Lovers in Japan

CHAPTER 3
What ever you do, don't fall for him

'What…what did you do to yourself?' Syaoran was finally able to formulate a complete sentence.

'What do you mean?' Sakura replied purposely acting dense.

'Never mind…just get ready, we're going for dinner. I'd prefer it if you wear that green dress I caught you wearing the other day.'

'Oh..' in a second her new found confidence went straight into the bin with all that other rubbish of finding true love and being accepted for the person she was.

He helped her with her bags, and left them in his bedroom. No words were exchanged between them. Then finally Sakura felt the urge to say something realising that they were in his bedroom.

'Maybe I should sleep on the couch.' She said, she remembered that his apartment only had one bedroom.

Syaoran seemed not to be paying attention despite of the fact that his eyes were staring back at hers. 'Uh…yes.' He told her then broke his gaze, 'Don't worry about it.' He didn't even know what he was talking about.

'Where and why are we going out for dinner? If you want I can cook…I'm really good at that.'

He beamed excited at the thought of a home-cooked meal. One made by the hands of a Japanese woman. 'We're meeting up with my sister and her husband. Have you heard of the Blue Note?'

'Yeah, you once asked me to make reservations for you there. It's your favourite restaurant.' She told him.

He slipped his hands in his pockets; he was impressed 'You make a great girlfriend.' He walked to the exit then paused, then he looked at her 'You look good.' He felt rather awkward, good was an understatement. She was undoubtingly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. The fact that he was infatuated with her fragile personality contributed to this rash conclusion.

'Thank you.' She said excited. She wanted to jump on the bed and scream. She knew she looked good; she just needed him to confirm it.

'Not good…' he scratched the back of his head and muttered 'You look pretty.'

She flashed him what was his rendition of the most genuine smile he will ever receive from anyone.

He changed in the bathroom; he fastened his tie and neatly combed his hair. All the men will envy him when they see him walk into the room with a beautiful faithful girlfriend on his side—what a bunch of losers, he chuckled to himself. He thought of his friend Eriol, what would Eriol say? He thought of all those people who told him that he was the type of man that cannot commit to any woman. He swallowed a delicious grin.

He waited for Sakura in the lounge. When she came out, he stood up.

She smiled at him 'I'm ready.'

He knew that he would not forget that moment, she looked more beautiful in that dress than she did the first time he saw her in it.

'Let's go.' He said holding out his hand.

She looked down at his hand, looking confused 'You want me to hold your hand?'

'Of course. Come.' He signalled her by slightly shaking his head.

She reached for his hand. 'I've never been to a fancy restaurant before. I don't know much about food from such places and…I'm not very good with a fork and knife.'

'Okay, after dinner, you can teach me how to use chopsticks and I'll teach you how to use a fork and knife. For tonight, just avoid ordering anything too extravagant.'

That was easier said than done, Sakura did not understand what half of the things on the menu meant. It was almost as though they were in another language. She tucked on Syaoran's jacked and asked pointing at the word she could not pronounce 'What's this?'

'Sea snails. They're the best.'

Sakura's eyebrows shot up. She was hoping that no one noticed how nervous she was. Her hand quivered and she could not stop giggling whenever she spoke. Syaoran leaned over her and muttered 'Relax.'

'So what are you ordering Sakura?' Syaoran's sister Ming asked her.

Ming was a delight; she said all the right things at the right time. Her etiquette skills were on point, but she had this speculating look on her face that made Sakura feel uneasy. She had short black hair and dramatic blue eyes.

'She knows, she knows I'm not really his girlfriend and I have no idea what I'm doing.' Sakura thought. Sakura cleared her throat 'I'm ordering the…. Li Hongzhang'

Ming smiled 'How cute,' she said looking at her husband 'Is that all you'll be having?'

'Yeah.' Sakura nodded hard.

'Do you know that the Li Hongzhang was named after Chinese statesman?'

Syaoran rolled his eyes as he browsed through the menu 'Ming, stop showing off.'

Sakura looked at Syaoran and half- smiled.

'Idiot.' She muttered to herself then plastered a smile 'I'm not showing off, I just want to get to know her.'

The waiter came and they made their orders.

Sakura heaved a sigh but before she could get comfortable, Ming asked 'So are you on a diet. I'm surprised that you are having stew as a main course.'

'Yes…no…I…'

Syaoran raised an eyebrow strategically. He held Sakura's hand and held it up to his mouth to kiss it 'We ate before coming here; It only hit me later on that I was meeting you tonight.'

Sakura smiled, she was starting to believe that all of it was real.

'I see; so tell me how long you two have been dating? I hope Syaoran is treating you right.'

Sakura looked at him and smiled 'He is. He's romantic and…'

Ming nearly fell off her chair 'My brother…romantic?'

Sakura nodded, she looked at Ming's' husband who had been quiet all night 'So...How long have you two been married…uh….Edison?'

'Five years.' His voice was deep and alarming.

'Wow.' Sakura said 'That's like a life time for celebrities' she giggled.

'Syaoran, where did you get such a lovely girl from? You better not get cold feet?'

'Why would he get cold feet?'

Ming smiled 'Because you are his fiancé. You're funny. By the way Syaoran, I don't see a ring on her finger.'

'It's at the jewelers; it was far too big for her petite finger. Right honey?' He said then gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

'Engaged…but we can't be. Is that what the rest of the contract was about…is he really planning on getting me to marry him…he's taking this too far…I can't do this…why didn't he tell me, he's such a jerk.'

'I hope you know what you want your wedding to look like. Our wedding was a disaster. Edison came one hour late and he stepped on my dress.'

'I remember that.' Syaoran chuckled. 'Don't worry, Sakura and I know exactly what we want.'

'You've really swept him off his feet; I knew that it would take a special kind of woman.'

'Yes.' Sakura said softly. She was quiet the rest of the night, upset by the prospect of an unwanted marriage. Syaoran knew the way she felt, instead he ignored it and tried to force her into joining in the conversation.

'So Sakura, you have an unusual accent. You don't sound like all the other city girls.'

'That's because I'm from Oketo.' She said in a subtle tone that made Syaoran shudder.

'That's a farming area. But, Syaoran says that you are from Tokyo.'

'He's lying to you.' She said taking a sip of Syaoran's wine.

'Now why would Syaoran lie to me?'

She raised her shoulders, a plain look on her face 'why don't you ask him?' She stood up 'Excuse me; I need the little girls room.'

'What was that about?' Ming said stretching her neck out.

Syaoran smiled politely 'Excuse me.' he stood up and followed Sakura.

He saw her enter the women's bathroom and proceeded in. 'What do you think you're doing?' he asked her.

She looked at him; her jaw line tightened 'Who do you think you are?'

'Why don't you answer my question first?' he barked.

Sakura sighed; his immaturity was something she could not tolerate. His mother obviously did not spank him enough when he was a little boy. 'Why didn't you tell me that I'm your fiancé?' she was able to control her tone.

'I knew you would not want that.'

'Why are you angry? I'm the one who has been lied to. I think you are being extreme, all this to get a share in your fathers company? It doesn't make any sense.'

'I made a mistake.'

She walked over to him and said in the sweetest tone she could compose 'Why can't you just tell me the truth. If you really need my help I'll help you.' She looked at the ground 'You're not the devil I thought you were but you are still a liar and you are very big-headed.' The tone of her voice was contrary to what she was implying.

'And…tell me more.' He challenged her.

'You never listen to me, you discard my opinions. I hate it when you do that. 'She paused and looked him in the eyes 'Your viewpoints on life and woman absurd.'

'And?'

'You are selfish; all this is for your own gain and…. You're horrible at your job.' She turned her face away 'That's it. That's what you are.'

He was motionless. Sakura was afraid that she might have crossed the line. She took two steps back and allowed the silence to settle.

'I'm sorry.' He turned around and said 'Let's go.'

'Is that all you have to say?'

He nodded 'What do you want me to say?' he could not deny it, every word she said was true.

Sakura was quiet; she wanted him to say that she had no right to speak to him that way. No matter how she looked at it, he was still her employer. She wanted him to tell her that she was lying and she only said what she did because she was angry.

He walked out of the bathroom and she followed him.

………………..

They walked back to the table. He waited for her to sit down before he did.

'I'm sorry about that Ming, the truth is I am from Oketo…at least my family lived there until I was five.' She could not find any other explanation.

The night progressed and the couple ate and Sakura was able to partake in the conversations. Ming had a tendency of squeezing Syaoran's cheeks and teasing him. He would get embarrassed but he said nothing.

'He only started liking women when he was seventeen. He used to act like he had been in the game for such a long time but the truth is, he was an amateur.'

Sakura would look at the look on Syaoran's face and smile.

'Oh little brother.' Ming said.

Eventually the dinner ended and they bid there farewells 'Don't be late for the reunion on Saturday. I'm sure the rest of the family are dying to meet her. Bye Sakura.'

As Ming and Edison drove away, Sakura and Syaoran stood still in the parking lot. There was a full moon up in the dark sky and a continuing breeze came their way. Sakura sank her hands into the pockets of her black trench coat, and then looked at him 'I guess we better get going, it's getting cold.'

He averted his gaze to her and gave her a firm nod.

On their way back, no words were exchanged. They were not necessary. The moment spoke for itself; it had been a successful night. Every now and then, he would steal a glimpse of her face. He wanted to see if he could identify what she was possibly feeling as she sat quietly across him. He failed.

When they returned to his apartment, after they hung their coats on the coat hanger, Syaoran walked over to her 'I'm sorry about Ming. She can be very nosy and…intimidating.'

'It's alright, I like her.'

He scratched his neck then ruffled his hair 'Are you hungry?'

She shook her head 'No' the truth was, she was starving. Suddenly her stomach growled. She smiled nervously.

'We can go out to eat or....I can try to cook.' He did not understand it. Whenever he displayed kindness towards her, he would get nervous and feel uncomfortable.

Sakura watched him patiently 'Ill cook.'

'Oh perfect!' he said in a cheerful tone.

She walked up to the fridge and pulled the door open 'Syaoran.' She said after scanning through it. 'You don't have any groceries.'

'I don't?' he took the car keys from the counter.
'Let's go to the supermarket. You can get what you need.'

Sakura closed the fridge. 'O..kay.'

On their way to the supermarket, Sakura felt like she had to say something. She fastened her seat belt while they waited by the traffic lights 'I'm really sorry for what I said to you back at the restaurant. It was cruel and I was just furious.'

'It's fine.' He said mumbling the words.

'I tend to overreact. I'm stupid.'

'Why are you always so hard on yourself, self pity is not an attractive quality in a woman. Maybe if you stop feeling sorry for yourself you'd get a boyfriend.'

'What if I don't want a boyfriend?'

He looked at her quickly then back at the road 'You do.' He told her powerfully.

She sank in her seat 'What would make you say that? You don't know me.'

'What I know is that nobody likes to be alone.'

'I'm not alone; I've got my family and friend.'

He made a left turn 'You know what I mean.'

Sakura thought for a second, he was right, she was alone...she's always been alone. She rested her hands on her lap and thought of what he said 'Self pity is not an attractive quality in a woman.' How could she not feel sorry for herself? She had been doing it all her life, did he really expect her to suddenly stop.

'Are you alone?' she said softly.

He was motionless, and then he nodded 'The difference between you and I is that I don't waste my time brooding over it.'

He looked at her, suddenly feeling guilty he added 'I'm just saying. You don't even have to listen to me.'

She looked out the window and was quiet. Their relationship seemed to be strange sometimes. Maybe Syaoran was just like her, lost and confused.

.............

At the supermarket, he pushed the trolley and let her pick out anything she felt was necessary. It was a simple task that brought a smile on his face and for awhile he was able to forget about all of his troubles.

'And this?' she would ask him. He thought she looked so beautiful, he could not resist being content.

'Sure, you don't have to ask me.'

She smirked at him 'Sorry, I can't help.'

He sighed feeling relieved.

……………

Back at the apartment

Sakura sat next to him on the table. She tried to demonstrate to him the simple task of using chops sticks. He was a disaster; she could not help but laugh.

'I learn everything else so quickly.' He told her in his defence while she laughed so hard her stomach hurt.

'Just…just pay attention…' she said trying to catch her breath 'You hold them like this, between your thumb and fingers.' She held the chopstick between her fingers and used them to grasp the sushi on her plate.

He moved his chair closer to hers then tried again. As usual he was a flop and the sushi somehow ended on the other side of the table.

Now getting frustrated, Sakura clasped her hands over his and tried to position the chopsticks for him.

'You're an embarrassment to the Chinese people.' She muttered with a quiet giggle in between.

'Am I?' he said now suddenly feeling trapped. It was a wonderful feeling, he watched her face. He watched the way her lips moved and curled up when she smiled. When ever she smiled, he could not help but smile as well.

'What do your parents think of all this?'

'They don't think it's important, I don't think it's important.'

She paused, her hand still over his 'Can you speak Chinese?'

'I know a couple of words.'

Astonished, Sakura did not realise that she was moving in too close 'You've got to be kidding me, you know Japanese but you barely understand Chinese.'

He nodded with intent, his hand slid to the table. Sakura's hand was still over his.

She quivered 'Your hands are cold.' Then quickly she withdrew her hand.

Syaoran was somewhat touched by the simple meeting of their hands. She had smooth and gentle hands and inside he wished that she could hold his hand just once more. 'Sakura….' He said her name slowly.

'uh huh.' She could feel his breath on her face.

'Tomorrow; you can do as you please. Anything. You can go shopping and order anything you want.'

She beamed 'don't worry, it doesn't take a lot to me make me happy. A good book is fine.' She moved back, and without realising it she started to play with her hair. 'So where is your Dog, Rufus?'

'My ex-girlfriend took him. He was actually her dog. She did it to spite me. '

'Oh.' She looked into his face and added 'You look different when your hair is not combed.' The statement was out of context.

'Different? In a good way?' He asked her looking slightly worried.

She smiled back and muttered 'In a good way.' She ruffled his hair 'Like a rockstar.' The smile on her face widened.

'You have perfect teeth.' He said.

'Teeth?'

'One of my sisters is a dentist and she has this thing of always looking at peoples teeth which unfortunately has rubbed up on me over the years.'

'I had braces in high school.' She laughed 'I thought they were the worst thing that has ever happened to me. The kids used to call me mental mouth.'

Syaoran chuckled 'There was this girl in my school I used to tease. I used to call her brace face.'

'You were a bully?'

He sat back 'I'm not proud of it but it's true. The funny thing is that I was a late bloomer; I was the smallest amongst all my friends so I had to act tough to get attention. I usually picked on guys smaller than me or not as cool or as wealthy—at least that's what I thought back then. I can't believe how narrow minded I was.'

Sakura rested her hand under her chin.

'Eventually I grew up; finally my voice broke, I got my pubic—a few chest hairs…' He said it as though it was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

'I was the opposite, I was the tallest girl in class—the circus freak.' Sakura sounded like she was joking. The truth was, however, she had never told anyone that. It was a fragile topic that used to always make her cry '…And then I got boobs. They weren't that big but at the time, I had the biggest boobs in class. The girls hated me for that, I still don't understand why.'

Syaoran had a huge smirk on his face 'Those were the best years; I always got excited when a girl came back to school from the summer holidays with a pair of bigger boobs.' He sounded like he was going to drool.

Sakura rolled her eyes and shook her head.

'When I was eighteen, I discovered that I don't love big breasts on a woman. I like them…' Syaoran stopped when it finally hit him that he was not talking to one of his beer buddies. 'Never mind.' He added.

He stood up and failed to suppress a yawn. 'I'm tired…Good night Sakura.' He told her patting her on the back.

'Good night.'

'Thanks for, trying to help me. I know I'm a hopeless case and…I apologise for not telling you about the contents of the contract.'

Sakura simply smiled.

……………….

After the moment had passed, Sakura walked into her new bedroom. She closed the door and took a deep breath. Her cheeks turned and she could not help but smile. Sure it was an impulsive feeling. And it only confirmed that she was the type of woman who wore her heart on her sleeve but, she could not help it. She could not help the butterflies in her stomach and the love song in her head.

She could deny that she was growing fond of him and was developing an interpersonal attraction towards him.

She sat on the bed and took a deep breath. He was very odd, and sometimes it was as though he was two personalities but either way, she enjoyed talking to him.

'If only…if only it could be real…' she muttered to herself.

…………….

She woke up late the next morning to find that he was gone. He left the television on and his blanket was still on the sofa. The kitchen was just as they left it the previous night.

She did not know where to start or what it was she was supposed to be doing. She found that she was walking aimlessly all over the place setting her mind on something then forgetting what it was.

Then finally she had an idea, she would take a bubble bath. She ambled into the bedroom, took off her clothes and wrapped a towel around herself.

'Is anybody here?' a feminine voice coming from the kitchen startled her.

'Uh…' Sakura walked out of the room and followed the voice. It brought her in the presence of a woman. A tall beautiful woman who looked like she just came from a photo shoot. She had beautiful brown hair and brown eyes. She looked familiar; perhaps Sakura had seen her with Syaoran before.

Sakura gave her a long envious look. How she wished she had outstanding facial features.

'Where is Li?'

'He's at work.' Sakura wanted to add 'Duh.' To that statement but instead held back.

'Are you the one? Are you the one he's now boning?' she asked the question in an unexpected kind tone.

Sakura was confused; 'boning?' Sakura was unfamiliar with the term.

'Yes boning—having sex with?'

Sakura gasped. She paused then slightly pulled her towel over her chest 'Who are you again?'

She sat on the couch 'I can't believe it…he is seeing someone else.' The woman dramatically averted her gaze to Sakura, gave her a scrutinising look. She laughed 'You're not even that pretty.'

'Syaoran is an asshole.' She muttered 'a dirty asshole.'

Suddenly the woman broke into tears.

Sakura walked over to her, she was not sure if it was even safe to touch this woman but she went ahead and did it anyway. She patted her back and said 'Don't cry…please.'

She knew she was being uncharacteristic, how many women would try to comfort the woman who is supposed to be their boyfriend's ex.

The woman looked at Sakura teary eyed 'What ever you do…don't fall for him. I should have known any better.'

Sakura said in a weak tone 'I…sorry.'

'He will break your heart, rip it to pieces. He only gives a shit about himself.'

Sakura looked at the floor and withdrew her hands. What if she has fallen in love with him…is her fate going to be the same as that of the woman crying next to her? She should have told this woman things like 'No he's a nice guy, he's a little broken but he is a nice guy.' She knew that she would loose in an argument, it's not like she had actual proof that Li Syaoran was a nice guy.

……………………

A/N: Hi everyone, another chapter...longer too....hope you liked it. REVIEWS PLS:D