The Sakura-gumi has finally reached their final year in high school, ready to face the world. Ready yet not so ready to let go of their crushes and true loves, their whimsical past to face the inevitable future.
Unexpected delights as first kisses always were.
To feel the glorious love shared between.
Although stolen from loving lips
First kisses mean happiness.
oOoOoOo
"Hey, where's everybody?" Sakura asked as they entered the classroom. It was empty. Sunlight streamed in through the open window and suddenly memories flooded in. They let out a collective sigh.
"Do you remember the first time we went here?" Sakura asked in a hushed voice. She walked slowly inside followed by Tomoyo and Syaoran. They touched the desks and the blackboard to let the memories take control. "It's all so long ago."
Eriol grinned and sat down to watch his friends reminisce about the past. It seemed to him that it had happened so fast. He let them cherish the last pieces of their childhood. He watched her look out the window to watch the seniors walking across the grounds towards the gym. It was kind of sad to see them laughing and talking, like it was an ordinary day.
It seemed so new to hurt to say goodbye to those whom he had shared so much. Sakura, Syaoran, and Tomoyo were people he'd guided and loved. They were his friends but he watched over like his children. It was also different from the pain of parting with Keroberos and Yue on that night so long ago. This was a sweeter goodbye.
He watched Sakura babble about the time Syaoran had forgotten to erase the writings on the board after writing a thousand "I Love Sakuras" as a dare; so far they were laughing hard at the blushing Syaoran. A smile flitted momentarily. Memories rushed in.
The rabid fan girls, competitions, and she with her long dark hair and was unforgettable. Her image came on to his mind. He also thought about that day he caught her and held her in his arms.
"Eriol-kun," a voice said softly, making him jump. He turned to see Tomoyo standing beside him wearing her sweetest and most innocent smile. Cursing mentally for the saying, "to think of him is to bring him," he grinned back to her.
"Haven't you been listening to a word I said?" she asked impatiently. Her grin was impish. "I feel hurt when you don't look at me."
"Yes, I was." he lied. Tomoyo knew he was lying.
"Oh, so I don't need to repeat the whole list of things you have to do," she said innocently.
He gave a start, "what things?"
She punched his shoulder lightly then said, "Kidding. I was talking about the dress you commissioned to me."
"Oh yeah, I nearly forgot about that. Thanks so much again, Tomoyo- san." Eriol said smiling brightly. "Progress is it?"
She felt her insides break but her eyes showed nothing. "Yes, it's nearly finished."
Tomoyo caught glimpses of tiny twinkles dancing in his eyes but as soon as she noticed it was gone. She grinned. Unexpectedly, Eriol stood up and took both her hands. She looked up and met his gaze.
"Thank you, Daidouji Tomoyo, thank you." he murmured before bending and brushing his lips into her dainty fingertips. It was an old English tradition and he does it only to those he values most. The world had stopped. Her cheeks grew very hot.
Eriol Hiiragisawa was thanking her! The heavens must've opened. Angels were singing in her ear! She shook her head to clear the images. A girl mustn't lose her cool; especially her.
"Surprise, yes?" he murmured. She blushed again.
"You always surprise me Eriol-kun. I wonder what you'll think up next." she said and trailed off suggestively.
"As a mage and man, I have my secrets," Eriol replied.
"Eriol-kun, you can let go of her hand now." Sakura said gently, her smile was like fireworks. The dark-haired boy was reminded by her cousin.
"Ha! You do fancy her." Syaoran laughed as he clapped the sorcerer on the back. His brown eyes gleamed. They let go of their hands quickly with both blushing to three shades of magenta. Sakura cleared her throat and smiled cheerfully to change the subject at least. "Well then, let's go help our friends."
oOoOoOo
Tomoyo pinned the badge on the draped blue velvet. She smiled as she stepped down from her ladder and picked up the box to move to the next spot. Turning to Koujiro, she instructed him to carry the ladder.
She climbed up again and pasted the little badge that was designed as a cross. She was helping along with the others to decorate the gym for the graduation ball; a traditional part of the prestigious Northwest High School.
Sakura and Syaoran were assigned on other projects. She didn't mind at all. Aside from singing, she was great with arts and handicrafts. It was her idea to put up blue velvet on the walls to liven up the gym and give it a formal feel.
Every year, as every senior batch graduates, the students arrange for a whole day party to thank them. It was always a lot of fun. There were dancing, a parade and a short but entertaining program. Tomoyo giggled to herself as she pinned it up. She couldn't wait to dress up.
"Daidouji-chan, will you sing in our graduation ball?" Koujiro asked as he moved the ladder. She nodded as she slowly climbed up.
"Yes. Then I'll dance with the others," Tomoyo answered as she pasted it. "I'm very excited."
She went on talking. The heiress didn't realize that her assistant had left. He was replaced by an unexpected passerby who stared at her with amusement. "And then Sakura-chan and Li-kun will dance and I'll tape it," Tomoyo said as she carefully stepped down. She misjudged a step and fell backward right into his waiting arms.
"Careful," somebody whispered.
Tomoyo's eyes flapped open and met Eriol's sapphire blue eyes. She started to stutter an incoherent string of words while blushing darkly that contrasted with her pale complexion.
Eriol placed a finger on her lips. He lowered his head and, barely aware of his actions, planted a butterfly kiss on her lush pink lips. He pulled back and lowered her to the floor with a mysterious grin. He was very pleased to steal a kiss from her tender lips.
She gasped. Looking around, she realized everyone was busy in their errands. Nobody had noticed that single life-changing moment. She sighed and then demanded, in a hushed tone, a reason.
"You stole my first kiss," she accused. She didn't care if she wasn't being a nice and good girl. It was time to demand an explanation. "Hiiragisawa Eriol-kun, why did you do that to me?"
He grinned sheepishly. "You were going to give it to me anyway."
"What?" she fumed.
"Nothing, nothing," Eriol said softly. "I'm really sorry. Oh, look they need me! Bye!"
She frowned as he ran away from her to seek refuge on the other side of the gym. Now I know why Li-kun call you a half-freak, she thought unpleasantly. But because you do things like it, I like you.
Tomoyo slapped her cheek lightly. She winced but then she looked up determinedly. What he took, I shall take back again!
"Hey! Daidouji-chan, I'm sorry to leave you alone. I went to the bathroom for a second," he said then stared at her. "Did anything happen?"
"Nothing happened," she replied then blushed almost instantly. At least nothing boring, she giggled to herself.
oOoOoOo
Eriol blinked as blood rushed to his head. He grinned and retained his upside-down position on the bars, clutching the cold metal. He thought about the little incident with Tomoyo then he blushed crimson. He didn't even expect his hormones to gear up just when he thought he could control them. It surprised him to feel himself kissing those pink lips and taste her strawberry lip gloss.
He shifted to a better position, thinking. All his little play- girlfriends, he never kissed them. They weren't special anyway. He imagined again the feel of her tenderness, her scent, her presence. He felt like he wanted to shout to the heavens and cast fireworks to celebrate. Then Eriol recalled she called him a thief because he stole it but he could read her mind, her urging. Like she was saying "kiss me, kiss me!" at that moment.
Eriol closed his eyes and then opened them to see the sky. The next thing he knew he was lying on the ground. THUD!
"Ow!" someone exclaimed. He rolled over, though it really hurt, and noticed that Tomoyo was lying beneath him.
"Hey," he murmured. "Are you okay?"
"Shut up," Tomoyo replied as he helped her back to her feet. "Sorry. I was going to surprise you when you fell."
An eyebrow rose. "And I squashed you underneath me then?"
A sheepish yes answered him. Tomoyo abruptly remembered what he did and the slapped him square on the face. "That's what you deserve, my thief."
He rubbed his cheek gingerly and then watched, amazed, as she stood on tiptoe and pressed a soft kiss on his lips before turning around to run away.
Eriol stood, dumfounded. What was going on? A few moments later, a slow smile spread to his lips. Tomoyo was one unpredictable girl. He couldn't wait to see the next turn of events.
A smile crept up to his lips. But that didn't mean he couldn't manipulate it. He headed towards the direction. It was time to pay a visit to the music teacher.
oOoOoOo
Tomoyo headed to the music room after dealing with Eriol. She couldn't wait to start practicing. It was her deepest desire to deliver a magnificent performance on Saturday. She'd tell her friends that it was her farewell gift to them.
The music room was empty. There were no club activities on that afternoon. She looked down on the white baby grand piano affectionately. How many afternoons had she spent beside it to practice her singing? How many days did she sit down and cry on its keys?
It was his favorite musical instrument, she could tell. Living in so many centuries had its advantages because he learned to play many musical instruments. He was an amazing musician. She knew that he believed that music possessed a different magic altogether. But pianos were his favorite delight.
She sat down and lifted the case. Touching the keys made her feel warm inside. There were many afternoons when they practiced together for a competition. In spite of many offers, Eriol refused to be a part of the music club. But he was always available in their time of need and always happy to lend his musical talents.
Tomoyo's mother had paid for her piano lessons when she was little. Aside from voice training, she had to understand that she had to take up at least one musical instrument in order to hone her craft. Though she never progressed beyond a few classical pieces, she was glad all the same that she could play.
The door opened.
Sugizawa-sensei, the music teacher, entered with Eriol. They exchanged smiles. Her cheeks burned when she felt the English boy's stare on her. She listened as her teacher and coach explained that Eriol had offered to play the piano for her mini-concert.
She smiled. "Thank you very much, Hiiragizawa-kun."
"Well, I'll leave you two to work on it." Sugizawa-sensei left the room.
They stared at each other. Measuring, knowing glances were exchanged. Neither moved… Nobody talked.
Eriol broke it by walking towards where she sat. He gave her a charming smile. "I'm sorry."
"You shouldn't do that to people," she said calmly.
"I know. But you tempt a saint," replied the mage.
"You're not a saint," was her amused reply. "You're an evil sorcerer."
"You're not an innocent angel either," he pointed out. "Even angels fall sometimes. Or they catch falling people instead."
The atmosphere tensed for a moment. Then they started laughing. She scooted sideways and he sat down. They enjoyed the feeling of shared memory and secrets. He turned to her, serious. "I'm really sorry."
"It's nothing," Tomoyo said. "I forgive and I forget."
"I hope you don't forget so soon," Eriol murmured. She got up and stood in front of the piano. Her posture and bearing was perfect. He admired her professional attitude towards her work. "What do you want to sing?"
She thought for a while. Then she told him.
The sunlight deepened as the afternoon grew older. Neither noticed the passage of time. Both of them were absorbed in the engaging activity of creating beautiful music. It was a language that they understood.
He wooed her with his talent and skill. She flirted with him using her melodic voice. They were treading dangerous ground, they knew. It was a slow seduction. Music and melody mixed an intoxicating brew that they reveled in.
She realized that this was the opportunity she was waiting for.
This was how she would win his heart.