CHAPTER 9 - KISS

The night was turning out to be really enjoyable, Sakura met a couple of ladies in their 40s who were lovely. They were the wives of two of Syaoran's major clients. They decided to join them at their table, so the men could discuss their important meeting next Monday. Syaoran took a quick glance at Sakura, she was laughing. He was in trance for a few seconds just watching her, looking at all her expressions, suddenly…

'Want to join me for a cigar at the balcony, Li-san?'
'Ah, sure. We will be right back ladies'

Sakura looked at Syaoran walking away and felt a bit anxious, however the lady next to her distracted her with a question.

The two gentlemen left the table and walked towards the massive balcony. It had a beautiful view of the city. Tall buildings and lots of lights which made almost impossible to see any stars in the sky.

'I have heard that Takeshi's investment portfolio is acquiring some businesses in a state of disrepair. I was wondering what your thoughts were…'
'To be honest, I cannot comment on this, sorry. I am sure he has his reasons for doing so. It is not something I personally would do, however there are several advantages to such transactions'
'But…what about the money from the partners? I have friends who have invested with him'

Before Syaoran could answer, someone approached them from the side:
'Good evening gentlemen'
Syaoran turned around slowly and saw an old acquaintance of his, Naomi.

She was wearing a red dress, her shoulders were exposed and so was her back. It was definitely a one of a kind dress.

'How do you do Itagaki-san?!' what a surprise to see you here!' – the man approached her slowly
'I am very well, thank you. I had to take a long flight to make it to Takeshi's party so I am a little tired. You see, he is an old friend of mine'

Syaoran was speechless, he couldn't believe his eyes. It was like time had stopped and he was seeing this happening in slow motion.

'Well well, Syaoran. How long has it been, huh?'
He was still trying to put a sentence together….he remained silent for a few seconds.

'Could you gentlemen finish your business talk a little later? I have something to discuss with Syaoran. I am afraid I will not be staying for long' – Naomi said with a smile on her face
'Absolutely! No problem, I will get back to the table. You should join us too Itagaki-san'
'Thank you kindly'

She waited until the old man was out of sight, looked at Syaoran who had a painful expression on his face. She walked closer towards him and slapped him.
He did not move.

'What are you doing here Naomi?' – he finally said
'Isn't the most obvious question "why did you slap me"? – Naomi said in a sarcastic tone –
'I guess there is no need to ask…I wanted to see you Syaoran, I wanted to talk to you in person' – she got a bit closer to him and placed her hand on his arm
'This is not a good time' – he took a step back, feeling self-conscious about their proximity
'Then when? Can I come by your office next week?
'Next week? How long are you planning to stay in Tokyo? – his eyes opened wide
'Who knows…that is yet to be decided'
'Look, I will call you alright?' – he was clearly very uncomfortable – 'I need to go back to my table'
'I heard that you are dating someone…some country girl. Really Syaoran, you should know better that kind of woman does not suit you at all'
'That is none of your business Naomi, stay out of it'
'Why are you being like this? Why are you being so cautious around me?' – he tried to start walking back but she pushed herself to him – 'You and I had a very strong bond once…do you miss it?'
'Ha ha please don't make me laugh. I don't want to be rude truly but you are so annoying'
'How about you kiss me right now? I will remind you how good it was…' – she made a final attempt to get closer and reach his lips, however he grabbed her by the shoulders and stopped her.

At that moment Sakura walked in, the situation definitely looked very compromising.

'Syaoran…' – Sakura managed to say

Naomi looked behind her and saw this girl staring at them.

'Excuse me, I didn't mean to interrupt…' – (what are you saying Sakura?! You interrupt? This is your boyfriend right here with another woman!)
'Ah Sakura…this…' – Syaoran let go of Naomi and walked towards Sakura
'So this is your girlfriend Syaoran, it is a pleasure to meet you I am Naomi Itagaki, I am…an old friend of Syaoran's'
'Naomi…sorry I am spacing out haha nice to meet you, my name is Sakura Kinomoto'

Syaoran just stared at them both without saying a word – 'shall we go back to our table Sakura?'
'Su-sure, yes I came looking for you because you didn't get back'
'I will see you around – said Naomi – I am going to mingle for a bit'

Sakura had a bad feeling after meeting this woman, she somehow felt like crying. She was suddenly surprised by Syaoran who took her hand as they walked back to the table. He was squeezing her hand pretty tight and they walked together in silence.

'Welcome back! – said the old man at the table – you just missed Takeshi's speech'

She could hear the senseless chit chat happening at the table, but everything was so distant.

(This feeling is not going away, is it the champagne?) – 'Excuse me' – Sakura got up and tried
to leave the table.

Syaoran held her hand and asked: 'Where are you going? Are you ok?'
'Y-yes…I just need to use the ladies room, I will be right back' – she gave him a fake smile and set herself free from his grasp with a gentle pull. He watched her walk away with a sad look on his eyes.

Sakura got to the restroom feeling a bit agitated. (What was that? Why were they holding each other like that?) She couldn't stop thinking about that image, she took out her make up bag and decided to do a quick touch up, since her face looked a bit flustered.

(I am fine…fine. He will probably tell me later). After a few minutes, she was feeling much better and walked out of the restroom but Syaoran was standing outside.

'What are you doing?'
'You looked a bit weird earlier so I came to see if you were ok'
'Yes I am fine, I think I may have had too much champagne haha, we can go back now'
He looked at her and slowly kissed her, her heart started hurting again, she kissed him back and she could feel tears coming down her face.
'Hey…Sakura – said Syaoran in a very soft voice – I…'
'Don't say anything…just kiss me'
He hugged her tightly and kissed her once more.