A/N: Sorry for not updating faster... Well, here's chapter thirteen!

Disclaimer: I... don't know. I really don't know. All I know is that I don't own Card Captors.


Chapter 13: The World Just Is


When I woke up, I thought it was all a dream.

A very good, very real, and very much-too-vivid dream.

But then I saw the cap sitting on my desk and the little note that was beside it, and I realized it was not a dream. Getting chased by FBI-agents that weren't really FBI agents (most likely my mother's company enemies), getting locked in an ancient, dark tool house with the one guy I cannot stand, becoming friends with that one guy I can't stand, going out to eat ice cream with him, having him over at my house to spend the night, betting on who could win a game of basketball, me losing that game of basketball, and him suddenly saying a lot of random and personal stuff...

It wasn't a dream. And I almost wanted to groan and go back to sleep, never to see humankind again for as long as I lived. But alas, my phone shrilled in the silence of my room. Fate is cruel. After trying to shut out the sounds of the 'Mission Impossible' tone and failing, I sighed and stumbled across the room to answer it. " 'Ello?" I said groggily.

"Tomoyo!" It was Sakura. I blinked as my mind slowly began to think. Ah. Right. She and Syaoran went out on a date last night. I suddenly perked and wondered how the date went. "Hey, you sound really tired," her concerned voice reached my ears. "You didn't just get up, did you? Because school starts in fifteen minutes."

"Uhn," I replied intelligently. Then my mind started thinking once more, and I almost dropped the phone as I yelped, "Fif-fifteen minutes?" All thoughts about her date flew out of my head. I turned to look at the digital clock and realized with horror that she was indeed right. "Crap! Gotta go, 'Kura, bye!" And with that I whirled around my room like a mad rampaging stampede, frantically putting on clothes, brushing my teeth and hair, and getting my stuff, simultaneously glancing at the ticking clock. How in the world did I sleep in so late? Ah, no, wait, I know the answer to that one. I glowered in the midst of running downstairs.

Eriol. Eriol.

How was it that a recently enemy-turned-friend influenced my daily life so that I had no control over it?

One of the many unanswerable questions in life...

As I hurried out the door with a toast in my hand, his words from last night echoed unwittingly in my brain.

"I don't belong to any family, and I don't have an identity."

"Because I'm not like other people. I'm different."

Something lurched and twisted in my stomach as I remembered the words. I don't know why, but the way he said it, the disconsolate tone of his voice, that expression in his eyes... it was enough to make me feel horrible. Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was pity. I don't know. But I did know that when he told me about his parents last night, I didn't like the lonely expression in his eyes.

I just didn't like seeing him like that.

As almost as soon as I thought this, I wondered why I didn't like to see him like that, but then almost immediately my mind pushed that thought away. I don't know why, but I was almost certain that subconsciously I knew a little bit why I thought that way, and I was most positively certain that I didn't want to think about that. At least, not now. Not now when I was still feeling a little… uncertain and wobbly in my mind.

Being sudden friends with Eriol does that to you, I think.

Then again, I've always been a little unstable in the head.

The limo stopped in front of the school. I barely said bye to Bill (the driver) as I rushed out the door and through the school doors, just as the first bell rang.

By the time I got to my first class, Sakura was already sitting in her seat, waiting for me. And so were Naoko, Chiharu, and Yamazaki. I blinked upon seeing the grinning male, but shrugged mentally and headed towards them. I noticed that some girls were glaring oddly at me from across the classroom, but I thought nothing of it as I took my seat. After all, those fan girls glared at anything. The minute I took my seat, my friends jumped on me (not literally).

"What did you and Eriol do last night?" Sakura asked eagerly. I had anticipated her question because my cousin always had a way of finding out those kind of things, so I opened my mouth to answer calmly. But she added, "I heard he... asked you out on a date." I almost choked. What? She looked at me expectantly, her green eyes shining with curiosity.

Before I could say anything (not that I had anything to say) Naoko asked excitedly, "Hey, I heard Eriol even slept over your house last night!" Huh? How did all this get spread around so fast? I never knew the rumor mill was this good. And Sakura was out last night with Syaoran. Unless... My eyes narrowed. Unless a certain blue-eyed idiot said something he shouldn't have.

Chiharu noticed my scowl and added hastily, "Of course, we're not saying we believe the rumors—"

"Of course we are!" Yamazaki interrupted happily beside the auburn-haired girl, his face grinning at me. I blinked again. Just why exactly was he here in the first place? But then... SMACK! "Ow! My dearest Chiharu!" ...Of course, he and Chiharu were probably together. I found myself staring amusedly at them, watching as they bickered and squabbled.

"Just like an old couple," a dry voice remarked from beside me.

"Yeah—" I turned my head quickly and saw Kei standing beside my desk, watching the couple with an amused expression. I blinked again. What was he doing here? Again. This wasn't his classroom. He looked at me with hazel eyes that seemed to be so full of mystery... of course, I knew a certain pair of blue eyes that could top him, no sweat.

Chiharu was still arguing with Yamazaki in the background, apparently in their own little world. I turned to look at Sakura, only to find a very humorous scene at play.

Syaoran was sitting oh-so-casually behind Sakura, who had apparently known he was there and was trying not to notice or care (though if her pink cheeks were any indication...). I grinned to myself. My, my. What did these two lovebirds do last night? Right behind Syaoran were some of his ILS members, all of who were glaring daggers at Sakura's head and wistful expression at their dream boy's.

I heard Kei snort. I didn't get a chance to turn to him and raise my eyebrows, because Naoko beat me to it and pinned him with her glare. I zipped my lip and settled back to watch the show that was about to unfold. Nothing in the world would prompt me to get in the middle of this...

It wasalmost like the 'Pre-Sakura and Syaoran Bond' show. A show that I'd enjoyed watching immensely in previous years.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded Kei, who merely glanced at her lazily and lean back on the desk behind him. I suppressed a grin. He was good. At least, better than Syaoran. The Li heir had a temper that beat all those bratty kids in elementary school.

Naoko seethed, and while I knew she didn't like the lax class president, I hoped she didn't try to do anything to him. Like... strangle him to death. According to Pre-Sakura and Syaoran Bond Sakura always managed to do something violent to her antagonist.

He waited a moment to further irritate the glasses-wearing girl (I stifled a giggle, vaguely wondering why it almost reminded me of something eerily familiar...) before answering, "Your teacher's going to be late. I'm here on his behalf to watch over his students." I thought I could hear a smirk in his voice. That made my eyes narrow a little. Was he hanging around Eriol too much?

"That was pathetic, even for you," the brown-haired girl scoffed, her eyes mocking as she crossed her arms. "Your lies are beginning to sound like Yamazaki's." Ooh. It was an insult to both Kei and Yamazaki, especially since he probably was telling the truth. I swear I saw a slight frown on the class president's face. But then the expression smoothed back into the familiar bored look and he chose not to answer. Naoko frowned, apparently disappointed that her words didn't affect him. Much. I was just about to let myself think that everyone had forgotten all about me, happily, when fate turned its back on me. Again. Naoko looked at me, and immediately her face brightened. "Hey, Inasu," she said with a slightly happy, sing-songy tone. That made me blink. He merely raised an eyebrow at her. She suddenly let an evil Naoko smirk spread on her lips as she leaned forward. "Do you know what Tomoyo did last night?" Still in that same sing-songy voice.

A wary feeling slowly rose as I stared at Naoko.

Kei barely glanced at me and looked indifferently at her. I frantically tried to give Naoko my "Don't Say It" look, but she completely ignored it. "Last night... she had a... visitor," the evil glasses-girl continued slyly. I refrained myself from waving my arms and screaming on top of my lungs. I felt embarrassed enoughabout the whole incident last night with Eriol, especially since it was really just plain awkward. I really didn't need one of my own friends spreading the word that the school's King was over at my house last night.

Thus, I tried with one last attempt to keep Naoko from saying anymore. I didn't throw myself off my desk or scream on top of my lungs. But I wish I had. She only smirked wider at me and leaned more on her desk. Oh, fate was just rubbing in my misfortune, wasn't it? "Last night, Eriol Hiiragizawa... that's right, Eriol Hiiragizawa... was over at Tomoyo's house."

I stifled a groan and slumped on my desk, trying to hide my face in shame. The class was still talking, since the teacher wasn't here, and I could hear Chiharu and Yamazaki still going at it. But everything else was quiet. I waited for Kei's reaction. Being Eriol's friend, he probably already knew Eriol had come over my house last night. But then, maybe he didn't care. I hoped it was the latter.

"...What?" His voice made me blink, but I kept my head down. He was a tad surprised, judging from the disbelief in his tone. Hmm, so much for him not caring. Obviously he didn't hear about it. Until now. I groaned mentally and vowed never to be around Naoko when it was winter. Being cooped up inside and not having enough fresh air to strengthen her imagination did terrible things to her already action-deprived mind. Maybe that's why she felt the need to tell her enemy about something that I didn't really want out in the whole school.

Naoko's voice came. "That's right. I'm right. Ready to admit you're wrong?" Her voice was very smug. I wondered briefly what she was talking about, but then decided it didn't matter. Because I wanted to keep my head down for as long as I could. It was comforting to know that my face would not be seen to the world. Kind of like the ostrich— 'Hey, look, I can't see you, so you can't see me!' And its body's sticking out of the ground while it head is underground. I drolly compared the body to my own and my head hidden in the circle of my arms. Oh, but what a fine ostrich I would make...!

Suddenly, I become conscious of the fact that everything was quiet. As in, the whole classroom was quiet. A foreboding tingle went up my spine, and before I knew it, a warm hand was on my shoulder. Touch Alert.

I immediately shot up, turning my head to see who it was, also doubled up with my anxiety of the silent classroom, and blinked. Well, who could it be but Eriol? The tall, blue-eyed guy whom I mentally classified as 'friend' was standing behind me, grinning. Why was he here? There was something different about him. I stared at him, trying to figure out what it was. He chuckled. I blinked again.

He wasn't wearing glasses.

And he was looking very handsome.

Of course, I'd seen him before without those light, wire-rimmed frames. But now... it was like seeing him in a completely whole different light. And I thought he looked really good. (How cliché) Was he wearing contacts? Was that why his eyes look even bluer than ever?

I began blushing, but quickly ducked my head as if glancing at the floor. Why was I reacting this way? I saw him yesterday no problem without glasses. So why was this any different?

"Tomoyo." I looked up reluctantly. He was still grinning. Then he held out something, and I blinked at it. It was... a cookie? "It's from Nakuru," he told me, a slight smile in his voice. I blinked again and took the offered cookie, wrapped in its little, plastic bag. He shoved his hands in his pockets and said cheerfully, "Well, see you at the meeting, Tomoyo." He nodded at Kei, who was staring openly at his friend. "Let's go." The blue-eyed guy also nodded at Yamazaki and Syaoran in the cool, typical male greeting. Before he left, however, (I tried to keep from blushing harder), he bent down to whisper in my ear, "Don't forget our 'date' after the meeting, Tomoyo." And winking at me, he walked calmly away. Kei followed, frowning confusedly between the blue-haired guy and me.

I was frowning as well. Date? What in the world did he mean by... oh. The note he gave me. He wanted to... what was it again? To properly thank me for my gratitude. Or something...? Why did he call it a date? And... why in the world did he wink at me? He was acting mighty confident... as if I was actually going to comply and obediently meet with him. Was he flirting? Was he trying to seduce me, as a continuation from last night? I suddenly coughed, trying to cover up the blush spreading rapidly in my cheeks. Stupid heat. This classroom's too warm. Anyways, I'm sure he wasn't doing anything to... er, lead me on. Yeah. We're friends now. Friends just don't DO those kinds of things.

I roused myself from my thoughts and noticed the classroom was still quiet, though not as quiet as before. Many students were staring at me and whispering, and I suddenly realized the rumors must have reached them as well. And now after the little scene with Eriol and me, they must have no doubts about what they've heard. I cringed. So much for not wanting others to know about it. How in the world did it manage to leak out so fast?

"Tomoyo..." I turned back to see Sakura staring at me, her greens eyes shining and her hands clasped before her. My own eyes widened as I stared back. There was a certain glint in her eyes that warned me not to get involved in anything she might say... "Tomoyo," she sighed, a hand on her heart. I swallowed and looked at the others for help. Chiharu and Yamazaki both had identical grins on their faces. Naoko was looking almost identical to Sakura. And Syaoran... was looking quizzically at Sakura and me, obviously not coming to my rescue any time soon. "Tomoyo," my cousin said for the third time.

"What?" I demanded, feeling a bead of sweat on my brow.

She smiled through almost-tears. "You and Eriol are so beautiful together...!" she whispered. With that she hugged me until I couldn't breath.

And through the haze of my so-called friends squealing about a wedding, Yamazaki heartily congratulating me, and Syaoran vaguely warning Sakura I would die from lack of oxygen if she didn't let go of me soon, I saw many girls glaring heatedly at me. I realized that the glares I received this morning was no mere coincidence. Neither was the fact that after Eriol left the glares seemed to intensify in malice.

The fire of the ILE club had been rekindled now that their threat became clear: one unhappy Daidouji.

(Five Minutes Later)

"..." I stared at the cookie. At first I'd wondered why in the world Nakuru would give me a cookie. I felt a little bad because I didn't visit her as I said I would. But then, I knew Nakuru wouldn't be upset by such trivial matters.

Or would she?

I stared at the cookie, marveling at the simple, yet subtle way Nakuru would instill guilt in people. It was a heart-shaped cookie, with coconut shavings sprinkled on top. Even without tasting it I knew it was peanut butter-covered chocolate-flavored. Simple, yet subtle.

And in white, cursive icing it said, "Tomoyo, you're a wonderful friend".

Like I said. Simple, yet... subtle. That's Nakuru for you.


I was finally dragging my feet to the theatre, where the drama meeting was to be held. Just a little farther, I urged myself. I was almost there.

The whole day had been nothing but trouble. First, I'd forgotten my hair tie in my haste this morning, so in P.E. I was eating a lot of my hair and fighting to keep the heavy mass off my sticky face. Then when I arrived in my Chem 2 class, there was a test I'd forgotten about and I went into a frenzy state that put carnivorous piranhas to shame trying to cram in two hours of studying. Every time I stepped into my classes, the students that heard about the rumors (who hadn't heard about them by now?) and hadn't seen me yet stared at me as if I were some kind of alien. I felt pangs of guilt whenever I thought about the cookie or Nakuru, and I stressed about the upcoming drama meeting (I did NOT want a main part... neither did I want to be a tree or something equally as stupid). And to top it all off, the ILE fan girls had been stalking and glaring at me all day nonstop. Seriously. They have been giving me no break period.

I was contemplating home schooling just to avoid the big teenage stress commonly known as high school.

"Stupid Eriol, stupid peanut butter-covered chocolates with coconuts, stupid Eriol, stupid handkerchief, stupid café, stupid Eriol... stupid, stupid, stupid!" I muttered under my breath as I neared the theatre, my body and mind weary from the continuous onslaught of questions, demands, glares and just plain attention. I was a little, social-less dork, breaking under the stress of the society of high school. "Stupid elf, stupid plushie, stupid animals, stupid..." I breathed a sigh of relief when I finally reached the door. "And stupid drama," I added, glaring at the door before I went in.

The first thing I noticed as I stepped into the theatre was the odd, unbalanced number of people. People weren't all grouped to one side or separated, like one would expect to see in a normal gathering of teenagers.

No. It was that there were a whole lot more girls than guys. And I mean in a 5 to 1 ratio wise. I'm not exaggerating. Well, drama is more appealing to females than males. I suppose it's the dramatic flair that most of us girls keep in touch with.

...But not me! I didn't even sign up for this stinking position! I was supposed to be a designer. Read that, DESIGNER... ahem. I did not know how to act whatsoever, and if I did, I would have signed up for that stupid position in the first place. (Probably)

Being so deep in my thoughts, I didn't see him until it was he was right beside me.

"Tomoyo." A pair of deep blue eyes suddenly stared into mine, popping out of nowhere.

"Eriol!" In my surprise I blinked and backed away quickly, nearly toppling on my bottom. I quickly balanced myself and stared resolutely back at Eriol, who was watching me with an amused quirk. "Hello, Eriol," I greeted him with as much calm as I could muster. I wasn't going to let myself be caught off guard by him again. "So... what are we supposed to do?" I asked.

He shrugged and glanced around, giving me an excellent view of his glasses-less profile. "Everyone seems to be waiting for the Drama teacher," he stated, waving his hand. Then he grinned at me. "Want to sit?"

I looked over at the fold-up seats and headed over to them without a word, leaving him to follow me. I didn't want him to think I was waiting only for his commands to do something. After all, I was his friend now. That meant we were equals. No more victors, winners, or slaves.

As we sat together some of the girls looked at us and glared, giving me dirty looks. I sighed shortly, already used to the glowers I'd received. Eriol relaxed in his seat, reclining back and placing his feet on top of the chair in front of him. I raised an eyebrow, wondering if he noticed his fan club glaring. He closed his eyes and seemed to be resting.

After sitting in silence for a minute, while the guy next to me dozed, I felt a little uncomfortable and restless. The day was getting to me, and while I wasn't entirely sure about seeming so at ease in public, my body was begging for a short nap. I sighed. So I leaned back a little and relaxed, letting my eyes close. Surprisingly, it was comfortable, and I found myself growing sleepier by the minute. The room was quite warm, and despite the people in the room, the atmosphere comforted me. Also, it was nice that Eriol was beside me. His presence was almost warm, and I could sense him near me in my mind. Hmm, warm...

Just as I was on the brink of sleep, I opened my eyes a little and saw something... orange? I opened my eyes a little wider and blinked. Somebody wearing bright orange was standing right in front of me. I slowly looked up at the person. It was a woman. I thought I saw her around campus.

She was tall, and her banana blond hair added to the blinding effect of the orange jacket. Her eyes were a dark brown that almost clashed with the entire outfit, but somehow, she managed to pull it off. It matched her. It became her.

She was smiling so fiercely at me I thought her face must be tired from stretching like that. There was also a mischievous twinkle in her eyes that made me a little wary. "Well, well, here's our star actress! Tomoyo Daidouji!" she said in a booming voice that made everyone in the room snap to attention. I blinked and shrank back, trying to hide myself from the dreaded target of peoples' eyes. She must be the Drama teacher. The girls that were previously glaring at me were still glaring at me, only their glares seem to strengthen. I swallowed and hoped the teacher would go away.

But sadly, fate was not giving me any favors today. The orange-teacher laughed merrily and gave me a hand to shake. I tried not to wince as she pumped my whole arm. "Daidouji, you will be the new sensation of this whole school by the time I'm done with you," she told me in that same booming voice. Er... sensation?I wondered if she used to be a gym teacher, or at least a coach. She beamed at me, and then noticed the guy sitting next to me. Eriol had already woken—most likely from the volume of the teacher's voice. He was looking calmly at her, studying her eyes with almost a languid attitude, but the sharp intensity in his calculating eyes told otherwise. It was times like this I was reminded of Eriol's true identity.

Finally, the teacher broke the staring contest by breaking into a huge smile. Her smiles, I noticed, came naturally to her, so she must be a warm and smiling woman at heart. I decided I liked her. She gave Eriol a hand like she did to me, and he took it. "I'm glad to see you as well, Eriol," she said in a quieter voice. I blinked as he smiled politely back. They knew each other? I never knew Eriol took Drama... hmm.

"Well, looks like everyone's here," she commented as she clapped her hands. She turned and marched up to the stage, saying loudly, "Everyone! Take a seat!" Almost immediately all the students rushed to find a seat. Her dark eyes twinkled at us. "Hello! I'm Miss Eileen, but you can call me Miss E. Now, as you know, the Drama committee is in charge of putting on a play for the Winter Festival. That means—YOU!" She suddenly pointed at a student. Everyone turned to see a nervous boy wearing glasses, clutching onto his seat for dear life. She stared sternly at him, bellowing, "Why have you come here? Do you not see that the mitosis of cells is reversing? The world is at stake here! Only you can stop the horror of devolution! Everyone will die because of you! DIE! You fail!"

There was complete silence in the room.

The boy promptly burst into tears.

The orange-teacher suddenly smiled at him and said in her booming voice, "Excellent! That was wonderful! That is the kind of performance I want from all of you here!"

The boy continued to weep. A girl raised her hand timidly.

"...Um, Miss E.? I don't think he was acting."

The boy sobbed harder.


I want to cry. I want to bury myself and join the boy wearing glasses and cry my eyes out. I want to bawl shamelessly and pour out all my woes without fear of other people watching.

Then again, if I did that Miss Eileen would congratulate me on acting so well. And then I would be back where I started.

Here. Ready to cry. Staring at the thick script that contained all of my lines as well as everybody else's. It wouldn't have been that bad, except for the little fact that I was to take the main female role in the play. And that Eriol would be playing the part of the main male role. It was a love play. A girl and guy end up happily together. Oh, for the irony.

Which is why I was ready to join the crying glasses boy.

I sighed heavily and stared up at the ceiling where dozens of beams and lights were hanging. Why was the world being so cruel to me today? Was this the consequence of earning a new friend yesterday? Was this the price I had to pay to be Eriol's friend?

Oh, and by the way, I'm going to smack that boy. Eriol Hiiragizawa, not the crying boy. I was going to smack him because he was just begging to be smacked. I mean, look at him! He was grinning like an idiot—like he was entirely happy the way things turned out!

If I didn't know he was my friend, I would've sworn he was taking evil pleasure out of my discomfort in being in this play. But I knew he was my friend, so I just settled on the conclusion that Eriol was just happy to get one of the main parts. Yeah, that was probably it. After all, getting the main part in a play is not one that anybody can get. Yes... one has to be... special... to get the privilege of receiving such a part. I grit my teeth and glare down at my script. Yeah. Privilege. My glare deepened as I look at the numerous highlights that mark my lines.

...There was an awful lot of highlighting. Too much, in my opinion.

I think Miss Eileen is evil. No, she's not evil, as in "Muahaha! I'm going to destroy the world!" kind of evil. It's not that she's outright mean or deliberately nasty to anyone (it was verified that the crying glasses boy incident was an accident) and I really do like her. She's nice, energetic, and warm... but all the same, she had that innocent evilness twinkling in her eyes whenever she was about to tell someone something... not good. At least, not good for that particular person. Like me.

"Aw, cheer up, Tomoyo," a familiar, cheerful voice said from beside me. It was, of course, Eriol. He grinned at me in an almost innocent manner. My eyes narrowed. Girls from around the room that were sour about their own parts for the play shot dirty looks at me as they saw that I was talking to their idol. A clap on my shoulder made me look back at the tall, blue-eyed guy. "Hey, it's not so bad. At least there are no kissing parts," he told me with a slight smirk on his lips. Then he leaned forward, raising an eyebrow. "Or maybe you're disappointed..."

"Shut up," I snapped, feeling my cheeks turn red. I crossed my arms defiantly and glowered up at him. "Why are you so happy about this?" I asked him suspiciously. He just laughed a little and patted my head. I skewered him with a glare and he chuckled, removing his hand.

"Why, Tomoyo? Can't I be happy about this?" he asked back in a light-hearted tone. I knew he was teasing me by the amused sparkle in his eyes.

And then something entered my mind so unknowingly that I didn't have a chance to shove it away, like I should have.

He was handsome. A little too handsome (for his own good). After all, when one has looks, power, magical powers, money, and talent, they can get a little... funky in their head. But then, I mused, Eriol was probably already funky, in his own way. After all, why would the school's most popular guy bother to make amends with a girl that he only used to know in elementary school? A girl who was best friends with Sakura, the card captor that earned all of his powers. ...He really was handsome. And it didn't hurt that those wire-rimmed frames weren't on the bridge of his nose, almost obscuring the view of his wise, blue eyes and the dark lashes that gracefully outlined it. Without his glasses, there was nothing keeping you from looking into those eyes and seeing just how deep and mysterious they were... It was almost funny how muchI could see in them now. For as long as I could remember, all I saw in those eyes were arrogance, cold impassiveness, maybe a trace of a smirk. Now I could see a smile, and almost always, a twinkle of amusement... much like right now.

... like... right now.

I was blantantly staring at him.

He was already grinning, amused at how unabashedly I'd been staring into his eyes like a dork. Slowly my face turned warm, and I turned my head away from him so he couldn't see how embarrassed I was.

It was embarrassing. I was so embarrassed. I was so embarrassed that I didn't notice his eyes softening, or when he said my name. Inside, I furiously told off myself for letting myself drop all common sense and self-control. It probably made me look even worse in his eyes. Anyways, why was I so entranced by his eyes? They were only his eyes. They were nothing special. Yet I still gaped at them.

Arg. Focus, Tomoyo, focus!

I didn't hear him say my name again, that is, until a hand touched my arm and shook it slightly. I blinked and looked at Eriol inquiringly, my mind still a little dazed. He was looking at me quizzically. Almost like he was concerned. I had to smile a little, albeit forcefully. "Are you okay?" he asked, worry evident in his voice. This time my smile came more relaxed.

I nodded. "Yes, I'm okay. Er, sorry..." I trailed off, not meeting his eye again. Idiot, you're such an idiot, Tomoyo! Now he's going to think I was creepy or something. I heard him sigh and tug my arm so I would look at him. "Mm," I sounded, not bothering to look up. A hand took my chin and gently forced me to lift my head up. I was too surprised by his touch to say anything except look into his dark eyes again. I wondered if he wanted me to stare into his eyes like an idiot again. ...Nah. He's not cruel like that (maybe). But I failed to understand his actions and why they were making me blush like no tomorrow. My heart was beating a tempo quicker than usual.

He gave me a half-smile that was warmer even than Miss Eileen's. I stared. He said quietly, "It's okay, Tomoyo. I don't mind... I don't mind if you... stare at me. You can stare as long as you like."

Something in me was shifting, almost like it was energized by his words. His words had some underlying meaning... there was something behind his voice that confused me. I didn't exactly understood what he was saying under all that. And it gave me all sorts of reactions (not chemical, I'm thinking) that I didn't know could possibly happen, and I wondered why in the world I was feeling like this. I stared at him, my mouth opening to say something, when—

"THE LOVEBIRDS HAVE FOUND THEIR TRUE AWAKENING!"

"Ack!" I exclaimed while jumping away from Eriol like he had a disease (but that's not true, of course). Miss Eileen had suddenly popped up next to us, scaring the hell out of me. She was positively glowing as if the sun had just come up (which it hadn't because it was winter and the sun hadn't come from behind the clouds for the past few weeks). I eyed her doubtfully. There was a certain mischievous aura around her that practically screamed 'Warning: I am Evil' to those of ten-feet radius. I tried to escape from that radius, but I was too slow. She grabbed my hand before I could edge away.

"Ahh, young love! 'Tis beautiful like the morning dew!" she sighed; her eyes shining with unshed tears. I blinked and backed away slowly. What was it today with people looking at me with shining eyes...? Though something in her little speech sparked familiarity in the back of my head. Something in her words that reminded me...

I looked at Eriol. He was looking at the shiny-eyed teacher with a calm expression... but there was a flicker of irritation in his eyes. I blinked. Maybe he too was getting a little tired of the teacher's emotional outbursts.

Some students were getting tired as well, and chose now (thankfully) to say so. "Miss Eileen, can we go home now? We're tired." As if on afterthought, he added, "We can practice the scripts next meeting." There were similar mutters from other students. The blond drama teacher was eyeing the students speculatively.

"Really?" she said with some disbelief. "But we'll be meeting again tomorrow!"

Simultaneously the entire class stared at her with their mouths open. I only stared at my script despairingly. Eriol shifted. Miss Eileen beamed at everyone.

She let go of my hand and clapped loudly, saying, "Well, as impressed as I am by your enthusiasm in acting, we must not rush ourselves! The festival is in a week and a half, and I have full confidence that we will mesmerize the audience with our superb abilities!" She followed this with a fist in the air, another on her heart, her eyes now shining with determination. Everyone sighed and nodded slowly. It was hard to refuse when our teacher was smiling with such vigor. We didn't want to break her heart.

"Now," she continued with a bright smile, "I have a guest assistant who'll be helping me prepare you actors for the play! Mr. Muraki!"

My jaw dropped. I heard Eriol undertone, "What?". The class started whispering excitedly. From behind the stage someone walked into the open next to Miss Eileen. My mind fizzed blank. I could recognize that graceful pace, the brown hair and warm brown eyes almost anywhere.

It was Len. Len Muraki. In the flesh.

The orange-teacher placed a hand on his shoulder as she stated, "Len Muraki is a skilled and talented actor with the makings of a fine future! I expect you will all benefit from him!" She smiled at the tall, brown-haired man and said something in a low voice. He nodded and smiled. I sighed softly.

I could recognize that smile as well.

Almost at once, every girl in the theatre sighed in adoration. But I didn't. I was too busy getting over the shock of seeing him here and frowning at the same time towards the girls who had just been glaring at me because of Eriol. It was rather ironic, really. Len was supposed to be my man. He was my... boyfriend. He even said so! So hah, I thought smugly at the swooning girls. Of course, that didn't stop them from staring dreamy-eyed at him.

Then anxiety gripped me. What if he didn't remember me? What if he forgot who I was over the last few days? I hadn't really made contact with him. And he never made contact with me. It was possible that... he didn't remember who I was.

His hazel eyes suddenly found mine and he smiled. Major swoon.

Okay. He remembered me.

KYAAH! I smiled shyly back, glad that he didn't forget whom I was. I knew that the girls were glaring almost murderously at me, and I just smiled triumphantly. Len looked at someone next to me, and I noticed his smile grow wider. Alarmed, I turned to see who he was smiling at. Was it a girl? Did he know her?

It was Eriol. I'd almost forgotten he was next to me. And... wait. Why was he looking so upset? The slight glare was nothing to be overlooked... especially since he was glaring at MY Len.

And why was Len smiling at him in the first place?

"All right! Great job today, everyone!" Miss Eileen shouted. "You may go home now!" Almost at once the students surged to the exit eager to be away from being in the same room as the over-dramatic drama teacher. I almost went also, when I remembered I was supposed to stay with Eriol. Therefore I stayed behind while the room slowly emptied. Miss Eileen had already left.This made me feel odd. I was going to stay with Eriol... by myself. And he wanted to thank me properly. What did he mean by that?

When I turned to face him, he was still looking upset. And he was looking at something behind me.

"This is a pleasant surprise," a smooth, male voice said. I turned around and saw Len walking towards us, a slight smile on his lips. I smiled nervously at him. He bowed a little at me. "Tomoyo... and Eriol Hiiragizawa," he greeted politely. I sensed Eriol nod from behind me. It was a little awkward, because I could feel a tension between all of us. Or at least, Eriol and me. Len looked unfazed. It was actually kind of funny that he was unruffled while the calm and stoic Eriol was tense. Ha. Haha. Funny.

Eh. Then again, I was tenser than him, so I shouldn't be saying anything.

"Well, I look forward to working with you two," Len said looking at me, and mentally I squealed. Outside, though, I smiled as serenely as I could. For some reason, I couldn't say anything. I was too nervous. I hoped he would keep talking, maybe even talk privately with me... but it was not so.

"Tomoyo, we should get going," Eriol said in a cool voice. I blinked and looked at him. He was glancing at Len with an unreadable expression, and I wondered if maybe he didn't like him. I remembered back at the café when they first met. Eriol had been so cold. It was like he had an animosity for the brown-eyed man. I frowned mentally. It confused me. And bothered me.

I cleared my throat and nodded, though I was disappointed for not spending more time with Len (dumb Eriol and his animosity). But I knew I shouldn't keep pushing myself to talk to him. He might find it annoying or something equally horrible to that. And I couldn't stand the thought of it. So I mustered the ability to say, "Goodbye," to him.

He smiled his heart-warming smile and bowed, saying, "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Tomoyo." My eyes widened in surprise, but I smiled bashfully and nodded. He looked at Eriol and nodded, keeping eye contact for a little while. Then he turned and walked to the exit, disappearing out the door. I stood there for a moment, relishing in his parting words like a swooning teenager. Which was exactly what I was.

"Come on, Tomoyo," came Eriol's distant voice. I woke out of my daze and turned around seeing him already heading out the exit. I blinked and hurried after him, pausing to pick up my bag.


By now I'd gotten the gist that something was wrong.

We walked down the streets on the sidewalk, going past houses and neighborhoods. It had been ten minutes and he hasn't said a single word, nor had he turned his head and given me a single glance. Yup, something was definitely wrong.

Just what could have made him mad? I stared at his back as we walked in silence. Why was he acting so quiet and cold all the sudden? I thought back on today and scanned each event; he wasn't upset this morning, nor was he even bothered during the drama meeting. It wasn't until Len showed up that he turned all glowering-like. Did he really not like Len that much? I blinked. But what was there to not like about Len? He was nice, kind, gentlemanly, and very polite. Much like a certain blue-eyed glowering guy I know... or used to know. Even if it was a guy thing, I still couldn't see anything wrong with Len. He didn't insult any guy on his pride, masculinity or anything like that. And he was polite whenever he was around Eriol. There was no reason for dislike. I frowned.

Eriol was still not speaking. He didn't even turn around once. His hands were shoved in his pockets and there was a brooding aura around him that said 'I'm brooding, don't bother me'. I frowned even more and pursed my lips. Even if he didn't like Len he didn't have to bring out on me. If he was sulking and pushing me away (even though he was really pushing me away, but still) because of his own personal problems, then I wasn't going to stand for it. He was the one bringing me along this little expedition to "properly thank" me. It was immature of him, really, to act like this.

After a minute of more silent treatment, I decided I had to say something. "Eriol," I said to his back. He inclined his head a bit, but didn't turn to look at me, nor did he say anything. I narrowed my eyes and demanded, "What's wrong with you?" Oh. That didn't come out the way I wanted it to. Oh well. Might as well continue. "You were fine and happy this morning and during the meeting, but now all the sudden you start glaring and acting all moody." I glared at his back. "Why are you ignoring me?"

He didn't say anything and kept walking. I gaped at his brush-off and hurried to keep up with him. His continuous disregard of me was really annoying me. I clenched my fists and kept myself from giving him a nice deserving slap on the head. "Eriol," I said through gritted teeth, "I don't know what bothered you, but your attitude is really immature. I thought we were friends." The last bit I'd added in for extra measure. It was a nice effect, I thought. He still didn't say anything. My patience almost snapped and I forced myself to direct my burning glare down at the sidewalk.

Eriol was really pushing it. After saying we were friends and (even though it was slightly weird) we didn't even argue for longer than I could even remember, he was deliberately ignoring me. That's practically stomping on the word friendship! "You didn't act like this before Len came," I said with controlled calm. I kept my head down so I wouldn't suddenly jump on him or do something violent. As an after thought I threw in, "It's almost like you're jealous of him."

Eh? I blinked. Jealous? That thought certainly had not come to me before. Because it just wasn't possible. Eriol Hiiragizawa was never jealous. People were jealous of him, yes, but Eriolwas never jealous.

Suddenly I bumped into something solid. Blinking, I raised my head and realized Eriol had stopped while I kept walking, causing me to run into him. He was a little tense I noticed as I observed his rigid, tall form. Abruptly he turned around, almost startling me off balance. I blinked up to see his face and become conscious of the fact that he was very close to me. I tried not to look awkward and met his eye squarely.

He stared into my eyes with the same intensity I saw when he looked at Miss Eileen. It was so strong that I had to keep myself from wilting back, like a flower that had too much sun. I'm surprised Miss Eileen could stand this gaze of his. I guess not much could faze the drama teacher. "Tomoyo," he called to me shortly, still impaling me with the intense look. "I... I... you..." He exhaled. "You... I'm..." To my astonishment, I realized he was struggling to find words. Whoa. Eriol was lost for words? The great Hiiragizawa didn't know what to say? The world has truly gone mad. "Tomoyo, I'm... I... you..." He had looked away (thankfully—I don't want to wilt like a flower) and was running a hand through his hair. He was frustrated.

...Oh my. Eriol was frustrated. Can this be happening? Has the world truly gone mad? I was in the presence of a frustrated Eriol. This was going to make the history books, and believe me, the world will never be the same again. Well, that is, in MY history book. It's not often that Tomoyo Daidouji gets to open that dusty, cobwebby textbook containing insignificant history.

Finally, he seemed to get over his tongue-tied-ness, though he certainly looked weary about it. I kept looking at him. "Okay... I'm sorry, Tomoyo," he apologized, even though there was slight disappointment in his voice. Nevertheless I was shocked. Eriol had apologized to me without even a single retort. Willingly, also! What. In. The. World?

I found myself saying in an awed tone, "O-Oh, no, it's okay/" I looked at him speculatively. "So... you're not mad at me or anything?" After all, he was acting strange. He could be pretending. But that would be very un-Eriol-like to pretend to be apologizing... or was that something he would do...?

Eriol smiled at me, something I found particularly relieving after all that worry and stress about him being upset with me. Scratch that, he's definitely not pretending. He shook his head, saying, "Of course not, I could never be mad at you." I smiled back brightly, feeling the adolescence of friendship once again.

"Because we're friends," I said in a teasing voice. To my surprise, his smile seemed to drop, but it must have been my imagination because he chuckled. Was my vision impaired or something? Huh.

"Yes," he agreed with his trademark smile. It's kind of funny how it used to be a trademark smirk/arrogant-conceited-smile. Then he grabbed my wrist and began walking again. I blinked and walked as well.

"So, where are we going?" I finally asked curiously. We'd been walking for at least fifteen minutes, and my bag was beginning to feel a little heavy.

He glanced at me. "My house."

I nodded. Then my eyes widened.

His... house. We were going over to his house.

It was comical how those two words seemed to make everything in my mind freeze. His house. I blinked rapidly. There was something very... private about going over to his house. But, I concluded, it must be a way to deepen the bond of friendship we had. After all, he was close to Syaoran and Sakura, I was close to Syaoran and Sakura, both Syaoran and Sakura have been to Eriol and my house, and therefore he and I should be close to each other!

Er... as friends, of course. (I don't know what I'm talking about)

Then my eyes brightened. Nakuru! She must be expecting a visit from me soon (something I figured after reading the subtle message on the cookie) and would be glad to see me. Having Nakuru around definitely lessened the awkwardness of being in Eriol's home. There was some silver lining in the clouds after all. Going to his house might not be as uncomfortable as I thought.

Thus, my mood lifted, I smiled the rest of the way to his house.


It was coming. I could feel it... feel it in the air, smell it... smell... I could smell something...

"TOMOYO!"

The moment I stepped into Eriol's mansion I was promptly tackled by the "female" guardian—who was currently wearing ribbons in her hair and so many straps and belts on her outfit that I wondered if it wasn't all straps and belts (Er...). Her reddish-brown eyes sparkled the usual Nakuru Sparkle as she squealed into my ear, "TOMOYOOOOO!" I thought my ear was temporarily defected after that, because I could barely hear Eriol telling his guardian to stop making me deaf and to let go of me before I was suffocated. After she finally got his message (I was making choking sounds) she pulled back and gave me a heart-warming Nakuru Grin. "Tomoyo, you don't know how much I missed you!"

Yes. Actually I do know. After all, I was smart enough to figure out the message behind her subtle cookie. She was a little... enthusiastic. I didn't say this, of course, but I think she knew anyways because her eyes were shining in a way that I thought was eerily identical to Sakura's and Miss Eileen's. Once again, it was the Curse of the Shining Eyes. Yeah, I named it... so what? You would too if you've spent the whole day having eyes, eyes, and eyes literally on you (not literally).

I smiled apologetically at the pouting guardian (with sparkly eyes) and said, "I'm sorry for not visiting you sooner, Nakuru." She didn't seem very impressed by my sincere apology (cough) but she shrugged and smiled happily.

She then struck a pose that was meant to look dashing, but I thought she looked like she was about to pounce on something... which she always looked like. "Tomoyo, my friend, I shall now reveal to you a secret which no creature on Earth has ever discovered," she told me in a mysterious voice. I was skeptical, but despite that my interest was perked and I nodded for her to go on. Her long hair swung as she tossed her head, similar to what I sometimes did. She beckoned me to come closer. I did. "I just thought you should know..." she whispered deviously, "...that Master is... secretly... in—"

Suddenly a hand covered her mouth before she could finish. I heard her muffled voice say something like, "Aw, Eriol, you're no fun", though her eyes were clearly sparkling almost evilly in delight. Eriol kept his hand firmly on the guardian's mouth. I blinked, very curious as to what she was about to say. Eriol was secretly in what? But then I looked at the silent Eriol, and saw that even though he looked inexpressive, the slight tint in his cheeks said something else. I decided that whatever Nakuru was going to say was not very favorable to the ex-magician, and kept quiet.

Oh well. It wasn't like I even wanted to know. That much. A little. Kind of. Sort of. Ah... okay. Maybe I wanted to know a little bit (just a little). Once Eriol removed his hand from the guardian's mouth, I hoped she would finish what she was going to say, but I was disappointed. For Nakuru clearly had other things in mind.

"Come on, Tomoyo!" she said, grabbing my arm and dragging me down the hall. I grudgingly obliged (more like I was forced to) and all the while wondered why there was a strange scent in the air. It was familiar, almost like... a garden. Or a greenhouse. Or my bathroom, which the maids sprayed spring blossom aroma every day. Soon I found myself in the big kitchen, where Sakura and I had been led to that day when we were 'slaves' to Eriol and Syaoran (ah, old days... heh). Nakuru winked at me (wait, why did she wink?) and hurried off to the side of the kitchen. Eriol was walking behind me, being very quiet. I momentarily wondered if he was this quiet in his own home and if Nakuru was up to something (of course).

But that thought was driven out from my mind as soon as I saw what was before me. My mouth dropped open.

The round table was covered and overflowing with flowers of all kind. There were stemmed-bouquets of tiger lilies, lily-by-the-water, stargazer, and some others that I didn't recognize. There were a multitude of lilacs that scattered all over the green stems, and dozens of orchids and tropical blossoms that literally bloomed amongst the light-colored flowers. There were also faint purple-blue hydrangeas that lay between scant trails of sakura and pear petals. Not only that, but there were strings of white blossoms and azalea that decorated the kitchen, creating a very festive effect. In fact, because of my experience of designing and being invited, I thought the theme rather related to a ...wedding.

I later conclude that it was the fragrance of all those flowers that made me a little dizzy, not the wedding thought. And that wasn't even all. In the very center of the heavenly flora there was a crystal glass filled to the brim with delicate little cookies that smelled so rich and strong that it nearly overpowered the flower perfume. It was that strong.

Firm hands held my shoulders lightly to steady me. I'd been swaying slightly, overwhelmed by the sudden aroma and the sight that was in front of me. I turned my head slightly when my head felt a little less dizzy and saw Eriol's blue eyes looking at me. His orbs were shining. But not the kind of shining that I'd been bombarded with today. His shine was out of concern for me. And curiosity. There was also an anxious kind of eagerness that I could barely detect if I wasn't so close to him. Being dazed, I didn't blush at the last thought and instead continued maintaining eye contact with him. If I waited a little longer... maybe... something could happen. Something would happen.

Something did happen.

Eriol parted his lips to say something when—

"Nakuru, you really did go overboard with the whole flower thing, didn't you?"

Just... not the way I'd been expecting. (What was I expecting...?)

I felt Eriol's hands withdraw and we all turned around to see the familiar, dark counterpart of Kero. Spinnel was keeping himself suspended in the air with his wings, the all-too-familiar expression of "why am I even here" etched onto his cat-like face. He was observing the room with a dry air, while Nakuru bounced beside him excitedly, apparently eager about something. I raised my eyebrow. She was acting very suspicious. And besides, didn't Spinnel just say that Nakuru was the one that placed all these flowers here?

A feeling akin to disappointment settled in me. I frowned, not because I didn't like the flowers, but because of the fact that I was bothered that Nakuru was the one that put the flowers here, not... Eriol. I blinked. Well, it was natural for me to think that because, after all, he said that he was going to 'properly thank me' for... for... for being a good temporary host...? Yeah. And so that meant that he should be the one that did all of this. Right?

...Then what was all this for, if it wasn't Eriol's 'thank you'...? All this hard work of gathering the flowers, decorating the room, baking those cookies... it was for me, yes, but in that moment, all that seemed to dim in my eyes, and the splendor and glory of it lost its sparkle.

Nakuru suddenly sidled beside me, hooking my arm with her own. I was broken out of my thoughts and I looked at her numbly. She only grinned at me. "Well?" she prompted out of the blue. I blinked and raised an eyebrow. I thought I felt Eriol making a motion, but when I quickly glanced at him he was only watching us with a calm expression. "Tomoyo," she suddenly whined, making me shift my attention back at her. Her eyes were big and shiny, and her lips were formed in a pout. I felt a sweat drop on my brow. She was pulling one of those infamous puppy faces. "Tomoyo, I worked so hard to do all this," she waved a hand around the wedding-flower-designed kitchen, "and you won't even say a word of 'thanks'?" She sniffed piteously.

I was flabbergasted. Hastily, I said, "No, Nakuru! I-I'm... shocked beyond words. It's so beautiful that... wow, I don't know how to thank you... Thank you so much for doing this..." During my broken sentence speech the guardian gradually grew brighter and a smile grew on her face until I thought it would become like Miss Eileen's smile. Finally, she broke into a big smile. Then she slipped her arm from mine and pranced away.

"Why, Tomoyo, thank you for your appreciation, but really, it was ALL Master Eriol!" she exclaimed gleefully, snatching Spinnel out of the air ("Let go Nakuru!") and skipped out of the kitchen, singing an unfamiliar song.

I blinked as Nakuru's words registered in my mind. Beside me Eriol sighed. He eyed at me as I stared at the flowers and asked hesitantly, "Tomoyo? Are you okay? Do you... reallylike it?"

Do I like it?

There it was again. I saw it in his eyes. That slightly anxious eagerness, the small flash of hope... It was the boyish expression of hoping to please. Hoping to please a friend. A friend. Me.

All the sudden, the disappointment in me was pushed away, and in settled something warm... something indescribably... happy. Happy. I was feeling that same, warm happiness in... there again.

I couldn't seem to stop it. Nor did I want to. It made me feel... excited. It was the kind of happiness that I hadn't felt in a long time. The feeling that I thought I would never feel again after Sakura and I graduated middle school and my cousin realized her feelings for a certain Chinese heir. The feeling that had lay dormant during all those years.

I missed that feeling. And here I was, feeling it spread inside me once again.

And it occurred to me... that...

He was the cause of it.

There was something stirring in me, and it was because of Eriol. And it was that thought alone that confused me. Because... I wasn't completely sure anymore what my thoughts and feelings were for him. Eriol. My... friend...?

Slowly, I registered what Eriol had asked me, and I replied cautiously, "It's... I'm..." I really like it. I stared at him, trying to discern the thoughts that were floating in my mind, out of grasp. "Eriol..." This feeling. This happiness. He was staring curiously back at me, his blue gaze unreadable as always. I tried again. "I... it's... too..." I swallowed. How could I say it? It wasn't coming out. My words weren't making sense to him. They didn't make sense to me. That would explain why he was ignoring what I was saying and only listening to my eyes. But my eyes weren't saying anything, because even in my mind it was confused.

What in the world was I trying to say? My eyes widened when I realized that this was exactly what Eriol sounded like back when I had told him off for ignoring me. I blinked. Then... was this what he was feeling? This wilted flower feeling... somehow, I couldn't just get the words out of my head. The ideas weren't clear. My mind wasn't clear. I didn't know what I was feeling. Except...

He was still waiting for me to say something. I was waiting for my words to come out. I could feel that happiness still throbbing in me, sending a foreign tingling throughout my body. My mind was glowing pleasantly, happily... blindly, confusedly. The thoughts were swirling. I couldn't pinpoint them.

Just say something.

I took a deep and controlled the whirling thoughts that were threatening to spill over. I opened my mouth and looked him in the eye.

Go on. He's waiting.

I took another breath and moistened my lips. "Eriol..." I forced my thoughts to stay still and the beating of my pulse to slow down as I concentrated on the words. "I... I am... it's..." I sighed and suddenly smiled brightly at him, surprising myself as well as him. Thank you. "Thank you... Eriol."

Finally.

He blinked at me, his blue eyes studying my own intensely. I stared back, wanting to somehow find a solid, firm ground for my mind's thoughts to level in and stop buzzing impatiently. If I didn't center myself, I would be lost milling around aimlessly without a secure anchor.

I'm so happy.

I wondered how in the world I managed to lose so much self-control and nearly lose my mind to the erratic feeling of happiness that seeped through me. How was it that I felt like this... by Eriol? Why did he have the power to do this to me... when nobody else could? Not even Sakura.

Not Sakura... but him.

But I already knew. Deep inside, and slowly on the outside, I knew. I wasn't stupid. I wasn't dense. Although the emotions took time to get used to, and the feelings were scaring me... I knew. And I understood.

I liked Eriol.

And not just as a friend.

"Tomoyo..." It was Eriol, of course. I met his eyes again, the delighted happiness slowly dissipating, but the faint tingling of sudden realization still in my mind. I would never look at Eriol the same way again. There was a faint smile on his lips, and I found myself smiling instinctively back. "Thank you," he said.

I like him. And not just as a friend.

I nodded, my smile growing. I could only watch him as my mind repeated 'I like him, I like him, I like him, I like him...' over and over. The revelation of my feelings still shocked me because my mind froze several times.

I like Eriol. A lot.

"Well, let's eat, shall we?" he said with a gentlemanly smile, motioning towards the flower-clad table that he had thought of. I nodded again, dazedly. I followed him and sat in one of the chairs, somehow managing to clear some space in the flowers. Eriol did the same. We glanced at each other, Eriol's glance questioning. I blushed (but tried to hide behind the crystal bowl of cookies) and took a cookie.

Eriol did this all for me, not because he had to, but because he wanted to. Maybe it was just to thank me, and he was being polite (very polite), but it still made me happy.

Then I realized something. Upon the realization I choked on my cookie, causing Eriol to get up and hurriedly pat my back so that I didn't end up dying in his home as the guest of honor. I wanted to die of mortification. But not only because I was hacking like a dying frog in front of the guy I suddenly liked in a not-as-a-friend way.

I liked Eriol. But that didn't mean he liked me.

...Damn it.

I wanted to choke myself with the cookie—this time on purpose.

It was like the whole world was laughing at me. But at the same time... I think the world was silently rooting for me. Because there was always bound to be somebody out there on my side. After all... I chanced a peek at the dark-haired guy before me and smiled a little. There was somebody here with me right now that made me happy like I never knew I'd feel again.

I liked Eriol Hiiragizawa. And for now, that was enough.

"Tomoyo, why are you staring at me? Oh, and... er, there's something on your chin."

Yes, it was definitely enough.


A/N: Wow. Some unexpected things here that even I didn't know were coming up. Hmm... how in the world indeed. Well, thank you for reading! I'll update As Soon As (When Homework Is Scarce and Studying Is Unnecessary) Possible. THANK YOU!