A/N: Okay, so someone left me a review asking if I could update more often because it was summer vacation. I thought, well, that is a reasonable idea. But I kind of wanted more reviews before updating, being the selfish person I was. Anyways, now I know that having a lot of reviews shouldn't determine whether I write more often. If there are people who honestly like reading my story, then I should write for them. And that's the end of my reviewing speech/story. Thank you everyone for taking time off your precious day to read this little story!

Disclaimer: I don't own Card Captors or any of its characters, nor do I think I want to own them...


Chapter 9: Of Confusion's Goal in Life


: Right after I met my Prince Charming :

"Mom! I've found my Prince Charming!"

"That's great honey. Introduce me to Prince Charming when I'm not in the middle of an important meeting that could possibly make us the richest people in the world and don't eat the chocolate mousse I made last night. I love you."

"Love you too."


"I'm not going."

"You have to."

"No, I don't. I'm not going."

"Tomoyo..." Sakura sighed, lifting her emerald eyes toward the heavens as if to seek patience. I didn't blame her, since heaven was a place of paradise. You could get all the patience in the world if you even glanced at paradise. But back to Sakura and her patience-seeking eyes. "You won't be the laughing stock of the whole school, or the city, or the world for that matter. In fact, Eriol—"

"He's going to make fun of me and embarrass me in front of the whole school, the city and the whole world, Sakura! I just know he is! And you know it too! I am not going!" Yeah, let's all forget about that little 'pride and dignity' thing I was spouting off not too long ago. I was a whole new person: Tomoyo the Coward. My cousin huffed impatiently (apparently she couldn't find enough up there in paradise) and grabbed my arm, which was clutching my new supply of PeBuCCC. (Peanut butter-covered chocolates with coconuts.)

"Tomoyo," she said through gritted teeth, "I'm not about to go alone—" AHA! So she was afraid too! "—and you're not about to ditch me either!" Uh, yes I am, dear cousin. She pulled me harder as I desperately clutched the front door, holding on for dear life. "You are going and that's final!" With the last word she tugged me from the almost-broken door and dragged me to the waiting limo, me protesting loudly all the way.

I was a baby. And I was not ashamed of it. Yet.

Sakura didn't know what really happened at the library (she keeps assuming we did something "special"... I could say the same about her and Syaoran) so she didn't understand (or maybe she didn't care) my almost blind horror as we approached the looming school. Mental flashbacks of Eriol handing me tissues as I sobbed kept going through my head, and I turned red. It was so embarrassing just thinking about it. What would he do today? Was he going to bring 'it' up? Or maybe he was going to announce to the whole school that I'd lost a battle? Either way, I was going to be humiliated. And the worst of it was...

That ultra-soft handkerchief buried deep under my pillows.


Maybe I won't be humiliated after all. Because, you see, I formulated a plan. Yes, yes, a plan. And a very good one too, if I may say so myself. And what a plan it is...

For some providential reason, nobody came to me today asking if I really was Eriol's slave, or if I was going to be kicked out of school yet. I didn't hear a single word about my bet with Eriol, nor any threats from his fans. In fact, I didn't even see him. But considering he wasn't in any of my classes, that wasn't a very extraordinary occurrence. And a very fortunate one indeed, for facing that blue-haired bastard king was not one of my 'Top-Things-To-Do' list... not that I have a list, of course. Then I'd be crazy and wack and we don't want THAThappening.I did see his partner-in-crime, AKA Syaoran Li, ordering Sakura to massage his back (Sakura kicked him).

And that's where my ultimate plan comes in. If Eriol says a single word about that little crying episode in the library, I'll just casually let it slip (within his ear shot) that I saw his best friend kissing Sakura. How's that for a plan, eh? Yes, my brilliance startles even me sometimes. Although the plan seems to be a long the line of something vaguely familiar... Ah. Blackmailing. But then, who doesn't resort to blackmail? I hated to expose Sakura's secret, but, well, desperate times calls for desperate measures. What can I say? I just don't have enough courage.

"Tomoyo!" I turned and saw Naoko, Chiharu and Sakura waiting for me. "Come on, we won't get good seats if we don't hurry up!" I hastily caught up with them, apologizing. We didn't want to be late for the committee meeting. No way. Of course we wanted good seats for the meeting.

"Where's Rika?" I asked, looking around for the brunette girl. Chiharu's lips curved into a smile as she motioned me to come closer. I complied, curiously.

"Rika decided not to be on the committee this year," she whispered, "Because Mr. Terada is going to take her to her extended family in France next week. I heard he's going to propose to her soon." My eyes widened at this, and I stared at the red-haired girl with an open mouth. Rika was going to be engaged... and possibly married to the love of her life very soon! I could hardly keep my joy and excitement in as she and I exchanged grins.

"Oh guess what!" I suddenly said, whispering like the redhead had. She blinked, nodding eagerly. I grinned, realizing exactly what I wanted to say. "Well, you know Syaoran, right? You know how Sakura's his slave? Well, they were at the library yesterday and..." I paused for effect as Chiharu stared at me with wide, brown eyes. "And they were kissing!" I giggled. She gasped.

"Hey, you two!" Sakura called to us, waving. We blinked and waved back, trying hard not to look suspicious... trying not to look as if we were talking about her or something. Nope, that wouldn't be good.

Us girls joined the small mass of juniors and seniors going to the committee meeting, talking about the different groups we joined. I hoped I got into the Drama section like I signed up for. Already I could imagine the many designs I would make for the costumes and outfits. I would be in my element, and for once not be undignified. I know, I know, Tomoyo Daidouji, being dignified? Hardly likely, is more like it.

I was so caught up in my excited thoughts roaming from Rika and the festival that I didn't realize someone was walking beside me. That is, until Yamazaki suddenly squeezed between Chiharu and me ("Why, Chiharu, you look so radiant today!"), forcing me to bump into said person. The class vice president, AKA Takashi Yamazaki, (did I mention that?) grinned his usual grin at me and swung his arm around the redhead's shoulders. I looked up at the person to apologize, but it died in my throat when I saw it was Eriol.

He was here to torment me. I just KNOW he's here to torture the life out of me. I bet anyone my PeBuCCC he was going to make fun of me and tease me and rub it in my face that I CRIED in front of him yesterday.

I was ready to let my plan of his best friend kissing my best friend slip from my lips as soon as he opened his mouth. But as always, he had to go and make life difficult for me by surprising me. He obtained this by flashing me a smile and stepping closer.

"Did you bring the textbooks?" he asked casually. I blinked. Textbooks? What textbooks was he talking...? Oh. I vaguely remembered him telling me to bring the ancient Grecian textbooks from the library to the meeting today. Oops. Hehe.Guess it slipped my mind.

"Oh, uh... sorry, I forgot to bring them," I apologized, wincing inside. I was a horrible slave. But then... that wasn't a bad thing! No, of course not! It's good! I did good! But why did I have to feel so low like I was a lousy person...? Perhaps I'm feeling guilty that I'm not doing my part of the bargain to my best abilities...? Nah. It must be IT's side effects. I expected him to make an egotistical comment about how I would forget something simple as bringing textbooks to school, but once again, he didn't fail to confuse me.

"No, it's okay." He smiled nicely... Ugh. What was it with him and his stupid smiles? Was it because they weren't arrogant and conceited? Or perhaps... GASP. Perhaps I was, too, falling for those handsome looks, just like hundreds of other girls in this school. Oh no, I've become... one of THEM.

Sakura thought I'd become one of them a Long, Long time ago. Perhaps she's right...? Dun, dun, dun. That 'once-upon-a-time' story is about to change.

As I stood there with him like that in the middle of the hall, I almost failed to realize that:

One, my friends have already moved on and left me

And two, Eriol and I were smack in the middle of everything so that we were in the clear view of everybody's prying eyes. I looked around and saw the curious, angry, confused and amused faces that were watching us as they walked by. A particularly angry and jealous girl who was President of a certain 'I Love Eriol' fan club was glaring at me like she wanted me to die. And believe me, I agreed with her full-heartedly, sadly to say. See what I mean about courage? Ah, I remember courage... Flying up with a certain tiger-like guardian while video-camera-ing away at a fighting Sakura... Those were the days. But anways...

I left all that behind. Those memories. They're memories that I prefer not to bring back into my life... Yeah. Hehe, not too good, huh?

I turned back to the tall blue-eyed guy and saw him still smiling at me. I blinked and blurted out, "What?" My cheeks (curse their paleness!) flushed. If possible, his smile turned even nicer. Grr, what was wrong with him? Why did he like to constantly flip personalities? Did he find it overly amusing to confuse me? Obviously he did. Argh, I needed to get out of here and away from HIM. Now. Or else that blond, jealous President squinting her eyes out at me will make me get out of here.

"Nothing," he responded a little cheerfully. He looked unmistakably happy. I blinked again. Was the school's most popular and handsome guy actually showing innocent happiness? Eriol Hiiragizawa was smiling and acting happy for no reason... at me.

And thus, he is still one of the greater mysteries of life.

"So you're smiling for absolutely no reason? Why?" I asked, a little sharper than I'd intended it to be. In fact, it was not what I'd intended to say. I wondered why my mouth always defied my feelings and said things a little differently than I wanted it to say? Perhaps that's how I get into trouble... When he smiled again, this time with a hint of a smirk, my eyes fixed itself into a glare. Great. Now my entire body is acting against my will. Déjà vu from the maze anyone?

"Well," he said lightly, leaning towards me, "is smiling for no reason a problem? Does it..." his voice grew softer, making a quick shiver go down my spine. "...bother you?" He smirked for real. Finally.

And it pissed me off pretty quickly for no good reason. "Yes," I snapped, "It does! And you'd better not bother me for the rest of my life, or I'll send my bodyguards on you!" Well, well, Tomoyo. You've finally made a real, solid threat. Great job. Now, if only Eriol would stop looking so freaking amused, you can stop feeling like a dork.

"As much as I'd like to stay and chat some more, we got a meeting to go to," he said. Aw, what a bummer. Eriol Hiiragizawa had to go. Too bad. Hah. As IF. Wait... we? He stepped away and mock bowed, taking my hand. "Shall I escort you, my lady?" A mischievous glint was in his eyes. I stepped away, taking back my hand from his surprisingly gentle hold and tossed my head.

"Now I'm going to be late because of you," I grumbled, this time on purpose. I heard him snort behind me. Rolling my eyes, I hurried ahead, trying to leave behind the annoying human and possibly my confused thoughts.

Sakura managed to save a seat for me at the meeting room, so I was spared from standing at the back of the room for the entire meeting. I looked around quickly and spotted some familiar faces, mainly Syaoran, Yamazaki and Eriol. Kei was unsurprisingly there also, and was surprisingly sitting beside Naoko.

As the committee members settled in and the committee president got ready to speak, Sakura leaned towards me and whispered into my ear, "Why are Naoko and Kei sitting next to each other? I thought Naoko didn't like him." I blinked in shock. Sakura noticed Naoko didn't like the handsome class president? I thought I was the only one that knew that! Humph, well, that certainly takes away the fun of being the 'mastermind behind the scenes'... or something.

I whispered back, "I don't know, maybe there were no seats left but next to each other?" Highly likely, yet highly doubtful. In my case, it's always highly doubtful.

She shook her head, her emerald eyes focused on the two, unmoving people. "Nah, Naoko got here early and was sitting by herself, and Kei suddenly sat by her. He could've picked any other seat." I didn't look at her face, but I could imagine her brows furrowing. "It's weird. They don't seem to like each other, yet they want to be together... Hmmm."

I almost snorted. That relationship sure sounds familiar. But of course, I didn't say that to Sakura. I didn't have any time toanyways, becausethe committee president then cleared his throat so the room would quiet down. He sent a significant look to Sakura, who blinked, and then realized that he had a certain "liking" of her. She turned a bit red, muttering something about friends. Almost automatically my eyes turned to a brown-haired boy, whose amber eyes were narrowed to the point you could almost feel the intense heat radiating from them.

Is it just me, or is there an awful lot of suspicious couples popping up around here...?

...Yeah, I thought it was just me too.

: Misadventures of the Committee Meeting :

I'm bored.

It's either that, or I'm bored.

If I sit here for one more minute, listening to that committee president spouting off boring procedures for the freaking festival, I'm going to cry. Yes, I'm going to cry, even if it's in front of Eriol again. Remember mypride and dignitylevel is residing somewhere around .0000000000000001

Sakura snored softly. By golly, I think she's asleep. And you'd think the president would take a hint. But no, he just had to keep talking so he could impress the oblivious girl by his astounding length of knowledge. We've been sitting in here for a grand total of fifty minutes, listening to rules that we're not even going to follow (much).

Make that fifty-one bloody minutes.

Why did I even sign up for this? It's not like I need the bloody extra credit, and that's putting it lightly. The credit-needing thing, I mean. I was so ahead in my credits that I could graduate after the first semester of senior year. Not only that, my dream-college (or university) was ready for me to apply for them after graduation any time. I was set for life. Sort of. Anyways, I didn't need to suffer endless amounts of torture like I was right now just to host a bloody festival.

But then, of course, the entire junior class was required to volunteer for the festival, and I, being the 5.0 GPA perfect geek I was, got to be one of the lucky many to join the bloody committee. Lucky, bloody me.

I think that's five bloody times I've said 'bloody'. Ohp, make that six.

Oh look, the presidents done talking!

...Never mind. False alarm.


It has now been fifty-five minutes. Dear lord, so this is what my mother has to put up with every single bloody day. Where's the coffee? Gasp. Poor mother doesn't even LIKE coffee! How does she survive? And the refreshments? Where are they? The comfortable plush seats? What about the get-up-and-leave-whenever-you-feel-like-it unwritten policy of all boring meetings?

This is driving me PAST insanity.


It has now been fifty-nine minutes and Sakura has just woken up. Oh, wait...

She's gone back to sleep.


I look across the sleepy room and catch Eriol's eyes. He's looking at me. I'm too sleepy and semi-conscious to notice that his eyes seem to have a dazed look in them also. But then, it wouldn't exactly surprise me anyway. I turn away to look at the watch on Yamazaki's wrist, which is in clear view of me (because his arm is still slung around Chiharu's shoulders for some bizarre reason) and sigh. I then glance back at Eriol and barely register that he's still gazing at me.

It has now been sixty minutes and I need to go pee.


Captain, we've got a problem. Low-ranking Tomoyo Daidouji is in need of using the manhole. (Or womanhole... urgh, just kidding.)

See her jumping up and down like a constipated pig? I've got to go NOW, she says. Shall we give her consent?

Sixty-two minutes.


They remind me of deep, blue water. The noisy trickling of that liquidly substance splashing into other liquids or just plain ground is proving too much for my need-to-go-badly imaginative self. Stop staring at me. Close those deep, sapphire-ocean-like eyes before I pee in my pants and hurt you for it. You scoundrel. You.

Sixty-six minutes.


Why am I sitting in the middle of the room? Why did Sakura have to pick these seats? If we were in the back, I could go to the bathroom quietly without anybody noticing! Why must Fate go against me like this? WHY?

The weather is very gray sixty-eight minutes outside and it's not getting better.


Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.

Tick.

It has now officially been seventy minutes since hell started.

Where is my heaven?


It must be real gold lining. Or perhaps silver that's gone old? Either that or it's completely fake and rusting. But then, rust can't be that shiny and smooth. So it's got to be real gold. And those little tick marks. They look like they're diamonds. Maybe they're crystals? They could be Austrian genuine crystals. And the background is a very velvety black. I wonder if it's just satin or a real cut stone. It could be a polished marble. Perhaps it's onyx? And what of the two hands? The longer one's got to be pearls. And the shorter one might even be opal. That center stone must be at least five hundred dollars... at LEAST. An emerald that size could feed a freaking country. Or at least get me out of here.

Or maybe not. After all, watches can be fake.

Yamazaki's giving me his trademark grin, along with an odd expression that clearly said 'Tomoyo you're being weird so you should stop it right now'. I guess leaning forward all the way in my seat and staring at his watch like it was about to give birth kind of irked him. I don't blame him.

Ah. The longer, white plastic hand just moved.

Seventy-five minutes.


Maybe he's bored too. After all, it isn't hard for anybody to be very bored right now. That committee president sure knows how to talk. Anyways, he must be extremely bored. Because he wouldn't just randomly do that and not be absolutely bored out of his mind.

Eriol sent me a note. I didn't see how he passed it along, but I saw Yamazaki's watch move as he handed me the folded up piece of paper. I looked around the room and saw that nearly everybody was asleep, even the teachers. The committee president was going on about rabbits or something like that. Can't really tell, seeing as I'm temporarily deaf to his toneless droning.

I opened the note.

So, have you found your peanut butter-covered chocolates with coconuts? Or do you need another handkerchief? –Eriol

My eyes narrowed, a spur of indignation mixed with embarrassment arousing my mind. I suddenly felt more awake since the beginning of the meeting. My eyes flitted over to the blue-eyed young man, and unsurprisingly he was watching me. His amused look turned into a slight smirk when he saw me look at him.

That jerk. If he thinks for even one second that I'm not going to retaliate for this he's—wait. That's not right.

He knows I'm going to retaliate.

And for some reason, it made me feel... pleased. In a weird way. Oh how fabulous. Eriol Hiiragizawa is making me feel good and warm inside because of the tingles of satisfaction running down my spine caused by the knowledge that he knows what I'm going to do before I even do them.

Bloody great.

With a grim smile I quietly took out a pen and scribbled behind his note.

I didn't find you as the type that would keep handkerchiefs. It surprises me that you even have another one to spare. How terribly kind of you. However, I must decline your generous offer seeing as I have "found" my PeBuCCC.

What will your fan club think when they hear that their idol keeps a stash of dainty handkerchiefs ready for when he makes girls cry?. –Tomoyo Daidouji

I waited quietly for him to read my message, and watched his expression carefully. He seemed extremely amused, which is not very surprising, considering he's been amused towards me quite often. He was writing something. Then he passed the paper to Kei, who he was sitting behind, who passed it to Syaoran, who was miraculously still awake, and then passed it to Yamazaki, whose shoulder Chiharu seemed to be borrowing. I opened the note casually.

It surprises me that you even think of me as a certain "type". Seeing as you were generous enough to compliment me, would you be kind enough to explain exactly what kind of "type" you see me as?

And by the way, my admirers would only think that I'm a gentleman, which I am, and would love me even more (which they do). –Eriol

And he wonders why I think he's arrogant? Well, actually, I wouldn't know if he wondered why I thought about anything at all. It's just my own assumption. But then, assumptions can be dangerous... I let my own brand of evil grace my lips as I wrote back. When he got the note and read it, I saw the corners of his own lips twitch, as if he were ready to laugh. This time I knew why he was amused.

It surprises ME that you'd be curious as to what kind of type I see you as. What does it matter to you? As for my answer... really, I thought you of all people would ask a more intelligent question. Your arrogance not only shows in the way you breathe, but in your words too. You think every female loves you and would throw themselves at your feet, when really, you're not all that great. I therefore put you in the category of 'conceited, popular, jock/prep'. I'm sorry for being stereotypical, but then, you just can't help it.

Why did you sign up for the committee anyways? –Tomoyo Daidouji

Yes, I said, or wrote, all that. I'm kind of daft, aren't I? I shouldn't have written such nice words. I should be more blunt. Come on, Tomoyo, be blunt! Make him feel the pain you're feeling in your tummy right now! Ah, as if I could make him feel that. Perhaps I should just punch him when we're out of this stupid, so-called "meeting". That would make the message pretty clear, right?

Perhaps you're right. I can't help being conceited, can I? And as for your apology... Well, I'm surprised and grateful that you would even consider saying sorry to me. In fact, I'm so grateful that I'll take you out on a date this Friday, 8 PM at your house. See you then. –Love, Eriol

P.S. And I joined this committee so I could be with your lovely self.

In my numb shock, I read the note again. Then I read it over again. And again. And again. Date. He said he was going to take me out on a date.

Guess what the first thing that came into my mind was?

This is all a joke.

Eriol, that sick bastard. He was saying this, all this crap, and smiling like no tomorrow... He was doing all this because it was a trick. A joke. A small part of his plot to bring me down. This was all a joke. He was not being serious.

A small part of my mind argued back. What if he was being serious about the date? Perhaps he was actually changing. And besides, he was very good-looking. Maybe he really was taking interest in me...

But no, he wouldn't just change suddenly. Not in a few days, that is. I was almost positively he didn't like me. Ever since that day—that fatal day—I accidentally dropped ice cream on his ego-bloated head. No. Ever since that day the only way he acknowledged me was through obvious dislike. That was why this was all a hoax. Plus, he was probably taking advantage of his power over me (I was his freaking slave!), gradually confusing me so that I would be even easier to bring down.

Yes, I'm sure of it now. He is messing with my head. He's only interested in plotting my demise and finally humiliating me for good. That's why he's been so nice and courteous. Not like a certain gentleman I met yesterday.

No. Eriol Hiiragizawa would never be interested in me.

And so, I didn't bother writing back a reply for the rest of the meeting.


It's rather ironic that I keep saying the word 'bloody' when I happen to be on IT.

And it's very ironic that a certain blue-eyed jerk is so intent on getting my attention once the eighty-five minute meeting was over.

It's quite funny, actually. For a person to see the great, almighty Eriol Hiiragizawa chasing after a geeky girl (who's munching on PeBuCCC) saying something crazy about needing an answer... They would have to double-check they're mind is in the right place. Bloody hilarious, really.

In order to avoid Mr. Jerk with the smooth dignity I knew I didn't have, I had to leave Sleeping Sakura behind. Last time I checked, Syaoran was trying to wake her up. I think he noticed the Committee President (who was inhaling water like a dying fish) lurking around the oblivious Cherry Blossom. Ah. Romance.

And the mystery of Naoko and Kei has now been solved! Right after the meeting ended, Kei pounced on Naoko yelling, "Give it back!" She'd flown past me, clutching a hardcover book (which I only caught a glimpse of) with something like 'Junior Class Records' written on it. I don't really know why she has it... but where Naoko's involved, it's better not to ask. Anyways.The romance spreads.

Chiharu mysteriously disappeared. So had Yamazaki. I put them both together and walla. More lovey-dovey romance. Hmm, I have to ask them when they started going out behind our backs...

Of course, Rika wasn't at the meeting, and Mr. Terada wasn't either, but I had a feeling they were spending some quality time together (mind out of the gutter please). And so it goes on and on...

"Miss Daidouji, I'll go mad if you don't give me an answer right now!"

And on.

Stupid little bastard. I will never fall for his dirty little tricks. Stupid jerk.

I held my head up high, ignoring his cries (very melodramatic they are) and the curious glances from passing students, and strode determinedly toward the main office, where the groups we would be in charge of at the festival was listed (so the president finally revealed at the last minute). Wiping my mind clear of the trailing Hiiragizawa, I found the list; fervently hoping I was in charge of the Drama section.

"Oh My Lady, why must you torment me so?"

UGH. Will he not go away? Can he not see that I DON'T WANT TO LISTEN TO HIM? Is flinging my long hair in his face not enough of a hint? Why is he so stupid? He's just as bad as that wheezing Committee President!

All this pent up anger and frustration can't be good for my health. But instead of erupting, I kept calm, shut my mouth, and breathed deeply. And ate some more PeBuCCC. I am such a goddess. I should not be a slave. Hiiragizawa should be the slave! To me! Muahahaha! Ahahahahaha! Puahahahahahahaha!...Ahem. Yes.

I found my name at the way bottom because SOMEONE decided to list the names in alphabetical order by FIRST NAME. I mean who does that? I thought it was the last names that count!

But I forgot about it as soon as I saw what I was in charge of. Tomoyo Daidouji: (Section) Drama My lips spread into a wide, happy smile as I cheered mentally. That little party stopped when I saw more writing.

(Work) Actress

Actress. Actress. Actress. I was going to be an ACTRESS! Being an actress meant ACTING! I didn't want to act! I wanted to DESIGN OUTFITS! I was supposed to design the actress' outfit, not BE the freaking actress!

"Well, well... This is certainly interesting." The amused drawl came from behind me and would've scared the crap out of me had I not been preoccupied staring at the list in horror. Hiiragizawa peered at the blasted paper over my shoulder. I could imagine the amused quirk on his lips. Stupid Hiiragizawa. Most likely he was gloating over the stupid assignment I was stuck with, feeling confident that he had an advantage now. My shocked expression turned into a dark scowl, and I steadily glared at that stupid piece of paper that had ruined my life (more like winter).

Sakura and Syaoran's names together (figures) and my spirits lightened a little when I saw they were in charge of the Sports section together. Well, what a coincidence. The two enemies were forced to spend even more time together... and hopefully Syaoran will gain the courage to ask her out (correctly this time!). Chiharu was helping set up a sewing booth for the Crafts section, something she had been signing up for in hopes of making cute animal dolls, though I knew she already had a huge collection at her house. Yamazaki was Vice President of the Committee. Enough said. Naoko was in the Literary section so she could write as many scary horror stories as she wanted. Kei was helping make classic dishes in the Cooking section (which I was definitely going to try out since I heard he was a very good cook).

As I scanned the list, something occurred to me. At first I didn't really notice it, but then I realized someone was missing. Hiiragizawa was STILL behind me, who I ignored, and was humming a little tune that sounded remarkably like Sailormoon. My eyes immediately found what they were searching for.

Eriol Hiiragizawa: (Section) Drama (Work) Actor

I screamed, threw my PeBuCCC at his face and died.

...Hehe, just kidding. No, I didn't die. Nor did I scream. But I did throw my PeBuCCC at his grinning face, which was still grinning after the chocolates fell to the ground. I was mortified. Having to be an actress was bad enough. Heck, Hiiragizawa being in the same section was bad enough. But him acting with me?

I was devastated. No wonder he looked so amused. He probably thought it really funny that we happened to share the same job. But I didn't find it funny at all. Really. I didn't. And I don't. Stupid prat of an onion. I hate this! I hate this! So I said so.

"I hate this!" I yelled, frustration clear in my voice that made the secretary look up. I spun around, blinking at his very close body for a few seconds before snapping my head up to glare murderously at him. He was still grinning. No doubt he's laughing inside right now, triumphant that he succeeded in... in... well, succeeded in doing something. I wanted to punch his ridiculously handsome face in. Who'd be laughing then, huh?

"You hate this?" he asked, his eyes showing very clear amusement. I wanted to scream at him, tear his hair out, punch him really hard and yell YES, I DID hate this. Then maybe he would understand what I just said ten seconds ago. "Tell me," he continued, "what exactly do you hate about this? Perhaps you hate your peanut butter-covered chocolates... with coconuts? Or maybe you hate this office room? The colors are quite mismatching..." He trailed off, looking questioningly at me.

He was mocking me. He was making FUN of me. I was not amused.

"I hate this," I gritted out, poking his chest hard, "meaning I hate you always making fun of me and acting like you're my superior! And don't think," I went on as he was about to say something, "for one second that you being my master is going to give you an advantage. Because I, for one, won't fall for any of your stupid tricks! Being nice isn't fooling anybody, especially me. And the fact that you're in the same group as I am for the freaking festival is NOT making me happier. So whatever you're trying to pull, Hiiragizawa, stop it, because I won't tolerate any more of your idiocy!" By the time I finished my little speech, my face was redder than Syaoran's could become any day, and my finger was hurting from prodding his very hard chest too long. The secretary was telling us to please shut up and get out of the office. I ignored her.

He was looking at me silently, his blue eyes intent as he studied my red face. I stared back just as hard, not caring that I looked winded. He leaned back and raised an eyebrow, saying, "But I'm not playing any tricks. What makes you think I'm acting nice?"

I blew an irritated sigh, rolling my eyes. "Don't lie. It's obvious you're just acting nice so you can confuse me, and then drop the bomb when I'm least suspecting it! But I won't fall for it because—"

"I'm not planning any tricks," he interrupted. He brushed his hair with a graceful hand and sighed shortly. "I don't know why you're suddenly thinking I'm planning something, because I most certainly am not—"

"Yes you are!"

"No I am not."

"YES YOU ARE!"

"STUDENTS! GET OUT!" The secretary bellowed, her face even redder than mine. We both exited without a word. I didn't look at Hiiragizawa as I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm.

His eyes were not amused when I turned to face him. I found myself wondering why he suddenly had a change of attitude. He gazed at me for a few moments before saying,"Why do you think I'm trying to trick you? I haven't done anything wrong."

Great. Here we go again. I blew another frustrated stream of air. "Don't be disappointed that I found out your little plan," I said coolly. "I may be your slave for the rest of the week, but that doesn't mean I'll listen to everything you say. So don't try to convince me otherwise." I was ready to turn to go again, when he pulled me back. My anger rose as I tried to pull away. "Let go!"

"Wait. Is this because I asked you out?" His words made me stop. Did he even consider that a question? I thought he was supposed to be the 'wise' guy here. Why would he even ask me something like that?

I decided to humor him. "No. Of course it isn't because you asked me out. The fact that my rival who's supposed to make my life a 'living hell' is suddenly being nice to me and asking me out is not the cause of it." I could see that he knew I was being sarcastic, because he lifted an eyebrow.

After a long while of uncomfortable staring (on his part) he finally said, "Well, if I may speak bluntly..." His passive face slowly adopted an overly amused expression that almost seemed to be smirking. I was on my guard in an instant. "I thought asking you out would make you happy. After all..." I didn't have time to react when he leaned down, his nose nearly touching mine. "...I know you've been dying to have this chance with me." His head moved next to mine as he whispered into my ear. "...You know, it makes sense and all... being my... slave. You should be happy that you're going out with THE Eriol Hiiragizawa."

By the time my senses came back to my empty mind, he was stepping away from me, the smirk still on his face. Feelings that were much like anger, rage, fire, jalapeno peppers; the likes... They rushed through my veins and pounded into my head so that I almost saw red.

I looked him straight in the eye and stepped toward him, making sure that he had clear view of my face. "Eriol Hiiragizawa..." I smiled a little coldly at him. "You may think you're perfect. You may think you're flawless: an immortal gift to all women. You might even think you're better than everyone in this world. But not in my world. Because I know what's under you're cool guy act. I know you're not perfect. You're not flawless, you're not an immortal gift to women and you're not in any way better than anybody. Because you're human. And you're wrong. Asking me out... doesn't make me happy. After all..." I leaned forward boldly so that our noses were nearly touching. He watched me intently, remaining silent. I could see those deep, dark eyes of his that hid so many things from the world... things that even I was curious about sometimes. But I knew that he wouldn't be hiding his reaction when he heard what I was going to say next.

"I have a boyfriend."

His expression didn't disappoint me this time. Score for me.

And with that, I turned around and left.


She stared out the window, looking at nothing in particular. Her reddish, brown eyes seemed distant. When she sighed, her long strands of red hair fluttered a bit before settling in place. The sound of a door opening made her snap out of her trance, and she turned to see a handsome young man in a suit that made his light brown hair stand out walking towards her. She smiled slightly and met him with a warm hug.

"It's been a long time." She smiled as they let go.

"Yes, it has been... Kaho. So," he smiled, "I heard you were getting married soon." She nodded and motioned for him to sit down on the couches. "How's Eriol Hiiragizawa?" His deep hazel eyes didn't miss the glimpse of sadness in her eyes.

She sighed, this time with more feeling. "Well, that's what I wanted to discuss with you..." She looked down at her hands for a moment before looking up at him. Her lips spread into a wry smile. "I have a favor to ask of you."

He raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything as she continued. "...Eriol is a very wise person, and so mature for his age. He's the kind of person that knows the answers to almost everything, you see... always thinking so deeply. He's a very wise, young man. But that's just it. He's young. And so, I'm afraid that... he might not be able to cope with emotions that are so strong. I... don't know if he's all right." She took a breath and then smiled at him. "Will you help me?"

He looked at her for a while before replying, "You rejected... his love for you?" She met his eyes sadly.

"That's just it. His love for me is... not what I can return."

He gazed down at the coffee table for a long while, thinking deeply. She turned to look out the window again, waiting for his reply. When he finally replied, she was relieved at what he had to say. "I'll help you. I'll... go to him... to make sure he isn't hurt... deeply." He looked at her. "If he isn't happy... in one way or another... Should I help him to recover...Kaho?"

She sighed once more and nodded. "Please try the best you can. I still care for him. Just not in the way he wants me to." Her face turned expressionless as she smiled gently and rose. "Thank you so much. You don't know how much this means to me." He took his cue and rose also, smiling.

"Yes, yes, I think I do. After all, being heart-broken isn't something one must experience more than once. Once is all right... but no more." He paused and blinked. "But... Is he in England?"

The red-haired lady shook her head. "No. He's... in Tomoeda."

"Ah, I see... His old school town?"

"Yes, that's right. Well, then, I'll see you in a while. And thank you again. You're doing so much for me. Thank you... Len"

"That's all right. After all, what are cousins for? See you, Kaho."


I was NOT being too harsh. I was not being harsh or too mean at all. After all, what I said back there, nearly yelling at his face while revealing such a cold side of me... it's the truth. And I can't take back what I said. Even if I did, I wouldn't want to. It would serve him right. That bastard, thinking he's king of the world. He has no right to put down people like he did to me just then... as if he's superior or something. No, I was not being harsh at all, whatsoever. I was absolutely right in knocking him down a peg or two... or ten.

...So why am I sitting next to the phone, feeling guilty while clutching Eriol Hiiragizawa's phone number on a piece of paper?

Argh, he must be just messing with my head again. He's been doing that ever since we first met...

: Back when I first met Eriol Hiiragizawa :

Wow.

WOW.

He's really... handsome.

Wow. Wow-how-how.

Those are really thin glasses.

And those eyes behind it... they're really dark, and deep and oh so...

Blue.

He's a really blue sort of guy.

"Black... I'm a black kind of guy, Miss Daidouji."

Yeah. That's what he said. I guess it sort of threw me off (mentally) because I never said a word about him being a blue guy. But, the way he said it was sort of... meaningful. As if they were important.

As if anything he says is important. But back then, back when I first met him and his deep, blue eyes and mysterious, charming smile, I thought...

How nice and confusing this person was.

: End of my little flashback :

Yeah. So. See how much my mind changed from back then? Yup. Long-time-ago memories are a real clue, aren't they? Yeah... so.

I'm staring at the phone. What am I going to do?

"...You know, it makes sense and all... being my... slave..." His taunting words came back to me, echoing loudly in my head. I glared balefully, feeling that familiar anger I felt whenever I imagined that bastard's smirk. Hah! No, it didn't make sense at all! He never made sense. And he doesn't now. He honestly enjoys confusing me. He likes the feeling of control he has over my awkward vulnerability. "...You should be happy that you're going out with THE Eriol Hiiragizawa." Ugh! Puh-lease! As if! I wouldn't even consider going out with that creepy-blue-eyed jerk. Maybe in once-upon-a-time ago, perhaps then I would consider going out with him because I KNEW he wasn't planning and scheming on taking me down once we started getting all mushy-gushy. But not now. Not today. Not EVER. Besides... I already told him I had a boyfriend. Ah shoot.

With that, and a fierce shake of my head, I angrily stuffed the piece of paper in my pocket and stalked upstairs, not bothering to greet the pleasant cook in the kitchen on the way. (Once David understood what kind of pain I was going through, he forgave me and went back to liking me. Hooray.)As soon asI got to my room, I went to my desk where a certain business card was lying in all its (dusty) glory-ness and picked it up, beginning to feel a little more nervous.

Len Muraki. The brown-haired, hazel-eyed prince of my dreams. I'm willing to wager all my supply of PeBuCCC (not really) that he's indeed smart, strong and sexy. Well, he's already sexy... And I'm pretty sure he's smart, judging by the way he was so courteous and intelligent that day I met him. And his body looked well shaped. Not as lean as Hiiragizawa, nor as tall... But what does that have to do with anything? Nothing at all. Absolutely nothing. Yeah. I have no clue what I'm talking about, that's it... Yeah. I shouldn't compare with Hiiragizawa.

I punched the numbers into my cell phone and waited as the dial rang, biting my lip nervously. Finally, I heard someone answer, "Hello?" The voice was unmistakably deep and so masculine and... so prince-like.

"Hello? Len Muraki?" I asked, my heart beating loudly.

"Yes, this is he." The voice sounded a bit curious now. I took in a deep breath. It's now or never, Tomoyo.

"Well, um, this is Tomoyo Daidouji. Um, I ran into you the other day in front of the library...literally. I... do you remember...?" I trailed off, wincing as a silence followed. He was obviously trying to remember that day, and wasn't getting a wake-up call. This was a bad idea. I knew it was a bad idea! Oh, well, actually, not really... But still. He obviously forgot all about that stupid little girl that didn't know where she was going and nearly knocked him over. What was I thinking? It's not as if he was serious about seeing me again.

"Oh yes! The beautiful lady that called me 'charming'. What can be your reason for bestowing me such a pleasurable call?"

Or, you know, I can be wrong. And I know how many times that happens to me. So, really, I shouldn't be surprised or blushing, or feeling like I just won the lottery ticket (which I never have, surprise, surprise). I stuttered for a minute before answering, "O-oh, well, um... I thought I might... thank you again for... for... er, for saving me that time... um, yeah..." I'll never get a boyfriend at this rate. Never. He's bound to think, 'Man, this girl is really boring' or something.

To my utter surprise (and relief) he laughed a very pleasant laugh and said, "Oh, that? No, it was merely pure luck that I managed to catch you. And, you know, quite literally at that." I could feel my blush growing steadier by the minute. He was such a gentleman! I could squeal with joy right now, but I'm not. I wanted to make a good impression. Of course. No need to refuse this opportunity. He was a better catch than Hiiragizawa any day!

"Excuse me?" I blinked as his voice broke through my thoughts. "Did you say... 'Hiiragizawa'?" Oh. No. I did not just say that out loud! Hmm, it seems that I did. Ah. How embarrassing. I shouldn't be mentioning any GUY names when I'm trying to impress my Prince Charming. "Miss Daidouji?"

"Oh! Um, it was nothing! Er, yeah... hehe." Wow, that sure was a great cover-up, Tomoyo. Why don't you go and be an FBI while you're at it? We all know how much skill you have in that area.

"Okay..." His voice sounded unsure, and I cringed. Great. Fabulous. I was not scoring any brownie points with this guy. I needed to sharpen up my act if I was going to impress him. He needed to know that Tomoyo Daidouji was an elegant, charming, suave woman with the brains to back it up. But then he spoke before I could think."Well, Miss Daidouji, what do you say that we meet sometime? Say, tomorrow during lunch? I have break during that time. We could eat together." Oh my goodness. Did he just ask me out? He just invited me to a DATE! I, Tomoyo Daidouji, got Prince Charming to go on a date with me! YES!

"Oh, yes. I have break during that time also." My voice was remarkably calm and extremely cool (as in, popular cool) and I was delighted to hear an extra hint of smoothness. It was so perfect!

"Great! Then I'll meet you at the new café at 12:30 PM." Oh yeah, honey, I'm meeting you then. Wait for me! "Until then. Good night, Miss Daidouji."

I smiled and replied, "Good night, Len."

Awkward silence.

HOW CAN MY MOUTH DO THIS TO ME? I just called him by his first name without even ASKING him if I could! As if that weren't mortifying enough, I had to say it to a complete stranger! I was utterly HUMILIATING!

"Um... I'm very sorry...er, I mean..." I finally said timidly. Can anyone say, pathetic?

"Oh no, it's okay... Well, good night." His voice sounded a little surprised. I don't blame him. I don't blame him at all. I totally blame myself. It's my entire fault. I dejectedly flipped my phone shut and fell back on my huge bed. I groaned, closing my eyes. Why did I do that? He probably thought I was weird and conceited and already latching on to him. Though he wouldn't be too far from thinking so.

"Why..." I moaned soulfully. "Why am I so stupid?" Suddenly my phone rang, blasting its loud, little tune into my ear. I jumped. Stupid little piece of...! I was in the middle of mourning! Did it have no sympathy? ...It was Sakura. I fumbled with opening it and managed to say, "Hey—". That was all I was able to say because then she started to blurt out some blur of nonsense that I seriously had no clue about and she wouldn't let me speak until she ran out of breath (which was, like, five minutes later).

I heard her sigh and inhale so she could start ranting on again. I held up a hand that was invisible to her. "Wait, Sakura! So, exactly... What are you talking about?"

"Tomoyo, it's a disaster! I don't know how people got the idea that I would even THINK about doing it... It's wrong! It's so disgusting that I wouldn't—"

"Wait, wait, what's disgusting?"

"Me kissing Syaoran!"

Oh. Oh ho ho ho... Now I see. I smiled nervously, picking at my blanket as I said, "Oh. Oh... Syaoran, eh?" Yeah. That's it. Bring the conversation around so that it's not ME who has anything to do with it. I could imagine Sakura's face turning bright red over the phone.

"Th-that isn't the point! And Tomoyo!" I blinked at her sharp tone.

"Uh, what?"

"You wouldn't have anything to do with all this, would you?"

Aw, crap. Shoot. Darn it. Damn. Bloody IT. Perhaps Sakura will be merciful and NOT strangle me to death...?

What? Is hopeful wishing not allowed on my part either?

"Tomoyo!"


A/N: This was a little long, right? If it was... then YES! I have achieved my ultimate goal to now start writing longer chapters. I decided that reading short chapters is a waste of time, so I set a goal to write longer chapters! Neat, huh? Pretty dedicated of me, huh? Yeah, I thought so too. You can give me a little comment or something and tell me exactly what you think! Now isn't that fantastic? Thank you all very much!