conversation.

            "You're so darn hopeless, Li.  I just don't know what those women saw in you.  Sure, you may be handsome but your attitude is so rotten and so---"

            "What did you just say?" He cut her off.

            "I said your attitude is so rotten." She replied irritatingly.

            "No. Not that."  Syaoran whirled his seat to look at her. "Before that."

            "What are you talking about?"

            "You just said I am handsome." His lips lifted into a sardonic smile. "That's something! The Ice Queen Sakura Kinomoto actually thought I was handsome!"

            "I never said that!"

            "Yes, you did." He inched closer to her. "Liar."

            "Jerk." She took a deep breath to calm her nerves. One…Two…Three.. If Syaoran wouldn't stop teasing her, she might just end up spanking him.

            "Just to let you know, I also think you're totally beautiful too…"

            It is weird, but somehow, even though she knew that compliment is just meant to tease her, a faint blush made its way across her cheeks.

            "…If only you would smile more often."

            "Ooohh, Li. Thank you verrrrry much.  Your compliment really made my day." She replied sarcastically, smiling cutely at him, as she stared back at those amber eyes.

            "Hmmm, excuse me if I interrupted your conversation but I have some papers from my boss in the Human Resources Department to give to you, guys."

            Sakura was more than glad for the distraction.  She stood up from her seat to greet the employee with a smile but when she saw the woman's face, she was shocked.

            "Hi, Kinomoto-san.  We've met last night, right?"

            Sakura could only stare at the small pin on her left breast, bearing her name.

            Otsuka Rina, Junior Supervisor

            Human Resources Department

            Isn't it that Syaoran's date last night is an employee of the company too?  And she has position?

            If she's already a Junior supervisor, she must be around twenty-five years old to say the least.  Unless, she's promoted earlier than that.

            Sakura's eyes grew large.

            Meaning, Syaoran is dating an older woman?!? Sure she's beautiful but…an older woman?

~~~~~~~

kotsch

A/N: That's it for the chappy! I tried my best to make it longer…::Shrugs helplessly:: Well, I just hoped you liked it! Please review okay! It'll make my day, guys! Arigatou!