CHAPTER 8 - BIRTHDAY PARTY

NEXT DAY

'I am so happy! Syaoran and I had such a great time at the theater, he is really wonderful…and so handsome too, kyaaa! Relax Sakura…sigh…now I am daydreaming…Ah! I am gonna be late for work, I need to hurry!

Sakura finished getting ready and grabbed a quick cup of coffee before leaving her apartment. She was in such a hurry that didn't notice someone was watching her from a distance and taking photos of her.

'Hello Sakura, how are you today?'

'Aoi! very well thank you'

'How's things with Syaoran?'

'Things are great! We are very happy' – she had a massive smile on her face

'I am glad. By the way, I got a call from Asami today. We are all invited to Takeshi's birthday party tomorrow night'

'Oh, I don't think I can make it'

'Really? But Syaoran is going'

'What? He is?' (he didn't mention anything to me yesterday, I wonder if something has happened)

'Yes, apparently other people from their office are coming too'

'Well in that case…I will speak with Syaoran today about it'

'You really…don't like Takeshi right?'

Sakura didn't know how to reply so just remained silent for a few seconds

'Anyway, sounds like a plan, and speaking of plans I think Asami has something for us too!'

'What do you mean?'

'She didn't give much away but she said it was going to be a big surprise. Ah! shall we invite Tanaka?'

'Are you crazy? It is not our party, plus he does not even know Takeshi'

'I could take him as my date'

'I thought you liked Kei, he is surely going to be there Aoi'

'I know that's why, I think if I arrive with Tanaka as my date, Kei will see there are guys like him interested in me, you see jealousy!'

'Here we go with the tricks…what are you in high school?'

'Whatever, if you ever want to do it to Syaoran I can provide you with some advice, 90% success rate, trust me!'

'Sigh…you are hopeless'

DURING LUNCH BREAK

'Hello Syaoran?'

'Hey what's up?'

'I was just calling to ask about Takeshi's party, Aoi said you were going?'

'Yes, I figured we can go together. I forgot to mention it'

'But…'

'There is nothing to worry about. We can't avoid him forever, we have to confront him otherwise he will think he has some sort of power over us'

'I guess…you are right'

'Don't worry I will be by your side all night'

'Thanks' (how sweet)

'That way we can kiss anytime'

'Ahhh! So you had an ulterior motive'

'Ha ha'

'Syaoran, I love… you… can't wait to see you tomorrow'

'Love you too Sakura'

TAKESHI'S BIRTHDAY NIGHT

Sakura was trying to figure out what would be a good outfit for tonight, she had been going through her clothes for over 30 minutes…

'What should I wear?! I want to look really good for Syaoran but I don't want Takeshi to think I got all dressed up for him, what to do, what to do?!

2 hours later, someone rang the doorbell

'Oh! it must be Syaoran'

'Good eve…wow! You look amazing! – Syaoran couldn't believe his eyes, Sakura was wearing a fitted long black dress, with just enough cleavage to show off her lovely figure.

'Th-thanks….you really think so? – he was looking at her so intensely that she couldn't help but blush

'I have no words to describe how beautiful you are Sakura' – he leaned towards her, looked down at her face and placed a soft kiss on her lips. He could smell her perfume's sweet aroma. He placed his arms around her and whispered in a low voice, almost inaudible: 'I feel very lucky… to have found you…'

'Huh? Sorry I couldn't hear you'

'I said we should get going' – he grabbed her hand and led her to his car.

AT THE PARTY

'Fiuuu fiuuu! Sakura, Syaoran, you both look great! Fantastic actually'

'Thanks Aoi, you do too. Oh! Tanaka-san'

'Hi!'

'How do you do Tanaka-san? Nice to see you again. I never got to thank you properly for accompanying my girlfriend that night. I was so worried about her

'Not a problem, I am not the type of guy to leave a girl alone in that kind of circumstance. It was on my way anyway'

Syaoran gave him a suspicious look and said: 'I will make sure that Sakura is not in that kind of situation from now on, thanks again'

'I will go grab you a drink ok? – Syaoran smiled at Sakura

'Thank you 3!, I will be here'

'He looks like a very wealthy man, his manners are impeccable. Where did you meet him? More importantly... why was he outside of your house like that the other night? Did you have a fight?'

'I think your questions are a bit inappropriate, Tanaka-san. Why are you so interested?'

'Ha ha I guess you are right. I am just a very curious person that's all. Hey Aoi! wanna dance with me?'

'I would be delighted to! Be right back Sakura, will you be ok on your own ^^?'

'Yes, don't worry about me, go ahead'

'Excuse us Kinomoto-san' – Tanaka smirked at Sakura and left with Aoi to the dance floor. It was a massive ballroom, there were at least 200 people, fancy decorations, lots of food and drink.

'What's with him? Tanaka-san sure is acting strange…'

'Hello there, when did you get here?'

'Hi Kei, just a moment ago, how's things?'

'Good good, oh Sakura is here too. Man, she looks hot'

'Hey careful of what you say'

'Ha ha alright alright, so how was it?'

'How was what?'

'Sex with her of course! I bet it was amazing, she seems to be so…'

'Would you shut up?! We haven't done anything yet'

'Whaaaaaaat?! How is that even possible, you guys have been dating for like a month'

'She is not that type of girl alright, just drop it'

'But you are that type of guy… don't tell me all your efforts have failed? It is just a girl man, do it already. Not long ago you used to get them into bed in the first date, what the hell happened?'

'It is not the same…this is…I love her'

'Ha ha ha you can't be serious! you said you would never fall in love with anyone, remember? You are too busy anyway, you can't have a normal relationship, and didn't you have different goals to achieve? I honestly give this whole thing 1 more month, once you get into her pants, your fascination with her will be over, just like the many other times'

'Not this time…Kei. I will marry this girl – Syaoran looked at Kei with a sweet smile on his face

'Wha…' – before Kei could finish his thought, Takeshi interrupted them

'Here you are, my very best friends…aren't you going to wish me happy birthday?'

'Well done on the party Takeshi, very nice indeed but when are the strippers getting here?'

Syaoran stood there in silence and took a sip of his drink

'You know me too well…there will be an after party with more adult entertainment for my closest friends…of course you are both welcome to come'

'Woo hoo! That's what I am talking about, Syaoran? What do you say?

'Happy birthday Takeshi, hope you have fun tonight' – said Syaoran before walking away

Takeshi took a long look at Syaoran and then diverted his gaze to Sakura who was now chatting with Aoi and Tanaka-san.

'Sorry that took longer than expected, champagne?'

'That's ok, thank you!'

For a few minutes Syaoran was far away immersed in his own thoughts

'Are you ok Syaoran? You look a bit pale'

'You are so sweet worrying about me, I am fine' – he kissed her on the cheek twice and gave her a soft kiss on her right ear

'Ah! People are watching'

'I don't care…'

'Li-san what a pleasant surprise to see you here'

'Good evening Yamaguchi-san how are you? Hope your wife is recovering swiftly from her illness'

'Thank you very much, she did receive your kind gift and flowers, she was most pleased. And who may this lovely lady be?'

'This is miss Sakura Kinomoto, my girlfriend.'

'Oh! How nice to meet you, young lady'

'Likewise, it is a pleasure to meet you'

'I will go salute the rest of my colleagues, we shall chat later Li-san'

'Certainly, see you later'

'So many important people in this party, right? – Sakura was feeling a bit nervous

'Yeah, mostly investors and partners of the firm. On a different note, I am not a very good dancer but would you like to dance?' – he had never asked anyone to dance before, formal dancing lessons had just been another of his extra-curricular activities arranged by his mother when he was little. He was blushing profusely.

Sakura was so happy to hear this, she looked at him and felt a bit amused for his attempt to hide his embarrassment, she finally said: 'I would love to'.

MEANWHILE AT THE ENTRANCE

'I thought you would never get here, Naomi'

'How could I miss this opportunity? Plus it is your birthday Takeshi. By the way, is he here already?'

'Of course he is, like I promised'