Author's note: I'm soo sorry, i havent updated for soo long, school was taking its toll on me. Also, a little warning, this chapter might be a bit hard to understand because i keep switching POVs. If anything is hard to understand what so ever, please feel free to ask. I like stories where you have to read in between lines, and it's what I'm aiming for.
Disclaimer: CCS does not belong to me
Sakura's POV
It's been a week, since I started at my new school. And like I planned, no one approached me. That was my goal. I didn't deserve to be happy, not without my family.
Everyday, at every class I would sit at the very front, I didn't want to get too close.
The people at school, all seemed very nice and… neat. The people here, to put it bluntly are fake; you notice these things because once you're not important their true colors appears before your eyes, epecially when they don't even know if you even exist. But I guess I can't really judge them, seeing that I don't know them, not that I plan to. And I live by the saying, don't judge a book by its cover for a) you'll miss out or b) you'll be misleaded. So, I'll try to throw the thought away, that all these people are trying to get the better hand over the other
But in all honesty, it really is hard not to judge a book by its cover; and for that I'm thankful. I just hope my cover won't be discovered before I graduate.
Because surprisingly, currently I find life to be rather refreshing.
Tomoyo's POV
Life can not be any sweeter, seriously.
At first, I thought I have to do something, like spread rumours about Sakura. Her being poor, homeless, a lesbian maybe or even worst saying that she is a threat to Syaoran. Of course, this would be done before she even gets to know anyone; therefore she has no chance against me. And even when she tries to make a comeback, it'll be too late. But I guess, all that planning is unnecessary because now she is officially labeled as an outcast.
Where she belongs.
And seriously, it can't be helped seeing the way she dresses, a dork; studies during class, a nerd; helps the teacher, a goody goody two shoes; sits alone, a loner….do I have to continue? The list continues on. She brought it on herself. Hence, I'm not the bad guy, yet. I'm still good.
Plus, I know what she has up her sleeve, she wants to play the sympathy card. Too bad she didn't realize what kind of school this is, we don't know the meaning of sympathy, it was the way we were brought up, at school. This route guaranteed us the spot to the top. And that was the goal, set by our parents. Hence, we don't care if you're poor, disabled etc, it just means your existence is to make us feel more superior. Tough luck, life sucks.
Or maybe, that cow wants to make a grand entrance. If so, what she also didn't realize is that, we the superior don't like being lied by those who are inferior. So, she'll lose either way.
But two problems still exist, two issues.
One, with her being so, so, different. Syaoran's bound to notice her. Yes, of course. That maybe her plan as well. But it would be just plain interest because Syaoran would never stoop as low as actually…taking a liking into somebody like her. His from the Li Clan, he has to have some sort of pride. Either way, that needs to be solved. Syaoran tends to like "interesting" things.
Two, she needs to suffer more. I can feel it or maybe it's a trap. I get the vibe that she wants to be ignored by the whole school until she graduates, I have no problems with that. But like I said, things don't always turn out the way you want it to be. And it'll only go two ways; good or bad. And I'll definitely make sure, it'll turn out my way. Bad.
Recess.
Time to put my plan into action.
Plan to make her life, hell. Arn't I sweet?
I gathered my two best friends, Meiling and Chiharu. Why are they my best friends? Becuase they too are popular, especially Meiling seeing that she is Syaoran's cousin. I guess, that's how it started out. But in truth, if they reqired my assistance, they'll get it; to an extent.
We gathered near Sakura's locker and I told them my plan, well not exactly.
Just saying, how much fun it would be to torture the school's nerd/loner/etc, seeing that we never had one in our school. Yes, we never really had a nerd or a dork at our school. Reason being, everyone knew the rules; how to dress, how to act etc. Thus, no one was considered as the stereotypical "nerd". But not that Sakura's here, she fits in quite perfectly.
Of course they agreed, they thought it would be fun thinking up various plans to keep us entertained by of course, Sakura. Yes, it was going to be fun. Esecially, for me. Because revenge is sweet.
Here she comes. She stopped infront of us, waiting with her head hanging down, no eye-contact. Waiting for us to move. Patience is a virtue. It was a battle, on who was going to speak first. I was fine with standing here. I mean, she is the one holding onto the books, haven't had lunch yet, standing their with no friends. Yes, she'll be the first to break, asking us to move away from her locker, please. Putting on her innocent play. But sh...
"Don't you have any manners at all? You can't just stand their. I mean, you're in MY way. But since, you're new here, I guess I'll forgive you. I don't think we've introduce ourselves, not that we need to. I'm Meiling, this is Chiharu and that is Tomoyo. Of course you won't be referring to us in the future, newbie."
Ah, I forgot about Meiling, her missing virtue of patience is definitly up on her list, stupid idiot.
"It's nice to meet you, I'm Sakura. Feel free to call me by my name. Yes, I'm new around here, sorry about that I didn't really think of that and I didn't want to interrupt."
Quite the innocent act, may I say.
"Like whatever. I mean what are you wearing? It's even worst than what they sell at the reject shop. Not saying that I've been to one. But by the looks of it, "eww"." Chiharu had started it. Chiharu had and always have been randomn. Why? Because her attention span is quite short.
"Chi. Don't be so mean. I mean, we all can't have good fashion taste, now can we? Plus, I rather say, it suits her well." I wanted a role too. Meiling and Chi giggled.
"Mmmm" Sakura had shook her head, in a refusing manner. I think, she was disagreeing with me, about Chiharu being mean. No one takes it seriosily, I'm bagging her not Chi. God , she's so stupid.
"It's okay. The school socks do, sometimes get itchy. But apart from that they are rather comfortable and I purchased them through the school. This was the cheapest set, that was on the uniform list." She then observed her uniform.
Meiling and Chi, were speechless. Why? Becuase she completely missed the point!
"What? So, are you poor?" I know, a rhetorical question, coming from me. But I'm not losing this battle.
"Yeah, I'm planning on getting a part time job soon."
"What, don't your parents love you enough to give you money?" Chi replied. Yes, that was definitely going to hit the spot.
Silence, then came between us. Yes, victory was mine.
"Mmmm, they do love me." Quite weak, if you ask me.
"Well, I got to go. Bye" She then left, more like retreated.
"Well, that wasn't much fun." I told Meiling and Chiharu. They both nodded.
"Well, there's always next time, like lunchtime."
Lunchtime
It was time to pull the big guns.
We caught Sakura heading towards the toilets right after she had her lunch, by herself, again. My eyes twinkled and I told my two friends the plan. They were as excited as I am, if not more.
As soon as, Sakura entered into one of the cubicles, we were in action. Meiling headed towards the closets, took out the buckets used for those when they didn't feel too well in the stomach. Chiharu filled it with water, cold water. Me, being the creative one added toilet paper and soap. We each held a half filled bucket in our hands, Meiling and I went to the right of Sakura's cubicle as did Chiharu but the left. With an evil glint in all of our eyes, we stepped onto the toilet's seat. Me, being the master mind of this plan, gave the signal. And like you have probably guessed.
Dunked the content into Sakura's cubicle.
"HOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!" was our result, as we dropped our buckets and left.
Syaoran's POV
I was right, like usual. The new girl was different, it was refreshing. I mean at least compared, with the "normal" girls at this school. Why? Because the girls at this school can be classified into two categories.
A, you have the majority "spoilt" type. The ones, that brings in new accessories everyday. Just to show them off, saying how others should buy the exact same thing; wanting to start a new trend. But when the other buys the same thing, they get pissed; throw a tantrum saying what a "copycat" the other is, and then the cycle starts again. The prime example would be my cousin Meiling.
To be honest, I really shouldn't be talking, seeing that my Clan is the richest/biggest/strongest in the world. I was born with a golden key in my mouth, if not more. But I'm not spoilt spoilt, I have my mother to thank, for showing me or teaching me that this world did not consist of only me. But from time to time, I have my needs and wants; clean needs and wants, not dirty.
Then you have the "superior" type. The type that plays hard to get with guys, when truly they have a thing for the male. I really don't get them; why not make it easier for both sides, by simply agreeing? And when the male asks another girl out, seeing that he got rejected, the female would then spread rumours about that girl saying that the male only asked her out because she said no. Yes, she was feeding on her "left-overs". Another prime example, would be my friend Tomoyo.
Once again, I too act superior. I don't mean to, but I guess I have the aura that intimidates others. And then you have those who admire me, hence I'm superior to them. And I was taught better; better than anyone that I'm not inferior, especially compared to others. The Li Clan would definitly won't like me, being"soft" to anyone, maybe to them but that's it. Once, again in a clean way. But once in a while, it comes handy, me being superior. I'm only human.
But anywho, the Kinomoto girl was neither. How do I know? I was there, during recess.
During recess, when Tomoyo, Meiling and Chiharu were "speaking" to Kinomoto. To the others it might seem like a harmless conversation, seeing the people who were actually conversing. Tomoyo, Meiling and Chiharu are known as the most popular girls in school, so it's expected the way they talk wouldn't be a welcoming, especially at first sight. But I could tell they were toying with her.
What I also noticed was, all her answers were the answers. Did she know, she was being toyed with? I was third peson, she being the second was bond to know right? But, I guess, sometimes the third person does get the best view.
In the end, there was nothing I could do, would do or should do. It's not any of my business and she has a brain, a mouth, she can handle it herself. She just chooses not to, hence she walked away.
Period five, the class after lunch, Kinomoto was absent. Not that I was waiting for her or anything. I mean, she does sit in the seat infront of the seat infront of mine. Quite confusing.
Plus she always was the first one in class, once again not that I noticed. The teacher noticed before I did, no that's giving him too much credit. I mean you got to be stupid not to notice her. There. That would do, because I'm not stupid.
Half way through the class, a knock was heard.
She then walked in. Her whole being was soaked from head to toe, rather embarrassing; I was concerned.
She walked up to the teacher and gave him a note. He nodded, and whispered something back; she then shook her head and took her seat. Like nothing had happened.
To say the least, the whole class was sniggering about her. The girls started, saying something about her hair; the guys added on wanting to interact with the female population. And me? I stared at her, is that toilet paper in her hair?
"Daidouji-san. Pay attention! Now, what's the answer to question four?" the teacher barked out and it was obvious Tomoyo didn't know the answer. I'll probably be the only person who might know the answer. No, not because I'm the smartest kid in school, although I am. But because I was home-schooled since I was young,this stuff I learnt already . And Kinomoto would be the only other who'll know the answer seeing that she's the only one who pays attention in class.
"I…uh…don't know." Tomoyo had stuttered. I shook my head. It's not THAT hard.
"At least try, Dadouji-san." the teacher was enjoying this.
Tomoyo was trying hard to work it out in her head.
I looked forward again, and saw Kinomoto scribbling into her book, she's working the answer out, I guess. She then stopped, she probably got the answer.
"I really don't know" Tomoyo had finally said.
"Well, you would, if you had paid attention. Well, then Kinomoto-san. Do us the honors, would you?" he was definitely enjoying this.
Before she came, the teacher always asked me to answer the question; once he caught someone not paying attention to him (excluding me, of course) and made a fool out of he/she. I'll be glad to answer the question. Becuase it was something I was capable of.
"Sumimasen (sorry). I don't quite know either." She then looked down onto her book, ashamed.
The teacher was shocked, "Well then, this is how you do it." I smirked at his expression, the joke was on him.
He continued on with the lesson.
But I didn't get it. Not the question but her. The equation wasn't that hard. I was 100 percent sure she worked out the answer. What was going on?
The recycling bin then caught my attention. No, it wasn't attractive and I'm not getting desperate to the point of considering the "recycling bin". Instead, an idea came to mind, I screwed up a blank piece of paper and walked up to it. Chucked it in and walked back to my seat. Not before I took a quick glance at her sheet, and as expected the answer, the working out was on the top of her page.
Why didn't she just answer the question when asked? Did she catch on, that the teacher was trying to make a fool out of Tomoyo? Even so, I doubt she'll make a fool out of him.
Click
Or maybe, she didn't want to make a fool out of Tomoyo?
I looked at her, eyebrow raised she's ….too nice.
Sakura's POV
So embarrassing. I guess, today wasn't my day, when it decided to rain just as I was about to exit the toilet cubicle. Worst bit, the rain consisted of toilet paper and soap, I think or maybe, I'm just a bit in the head. I'm hoping for the first one. If so, please let the toilet paper be clean. And that, nobody heard my cry as the "rain" hit me.
After that, I was thankful there was a hand dryer, to dry myself partly and that it was class time, therefore the chance of someone coming in were pretty low.
I couldn't get myself to look normal but there was no toilet paper. I looked at the mess and decided to report it. To the principal, she'll understand, Ms. Mizuki Kaho.
She's actually very nice, she even offered me clothes; but then that would ruin my whole image. I declined. She then wrote me a note, to give to my math's teacher.
My class was quite astonished to see the state I was in. I handed the note to the teacher, he was nice, asking if I wanted to just go back to the girl's bathroom to continue to dry off, if not go home. Once again I declined. Thanked him for his concern and went back to my seat. Not wanting to further disturb the class.
The moment I sat down, a thought crossed my mind, was I being bullied? I mean, I am new to this "sophisicated" environment, maybe I did something wrong. But as I thought more about it, the answer seemed to become clearer but it wasn't the answer I wanted. Toilet paper rain...In the end, I continued on with the work, hoping that I didn't miss out on anything. I'm not being bullied.
School was then over. I shivered from time to time, but it wasn't that bad. I smelled of soap. But my determination of finding a part time job was at its strongest today.
Tomoyo probably had left already. I decided on walking home, not wanting to soak/wet the limousine. Plus, it was sunny out. And strangely enough, no one from this school walked/biked, all drove to school. I just hope my uniform dries up on the way, if not okaasan will have a lot of questions.
Syaoran's POV
She's shivering, shivering cold. She's got to be stupid to walk home in that condition. I stared at her as everyone left the school grounds.
And yes, I jinxed myself. I'm not so sure which part though the stupid bit or the bit where she'll decide to walk home, in that condition. I guess, it's the latter.
I looked around, everyone was gone. And she's heading my direction. I guess, this was my chance. Plus, the sun's out, I haven't walked in ages. I wanted to talk to her. But what if she turns out like all the rest?
An idea, struck me. It just may work. Yes, ideas love to strike me from time to time.
"Hey!" I started to run towards her.
"Oi! New girl! Kinomoto!" she turned around, with a confuse look on her face.
"You heading straight?" I said as I caught up to her.
"Yes, my house is approximately 30 minutes away from school." she replied.
"Cool, mines 40 approximately. Mind if I walk with you?"
She seemed to be struggling on the decision.
"It's okay, you can say no." Maybe, she is the "superior" type, playing hard to get.
"No, I don't mind. Actually, it's not that." Her sentence seemed to had died down.
I waited.
"Urm…this might be strange and all, but what's your name?" she asked.
"I'm Eriol. Eriol Hiiragizawa." I said, putting my idea to work.
She smiled a relief smile, "Ah, I'm Sakura Kinomoto." (an. remember what Tomoyo said in chpt 2) She then, giggled.
"What's so funny?"
"The way you said you're name, reminded me of James Bond."
It is a bit funny, but not as funny as me. I'll give it a smile.
"Surely, I have other features that resemble him, if not better." I gave her a wink.
On cue, she blushed looking down. Quite prettily, if possible. She then shivered, again.
I took off my school blazer and put it onto her shoulders.
"You're cold, so leave it on." I explained my actions. She nodded and whispered a thank you.
We continued to walk home together. Quite quickly we warmed up to each other.
"So, what exactly happened in the girl's restroom?" I was curious.
"Well, you wouldn't believe me, even if I told you." was her reply. Her attitude towards me, definitly had changed. I guess, she warms up to people quite quickly.
"Try me." She really was different, and I felt my interest rise.
"Well, when I came out of the female's cubicle to wash my hands, being the hygienic person I was; something extraordinary happened. As I turned the water on, the sink next to mine exploded into a million gazillion tiny pieces and I was soaked by the blasting water and and …."
"Bullshit!" I interrupted, who does she take me for? An exploding sink? A million gazillion pieces? Me, a four ear old kid? I turned my head to face her.
She giggled and smiled, "See, I told you, you wouldn't believe me! I don't even know why I bothered." she continued to giggle. As she kept walking, giggling; leaving me at the pavement with my mouth-opened.
She got me there. Yup, she was interesting.
I looked back at her, and found her two houses in front of me.
"Hurry up! Slow poke!" she cried.
I then ran to catch back up to her.
"So, then what happened?"
The 30 minutes went by quicker than usual, it wasn't boring, I guess. We went our separate ways at the intersection as she turned left and I went straight. Her sincere genuine personality really was refreshing.
And it's not fake, I think. I mean, what has she got to gain, I'm Eriol Hiiragizawa.
Sakura's POV
Thank you God. Okaasan, wasn't home. I decided to take a shower, noticing that Tomoyo was in the kitchen. I can wait.
Warm water never felt so better and clean as I took the shower. All the while, I thought about Eriol, Eriol Hiiragizawa. I giggled. I don't know why. But I found myself, opening up to him. I don't know. I really am confused. Am I being a hypocrite?
He didn't do anything, really. I could had just ignored him and walked ahead, but that wouldn't be me, not that the "me" at school is me. But I found myself being "me" whilst I was talking to him. Once again, am I being a hypocrite?
He really was handsome. His chestnut hair and amber like eyes, really were captivating. During the whole time we talked, I was staring at them, but I'm grateful that my current thick-round glasses covered my eyes. His build, wasn't too muscular but definitly wasn't feminine. I really don't know how to explain it, but he really did seem like a nice person.
An exotic rose, maybe? My metaphors are quite, corny, arn't they?
But the most amazing bit was, he didn't judge me by my cover, I think. But even if he did, it didn't seem to bother him.
Onii-chan, Otou-chan; am I a hypocrite, acting the way I am just then? Do I really deserve happiness? I know, I did promise Onni-chan, demo…no. A promise is a promise. And Eriol Hiiragizawa is a nice person, I may have no rights wanting to be his friend, but if he wants to be my friend, surely it's rude to reject. And as long as I am who I am, I should be fine. I mean, I'm not acting or anything at school, I think. I just don't want attention.
Maybe having a new friend, wouldn't be too bad. But at school, only if he approaches me; he's probably very popular amongst the girls considering the way he looks. I won't approach him, it won't be a good idea.
I waited patiently making sure Tomoyo wasn't in the kitchen as I made my way to the fridge. Was I avoiding her?
I'm not so sure, maybe I was, it sure looked and sound like it. But either way, I think we both need time to settle. Seeing that we met so sudden after so many years.
I grabbed a chocolate muffin seeing that there was three, and headed back into my room.
It was time to write my resumé. Time to find myself a part time job.
Just maybe, I can start fresh. But would everyone be okay with that?
Syaoran's POV
Sakura Kinomoto, cherry blossom. The name suits her well.
Eriol Hiiragizawa, the name definitly does not suit me. It's actually the name of a satan, the devil, himself; in disguise. Or to be frank, my cousin.
He actually attends the same school as I do, we're best friends, I guess; seeing that at school we always hang around each other. But it just so happens, that he's on vacation with his family for the first three weeks of school.
You see, Syaoran Li; the name carries with it a lot of fame. It was a curse I had to bare ever since I was young.
The male population were taught by their parents to befriend me, by any means. They only wanted to become my friend because it brought along status.
The female population fell for my looks, and the money too itself played a big role. I was seen as a prize, the prize.
In all, that forced me to be cold, distant from "them". Because it was all false, fake, unreal; their smiles, laughs and thoughts. I guess, I gave up on them.
I knew from the inside, they wished me ill. I guess, they all thought themselves as "special" and that I should treat them better. But it was imposssible to treat all equal.
I used to care so much, so much on what others think. I wanted to live up to everyone's expectations, why? Because they cared, or as I thought. But in reality, they all wanted to use me, in one way or another.
Back then, I would live up to everyone's expectations. So, I expected the same. But they failed. When they requested an item from me, I was there to povide it. But when I requested an item from them which was hardly ever, they weren't, instead they'll make up lame excuses etc. Once I realised that, I no longer cared what others think; why? Because they don't care about me. I will and only care about what those think only when they are deemed worthy. That's how I am today. Confidence, really does make a big difference. And I only am confident because I don't care, care about what they think, because they're not worthy.
Obviousily, they only act "nice" once they know who I am or whenever I'm in their presence. Hence, I told Sakura Kinomoto I was Eriol Hiiragizawa. Eriol Hiiragizawa, himself was well-known. But status/intellect wise, I was higher. But Eriol is quite a flirt with the girls and as Tomoyo puts it, he isn't much of a challenge and from what I heard, girls likes a challange. That's why girls, prefer me. Rather shallow, if you ask me.
But, I wanted to give her a chance. Not because I deemed her as worthy, but because I deemed her as different.
Eriol once told me, his act is all for me. He tells me, how people act when they are associating with him compared to associating with me. It was different. With me, there is so much favour to gain. But with Eriol, there's less.
So, I'll tell her, who I really am, once I deem her as worthy. But as soon as Eriol comes back and she isn't deemed worthy, I guess; she'll find out anyway. Like I said, if she isn't deemed worthy, I don't care.
But so far, she seems like a nice person. And secretly I want her to pass. Secretly, I know she will pass. But then, how will I tell her? That this whole time, I lied to her?
Well, it shouldn't matter. Because a rose by any name would smell just as sweet.
please review, neh?