CHAPTER 11

HATE-LOVE RELATIONSHIP

Sakura glared at Syaoran with as much animosity as she could muster.

My date shouldn't end this way! Just as I am gearing myself up for the dating scene, here comes Syaoran to ruin it!

Well, technically, Syaoran didn't ruin it. It's just that, Eichiro, her date, have to return back to his house due to some emergency; with his niece being sick and all.

Aargghh! But why does Syaoran have to be here of all places! Sakura thought with annoyance.

"Hey, move your feet and let's go home!" Syaoran turned back to look at her, still never letting go of her wrist. "I thought you wanted to go home?"

"Yes, I do." She sulked. "But not with you."

"Here I am, being nice to you, offering you a ride to go home and you're refusing it?" He raised an eyebrow at her. "What's with the attitude, huh?"

Sakura just kept silent. As her head calms down a little and her mind starts to clear up, she also begins to question her self.

Why am I acting all bratty with him? I mean, I could just say 'yes' just to get this thing over with. Besides, a free ride back will never hurt me.

She held her hands up, as if to surrender.

"Okay, okay. I admit I'm being hard to get along with." She sighed. "Maybe it's just… I don't know. Maybe, just maybe, my mind's all set to have this date and I'm actually looking forward just to enjoy this day and then unfortunately, Eichiro have to go home as soon as we're getting started. Don't get me wrong! I know it's an emergency that's why he has to go home and I could absolutely understand that." She added hastily.

Syaoran's amber eyes just looked at her intently. As if, what she said is something philosophical and mind-blowing that he just couldn't take his eyes off her face.

"So you're kind of just expecting that you'll be spending your day today on a date…?" He asked after a few seconds.

"Not really. It's just that –"

"That's not a problem." He smiled at her playfully. "Then, I'll be your date."

"What?"

"I believed you heard what I just said."

Sakura's eyes widened.

"That's unethical! You have a date. You just can't do that to her!"

Syaoran just rolled his eyes at her.

"Watch me."

But before Sakura could say a word, Syaoran is already walking away from her while he dials his cellphone. She never have to think twice that the person that he is most probably calling is definitely his supposed date for tonight.

Sakura could only look back at him in amazement.

What astonished her even more is that Syaoran seems to be laughing while he's talking on the phone! Is that how one should react after canceling a date? Is that how easy he could manipulate the minds of the girls he's dating with? Is he that charming?

Yes. A small voice inside her head replied to her last question.

She shook her head clearly as if to disagree with her inner conscience.

"What's the matter with you?"

Sakura looked up to see him standing right infront of her, looking at her inquisitively. He must be thinking how weird she is for shaking her head just like that.

"Nothing. Soooooo…was that your date on the phone?" She asked, changing the subject.

"Supposed to be." Syaoran smiled a little. "But not anymore."

"I could swear you're even laughing as you talk to her. Are you sure it's just okay?" She couldn't help but feel awkward. I mean, if she were placed in the same shoes as that girl, she definitely wouldn't want her date to be cancelled at the very last minute.

"She understands." he looked at her with slight irritation. "Come on, let's just go take a walk in the park if you don't feel like going home yet."

"What made you so sure I want to be with you right now?"

"Oh, I just knew it."

She couldn't believe the arrogance in his voice. If there's anything that turns her off, it's arrogant people!

"Nevermind, Li. I just might well go home." She smirked.

Sakura should have known that what she said was a bad idea, for upon saying her last reply, Syaoran once again took hold of her wrist, determined not to let go of her.

He looked at her straight in the eye. "You're lying. "

She looked back at him squarely.

"Fine. If you want to go home then you have to…" Sakura could see a glint of mischievousness in his eyes. "..kiss me first."

"You're making me laugh."

"I'm serious."

The noise of the passerbys happily strolling along the park may be loud but Sakura couldn't hear a single thing. She tried to grasp the words Syaoran had spoken out so casually, as if it's just a phrase that he tells her everyday.

"So you want to go home now?" He pressed.

"Shut up."

At that, Syaoran couldn't help laughing at the sight of a furious Sakura, who is just about ready to strangle him dead, her emerald eyes turning into slits.

OoOOOoOoOoOoOoOoOooO

Who would've thought that two persons who clashed with each other right from the start would be laughing together right now? On an accidental date?

Right from the start everything has been accidental…from the airport, to work, to being partner… well, maybe coincidence to some, but for Sakura and Syaoran, it has always been accidental. Coincidence is related to fate and fate is too strong a word for them. (kotsch: Denial I guess?)

"So you're sporty huh?" Syaoran asked Sakura,as they walked side by side, a safe distance from each other, eyeing the festivities around them.

"You could say that." She smiled. "I'm into badminton, volleyball, tennis just to name a few."

"It's funny how your eyes seem to light up when you speak."

"I guess that's just the way I am when I'm passionate about something."

"I bet you're awfully popular in your school." He remarked thoughtfully.

"What made you say that?"

"Well, you're a jock, you're intelligent…and as much as I hate to admit it, you're pretty…If only you would smile a lot." Syaoran chuckled through the last words.

Sakura couldn't help grabbing a falling leaf from a tree and hurled it right at him.

"Just when I thought I'm actually hearing you praising me."

That made Syaoran laughed even more. "You wish!"

"You know, I'm thinking…you must also be one popular guy in your school." She scratched her chin, mimicking a person in deep thought. "You must be, like the guy whom girls go ga-ga for at your school."

"Are you mocking me?" Syaoran asked, in a slightly teasing voice. If only they weren't exactly making a past time out of getting into each other's skin just about every single day, for a fleeting moment, she almost thought he's flirting with her.

"No. I'm serious."

"Then why aren't you going ga-ga over me if you think I'm all that?" he asked her innocently.

"Cause unfortunately I saw the real you. And you are a jerk." She said gleefully. "That's why your charm doesn't work on me."

"Anyway, " Sakura continued, glancing at her watch. She was surprised to see that it's already 10:30 in the evening. Unfortunately, she still has to get up early tomorrow for work. Getting up early is something that takes up too much of her energy to do. "I think I should better get going now. There's still work tomorrow you know,"

"You're right. I'll ride you home…what you think?"

"No thanks," Sakura couldn't help but notice Syaoran raised an eyebrow at what she just said. But before Syaoran could say another word, she continued on with what she has to say. "I live just about a block from here. And it's just awfully close. No need to drive me home… Besides, I want to walk and enjoy the scenery."

"Okay. " Syaoran shrugged. "Then, I'll walk you home. I could just walk back here after I take you home to get my car back. You know, since you said it's just 'awfully close.'" He mimicked, trying to imitate the pitch of her voice.

Sakura would love to snap back a retort at him but she's too tired to argue now.

"Whatever."

And so she started to walk ahead of Syaoran not caring about whether she's leaving him behind or not. Syaoran on the other hand, just seem to enjoy walking behind her back, just walking a slow pace behind her. They continued to walk a few good three minutes like this, not speaking, or looking at each other; their own minds filled with their own thoughts.

"Gorgeous."

Sakura stopped walking when she heard Syaoran utter a word. She turned her back to look at him and saw him looking her way.

She felt her cheeks grow hot.

Shit! I'm blushing! She realized. What for?

"Look at that moon…don't you think it's gorgeous?"

Sakura sweatdropped. And here she was thinking Syaoran thought she's gorgeous. She almost snorted. Since when did Syaoran become sentimental and nature-loving?

She turned her head back straight ahead and glanced at the moon.

And she just have to agree. The silhouette of the full moon, casting its soft light, illuminating the river they are passing by is just…too serene for words.

Maybe it's just Sakura or Syaoran, but for once, they were glad that they get to hang out with each other like this. They are already used to the constant bickering that the silence is almost a welcome relief. And that, they both felt that they get to know each other better through silence…through stuffs they don't need to speak.

Sakura stopped walking when she saw the front door of Touya's place looming just a few steps away from them.

"Thanks for walking me home, Li. "

"No big deal," Syaoran glanced around, trying to guess which place is Sakura's. "So, where you at?"

"See that one over there?' She pointed to a modern-looking building standing elegantly a few feet away from them. "That's my brother's condo."

Syaoran nodded back. "Nice place you got there,"

She saw him finally moving his way towards her after a long time of keeping his distance, just walking behind her back.

He looked down at her, smiling casually.

"I had a great time." He surprised himself by saying those words out loud. And what's even more surprising is that, he actually mean it.

"Who would've thought?" Sakura chuckled softly. "Yeah…it's nice to see you out of your sulking mood once in a while."

"See? I told you I'm no jerk."

"Ha! Let's see if you could keep up being Mr. Nice guy!" She taunted.

Syaoran groaned out loudly.

"You never give up do you?"

She just smiled back at him playfully. Maybe it's the light of the moon, the breeze of the air or whatever something, that made Syaoran's heart just missed a beat when he saw her smile.

I must be sleepy already, was all Syaoran could ever think of regarding the effect of her smile on him.

"So…you're going home now right?"

"Obviously," Sakura looked back at him, wondering why he asked such stupid question. She tried to keep herself from saying 'Duh' so as not to illicit more unwanted confrontation. Besides she wouldn't want to be that rude.

"Are you sure?" Syaoran asked again, his eyes twinkling.

Sakura looked at him weirdly.

"Of course, Syaoran. I want to go home now." She couldn't help rolling her eyes. "Now, if you'll excuse me…"

But before she could spun around on her heels, she felt strong but gentle hands holding her shoulders firmly, planting her steadily on the ground. Syaoran lifted her chin swiftly and tenderly that before she could comprehend what was happening, she felt a light brush of soft lips on her slightly opened mouth.

"I told you. If you want to go home then you have to kiss me first."

Sakura stared at him in surprise. She still can't find the words to say. It only lasted about a second but the tingling sensation of his lips on hers still keep on persisting, as if reminding her of what just happened.

Syaoran smiled at her quietly.

"Gotta go now. See you tomorrow."

And he surprised her again, when he kissed her on the cheek before he turned his back from her.

And Sakura was left dumfounded once more.

OoOOOoOoOoOoOoOoOooO

Syaoran could feel a pair of shoes carefully making its way on his cubicle. He need not to turn around to know who's coming. He just knew.

A familiar fragrance wafted in the air as the person drew closer.

"Good morning." He spoke out loud as soon as he saw Sakura's reflection in his computer monitor.

Sakura sit down and stared at her own computer, which is staring back idly at her.

"Good morning to you, too."

Somehow, she felt weird. She couldn't explain why Syaoran flirted with her last night. I mean, what's this guy up to?

Sakura grasped a pile of papers she needs to work on and decided to check them up as she wait idly for her computer to reboot. But her mind doesn't seem to be working.

Stop being silly, Sakura, that kiss just meant nothing! I mean, you see how this guy flirts! She thought silently, watching at the side of her eyes Syaoran's profile, as he type casually on his seat.

Somehow she felt uncomfortable when they are never bickering or making snappy remarks back at each other. It just feels weird. As if, they don't know one another.

She hated to admit it, but she kind of missed irritating him early on the morning.

The soft bleep of her computer broke her from her reverie.

Bah! Such simple stuff and my mind's making it complicated. Stupid hyperactive mind! She scolded herself mentally.

It's all about choice really. It's either she could not forget what happened last night or just plain ignore it. She decided to choose the 'Ignore' part. Besides, Syaoran doesn't seem affected by it. Why should she?

"So-"

"How-"

They both started at the same time. They turn around to look at each other and they couldn't help but laugh.

"Ladies first." Syaoran smirked, toying with the fountain pen he's holding. He stared at her intently.

She tossed her hair haughtily. "I was just about to say, 'So, how's it going?"

"Actually, I'm just about to ask you the same . With regards to your question, everything's going great, actually."

"That's...good."

"You don't sound at all too happy."

"Nah. I mean, it's just weird how we're being decent with each other once and for all."

Considering the fact that we've just kissed, She blushed at the thought.

"You looked kind of red…" He noticed, looking at her face with absolute question. "You know, it is weird. It is so weird that I'm beginning to miss how much you loathed me."

"Correction. I still don't like you. It's just that, I'm not in the mood to bite your head off right now."

"Ooohh feisty!" He grinned at her, looking as if nothing happened between the two of them last night. Sakura is starting to dislike him even more.

She made a face at him and whirled her seat around to face her computer, rudely interrupting Syaoran. She suddenly doesn't feel like talking to him right now.

"I'm going home early today by the way… "

So? Sakura replied with sarcasm at the back of her mind.

"..I'm going out on a date later. So that makes me one point ahead of you."

From confusion, to irritation to annoyance. Sakura felt all of these in no less than thirty minutes, with Syaoran being around. How many times will this guy have to fool her? And to think she even thought he's starting to be nice to her?

"You won't be rejoicing any sooner," She spoke out the words so evenly, as if someone has just committed something grave and unforgivable to her. You may call it exaggerating, but she actually doesn't care. "Mark my words, Li Syaoran."

OoOOOoOoOoOoOoOoOooO

"Don't you think that's funny, Syaoran?" a voice interrupted his thoughts so suddenly that he just stared back at his date in surprise. It registered on his mind that he's supposed to be on a date and that he should be talking to his date instead of wandering his mind somewhere else.

"Yeah, that's quite amusing." He nodded, though he absolutely has no idea what the hell is supposed to be funny.

He glanced at the unknown faces happily talking, dancing and drinking at the party around him. He sighed. Back at his campus in Hongkong, he's always invited to parties. He's always one of those people who seems to get invited a lot, as if they presume that all the time he has in the world is solely for parties. In fact, to be honest, he doesn't enjoy parties that much. He would choose to hang out at his pad and watch movies with his buddies rather than go to a party and socialize with people who seem to knew him like he's their bestfriend when in fact, he barely knew their names at all.

Ayumi, his date, smiled at him teasingly.

"Would you like to dance? Just like the old times." She hinted, her beautiful face almost beaming up.

Syaoran couldn't help but laugh at what she just said. He and Ayumi might already be over a long time ago but he noticed that whenever she has the chance to tease him about the past, she would seize at any opportunity she could have to remind him of what once used to be between them.

"I don't think – "

"Don't be such a party pooper!"

"Well if you insist."

Ayumi just laughed as she tugged him towards the dancefloor.

OoOOOoOoOoOoOoOoOooO

Sakura was laughing the whole time as she and Eichiro danced the night away. She's surprised and delighted at the same time to discover that Eichiro could dance. And he's really good at it, she must say.

"You are…" Sakura gasped, in between the twirling that Eichiro had just given her as she moved her body to the beat of the music. "…giving me a run for my money! It's been a long time since I danced with a guy as good as you are!"

"Thanks! You're not bad yourself!" He replied, shouting the words so she could hear him through the blasting music.

Sakura flushed with pride. She loves dancing. It certainly is one of her best skills. And for her to be able to dance again after such a long time, really makes her feel happy and be in a natural high. For a fleeting moment, she suddenly missed her friends back in Tomoeda. She could remember how Tomoyo and the rest of the gang are so fun to be with at the parties that they could literally, just dance the night away and have fun.

"This is really fun! Thanks for bringing me to this party,"

Eichiro nodded in response. "My friend, Ryo, definitely knows how to throw a good party."

"I could see that—"

Sakura was cut off when somebody bumped her from behind. She turned around to see a gorgeous girl, whose face seems to be familiar to her, smiling at her apologetically.

"Ooopss..I'm sorry." They both said at the same time.

"Oh, that's okay. " Sakura smiled back. "With this many people occupying the dance floor, everybody can't help but bump into each other."

"You're right bout that," the girl giggled. But before the girl could say another word, she's already being twirled around by her partner; exchanging places with her.

Sakura frowned at the guy the girl is dancing with.

No wonder the girl is awfully familiar!

She's that girl she saw with Syaoran at the mall a few days ago.

But before Sakura could walk away from the dance floor with Eichiro, she heard his awfully familiar voice.

"Kinomoto?"

Sakura couldn't help but noticed how he called her by her last name. But isn't it that's what she wanted?

"I'm tired, Eichiro. Do you mind if we sit this down for a while, I think I need to drink so I could get all pumped again," she asked her date, ignoring that Syaoran just called out her name.

Eichiro looked at her, a bit flustered at her sudden loss of enthusiasm.

"Sure, let's go back to our seats and have a little rest."

At that, Sakura immediately went back to their table and flopped down at her seat, suddenly feeling all cranky inside.

"Can I have one small glass of vodka, please?" she asked as she saw a waiter passed by their table.

"Eichiro!"

"Ryo!"

Sakura glanced up to see a red-haired guy smiling widely at her date. She assumed this must be the Ryo that Eichiro was talking about earlier at the dance floor.

"Good to see you here, man!" Eichiro stood up to greet his buddy. "Ryo, here's my date, the lovely Kinomoto Sakura. Sakura, meet Tachibana Ryo. One of my best pals."

"Hai. Nice to meet a beautiful lady like you." Ryo shooked her hands warmthly.

Sakura chuckled. "You really are friends. Both of you are such terrible flatterers!" She returned his handshake just as enthusiastically. "Nice to meet you too,"

"Ryo and I came a long way back," Eichiro replied. "Have a seat," he said to Ryo.

"Nah. This'll just be short." Ryo shook his head. "I just came by to invite you at the club to hang out with our buddies back at the college. "

"I'd love to but I'm on a date." Eichiro smiled at Sakura. "Maybe some other time."

"You could bring Ms. Kinomoto along. Really, it wouldn't be a problem,"

"Oh that's okay, Eichiro." Sakura nodded in agreement. "You go meet up with your friends."

"But—"

Sakura smiled at him earnestly. She do mean it. Besides, she kind of wants to be alone for now.

"I really don't mind."

Ryo shook his head. "You could come with us! We're nice guys you know," he added helpfully. "It's just that , it's been years since the guys last saw this guy—" he pointed at Eichiro "that they want to go and have a little talk."

"No, it's really okay." She laughed. She took a sip of the vodka that the waiter just placed at their table.

"Are you sure--?" Eichiro asked her, his face a little bit embarrassed.

"Absolutely. Now you guys go and get some catching up with each other."

"Gomen nasai. I hope I don't ruin your date or anything," Ryo scratched his head. "I'll return this guy back to you as soon as possible, okay?"

"This'll just be brief, Sakura." Eichiro smiled apologetically as he stood up and bow his head slightly. "I'll be back in a jiffy."

"Hai. Don't worry."

As soon as Eichiro and Ryo were out of her sight, she stood up, grabbed the vodka glass with her and decided to get some little bit of fresh air outside the house. She suddenly just couldn't stand the music that is pulsating to her ears.

OoOOOoOoOoOoOoOoOooO

Syaoran couldn't be any happier as he walked alone, idly listening to the chirps and whistles of the birds resting on their own secluded trees around him. He decided to take a break from all the noises of the party inside the house and go have a stroll at the beautiful garden of the owner's place.

He invited Ayumi, out of courtesy, but she didn't want to go. She decided that she wanted to go have another dance and Syaoran couldn't be glad when Ayumi saw one of her girl friends whom she could dance with.

He stopped when he saw a swing in which, he decided a few seconds after to seat on it.

Syaoran remained in this position for quite a few minutes now when he heard somebody walking near him.

Drats! All I need is just some peace and quiet and then-- he thought, scowling.

"Do you mind if I took this swing beside you?"

Syaoran glanced in surprise when he heard Sakura's voice. A surprised look registered on Sakura's face as well, as she suddenly realized that the person she's just spoken to is none other than Syaoran Li.

"I-oh, well..I just thought.." Sakura said a bit flustered, obviously caught by surprise. She came out of the party so she could avoid him and she's not expecting that he'll be out here as well! "Gomen nasai to interrupt you." She finished off lamely, as she starts to walk away.

"Matte!" He called out. "I don't mind. I mean, you could have the seat. It's not like this place is mine or anything,"

"Umm..no, thanks. I think I want to go someplace else,"

"Why? Is it because I'm here?" Syaoran asked her sarcastically. "I thought we're already friends, Sakura."

"We are!" She huffed. "It's just that, I suddenly don't want to be here. I just decided on impulse that I want to take a go on the swings and on impulse too that I decided not to seat on the swings anymore. Plain and simple."

Syaoran stood up, looking at her with annoyance. Sakura could only look at him in amazement. She couldn't believe how different this Syaoran look from the Syaoran she was with just last night.

"Let's talk."

"About what?"

"Anything you want to talk about." Syaoran stated almost commandingly. He walked towards her,

and for a brief second, she saw his amber eyes looked at her intensely that she could feel her composure starting to rattle.

"You know, I never had the chance to get to know you that much."

Sakura grabbed a hold of the lamppost hovering next to her. She didn't know why Syaoran has this certain effect on her when he gets all serious.

Syaoran's eyes narrowed at the half-empty vodka glass that Sakura is holding.

"You shouldn't be drinking, you know."

"Why do you care?"

He rolled his eyes. "You're going home with a guy you barely knew! What if you're too drunk already and god knows what will happen next?"

She laughed heartily.

"Are you kidding me? Since when did you decided to be my brother or something?"

"I know we're on this bet Sakura, but that doesn't mean that you have to go on dates and place yourself in uncompromising situations,"

"I'm not a kid, okay? I know what I'm doing," She retorted. She tipped her glass upside down and poured the contents of whatever's left with her drink. "There! Happy now?"

"And for your information, that's only the second glass of vodka I drank tonight." She turned her heels around so that Syaoran's face is now facing her back. "Make that, one and a half glass, since I just decided to pour half of the contents of my second drink."

"You know you looked so sexy and pretty on the dancefloor."

Sakura could feel her cheeks grow hot. Trust Syaoran to change the topic just like that! She decided that it's best to ignore him so she acted as if she didn't hear his last sentence. She started to walk away, determined to get out of this suddenly becoming awkward situation.

"You have a habit of pretending not to hear what I'm saying don't you?" Syaoran half whispered, his voice thickened with cynicism. "Just like when I called your name on the dancefloor. Just goes to show what your character's really made up of, Kinomoto."

"God! What do you want with me Li?" She turned around to face him. No one could ever have the right to judge her character, especially if that person doesn't even know her! "Suddenly you're this nice guy to me and then the next minute, there you go being judgmental about me and everything!"

"Because you're so hard to talk to, you know?" He retorted back. "You tend to make things complicated!"

"I do not!" She replied in annoyance. She marched back at Syaoran's spot angrily. "I thought, I just thought we somehow connected last night but I am so damn wrong." she sputtered in his face, half –whispering the words.

"I thought so too. But you always make me feel so hated that I don't know what to do with you anymore!" He rubbed the temples of his head. She's making his head hurts like hell. "Right from the start everything's all messed up! As if, we'll always have this hate-love-hate relationship going on for us."

"Excuse me? Hate I understand. But love?" she scoffed. "Are you out of your insane mind?"

Syaoran's amber eyes darkened.

"You can't fucking deny it. We've been running away from it right from the start that you can't deny the chemistry between us."

Sakura could feel her knees buckling slightly at the upright words Syaoran just told her. She refused to believe it.

"You are crazy."

"Really, that's why it's no wonder why you get so jealous and moody when I'm out with other girls."

As Syaoran drew his self closer to her, Sakura could only will herself to go away from him. But her legs wouldn't cooperate. She still finds herself rooted to the spot, taking in all the toll of Syaoran's amber eyes looking at her so intensely.

"What do you want with me?" She asked through gritted teeth.

"This."

Syaoran took hold of her in an instant and she found her lips being kissed passionately by him. She could feel her knees finally buckling under the giddy feeling that he's making her. It didn't take too long before she could feel herself responding the kiss albeit the mixed-up emotions she's feeling towards him.

"Can you deny it now?" Syaoran whispered in her ear, as they paused to come up for air.

Sakura could only blushed.

"God, I hate you!" she pounded his chest lightly. She tries to hide her face and bury it in his chest so that he wouldn't see how red she actually is.

"I hate you as much, Sakura." He whispered back, his eyes twinkling in amusement.

kotsch

A/N: After how many years, I decided to upload a chappy for this fic. Thanks to all the people who emailed and insisted I came back. ;; I won't still be active in ffn though, but I will try my best to finish the story although I kind of forget the original plot already! Hehe… It's actually quite hard to write again especially if you've changed your writing style already but I owe this much to peeps who patiently waited and continue to review this fic. Thank you, guys!