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Sorry for this short chapter, but I have very little time these days :(

From the last chapter

"Syaoran, you're a nice guy and all that. But let's just be friends."

Tomoyo's mouth dropped...

Chapter 5: Dinner finally ends

Being rejected is always not a good feeling - Even if the pretense for asking was not entirely genuine. Syaoran was certainly not the type that allowed people to push him around.

Across the table, Eriol felt really sorry for his friend. It was a really awkward situation, especially when they instigated it. Maybe, they should've consulted with Sakura first.

Tomoyo, being the host, needed to rescue the dinner. She began to speak when Syaoran beat her to it.

"Why?" He asked staring at his food. His question directed to the sitting girl opposite to him.

Tension was really growing at the dinner table. When Sakura didn't respond, he continued,

"Is it because you think I'm... ugly?" He asked again, now occupied himself by stiring his soup.

"No!" Sakura said almost immediately, with a small laugh that scoffed at his suggestion.

"Then what is it?" He quietly demanded.

Sakura lifted her head and looked at Syaoran, who she could tell was slightly incensed. She began to speak, but then hesitated and looked at Tomoyo, who was still stunned staring at Sakura. Sakura didn't really want to talk about too many personal details in front of an audience. She took a drink of her water, giving her time to come up with an excuse. Finally, one found her.

"I just think I should settle down first. I've only been here one day and I don't really appreciate being hit on." it came out a little bit harsher than she wanted.

Syaoran eyes perked up from his soup gazing. His intense glare bore into Sakura's own, and he made sure his resentment and anger was conveyed. Sakura conversely stared at the eyes glaring at her, she wasn't about to her avert her gaze. She did nothing wrong and was not about to be bullied.

"Whatever." Syaoran finally said breaking the staring contest.

Seeing an intermission to this conflict, Tomoyo siezed at the chance to change the topic.

"Sakura, did you the new extension to the mall?" A short pause followed as Tomoyo waited for her reply.

"Uhh Yeah. We should visit it some time" It was obvious her mind was somewhere else.

Silence followed until Syaoran raised a question to Eriol.

"Eriol, are you going to see that movie with me tomorrow?"

Eriol had totally forgotten about it since the dinner a few days ago. He was about to reply when Tomoyo took the liberty of answering the question.

"No I'm very sorry, Syaoran. But Eriol and I are going shopping tomorrow."

"You mean, you're forcing him to go to shopping with you."

"No, Eriol likes shopping, don't you?"

Eriol could only nod dumbly. Syaoran was not prepared to enter into another argument. Eriol wasn't worth that much.

"This is great," Syaoran said sarcastically, " now I have a ticket wasted."

"Yeah, that's too bad." Tomoyo shrugged non-chalantly, then an idea struck her "Hey wait a minute! Sakura's free tomorrow."

Sakura nearly choked on her soup.

"But Tomoyo..."

"Sakura, you don't want to waste an expensive ticket, to a good movie, right?"

"Well,"

"And you're free tomorrow"

"Yes but I have a..." Sakura was being railroaded.

"Perfect. It's settled!" Tomoyo said happily.

"Is Takashi going as well?" Tomoyo inquired.

"Yes" sighed Eriol. Everytime Syaoran and Takashi talks about that movie for the next three weeks, he would only be able to smile and nod.

"Well, let's hope nothing happens to Takashi. I would hate to see that other ticket go to waste" Tomoyo flashed a grin. An evil grin.

zz zz zz

Dinner finally ended, much to everyones relief and as Tomoyo was washing the dishes in the kitchen, Eriol thought he should offer his two cents.

"You know Tomoyo. If you hadn't interfered and pushed Syaoran, they might have more of a chance. It was going well until Syaoran asked her. Now they hate each other."

"Shut up." was all Tomoyo said.

Eriol went up to Tomoyo and hug her from behind "hey-" she was startled as she nearly dropped the plate she washing.

"Let's just leave them alone?" Eriol pleaded.

He got no reply.

Question for readers: do you guys like shorter chapters and faster updates? or long chapters, but slower updates?

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