CHAPTER 27 – OUR FAVOURITE HOTEL

Sakura was the first to wake up. When she opened her eyes, she saw Syaoran's face right next to her. He was hugging her and looked so peaceful.

("I wish time would stop right now… so I can always be with you")

She stared at him for a few minutes, suddenly her mobile phone rang and woke him up.

'Umm… what is that?'
'Sorry, sorry… it is my phone. Go back to sleep'

** Hello? **
** It's me **

("That voice… who is it?")

** Touya…? **
** Hi **
** What do you want? And how did you get this number? **
** Can I see you? I am back in Japan. Meet me and I will explain everything I promise **
** What makes you think I want to see you after all these years? **
** … Please Sakura. Meet me… **
** Don't call me again… ** - she hung up

'Who was that? Are you alright?' – Syaoran looked at her a bit worried as she had a troubled expression on her face.
'It was… my brother…'
'You have a brother?! You never mentioned him before…'
'I don't want to talk about it now' – she tried to leave the bed but Syaoran grabbed her hand
'You can tell me anything and I will listen, anytime ok?'

She smiled slightly: 'Th-thanks. For now, please don't ask me questions about him'
'You got it'
'I am going to take a shower'
'We have the whole morning to ourselves, do you want to go somewhere for breakfast?'
'I want to go to a hotel with you' – she looked at him very serious

He was shocked by her words, she seemed to be really hurting. Something was off.

'S-sure' – he managed to say – 'I will search for a nice one while you are in the shower'

AT NAOMI'S HOUSE

'Have you given up yet?'
'Shut up Takeshi! I never give up. It just seems I underestimated his feelings for that girl. I thought once he was dumped he would go off the rails you know, sleeping around, partying way too much… but it didn't happen… I wonder why. There is absolutely nothing special about her!'
'Well… since that was going to be your opportunity… what are you going to do now?'
'I will just be more aggressive. I will need your help again sweetie' – she smirked
'You are already sleeping with me sooo… I don't know what else you can give me to be honest haha'
'Come on, don't be so vulgar. Now listen, Chinese New Year is coming up. It has always been an important celebration in Syaoran's family. I think I can make something happen then… just keep me up to date with his movements in the office'
'Alright madam. I will be leaving now, I got a date this afternoon'
'Gosh! You really don't know women at all, do you? Fine, leave'

BACK AT AOI'S APARTMENT

'I am ready to go' – Sakura had put on a white sheer dress that Aoi had on a hanger

Syaoran was sitting on the couch texting Kei. He blushed immediately when he saw her, she looked incredibly sexy and innocent at the same time. He swallowed and then said: 'Sakura, you… I mean, I think I should go out first just in case those guys are hiding somewhere. I have parked around the corner so come to the car when is safe'

She nodded. The atmosphere at this moment was not romantic per se. There was something weird hanging around Sakura's mind.
Syaoran left first. He looked around and it seemed the guys were no longer outside which was a relief. He walked towards his car, still unsure of how he should handle Sakura in this state.

Sakura showed up 10 minutes later and got into the car without saying a word. They drove to the city centre and parked in a private garage property of the hotel.

'Wh-what is this place?'
'You will see'

She walked inside and couldn't believe her eyes, everything was extremely beautiful and spacious

("OH GOD! This must cost a fortune! I didn't mean it like that…")

Syaoran was given the key of the room he had booked by a lovely receptionist behind the desk.

'Err… Syaoran… I didn't mean we should come to a place like this… must be so expensive'
'Don't worry about it. I would never take you to a sleazy place haha' – he grabbed her hand and they walked together towards the lift.

'Waaaaiii! This room is huge!' – she had stars on her eyes – 'How could you-'

Before she could finish her sentence, he grabbed the side of her face and kissed her very softly.

'Syaoran… I want to make love'
'Umm… how about we wait a bit? Let's order room service'
'… Why don't you want to?'
'I can see you don't feel well. Don't worry I won't go anywhere and I will always look after you so there is no need to hide things from me'

His words were melting her heart, she felt like crying but held it together.

'I never told you about my brother because it only brings me painful memories'
'That's ok, you don't have to tell me now, but I don't want to make love when you are feeling like this. I can still hold you in my arms and give you many kisses until you feel better, does that sound good?'

She nodded and gave him a hug. Sakura decided to take up on that offer for room service, after all they hadn't eaten breakfast.

'Wow! You really went all out with the breakfast haha' – said Syaoran whist looking at the massive trays the service staff delivered

'Is it too much?'
'Not at all, go for it. You are always happy when you are eating haha'
'What are you trying to say?!'
'Haha nothing, really. Let's eat'

After eating such delicious breakfast, Syaoran went to the bedroom and let himself fall on the bed. Sakura followed him shortly after. He had his eyes closed, she turned on her side and looked at him, then said: 'How long will you love me for?'

'Eh?'
'How long?'
'Forever. It may not be long enough, but I will love you forever Sakura'

They looked at each other for a few seconds and he came a little closer to her and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

'My brother…. he left us, he left me alone'
'What do you mean?'
'My mother had lung cancer. She was very sick for many years and my dad worked very long hours to afford her expensive treatment. It was really bad actually, I rarely saw them and Touya, he looked after me, studied and worked part-time at many different places as well'
'Sorry to hear that… it must have been so hard on you. How old were you when…'
'I was 8 when she died. My dad kept on working to pay off the debt he had accumulated throughout the years and one day Touya just left. He didn't say goodbye, he just left a note saying he had enough of us…'
'What happened to your dad?'
'My dad… my dad… he…' - suddenly Sakura's head started to hurt, she could hear a ringing sound far in the distance – ' he died…' ("Shou-san! Are you coming to see me today?" What was that?! Who is Shou-san? Is this a memory?) – she was immersed in her inner thoughts
'Sakura! Are you ok? You look pale'
'Y-yes, sorry… I thought… never mind. That is what happened. And now Touya calls me out of the blue after like 13 years saying he wants to meet me… truly! The nerve of that guy!'
'Aren't you a little curious about what he has to say?'
'I don't want to know. I am fine now'
'If it still hurts you, it is better to have some closure. Furthermore, he is your only family after all'
'… Yeah, you are probably right… Ah! Would you come with me to meet him?'
'Ehhhhh?! Me?! Are you crazy? You have a husband, remember?'
'I really would feel better if you are there with me, plus he does not have to know about us or Tanaka for that matter'
'Don't know… it does not sound like a good idea, but I will go if you really want me to'
'Thanks. You really are the best, I love you'
'Me too'

He caressed her cheek with his hand and kissed her.

AT TANAKA'S HOUSE

It had been a late night for him. Even though he knew where Sakura had spent the night, he couldn't shake off an uneasy feeling from his mind. Tanaka opened the first drawer of his bedside table and took out an old photo.

'Sakura-chan… when will you be mine forever? I missed you so much and now you don't even belong to me yet…' – he placed the photo against his lips and sighed

He decided to make a call to her mobile. Unfortunately for him, the call went straight to voicemail.

'How can I make you remember? My sweet Sakura-chan…'

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