MEMENTO MORI

-Remember that you are mortal –

The story so far: Kinomoto Sakura and Li Syaoran made a promise to each other that they'll work hard and earn money to buy tickets to Jeju Island. The more they know each other, the closer they get. Syaoran makes Sakura feel as if she'd known him for years, and he feels the same way too. And with Sakura beside him, he could not help but remember Momoko.

Li Yelan found about Syaoran's whereabouts and Syaoran, on the other hand, found himself in trouble financially. He then decided to pawn his watch and car, and bought himself and Sakura tickets to Jeju…

Back to the story…

CHAPTER EIGHT: Sakura's Deal

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Tokyo, JP March 21

"Do I really have to come with you, mother?" Li Shiefa grumbled as she packed her things. "Really, mother. I don't like parties."

Li Yelan stared meaningfully at her daughter, and Shiefa got what she meant.

"It's not because of the party that I even want to go there, Shiefa. Eriol confirmed with me that your younger brother is working for him. Heavens, I don't know what has gotten to that boy…"

Shiefa sighed. "If it is still about the Clow heiress, I can tell why."

"In any case, Xiaolang must come back with us since I already told the Board that he's taking over the company soon. It won't be long before he graduates, and before his 21st birthday comes, he must be in that position."

"I bet he won't agree to that." Li Feimei appeared by the doorway.

Shiefa stood up. "Yeah, mother. Don't you know that he studies Photography? What does he know about running the company?"

Yelan shook her head. "He'll have to do it, or else one of you ladies will have to."

The sisters just giggled to themselves. "I think I'll pass. Xiaolang is the best man for the job."

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Tomoyo, as usual, was surrounded by her bodyguards as she hopped from one high-end store to another. She just wants to make sure that she gives the best birthday present to Hiiragizawa Eriol, not to mention that she has already bought a dozen. Just right after her shopping, she went straight to see him.

While strolling around, she saw a familiar face that she didn't expect to see. Suddenly, she dropped all her bags and she almost fainted in surprise.

"Is she the one he is talking about?"

Sakura found herself waiting for Syaoran and Yamazaki to arrive since she has no work left to do for that day. As soon as the guys arrived, they walked together to the bus stop.

"I bet this belongs to you."

Syaoran looked at what Sakura hands him. "Hey, how did you—"

She smiled at him. "I saved some money for my ticket already… I just got you back what belongs to you."

He didn't say anything but a brief smile escaped his lips. "Thanks, but really… I don't mind losing them."

"I think that watch is the most important of all things. You really need that, because you recently make us wait for a long time." Yamazaki reasoned out.

Sakura and Syaoran just smiled at each other. "Thank you, Kinomoto-san…"

"No problem." She flashed a childish grin.

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"Hey, birthday boy!"

"Tomo—" he was cut off when she plunged herself into him, making him almost fell out of balance. "Easy there…!"

She placed down the paper bags she was carrying. "I'm so excited for your birthday on Saturday that I can't wait to give you my presents!"

"That's so sweet of you, Tomoyo-chan…" he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you… there are a lot of them."

"I'm not really particular with what you want for a present, so I took everything I thought you'd like."

He smiled. "You don't have to do that. Your presence and performance in my party would be an outstanding gift already."

"Sure thing! I won't even ask for a talent fee!" she stuck her tongue out. "Do you have anywhere to go later? Let's go out."

"Aren't you busy for your concert too?"

Tomoyo placed her hands on his shoulders, "You're most important than anything in my life, Eriol. I think you know that."

"You're flattering me… okay, I'll come with you tonight."

"Great! See ya later!" she hugged him briefly before leaving. "Leave your work behind, okay?"

"Aye, maam." He replied.

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The trio went down at the downtown bus stop. "Yamazaki! Where are you going?" Syaoran called out as he seemed to hurry.

"I'll buy something for your boss. And I'm coming with my Chiharu."

"Lame excuse." Sakura and Syaoran chorused.

Yamazaki waved his hand, "Better get something for him as well! See ya later!"

"He's so in to Chiharu-san, no wonder. She's so kind to all."

"Yeah, I've never seen him stick to one date for years…" Syaoran muttered. "So where are we supposed to hang out now?"

"Haven't we finished our rounds at the mall? Let's go back. Maybe we can also find something for Hiiragizawa-san."

"Good idea. Ikou yo…"

The two of them hit the malls again. After some time, they got tired from walking.

"I'll get us some ice cream, what flavor would you want?"

Sakura smiled brightly. "Really? Your treat? Thanks! I'd want Strawberry!"

Syaoran stopped for a while as he stared at Sakura. I must be imagining things… she can't really be her, can she be?

"Hey, you're spaced out again, Li-kun."

He shook his head. "I'll get it."

Somehow, he can't be normal with the strange feeling he has when he remembers Momoko in her…

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Going back to Japan, Li Yelan and her daughter are about to arrive Seoul in no time. Wei also came with them, and as usual, the first thing she did was to make sure she'll find Syaoran's pad.

"As soon as we reach the airport, we'll head straight to where Xiaolang's pad is." She instructed Wei.

"I understand, Yelan-sama…"

Syaoran's carefree days might be ending in a little while… his mother can't wait to get him back to her watch.

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To be continued