Disclaimer: I do not own Cardcaptor Sakura. It belongs to the four female group CLAMP who I must credit as one of the best minds of the anime universe! D
This chapter is mostly a flashback of Meiling and Hiromi's life and how they met, and how they became what they are to each other now. ;D
Bold is Hiromi. Italics are Meiling… for the most part. Except when it's the other used for emphasis… I hope that make sense…
Everyone was preparing for the engagement party that was to happen that coming night. The Li family reception hall was all set with its abundant amount of food and dancing room. The maids and butlers made last minute checks and adjustments. Meanwhile, the soon to be wedded couple started explaining their story to their closest friends while getting ready in separate rooms. Sakura and Tomoyo waited for Meiling to start her anecdote.
"Well… it all started with…." Meiling spoke as her words brought her memories to life.
The pitter-patter of the rain continued as Meiling and Wei waited patiently for him to return. An empty birdcage stood behind them. Soon, a figure came from under the arch, with his hands cupped around an object. His normally messy hair was flattened and soaked with nature's shower. Meiling ran up to him. Her clothes stuck to her body due to the rain. They met and stood together in the middle of the pathway. He looked at her and lifted his left hand. A scarlet bird chirped happily. She was touched. After what seemed like hours of waiting, he came back.
"This is the bird, right?" A young Xiao Lang asked as he handed the scarlet bird to her. Her eyes widened with glee. He did care. He had a heart. Big wet tears formed under her eyes and were let loose as she hugged him tightly, crying.
"Hey! What's the matter? Are you hurting somewhere?" He asked. Wei stood over the two children with an umbrella over all three of their heads while Meiling continued to cry. She knew from that moment on… she loved Xiao Lang.
The six-year-old Syaoran perused his studies and started to work on math. He tilted the book in order to get a better view of the problem. Copying it down on the paper, he didn't notice Meiling walking over to the other side of the table. He looked up and their gazes locked on each other. Her eyes expressed passion and knew this wouldn't- no couldn't end well.
"I love you! I want to be your bride!" Meiling shouted. Syaoran was taken aback. This wasn't… expected.
"Wait a minute… I-"
"Xiao Lang! Is there someone you love more than me?"
"No… there isn't, but-"
"Then I'll be your bride because you're the one I love the most!"
"Hey… listen-" Syaoran tried to explain.
"I'll give up if you find someone you love more than me! But until that day, I'm your bride! Okay?" She pressured. Her hands were slammed down onto the table as she leaned closer to him. She wouldn't give up.
"What do you mean by okay?" He questioned.
"Okay!" Meiling pushed. Her eyes glistened with feeling. Syaoran sighed and broke their gazes.
"Do whatever you want." He continued to look at the ground. Meiling smiled with mirth. She was his number one.
"Welcome our new transfer student, Li Meiling. She came here all the way from Hong Kong. Give her your warmest greetings!" The teacher spoke as she pushed the shy new student forward. Meiling's eyes roamed the classroom. The atmosphere was so different. Back in Hong Kong, she was home schooled alongside Xiao Lang. Now… she was one of 25 students in a classroom. Her eyes were still swollen from the tears she had cried when she had abruptly discovered she was coming here… away from Xiao Lang.
"You may sit behind Daidouji-san. Please raise your hand for her Daidouji-san." The teacher announced. Tomoyo raised her hand gracefully into the air as Meiling trudged along down the hall, receiving whispers of "Welcome" and "Konnichiwa." She took her seat and glanced nervously around her. Across from her seat to her left, an emerald eyed, auburn haired girl gave her a big warm smile.
"Welcome to Tomoeda, Li-san!" Enraptured inside the other girl's emotions, Meiling couldn't help but smile back.
"Konnichiwa!" She replied. From that moment on, Meiling's relationship with both Tomoyo and Sakura blossomed.
"Meiling-chan! Tomoyo-chan!" A hyper 5th grader yelled as she showed into view.
"Late again as usual, eh Sakura-chan?" Meiling commented. Sakura inhaled as she leaned on her friend.
"Hoe… Onii-chan was meaner than usual. He splashed cold water on me!" Sakura complained as Meiling and Tomoyo laughed. Sakura pouted.
"Some friends you guys are!" Sakura exclaimed. Their laughter died down.
"Gomen Sakura-chan. We didn't mean to. It's just … your onii-chan has gone so far to wake you up. Remember that time he put a megaphone to your ear and shouted? God… I remember how you couldn't hear ANYTHING for DAYS after that." Meiling spoke up. Sakura laughed. Back then, it wasn't nothing close to funny… now, she could just laugh it off.
"What Meiling-chan's ending point is… is that, you'll get over this and that it'll just be one of those things in the future that we'll all laugh at… together." Tomoyo concluded. Meiling's face darkened hearing the words future and together. But she covered it up. She'll tell them later… after school.
"That math test was SOOO hard!" Sakura complained. Tomoyo laughed. Meiling tried her best to smile and laugh, but couldn't. She couldn't keep concealing her sorrow. Meiling collapsed onto the concrete sidewalk and started to cry. Sakura and Tomoyo were both startled by the sudden action but knew something was wrong since they saw each other this morning.
"Meiling-chan? Daijoubu desu ka (are you okay)?" Tomoyo's soothing voice asked.
"Meiling-chan? Is something wrong? Tell us." Sakura spoke, her brilliantly glowing eyes dimming with concern. Meiling's cries changed into small sobs. She slowly inhaled and then exhaled.
"I'm moving." Meiling whispered.
"NANI?" Sakura shouted. Tomoyo's hands flew to her mouth in shock. This couldn't be happening. Nothing was supposed to split them apart. They were best friends, together. Silence enveloped the three. The wind could be heard as Sakura finally opened her mouth.
"When are you leaving?" Sakura asked. Meiling wiped her tears.
"Three days from today." Meiling replied as more tears erupted from her eyes. Sakura released the liquid stored in her eyes. Tomoyo held both of her friends in an embrace while sniffling. This wasn't fair to them at all…
"MEILING-CHAN!" Sakura shouted as Meiling turned around. Tomoyo and Sakura were sprinting towards Meiling, pushing people with luggage while doing so. Sakura jumped onto Meiling and held her tight, sobbing.
"You can't leave." Sakura whispered over and over again.
"I don't want to, but I have to." Meiling replied as her tears from days before returned.
"We know." Tomoyo replied as all three girls continued to cry.
"Flight 495 to Hong Kong." A voice rang through the airport. All the girls stayed still as the announcement came on. It was too soon. They all wiped their tears as they regained their composure and said their last goodbyes.
"I'll miss you." Tomoyo spoke as she gave Meiling a hug. Meiling sadly smiled as she returned the hug. Meiling then turned to the sad Sakura.
"You aren't one of my best friends." Meiling spoke. Sakura stood in shock. Because Meiling was moving, was she going to cut off all contact? Sakura's eyes started to well up with tears.
"My best friend smiles. Show me a smile." Meiling continued. Sakura lifted her head up and wiped her tears and as best she could, she gave Meiling a genuine smile. Meiling couldn't help but smile back.
"There you are. I knew you were hiding." Meiling whispered as she gave Sakura a final hug. Sakura cried. How could she have thought of such a thing? Meiling would never do anything like that.
"Last call for Flight 495 to Hong Kong." The voice rang again. Meiling sadly smiled as she picked up her luggage and headed towards the plane. She wouldn't forget them… ever.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN I'M RUSTY ON MY MARTIAL ARTS SKILLS! I TOOK CLASSES IN JAPAN! WHY SHOULDN'T I BE PUT IN THE SAME LESSONS AS XIAO LANG! I'M JUST AS GOOD AS HIM!" Meiling shouted. Her voice escalated to new heights that her parents weren't even aware of. Meiling's mother gave a sigh and her husband groaned. Their daughter was always such a handful. Before she left China, she whined and protested. Before she left Japan just a few days ago, she screamed and cried. And now… she was complaining again with those strong vocal cords of hers…
"Your classes in Japan didn't move at the same pace as Wei's teachings here. You have to be put into Wei's classes after school. Starting in 10 minutes." Meiling's mother, Li Lien stated.
"…school? You mean… you're putting me in school?" Meiling's eyes widened. A rush of emotions ran through her body. She knew that Xiao Lang was still being home schooled… but… Sakura and Tomoyo's faces popped into her mind. How could she have met such wonderful friends if she were home schooled? But… Xiao Lang…
"After your quick adaptation to the school in Tomoeda, your mother and I decided it would be best for you to be put into a school here in China. Of course, it will be a private school." Her father, Li Cong answered. He watched a ton of expressions and prepared himself for another outburst. However… her reaction was one of serenity.
"Xie xie papa, mama. I'll get ready for my class now." Meiling responded as she bowed down and walked out of the room. Her parents sat still and blinked for several minutes. Their gazes locked on another as both of them opened their mouths to speak.
"She's our daughter… right?" They said simultaneously. The look of confusion overpowered any other emotion on their faces.
"Class, this is Li Meiling. She has returned from her studies overseas. Please make her feel at home again." Wei announced as he pushed Meiling forward. He headed to the back room to get the equipment he needed, leaving Meiling alone in the front. Meiling's eyes scanned the room to see many unfamiliar faces. Out of nowhere, one student stood up from his position on the ground and walked up to her. His raven hued hair bounced on top of his head and his aqua eyes were truly entrancing. Holding out his hand, he gave her a grin.
"Nihao Li Meiling. I'm Hoshizawa Hiromi." Meiling stuck her hand out when he gripped her hand and brought the back of her palm to his lips. Meiling desperately wished she could yank her hand back and apply some sort of disinfectant gel but she instead endured this… torture. But she had to admit… she kind of enjoyed it… kind of… not like she'd admit it to herself though… or anyone else for that matter.
"A pleasure." Meiling was plotting ways to 'inadvertently' injure him in class. Hopefully, they'd get to challenge each other… but in order to do so; she'd have to watch him to pick up on his style and strength. Hiromi grinned again as he let go of her hand.
"Pleasure's all mine." He smiled and sat back into his seat.
"Stop annoying her Hiromi!" A student ordered.
"Another crush?" Another student remarked. It was well known that Hiromi went after any female.
"Nah. This one's a keeper." Hiromi replied as he turned towards Meiling and winked. Involuntarily, she blushed as she looked away. 'The audacity.' Meiling thought angrily as she ran over to help Wei with some of the equipment.
"I thought he was a complete jerk. But a cute one." Meiling confessed. Tomoyo and Sakura giggled as they helped Meiling into her gown that Tomoyo had been working so hard on.
Hiromi couldn't believe his luck. She was… gorgeous and extremely skilled. He glanced over from time to time during practice to see what she was doing. She nailed every target with grace. Her hair whipped in the air when she let out her aggressive cry and landed the blow. She would be quite the catch. Skipping down the street, he jumped a friend of his from the back. The iced tea in the friend's hand spilt. The serious amber-eyed male wasn't pleased by this action.
"Do you always have to be such an ass Hiromi?" Lowering his cap down further, he tried to brush off the excess liquid off of his shirt. All he was doing was to go and visit Wei. He had to stay incognito because he was the infamous Li corporation successor.
"Today especially." He smirked. Hiromi just had days where he was so content; nothing seemed to bother him, at all. Not even pissing off other people. Syaoran glared and started to walk, ignoring him completely. Hiromi pouted, followed and poked Syaoran repeatedly.
"Aren't you going to ask why? Huh? Huh? Huh?" Hiromi bugged. Syaoran tensed up and jerked around. A deathly glare crossed Syaoran's face. For some unexplainable reason, it looked liked Hiromi wasn't intimidated at all… but he was… sort of. But he wouldn't show it.
"WHY-ARE-YOU-ACTING-MORE OF AN ASS-THEN-USUAL?" Syaoran got out through his clenched jaw. Hiromi grinned innocently. Man he loved to piss Syaoran off on those particular days. It gave him almost the same amount of joy as the thought of Meiling dating him. It was a wonder on how he and Syaoran maintained their friendship…
"There's this girl-"
"There's always a girl. Which one is it this time? Lian? Lin? Jiang?" For the 8 long years of friendship Syaoran kept, Hiromi had always had someone in mind, one right after another. Though, it was a surprise that he would jump him because of it. Usually, Hiromi's form of making his presence known was just the pat on the shoulder.
"No. They have all been erased from my memory. I think she's the real thing Xiao Lang." Hiromi sighed breathlessly. Even 13 year olds had that gut feeling, or at least thought they did. Syaoran groaned. This was an often-used justification as to why he was 'crazy' about some girl. But Syaoran didn't recall that breathless sigh about anyone else though. But still, it was probably a new thing he was trying out to make it more convincible. 'Why … why am I friends with him! I must be an idiot to still hang out with this guy.' Even so, Syaoran still knew that no matter how bad things would be today, he would still be friends with Hiromi… because, Hiromi was a good friend. Of course, Syaoran would never let onto it.
"Uh huh… right. Hey. Question?"
"What?" Hiromi replied.
"Can people our age have Alzheimer's?" Hiromi placed his hand under his jaw and made several expressions indicating that he was 'thinking'.
"Wait. Why do you want to know?"
"Nothing," Syaoran lied. "So. Who is it?" He brought his iced tea to his mouth and let the cold drink slide down his throat. There's nothing like a good iced tea, packed with caffeine to wake you up. Especially in this scenario.
"She's this girl from my martial art classes with Wei. She just started here. Her name's Li Meiling." Syaoran immediately started choking. Li Meiling, martial arts class… at Wei's? Only one Li Meiling could fit these criteria… Hiromi looked over at Syaoran and pat him strongly on the back. When it seemed Syaoran was able to reuse his vocal cords, he asked,
"This Meiling wouldn't happen to have ruby eyes and long black hair in odangos… right?" Syaoran didn't know how to feel about the situation. He was thrilled that his cousin was back but… "I love you! I want to be your bride!" …that was ringing in his ears.
"That's exactly what she looks like!" Hiromi replied enthusiastically. "You know her? Maybe you can talk about me in your conversations? You know, put in a good word. Maybe you could-"
"She's my fiancée." Syaoran replied calmly. Hiromi's eyes bugged open.
"You're kidding."
"I wish I was. It's kind of official, I guess. Thing is, I love her like she was my little sister. I can't see her in any other type of way."
"Then tell her." Hiromi nagged. He really had a good feeling about her. Though he had not gotten to know her yet, he had this hunch that she was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Which was of course, the best type.
"It's not that simple. She… I think she really loves me. I can't hurt her feelings and she's… I," Syaoran started, "It's going to stay this way if someone like you wants your hands on her." Syaoran finished strongly as he took another sip of his drink. He couldn't help but wonder what alcohol tasted like. After all, his sisters always told him that the best kind of stress reliever is a shot of vodka. It was also great to have that conversation recorded. Blackmail was essential to the youngest and only male in the family.
"Someone like me?" Hiromi asked.
"Yes. Someone like you." Syaoran glanced at Hiromi and saw this… look of longing on his face… longing? That was definitely the last proof of evidence Syaoran needed that this might be… serious. Hiromi was not the type of person to mope about a girl he liked… "But… if you are serious, I can only break off the engagement if I fall in love with someone."
"WELL THEN FIND SOMEONE TO LOVE!" Hiromi retaliated. It wasn't that hard… was it?
"You make it sound like a simple solution. But might I remind you, I'm not interested in love. And Meiling certainly won't fall for it if I pretend!" Syaoran snapped. He was only in 7th grade… love? Geez…
"You're going to fall hard when you find someone." Hiromi remarked.
"What makes you say so?" Syaoran asked, piqued by his curiosity. For someone not interested in love, to fall hard the first time? Sounded… eerie.
"Just a feeling…" Hiromi sighed. He wouldn't give up. If Meiling was Syaoran's cousin and fiancée, she must be in the arrangement because she loves him because she did set it up. Now, all Hiromi had to do was make her fall for him and everything would fall into place, right where it needed to be.
She lost it. Tomoyo's address, Sakura's address and their phone numbers. She couldn't believe it. She simply thought they were misplaced during the unpacking. The past couple of days, she searched in areas she thought she might have placed it for safekeeping, but no such luck. In Japan, she put their numbers on speed dial on her cell because she was never good at memorizing lengthy numbers. She also gave away her phone to Rika because Rika didn't have a phone. And now… she couldn't contact them. What would they think of her? A person who simply left friends behind when she moves? Meiling felt like she was on the verge of tearing. To make matters worse, Hoshizawa, that agitating jerk from Wei's classes, attended the same school she did. To be put into the same private school as him… what were the chances? These were going to be a long 6 years. (She goes to the private school that has 3 sections: elementary, secondary, high school) And for two days nonstop, he was there.
"Leave me alone Hoshizawa." Meiling was annoyed. She didn't have time to deal with him today. Hoshizawa was becoming an itch that she needed to scratch until she bled. …Maybe that was a little too graphic. He was just a pain in the ass. And believe it or not, Xiao Lang was friends with him! How did he put up with this… atrocity? She moaned as she buried her head into her crossed arms on the desk. Why couldn't she wallow in peace?
Hiromi sighed. No matter what he tried… it wasn't working. She had been in his class for two whole days and the only recognition she showed him was asking him to leave her alone or the Anglo-Saxon way of contempt. It was break time now so none of the teachers picked up on that little finger. However, she seemed more upset today then she had any other day. So, rather than continue his conquest for her affection, he returned to his seat and thought of ways to cheer her up.
"Did ya hear? The new girl's Li Xiao Lang's fiancée!" Meiling was getting her history book out of her locker and could tell that someone was pointing to her. She inhaled deeply and continued to transfer her books to her backpack and vise versa. School was over and she wanted to get to practice quickly but the murmurs were bothering her.
"No way! You know what though? I bet she's lying and just wants the attention. After all, if Xiao Lang was engaged, it would've been publicized by now." One girl protested. The Li family was a prominent figure in China, with paparazzi following them constantly. Rumors were spread everywhere. Meiling realized that this was the reason her parents and all the Li adults tried their hardest to keep a low profile and shelter their children.
"But I heard that she's also his cousin and that it's a family arrangement!" The other girl retorted.
"What a selfish girl." Now, Meiling was incensed. Spinning around, she stormed across the hallway and glared at the two girls.
"Keep your noses out of other people's businesses. There is a thing called privacy. Or are you both just too dumb and never heard of it? Because that's what it sounds like to me. So mind your own business and let my business be handled by me alone." Meiling enunciated each word. One of the girls brought out her hand to slap her. Meiling had books in her arms and knew she couldn't block the attack. Waiting for the blow, Meiling gritted her teeth and started planning her reaction because for every action, there must be a reaction. But… what if the action never takes place?
"That's enough San Ming. Step away from her." The girl's hand immediately retracted itself to her side. All three girls turned their heads to see the owner of the voice. The expressions on two faces changed while one remained.
"This isn't what it looks like! I can explain! She-" If there was one person that you didn't want to cross, it was Hoshizawa Hiromi. As number one in the 8th grade, Hiromi's a lot smarter than he appeared. On top of that, there were his breathtaking looks.
"Shut up. Just go. I don't want to hear it." The two girls scurried away leaving Meiling alone with Hiromi. Meiling saw Hiromi's face and instantaneously spun the opposite way and walked out towards the exit.
"I don't even get a thanks? Real polite. Who taught you etiquette?" Meiling stopped in her tracks and turned around slowly. Her body was inches away from the exit. The sunlight shown through the glass doors and illuminated around her. He didn't think he had ever seen such a beautiful sight.
"I didn't need any help. If she touched me, I would've punched her."
"In school?"
"She spoke of things she didn't need to. The scenario was the same as if she pushed me off the narrow cliff. And thanks to you, she doesn't know the repercussions of messing with Li Meiling. So thank you so much." Sarcasm dripped off of her words. The door shut and Hiromi smiled. Maybe he shouldn't have interrupted. Oh well. He had martial arts class that he didn't want to be late to but more importantly, a Meiling to surprise.
"How awful of them to say that." Sakura commented. Tomoyo nodded in agreement.
"Awful indeed. Good thing Hiromi was there, ne?" She remarked.
"Not what I thought at the time." Meiling replied laughing.
The wood split right along the middle in a zigzag type of line. Meiling took a deep bow and returned to her seat. It had been strange. She hadn't seen Hiromi since class was in session… not like she cared though. It was nice to have him off her back. She glanced every so often at the students hitting the thin wooden plank and inconspicuously, at the door. Right as one student was in the process of landing his kick, the door opened, letting in a gush of cool air.
"It's Hoshizawa." Hiromi walked through the narrow hallway and took off his shoes.
"Funny, he's never been late."
"Who cares? I want to see him punished." One student commented as Hiromi walked up to Wei and bowed. It was known that Wei had no tolerance for late students. Wei had a stern expression on his face. Meiling overheard the students and sat there with a grin on her face. 'This should be… promising,' she mused.
"Meiling-sama. Come here for a second." Wei motioned her to come over. Wondering what it could be about, she stood up and headed over to where Hiromi and Wei were standing.
"Meiling-sama. Hiromi here was late. As a punishment, he must spar against our best martial artist. I still have class to teach so I'll check on you in 15 minutes. We'll see who still has energy then. Have fun." Wei whispered to Meiling. This was very promising. She had watched Hiromi challenge other students in the class and knew his strongest and weakest moves. Unfortunately, there was no large gap between the two. He was very strong and she knew that she would have to be on alert. This wouldn't be too easy of a match. Meiling watched with glee when Hiromi's eyes widen as Wei instructed what he was to do.
"Poor Hiromi-kun! Was he able to spar you?" Sakura asked, interrupting Meiling's story.
"Sakura-chan! Shush and let Meiling-chan continue!" Tomoyo chastised.
"When did that happen? You never told me you had to spar her." Syaoran spoke. Hiromi shrugged.
"Well, I didn't feel like telling you anything back then 'cuz you were the only one in her heart. Not like you could do anything about it… but you know. I'm quite a jealous person. Personality trait flaw… or perfection? Not too sure. Though apparently, girls like possessive guys…"
"Really now?" Eriol asked curiously.
"Continue Hiromi." Syaoran cut in, not wanting to hear any more about possessive character traits.
Spar Meiling? NO way! He couldn't… hit her. Guys let up a lot when they spar a girl, especially when they spar a girl they like. Hiromi was no exception. Gulping, he headed towards the middle where Meiling was already waiting for him. Out of respect, both bowed and got into their individual stances. Wei stood off to the side and saw the bows as he instructed his protesting class out of the sparring area.
'Defense. It's the only thing I can do.' Hiromi thought as he awaited Meiling's attack. Not wasting a moment, Meiling brought her hand, clenched in a fist, forward at great velocity. Hiromi blocked the fist and was hit in the abdomen by Meiling's kick. 'She had distracted me with her fist.' Attempting to regain his balance, Hiromi couldn't see Meiling rapidly run behind him. Wondering where she was, Hiromi felt a sharp pain in his back as he fell forward. Looking up, he saw Meiling ready to land her final kick. Wary of his situation, he grabbed her foot and flipped her onto the ground as he got back up.
Meiling swore silently, chastising herself. She was far too hasty. Noting how Hiromi regained his position, he was looking down at her. Discreetly, she moved her foot to behind his, locked it tightly, and caused him to fall. Panting, she returned to her stance. Changing her strategy, she watched and waited for his next move.
'Damn. Twice. Ow.' Hiromi mused. Jumping back onto his feet, he rubbed his head and looked at Meiling. She looked ready to kick his ass. Slowly, he cracked his neck and returned to his stance. He was ready… at least he thought he was. Then, Meiling bowed and walked off of the center. 'WHAT? She's… giving up?'Hiromi thought as he ran over and grabbed her arm. She glared at him intensely. 'Wow, her eyes are so pretty.'
"What's the arm grabbing for?"
"What kind of opponent gives up in the middle of a match? Isn't this supposed to be my punishment?" Hiromi could still feel the pain from each time one of her body parts came into hard contact with one of his but he didn't want to 'win' because she decided to be lenient.
"Do you have a death wish or something? You've probably already got bruises on your front and back all over the place. Don't deny it. I've seen what happens to my victims."
"So. Face me as you would anyone else. It's not like you like me or anything?" Meiling's eyebrow twitched. Was he trying to insinuate something? Hiromi noticed this reaction and smirked. "Is that it? Go figure. Two days back from another country and I'm all you can think about." He continued to taunt her, hoping to coax her out of her decision. Out of nowhere, her foot slapped his cheek.
"Now you've pissed me off." Meiling gracefully combined gymnastics and martial arts and whooped Hiromi's poor behind.
"Is that all you've got?" Hiromi wheezed in between his words. Maybe, if he continued to do this, she'd forget about why she's been depressed today. Rapidly it was working.
Meiling landed another blow to Hiromi's side and stood firmly on the ground. 'Baka! He's worse than anything I've seen. He should – no… he knows that I'm intended for Xiao Lang and then goes and implies that I might like him? He only wishes. Amazing that he's still able to hold his stance perfectly. I wonder how he'll do against Xiao Lang? Besides the fact that Xiao Lang's going to win of course.' Meiling thought proudly as she stood still.
"Aren't you going to attack? I know you know more than defensive moves." Meiling started the taunting this time. So far, it wasn't working. "Come on. Hit me. Imagine I'm not a girl."
"Really hard to." Hiromi responded automatically to her last remark. She glared at him. Exactly what was he focusing on to say that it would be… In a matter of seconds, Hiromi lay on the ground, unconscious… at least that's what it looked like. Meiling wiped her sweat from her forehead off with her sleeve. Suddenly, she heard a groan coming from the ground. She knelt down and held her hand out for him.
"Here." He stared at her long delicate fingers for a few seconds before he grabbed onto her hand. She pulled him up and smirked.
"Well, at least you know what not to say next time you're in a bout with me." Meiling warned. Hiromi grinned.
"I suppose so. No matter how true it-" Meiling pushed her palm up harshly on the back of his head. On impact, he groaned and tumbled onto the ground, clutching his injured head. Meiling laughed. Did he deserve it or what? Secretly, Hiromi smiled from his agonizing position on the ground. 'She's feeling better. Yokatta.' He thought in his native language. He didn't know more than little phrases and expressions, but it was enough.
Wei entered the room to see Hiromi on the ground and Meiling laughing. Truthfully, he was worried why Meiling acted so… distant in the beginning of class. Everything was fine now. Grinning, he made his presence known.
"Well, we certainly know who our strongest is besides Master Xiao Lang." Wei chuckled and continued. "Both of you, class is dismissed. I expect better things from both of you." Wei complemented as he walked back to the rest of the class. Meiling sighed as she let herself fall back onto the mat. She glanced up to see Hiromi holding out his hand for her.
"You don't want to stay in those sweaty clothes any longer than you need to." Hiromi swiftly grabbed her outstretched hand tightly and pulled her up.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
"For earlier today too." Meiling whispered, not intending him to hear her. Hiromi grinned as he heard her words. She was everything he could ask for now and forever; Beautiful on the inside and outside, strong as hell and… herself.
"What did you say? I couldn't hear you?" He fibbed. He wanted to hear those words come out of her mouth again.
"I didn't say anything! What are you making up lies for?" Meiling denied the accusations as she stomped off to go change. He let out a chuckle. This would do. Now, he had to change quickly so he could surprise her.
"Li!" Hiromi called out. Meiling eyed him strangely. He ran across the street and maneuvered himself through traffic. Cars honked at the stupid 13 year old who just ran across the street, even with oncoming cars on the road. He ignored the din and jumped right to her side. Immediately, she took a step back. He let out his laughter and pulled his surprise from his concealed hand. It was a bouquet of sakuras… They reminded her of the resolution to her search. Holding back her tears, she smiled and looked at him.
"So, who's your target?" Knowing this one, as little of a time period as she has, it had to be for some girl somewhere. How she pitied that girl.
"I wouldn't consider her a target… but an unattainable goal. But that's not why I'm going to give them to her." He confessed.
"Then why are you giving it to her?" Honestly, she couldn't care less but she wanted him off of her back. The faster she answered them, the quicker he'd leave.
"Because I want to apologize for bugging the hell out of her for the past two days. And maybe to cheer her up because she looked quite down today, didn't she Li?" Meiling shrugged. There could still be a million possibilities. Realizing that his approach wasn't working, he grabbed her hands and placed the bouquet in them.
"Feel better Meiling." They were… for her? Wait a minute… then she's the unattainable… got that right. Of course she was unattainable. But why did her heart flutter? She pushed that thought aside and gazed at the blossoms. Sakura… Tomoyo…. Meiling looked up at him, tears evident in her eyes. Hiromi's heart fell. Had he been that cruel to her?
"What are you doing to her Hiromi?" Both heads turned at the voice. She's called him when she lived in Japan, but this was the first time since she was little, she was looking at the one she loved. This was definitely a moment to treasure forever. All of the horrible things that happened today just flew out of her head. Everything would be all right now… because Xiao Lang was here. She ran towards Xiao Lang and embraced him. Her Xiao Lang…
"Um… Nihao Meiling." Syaoran didn't know how to act. He was overjoyed to see her, but it wasn't the same joy she had. She relaxed her head against his chest and smiled at him. Looking at this picture, Hiromi knew that he didn't belong. Slowly, he turned around and walked away. Xiao Lang tried to call Hiromi over but he had already turned the corner.
"Nihao Xiao Lang. Why are you here?"
"Auntie didn't think it was safe for you to walk home alone." Syaoran explained. Meiling tried to ignore that hurt feeling in her heart. He didn't come of his own will… but because her mother asked him too. Her heart clenched tightly. While in Japan, she had learned many things from her new friends; one of those things was to love. There were many different ways to love somebody, but they all had a central idea: a mutual relationship. She knew that he didn't love her like she did. She knew that she forced her feelings upon him when they were younger. She knew she had to let him go… but she wanted to hold on just a little longer. Just a little longer…
Tomoyo and Sakura both gasped.
"Is that when everything changed between you two?"
"Are you kidding? I just thought he went mentally insane!" Meiling retorted with a scoff.
Several months have passed since Hiromi's confession to Meiling and he seemed to be unwavering in his decision. Classes at school, martial arts classes after school, walking the same direction when she had to walk home (later she found out from Xiao Lang that Hiromi lived in the opposite direction), no matter where she went, somehow, he was there. Meiling groaned as her heart skipped a beat. 'I think I'm diseased because of him.' She winced. Her heart only skipped beats when Xiao Lang was around. No matter. She had a lot of things on her mind. It was probably one of those things and not him that her heart fluttered about, Meiling concluded as she copied down her homework. The first day of class was almost over. Why did her head hurt so much? Putting a hand to her forehead, she realized that she had a fever and should probably go home. She let out a sigh and dropped her head to her desk. Her parents emphasized so much on her education that she couldn't ask them to go home because of a petty fever. Besides, Xiao Lang's probably been through worse. As she nodded to herself, the bell rang. Shoving her books into her backpack, she stood up and started to walk, not realizing that her book bag… was open.
Hiromi sighed. His life became so much more confusing because of her… but that wasn't bad. Everyone had gained an extra year of schooling so he was a proud 8th grader, which came along with a ton of work. Once in a while, Xiao Lang updated him from time to time about his conversations with her… apparently the only time his name came up was when she had something to complain about. Hiromi couldn't help but be hostile to Xiao Lang every so often. Jealously was a particular nasty trait of his that he couldn't help. But now, he had more important issues. He had been watching her from the beginning of the day and knew for a fact that something was wrong. He got out of class early, claiming he had to go to the bathroom and watched Meiling's class from across the hallway. The bell rang and she was the first out of the door… with an open backpack?
'I can do this,'' she thought optimistically. Her eyelids flickered open and shut every second and she wobbled as she walked. Meiling opened the sliding door and instead of seeing the bright hallway, all she saw was darkness as she tumbled forward.
All the students near Meiling gasped. Hiromi's body froze as he tried to do his best to prevent her from hitting the ground. He ran, jumping and knocking over a few desks in the process, and caught her in his arms. Her overheated body fell into contact with his chilled one. 'HOLY CRAP! She's burning up! Why is she still in school?'
He rushed down to the nurse. He could hear her take deep long breaths in and out and knew that this would not end well. Holding onto her even tighter, he reached the nurse's office and opened the door. The nurse looked at the two in astonishment as he carried her to a nearby cot. The nurse scurried over and placed her hand on Meiling's forehead. Rushing to the refrigerator, she pulled out an ice pack and put it on Meiling's head. Meiling's breaths were hurried and inconsistent. Hiromi bit down on his lower lip as he stroked her hair. The second bell rang and the nurse looked at Hiromi's face with an apathetic smile.
"Please, watch over her." He knew needed to get back to class. He took one last glance at Meiling before walking out the door.
Counting down the seconds on his watch, he glared at the PA system, wondering why the bell was late so many seconds. Finally, it sounded throughout the classes and he made a mad dash for the nurse's office. The moment he walked in, he relaxed. Meiling was sitting upright in her cot and carping about why she had to be there. 'She's okay.'
"Nihao Li." Meiling turned her head in the direction of the voice. It was Hiromi.
"Hi." His presence has become awkward over the past couple of months but she didn't know why. It didn't matter though. Their bond was that of an unofficial friendship. They talked, which usually led to protesting and arguments but it worked out.
"How are you feeling?"
"Tired. Sick. And I want out of the bed." Meiling stated each of her complaints bluntly.
"If you're tired and sick, why do you want out of the bed?"
"Because this makes me look weak. And I'm strong, just like Xiao Lang." Hiromi's heart hurt again. It always did whenever he saw her. She would always bring up his name. Why? Why did Xiao Lang have to be that important in her life? All he wanted was a chance…
"Yes you are. But there are times where strength and pride collide and you have to choose which one is the strength. What's keeping you from jumping out of bed is strength; what wants you out is pride." Meiling blinked. He sounded… philosophical. Meiling opened her mouth, prepared to speak and instead, let out a loud cough. Realizing that she needed rest, Hiromi decided to cut everything short. They would have this debate another time.
"You're sick. You can't argue with that."
"Watch me." No ailment was going to keep Li Meiling from backing down in a quarrel.
"Just lie down and rest okay. I'll visit you during the next passing time. Don't forget to sleep!" Hiromi instructed as he jogged his way out of the office, leaving Meiling alone and nothing to do. Lying down in bed, she slowly shut her eyes. Her last thought? 'I'm not doing this because he said so.'
At the end of school, Hiromi walked in to see Meiling resting peacefully. She was still sleeping. He had come in before during his passing time and she was caught in a slumber. Grinning, he sat to her side and stroked her long hair. She stirred a little and turned to her side, facing him. His face flustered as he watched her sleep. 'She's… so… beautiful.' Everything about her seemed fragile and delicate and she glowed with an inner light. Corny… but that's how he felt. He brushed his hand against her cheek. Immediately, her eyes opened.
"Did you get enough rest?" His eyes glistened and his mouth curled into a smile. She went to sleep just as he had asked. It probably wasn't because of him but… it was still good enough.
"I didn't sleep."
"Liar. You were sound asleep when I walked through that door." Hiromi pointed at the door and her location to visualize his statement.
"I was not. I pretended to be asleep."
"Then how come when I kissed you-"
"YOU WHAT!" Meiling exploded as her hand clasped over her mouth. She gave him a glare and backed up as far as she could on her bed. Hiromi laughed out loud and smirked. He won this round.
"I knew you were lying."
"You… dirty little-" Meiling lunged at him; they both fell to the ground, her on top of him. Her hands were wrapped around his throat and her glare turned venomous. She let out an aggravated yell when he held onto her tightly and lifted her off of him. She was now levitating in the air with nothing but Hiromi's arm keeping her afloat.
"Put me down."
"I don't want to."
"NOW!" Hiromi let go for a split second, freefalling her a couple of decimeters. During that time frame, she suddenly clutched onto his shirt. Liking the position, he gave her a smile.
"You are evil. Put me down." She hissed.
"Don't you know it?" Hiromi replied, completely ignored her last comment. At the same time, he mentally beat himself up. This really wasn't going where he wanted to. All that was happening was the same things over and over again from the previous months. There was never a better time than now to change ones ways. Changing his attitude and the mood drastically, he placed her down on the bed and looked at her with a serious expression.
"Do you want me to tell Xiao Lang you're here?" Meiling looked at the boy before her in bewilderment, watching him transform into a stranger. 'This is weird. Really weird. By now, he would've refused to let me go, we would be arguing, he would accidentally drop me and I would kick his ass. Why did he stop? And more so, why is he asking me that?' She shook her head.
"He has enough things to worry about. He should be training about now. I shouldn't bother him with something so silly."
"Silly? You're sick Meiling! That's not silly. You could end up with pneumonia or something." He raised his voice to indicate the severity of the situation.
"It is silly though. Why should he show up? It's not like he loves me or anything…" Watching her tear herself up because of this caused a pang in his heart. Why did Xiao Lang have to mean so much to her? From anyone else's point of view, this would be a normal conversation; to Hiromi, it was her showing him her heart.
"That's not-"
"It's true. At least, not in the same way I do. But until he finds someone… I want to hold onto him." She stared down at her legs. She wouldn't look at him. After all, she was telling this to the one person that probably wouldn't understand. Tears threaten to spill from her eyes. She was pouring out her soul to him. Why? Maybe… she was comfortable with him by her side…
"I'll wait." He murmured in response. 'Did he say something?' Meiling had a look of confusion on her face.
"What?"
"I'll wait… till he falls in love. I'll wait for you to let go of him." Confidence was evidence in Hiromi's voice. He wanted to know that he wasn't going to give up. Meiling blushed and immediately covered it up by whacking him in the head.
"Don't joke about something that stupid." Meiling snapped. Suddenly, he grasped her hands tightly so she couldn't move them. Slowly, he moved his face closer to hers.
"What are you doing?" Panic rose in Meiling. Was he going to… She sucked her lips into her mouth and shut her eyes. Hiromi let out a chuckle as he brought his head to her ear.
"It's not that stupid. It's not stupid at all. I'll do it. I'll wait. Wait for you to come to me." Hiromi whispered. Meiling didn't dare let a breath escape out of her. He backed away and smiled.
"I'll get the nurse to call your parents." He quietly left her area of the room, leaving her to remember exactly what happened in that room.
"Wow. I never knew about that." Syaoran stated quietly. His cousin was sick and she didn't feel like it was important enough to call him about. Did he do something to invoke such a reaction from her? 'Well, she knew I didn't love her like she loved me… but still!' She should've at least known that he loved and continues to love her like family; family who would care for her when she was sick.
"She didn't want you to." Hiromi replied.
"It was since then you started acting all… un-you-like." Eriol commented, recalling the moment he returned to China from England. He had been studying in England for many years but had received many emails and phone calls from his cousin and close friend. He remembered Syaoran's concern for Hiromi during that period of time. He stifled a chuckle.
"It's time." Meiling said aloud to herself. She found herself in front of Xiao Lang's office. At the age of 19, he had inherited the burden of Li corporations and done an excellent job in maintaining its ideals. He had set new goals for the future of the business and was rapidly becoming one of the number one executives in his field. Recently celebrating his 21st birthday, Xiao Lang was everything she knew he would become. For his birthday party, he had brought along Aya, whom had been a delight to hang out with. Meiling smiled. He had found this past month Aya and without knowing it, fell deeply in love with her. When she conversed with Aya, she knew that Aya was exactly what her dear cousin needed. Now, it was time for her to let him go. Knocking three times, she opened the door to see her cousin working fervently on his papers. He looked up and smiled. Putting his papers down he motioned her in and got up from behind his desk.
"Nihao Meiling." He embraced her and pointed at a seat for her to sit. No matter how busy he was, he always had time to talk to her.
"Nihao Xiao Lang."
"What brings you by?"
"Do I have to have a reason to see my favorite cousin?"
"I thought Eriol was your favorite."
"My favorite to tease." Both Lis let out a chuckle. Clearing her throat, Meiling continued with what she came to do.
"I actually do have a reason Xiao Lang. I went up to Auntie today and," She exhaled deeply. "We are no longer engaged. So you are free of me Xiao Lang." He froze. He had never thought that… An awkward silence passed over the room.
"Why?"
"Any idiot could see that you didn't love me the way I used to love you. I had given up a long time ago Xiao Lang. I only see you like I see Touya onii." Meiling held back a chuckle. How could she ever forget Sakura's older violent sibling?
"Who?" He gave her a weird look and she ignored it completely.
"Nothing. The thing is I wanted to keep my position as a dutiful 'sibling' and make sure you wouldn't find someone who I wouldn't approve of. And now, I believe that you have found that someone that I approve entirely of. So, I'll let you go." She paused. "I've been planning this for the past several years and here I am, carrying out with my plan. You always deserved someone who would love you for who you are, every part of you. I think she's the one. So, see you Xiao Lang."
Meiling abruptly stood up and walked out of the room. She heard Xiao Lang's footsteps behind her. She started to run towards the elevator and pushed the button. Entering it, she pushed the ground floor button and the doors closed. A ringing consumed the volume of the rectangular prism; she picked up her phone.
"Meiling? You don't have to respond. Just let me speak, since you ever so rudely left my office. I'm sorry if I hurt you those many years back. Now, I'll make it my job as a dutiful 'older brother' to make sure that you won't get together with someone I don't approve of. Beware Meiling. I love you. Bye." Tears welled up in her eyes. It was done.
When she walked out of the elevator into the lobby where Hiromi was waiting patiently for her. Tears spilled from her eyes as she ran up to him crying. He held onto her tightly.
"Everything will be alright. I promise." Her tears got his shirt damp but he didn't mind. She sobbed and let her tears fall and disappear, just like the emotions that she used to have for Xiao Lang. Due to the engagement, she was never able to completely escape her feelings, no matter how final her decision was to stop loving him that way. Finally, those emotions would be dispelled once and for all. But they were a part of her for so many years, her past; without it, she felt incomplete. But… there was Hiromi. And with him… was her future?
Surprisingly enough, Hiromi had kept his promise to her since that day in the school nurse's room 8 years ago. Ever since that day, he had never ogled at another girl. Even, Xiao Lang was quite surprised when Hiromi's ways were changed and had told her so. He was always there when she needed him. He did little things here and there that she did appreciate: walking her to classes, shocking her with bouquets when she was sad and taking her to the fair on her birthday. He had done more than enough to prove himself to her. Drying her tears, she looked up at Hiromi. Over the years, he had grown immensely and his stature hovered over her petite body. Her eyes were red and puffy but she didn't care.
"Are we done now?" He caressed her cheek with his hand. Meiling nodded and embraced him. He returned the action, holding her even tighter.
"You know what I want to do now, Meiling?" Not even a year after she was sick way back when, their relationship became even closer and they started to call each other by their first names.
"Better not be anything perverted Hiromi." She replied. Her tears disappeared and her spunky attitude was back. She looked up into his piercing eyes and she knew; yes, he was her future. From now on, she would allow herself to be consumed by his soul.
"It isn't. May I have the privilege of taking you out to dinner, as your boyfriend?" He asked, kissing her temple.
"I would be honored." She replied smiling. 'Her lips are right there… should I?'In the spur of the moment, Hiromi captured her lips for a few seconds. Those seconds were paradise. When they broke apart, Hiromi backed away and prepared himself for screaming, beating… anything Meiling… but instead…
"What kind of kiss was that?" Meiling protested. After all, it was her first kiss. Upon hearing her words, he immediately swung her body into his and he passionately caressed his lips with hers. Her moans did wonders to his system. Reluctantly, he backed away and kissed her forehead. He led her out of the building and slowly walked with her to his car. He opened her door and gently pushed her in.
"Get in darling."
"Already with the names?"
"What do you mean already? I've waited for 8 long years. I deserve to call you names." And for that comment, Hiromi received another kiss.
"KAWAII!" Tomoyo squealed.
"KAWAII!" Sakura followed.
"Ne, Sakura-chan? I thought you were the sane one." Meiling said as she pulled her fingers from her ears.
"Mou… can't I have my moments?" Sakura pouted.
Today was the day. He would take one long step forward and alter his life forever. Now, it wouldn't just be about him… but her as well. He played with the metal ring in his hand and stared at the sparkling gem in the middle. He placed the ring back into its box and shoved it into his jacket pocket. Ever since Meiling called off her engagement 2 years ago, she had spent every free moment with him.
Today, he would surprise her with not only this but some other information that he had obtained through much searching. After they started officially dating, she had opened up to him even more than she had. When she did, he learned about the persons of Kinomoto Sakura and Daidouji Tomoyo. This is why she was depressed when she first came. This is why cherry blossoms always induced tears. Grinning at his incredible find, he prepared himself to pick her up.
Today, joy would befall the Li clan. Though it might not outweigh the recent sorrow of Xiao Lang's fiancée's death, it would bring about some happiness; happiness that was much needed in these times. Xiao Lang had cast off the company because of the pain eating him up inside. Currently, he resided in Japan with Eriol, who was also Hiromi and Syaoran's friend.
Hiromi sat at the table waiting. She was a little late. Then again, he arrived 20 minutes early. He called her a while ago and asked her to wear her formal dress because he felt like making reservations. He didn't think that she thought anything more of it. Seconds later, she came rushing in wearing an elegant red dress that flowed down past her knees. After hearing which restaurant he had made reservations at, she immediately pulled out this dress to wear. Standing up, walked over to her seat and pulled it out.
"My lady."
"What's with the sudden manners?" She teased as she sat down. He returned to his seat and gazed at her face. 'God, she's beautiful. In every way.'
"Why my lady. I'm hurt! I've always presented my manners before you." He responded in a hurt tone. 'I know' Meiling thought as she reached for his hand across the table and grasped it gently. Instinctively, he brought her hand to his lips.
"Remember the first time I did that?" Meiling fell into a fit of laughter.
"I remember! I also remember what I was thinking. I wanted disinfecting gel on the spot!" She confessed. He returned her a lopsided grin.
"What I did wasn't proper to do in that situation. I forgive you for your reaction. Now, let's order our dinner." Hiromi called over the waiter and he ordered their food.
After finishing their meal, Hiromi pulled out a piece of paper. He slid it across the table onto Meiling's side. Cautiously, she lifted the paper.
"What is this?"
"Just read." He replied, awaiting her reaction. Meiling began to read the note written. Kinomoto Sakura currently attends Tokyo University and rooms in a dorm with her best friend and second cousin, Daidouji Tomoyo. Room 98 Building Na- Her eyes widened and she let out a gasp. It was… their address and phone numbers.
"Are you happy?" Right then, the dam broke. Tears inundated her eyelids as they fell down her face.
"I- love you - so - much." She choked out between her sobs. He stretched out his arm and wiped away her tears.
"I love you more than you can imagine; so much that I would die if you weren't at my side." Slowly, he got out of his seat and moved next to her, bending down on one knee. With a deep breath, he continued. "Li Meiling, you have changed my life since you entered it. Please, continue to change it. Meiling, marry me." She instantaneously grasped Hiromi's shirt, pulled him towards her and kissed him. When they broke apart, a bewildered look crossed his face.
"That's a yes." She clarified. His face beamed and he slowly put the ring onto her finger. Promptly after he did, he forced his lips onto hers in an intense kiss.
"You just made me the happiest person alive." Hiromi said sincerely.
"That makes two of us." She replied, tears of joy streaming down her face.
Meiling started to cry. Immediately, Sakura and Tomoyo embraced her. In between sobs, Meiling spoke.
"You know… if it weren't for him, I would've never found you two when I did." Meiling dried her tears and smiled. Her two friends return the smiled.
"If it's any consolation, Tomoyo and I never thought you discarded us." Sakura admitted smiling. They both knew there was no way in hell that a dear friend like Meiling would ever forsake them. After all, she was Meiling.
"Ne! Why do you keep saying things that make me emotional! You know I hate being emotional!" Meiling carped as her friends laughed. Tomoyo finished her last touches on Meiling's hair when Sakura just remember something.
"AH! How much time do we have left before the party?" Sakura asked rapidly.
"About 2 hours? Why?" Meiling answered as Sakura prepared to dash out of the room.
"I have a reason! I'll see you before the party starts!" Sakura grabbed a hold of her crutches and made her way as fast as she could out of the room.
"Sakura-chan!" Meiling started to protest as the door slammed shut. Letting out a sigh, she hoped that Sakura would be fine, doing whatever she was going to do. Tomoyo echoed Meiling's sigh.
"Sakura-chan will be fine, doing whatever she's doing…"
Sakura rapidly knocked on Hiromi's door. She knew that the guys were all in the room. The door opened and Hiromi's head peered out to see Sakura standing in her crutches before him.
"Kinomoto-"
"Sakura."
"Sakura-san." Hiromi repeated. Sakura's face beamed.
"How can we help you?"
"I got to go pick up flowers from this boutique and I need a ride… so I want to ask Eriol-kun." She explained quickly. Hiromi opened the door and let Sakura in. At that same exact moment, Syaoran was changing out of his shirt. Taking an unintentional glace, she immediately flustered and turned around, panicky. After Syaoran got into his shirt, he noticed Sakura's presence in the room and let out a sheepish grin. Coming from behind her, he tapped her shoulder. She looked up slowly and saw his smile.
"Sorry."
"Not a problem." She replied jittery.
"What's going on here?" Eriol asked as he came out of the bathroom.
"Ah! Eriol-kun! I need a ride to the flower boutique!" Noting Syaoran's jealously upon hearing the words flower boutique, Eriol smirked.
"I'm so sorry Sakura-san. I have to help Hiromi get ready. I can't take you there but I'm sure the number is in the phone book. Maybe they can deliver whatever you need?" He suggested. Sakura clapped her hands in glee.
"That's it! Arigatou Eriol-kun! But… where's the phone book?" All three men present in the room laughed.
"Is this the flower boutique on Main Street?" Hiromi asked. Sakura nodded.
"Run by Toji Ando right?" Syaoran let a soft growl come out of his mouth when he heard that name.
"How did you know?" She asked cheerily.
"Close friend of mine. His father and my father were the best of friends so we kind of just got to know each other as time moved on." He pulled out his cell phone and handed it to Sakura.
"Arigatou Hoshizawa-san!"
"Hiromi."
"Hai Hiromi-san!" Sakura giggled as she walked out of the room and called the number. A short conversation passed the two as he told her he could deliver her order. She profusely thanked him and returned Hiromi's cell phone. She got to the lobby as quickly as she could and waited. 20 minutes later, the doorbell rang and Wei opened it. Toji stood there with her order.
"Is Kinomoto Sakura here?" He asked, scanning the room for her. Wei stepped back and resumed his duties when she came into Toji's view. He handed her the flowers. Taking out her money, she handed him more than she needed to. He took all she gave and handed back the extra.
"You'll need this sometime later." He spoke in Japanese.
"But… you came all the way here. You probably had to shut down the store. It was probably busy too. Please, take it. For all your troubles." Sakura pleaded as she pushed back the money. She knew that she would probably need the money later, but it would be unfair to Toji who had done so much so she could get her order.
"You won't give in will you?" Toji sighed.
"No."
"Well," Toji started. "Fine. You owe me though." He spoke. In her glee, Sakura clapped her hands and hugged him tightly. Toji returned the hug with a smile.
"You should go back to work now." Sakura spoke as he nodded.
"See ya." He left. Sakura shut the door and tripped on her foot when she tried to turn around. She shut her eyes tightly and fell right into Syaoran's awaiting arms.
"Hi." Sakura spoke shyly. This wasn't the first time she's fallen into him. It happened more frequently than feasible. It seemed that he was always there for her when she needed him.
"Hi." Syaoran replied. When the doorbell rang, Hiromi and Eriol both pushed him out of the room to check if it was guests arriving early. Reluctantly, he had made his way to the lobby to see Sakura with the flower shop guy. He saw a hug exchanged but nothing more. Wanting to surprise her, he stealthily snuck behind her, not suspecting she would fall… for the umpteenth time.
"You know what I'm going to do?" Syaoran whispered as he took the flowers from her hand.
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to carry you to Meiling's room because I can't trust a person as clumsy as you to walk all the way back up there without falling… again." Sakura winced at his words. True she was a klutz, but he didn't have to emphasize it. She pouted, frowning in the process. He suppressed a grin. Just being with her made him feel… alive. At the end of his journey, Syaoran pushed through Meiling's open door and dropped Sakura onto the bed. The distance was probably half a meter or less. Syaoran made sure it wouldn't cause any injury to Sakura. After all, it was just fun.
"XIAO LANG!" Meiling yelled, watching what her cousin did to her friend. Just because he was feeling human again after being a zombie didn't give him any justification to drop her onto the bed.
"Here Meiling. It's from Sakura. You should put it in your hair." Syaoran replied, ignoring her anger and dropped the flowers into her hands as he slipped out of the room. Muffled noises came from bed. Tomoyo lifted the covers off of her friend.
"He's right Meiling-chan! Put it in your hair!" Sakura piped up with mirth. Meiling gave a serene smile.
"Arigatou Sakura-chan, Tomoyo-chan. For everything." Meiling said as she could feel tears pushing to be let free. 'Damn these emotions!' Tomoyo let out a giggle, watching Meiling's inner struggle and placed the five lotus blossoms in her hair.
"There. You're ready." Tomoyo announced. From the side, Sakura let out a bright smile and clapped. Meiling looked beautiful. Meiling looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. Standing up, she headed towards the door and opened it. In front of the door stood Hiromi, ready to walk her into the ballroom. He intertwined her fingers with his and gave her hand a squeeze.
"Ready?"
"Ready." She replied with confidence.
FINISHED! Chapter 10 that is… (sighs) NO MORE big 25 page chapters… (wipes forehead) Hope you enjoyed it. Hopefully, this will make up for the infrequent updates! Arigatou for reading Delicate Heart, chapter 10!
cherrixwolf
