This chapter has been beta-ed by: yingfa07

Happy Reading!

~oOo~ ~oOo~

Chap 7: Rumors.

Sakura walked to the bar counter exhausted after the photo session. After thinking a while, she realized working with Syaoran was much more comfortable than with Nakuru. She was fine with him and it seemed like he really was focusing into his job so there was no problem with him. The only obstacle she stumbled on was Nakuru's attitude. Seemed like to her, Sakura was still the stupid bitch that dared to bar her on her way to Syaoran's heart.

Sakura sighed in despair. She really needed a friend. Without Tomoyo or Eriol here, this place was uncomfortable, especially when there was someone as annoying as Nakuru. She sat on a bar stool, ordered a cocktail then squeezed her temple as she remembered what happened.

Flashback.
Garret's stare whirled into Sakura's eyes as she turned her head away to dodge it. She heard his voice loud and clear, asked them to get closer and be as natural as they could. But then, Sakura was forced to push him out of her head to give up one place for Nakuru. How couldn't she do it when in front of her very eyes, Nakuru was doing everything she could to get Syaoran's attention as well as to kick her aside. She simply just didn't want Sakura to get near her prey.

Sakura frowned with the ridiculous play Nakuru was acting in. How the hell could she do her job and get back to her quiet, peaceful place if Nakuru kept getting in the way? Before she could think of a way to get through with that, voice of the steering committee came as they ordered the models to quickly get ready. Sakura sighed and unwillingly walked to Syaoran and Nakuru, knowing she couldn't get away with her this time. As she guessed, Nakuru's sharp tongue tone came: "What are you doing? Standing there with your clumsiness? Hurry up and get into your place before I get mad because of your slow gait. You're pissing me off." She frowned and folded her arms in front of her chest, pretended like she was waiting for Sakura impatiently.

Sakura restrained her anger and walked toward Syaoran and Nakuru. But things really got messed up when they were ready to pose. Sakura was leaning her back against Syaoran's right arm while Nakuru was clinging on the other. But just when Garret was ready to take the photo, Nakuru suddenly used her hand that was hiding behind Syaoran's back to push Sakura, making her fell on her face. She smirked in victory: "Oh God, are you ok Sakura? Look at you, how clumsy." She said with effective manners that even the most stupid person could easily realize. Before Nakuru could be satisfied with her base action she's knocked out by Syaoran's attitude. He whispered dangerously: "Shut the hell up. Next time when you decided to do dirty things, you should watch out for audiences." He glared at her making her shut up right away as he bent down on one knee and checked if Sakura was okay or not. After done with checking, he pulled her up: "C'mon, stand up. Glad that you weren't hurt badly or somebody would have to take responsibility." He said as he glanced at Nakuru from the corner of his eyes. She startled and bit her lower lip as she quickly turned away to dodge the piercing stare of Syaoran: "Whatever, I don't care. Hurry up, we're waiting for you." She blushed because embarrassed.

Syaoran glared at her one last time and turned back to look at Sakura: "Why are you staring at me like that? Did I do something wrong?" He raised his brow at her stare as she replied with a suspicious look on the face: "Did I have an illusion? You, the great Li Syaoran, helped me? Hah, this must be a joke." He shrugged: "You got me wrong, again. I did that because I want to make Nakuru know that I'll never be on her side. That's all." Sakura said in a mocking tone: "No wonder the playboy was good with a woman like me. Thanks for your useless help." She frowned and bent down to flick off dust on her dress. Suddenly, she was pulled back by a strong arm and then, the next thing she knew was Syaoran's arm around her shoulders as he pulled her closer and...

- Hey! What are you thinking? Get into your own world all of a sudden. - A male voice cut through her flashback as Sakura startled and blushed because of what the past brought her. She raised her head up just to be disappointed by the voice's owner: "Garret, what are you doing here? Leave me alone, please." Garret smiled and raised his hands up in defense: "I come here just to announce that tonight, our crew will join a welcome party that was prepared by Syaoran and Nakuru's fans. With bodyguards of course, just in case some fans get too excited. So head back to the hotel early and prepare for your outstanding present tonight. That's all." Before Sakura could react, he grabbed her hand and kissed it: "I'll be waiting for your arrival." Then he quickly walked away.

Sakura blushed and touched the place was kissed by Garret as she realized she hasn't forgotten the feeling of his touch and much more... Again, her flashback was cut by a male voice:

- Dreaming again? Girls are so annoying. If you don't hurry up, everyone would just go without you, you know? - Syaoran patted her head as she turned back and violently pushed his hand off: "Stop patting me like I'm your pet, ok? I know how hurry will I have to be, you don't have to worry about that. If you're waiting to meet your lovely Nakuru then you can go right now you know?" She angrily jumped off the bar stool and got out of the palms' leaves roof as she quickly curled up and shivered because of the cold rain ran on her skin. "Brrr, it's cold. Why is it raining right now? The weather is so irregular!" She complained. Syaoran laughed as he brought up his hand for her to see what he was bringing with him all this time: "I know it's raining and you got no umbrella so I bring you one. I don't want my partner to get sick and delays our works." He explained as he handed her a green umbrella and continued: "And since I can borrow only one from the hotel, I wouldn't mind if we have to go together." Sakura stick out her tongue and turned her head away as she looked out onto the sky and quickly regret what she's just done. The sky was darkened by every seconds passed by and the rain started becoming heavier and heavier but since she's said it, there was no way she'd need his help. Sakura looked at the sky one last time and bravery walked out of the bar as the rain poured on her head and body violently, leaving water trailed across her beautiful face. But just after a few steps of her, she was no longer felt the rain as if it'd stopped all of a sudden.

- Look at you! Just like a soaked rat. You should have let me help you from the start. - Syaoran smirked with victory, his hand carried an umbrella over the head for her and continued: "You should be thankful because I've-" Didn't wait for him to finish his sentence, the umbrella suddenly broke its holder and the part that people use to prevent rain from stomping on their head fell down onto the ground mysteriously. They both widened their eyes at it.

- How the heck can it fall apart? - Syaoran ran his fingers through his hair, frowned in confusing. Sakura brought her hand up to wipe away the rain and said: "If I was it, having an owner like you then I'd rather brake down myself." She turned away as Syaoran grabbed her arm and pulled her back: "Hey, at least I helped you not to be soaked in rain." She looked at his hand clinging onto her arm as she smiled devilishly and brought up both of her hands as she rested them on his chest: "Yeah, here's your help. For one second." She finished it as she used all her power to push him and the next thing he knew was he lost his balance and fell on his butt. She looked down at him with a victorious smile and quickly ran back to the hotel to avoid the sudden rain as well as Syaoran's terrific anger.

~oOo~
Sakura walked out of her bathroom with a towel wrapped around her body as she looked at the messed up suitcase and sighed. She couldn't find anything to wear to come to the party. When she was wondering what to wear that night, a call came. Sakura picked up to see who was calling her to find out that it was Tomoyo.

- Hi Sakura! How was your day? Was it good? - Tomoyo asked in a cheerful voice.

- Not really! I mean, everything here is great but I didn't go very well with work. - She sighed in despair and continued: I got the feeling that Nakuru's dislike feeling for me turned into hatred actually. She's tried every ways to embarrassed me or show me that she has no intention of letting Syaoran get anywhere near me. It was creepy, really, to face such a person like her. I don't understand why she has to be jealous like that when I don't even have anything for him. - She complained, tried not to be critical.

- That's Nakuru for you. I've worked with her for years and I perfectly know her annoying personalities. I know you just want to be in peace but you will have to give her a piece of your mind someday, she really got me irritated long ago. Anyway, I called to ask you about the party you're going to attend. Do you have anything to wear? - Sakura sweat dropped. She looked at the locked suitcase what was delivered to her room that morning and gulped. She could already guessed what was inside who sent it to her.
- N…no? - She said unwillingly. Just as she thought, Tomoyo's super cheerful and excited voice banged her eared:

- Hah, I knew it! I sent you a useful thing. Open the suitcase, I think you've already guessed what is inside. - Sakura gulped again and walked toward the suitcase slowly and carefully as if she could be bitten by it if she wasn't careful enough. She tried to open the suitcase when she suddenly remember that she didn't have the key or something nearly like that.

- Tomoyo, the key please? - She asked impatiently.

- It uses pass code.

- Then, pass code please?

- 1307. - Sakura asked while pressing the numbers:

- Why 1307? - But Tomoyo just laughed and said playfully: "You'll know in a near future." Sakura didn't have the time to ask any more questions as the suitcase opened to reveal a store of many beautiful clothes and accessories.

- Wow... - She said in disbelief.

- I know. It's amazing. Anyway, I'll be going out with Eriol now. Have fun choosing your outfit! Bye! - With a click, she hung up.

Sakura froze at the amount of clothes in front of her eyes as she squeezed her forehead: "She's over-reacted again and the result was I ended up hugging all this to sleep. Terrific! Now, what should I pick out?

~oOo~
The mansion of an old family near the beach was filled of paparazzi because of the place was crowded with people from wealthy families, wearing all expensive clothes and chatting with each other with glasses of wine in their hands. But the corner of the room was the place where gathered most of them. It was easy to understand since Syaoran was there, with Nakuru of course.

Nakuru was - as usual - stick with Syaoran like his shadow, used all of her time to go after him. She laughed with their fans, posed with the paparazzi and didn't deny when some of them asked if they were couple or not. Of course our Syaoran didn't like it at all but who cares? He didn't care about how they think about them as long as he knew it wasn't like that. Suddenly, all of their attention turned to the front door as whisperings were heard from all over the room.

Sakura walked in, elegant and graceful in a beautiful tight pink strapless gown which fell freely onto the ground around her with a big, V-style necklace that made she look stunning than ever.

"She is the other model." Someone whispered.

"She's cute. No wonder why she was allowed to work with Syaoran. I mean, maybe she suit him than Nakuru." Others answered.

"Are you crazy? Do you serious think that chick can replace Nakuru? She's the best, no one can over-take her. I mean, NO ONE!" A fan girl said, loud enough for Sakura to hear.

Sakura took a glance at them by the corner of her eyes and sighed lightly. She knew from the beginning this was definitely gonna be a stupid idea. She looked around even though she knew that there was no one she could befriend with. She didn't even know why had she agreed to participate in the first place when she didn't belong to this place, with paparazzi and stuffs. A hand suddenly wrapped around her wrist from behind as she turned back to see Garret's stupid smirk: "Brilliant! I know that you'd shine tonight, my lady." He brought her hand up and kiss it. Sakura frowned but didn't take her hand back. It was simply just politeness. She didn't want to humiliate him right in front of the crowd. He took a glass of wine on one of the waiter' trays and offered it to her: "For your stunning present tonight! How about that? Oh c'mon, just this night, please act like you've always before." He said with a pleading tone. Sakura pushed the glass away: "There are paparazzi everywhere, do you want you to be on the front page?".

"Not really, but it's okay since I'm just a normal manager, I'm not a star." He shrugged and took a sip of the red wine inside the glass: "Just tonight. Forget about the past just tonight and I'll leave you alone after this night, this moment, whatever you want to call it." His eyes looked deep into her eyes. Sakura gulped. She knew that she's lost, just his tender tone was enough to make her heart wavered.

She tried to fight back the familiar feeling growing bigger and bigger inside her to push him away: "I just can't. I'm sorry." Garret stared at the girl in front of him angrily. He couldn't take it anymore. He grabbed Sakura roughly by the arm and pulled her out to the garden at the back, where they could be alone.

The garden was large and quiet, compared to the effervescent atmosphere at the other side of the mansion. Garret pulled Sakura to the corner of the garden and pushed her against the wall while his body cover her: "Say, Sakura. What do I have to do to make you believe me? I tried everything and in the end, I can't even have a single trust from you. I want you to believe me, or at least believe what your heart is yelling inside you." He punched the wall behind her roughly as she could hear the sound of shattered brick. Garret breathed heavily and stepped back: "I'm sorry, Sak. I didn't mean to make you scared or hurt you." Sakura looked at him, trembling. She knew he expected her to be weak and fall for him again but she just couldn't. Something prevented her from doing so: "Garret, I told you. I don't have any feeling for you anymore. Don't push me." She said in a low voice, tried not to let him know about the wave inside her. Garret frowned: "I can't take no as an answer. You know that no matter what you're the one and only that I love. Stop being so stubborn, it won't get you anywhere".

"Garret, I...-" Before she could say anything, she felt a pair of strong hands pushed her back to the wall she was leaning and then Garret's lips pressed on her. She could feel all of those old feelings get back to her. The passionate he gave her as well as the hotness and wetness his kiss always had. In one moment, Sakura's body melted in his pair of warm hands and she started to give in as her hands rested on his back and his head, pulled him in. Her legs felt numb as she slowly slide down, still leaning against the wall, feeling his tongue played with her face.
Wait a minute. Stop, Sakura. It's Garret!

Sakura opened her eyes widely to see Garret nearly stripped off her dress. She pushed him back violently as she pulled the zipper up and looked at him watchfully: "Garret... I can't. Sorry but I'm taking my leave." She stood up, her legs flagging, she could hardly walk but somehow, she'd managed to rise to her full height without falling back down. She started to walk pass him when his hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into his arm: "I can't let you go. I lost you once, not now." He pushed her back to the wall, his two hands put next to her head, he brought his face close to her, tried to kiss her but Sakura used all of her strength to avoid him. Garret grabbed both her hands, used his body to press her against the wall. Just when Sakura thought he would really manage to kiss her, Garret was pulled back violently and received a punch in the face as he was thrown onto the ground like a rag.
- I didn't think my partner's manager can be this much of a jerk. Forcing somebody to kiss you even though she doesn't want. What kind of man are you? - A deep, low voice was heard. Sakura startled. She knew exactly who was it owner.

Syaoran bent down and pulled Sakura up. He kept her standing with his arm around her waist: "What did you think to get out here alone with this guy? If I didn't pass by then what would happen to you? Use your head to think once." Sakura - for the first time - looked down, said in a small voice that Syaoran must tried very hard to be able to hear: "I know. Thank you." He ran his fingers through his messy hair then sighed and grabbed her wrist: "C'mon, go back to the hotel. I'll call you a taxi." He took one last glance at Garret, who was still lying on the ground, hugging his bleeding nose: "I bet you'd rather stay in the hotel alone the whole night than stay here with this freaking jerk."

~oOo~
The next day...

Everybody in the crew was having a horrible morning for drinking too much the night before. They felt like their heads were up in the sky or anywhere but the place they were standing.

Nakuru wasn't an exception. Her body was aching like hell and her head was spinning around. She reached for the orange juice bottle and poured it into her glass carelessly as her tired eyes looked for the morning news on TV. Seeing there was nothing interesting enough to catch her attention, she turned back to put the bottle down and brought the glass up to her lips...

CELEBRITIES NEWS

Yesterday, Friday, July ... 2010, Ms. Gwenda Hamilton had threw a party at her own mansion near the Caribbean beach. Many guests were invited but mostly was celebrities, including models from Ruby Corporation - who are in Caribbean for another boom of the fashion industry.

- They are talking about the party last night. - Some people in the crew told each other. Nakuru looked at the TV curiously. She wanted to know what she looked like in the party. She took a sip of the liquid...

But what is worth mentioning here is the rumors about Ruby's famous couple seemed a bit wrong. Yesterday, one of our lucky reporter had captured a picture of Li Syaoran - the next heir of Ruby Corporation - got out of control and beat Garret, Nakuru's personal manager, because of having rude behaviors towards a girl. We believe this girl is Sakura Kinomoto, the newest model of Ruby, not Nakuru Akizuki, who was thought to be Syaoran's lover...

Nakuru spilled the orange juice all over table and her clothes as she looked at the news with disbelief: "What the fuck is this? What the fuck are they saying? Sakura? They must be wrong." She stood up angrily, glared at the TV with hatred.

Right now, there was no confirmation from Mister Li, but we have the right to question. Is this Sakura girl the one that drove Syaoran's attention away from Nakuru? Is she the reason why he has never confirmed the relationship between him and Nakuru? Will Sakura surpass everybody else and be Syaoran's official girlfriend? The answers are unknown but there were rumors about they sharing an apartment together from about a month ago. This information only is enough for us to question about these two relationship. Maybe Syaoran has finally found the right girl.

Now we're back with the news of terrorists attacking...

Nakuru trembled in anger as she reach for the nearest stuff and threw it right at the TV's screen, making it broke into pieces with a loud noise. Everybody else looked at her with pity eyes. They knew to her, this was a big shock.

While everyone was silent and the atmosphere was reaching it's climax, Syaoran came as a liberation.

- What's up? Why is everybody so tense? God! Look at the TV! What happened? - Syaoran looked from one face to another. All of their eyes only led him to one person.

Nakuru.

Syaoran walked up to Nakuru, who was still furious: "Hey, what the heck did you do? Are you planning to break this hotel apart?" Nakuru looked at the guy in front of her, her eyes burned with tears: "Shut the fuck up! Don't pretend like you know nothing about this. What did you do to make them mistaken that bitch your girlfriend? You beat Garret just because he was trying to approach her? Are you still planning to tell me that you have no interest in her at all?" He looked at her with wide eyes: "What are you saying? How did you know I hit Garret? Did he tell you?" Nakuru shouted uncontrollably: "Fucking no! Have you seen the morning news? I bet in a minute, the whole world would know about it." Syaoran was really confused until somebody called him and tossed him the morning newspaper. On the front page was the black and white image of him hugging Sakura close to him while Garret was lying on the ground, hugging his own nose.

He looked at the title and swore:

"Shit! I'm doom."

~oOo~ ~oOo~

A/N: Seem like this time Sakura's really pissed Nakuru off. How will Syaoran react against the news? And what does he mean by He's doom? All would be revealed in the next chapter^^!

Please let me know your opinions by R&R!Thanks.

Love

Crystal Rose.