Due to rules, I cannot reply to my reviewers in my stories. Sorry! But seems like so far, most of my reviewers are ones that haven't reviewed or read my other stories. A new bunch of people. Awesome. I'm actually surprised at the number of people who reviewed this so I guess I'll keep on with this story.

I. Sakura

Tokyo, Japan

It was another summer's afternoon in Tokyo. Even though it was stifling hot, the usually glaringly bright sun was hidden behind thick layers of smog that tinted the sky yellow. The city streets and highways were jammed with cars, stuck in the after-work rush of traffic. Those who chose to walk back home had to breathe in the poisonous fumes of the cars' exhaust, while beads of perspiration ran down their faces and bodies. It was another day for most people, nothing new, nothing different. But 'most people' did not include Kinomoto Sakura, and as she walked down the street, she could barely keep herself from singing out loud.

Everything's just perfect, she thought jubilantly. I got a promotion, a new apartment, and I'm going to marry the man I love. What more could I ask for?

Kinomoto Sakura was twenty-six years old, with a slender figure, a pleasant, attractive face, a shining mass of auburn hair, and stunningly green eyes the shade of emeralds. She was not breathtakingly beautiful, but her above-average looks and bright personality were enough to attract attention and turn heads. Now as she walked into a nearby restaurant, passersby gave her a second glance, envying the happiness that she radiated.

"Alone, miss?" The waiter asked.

"Oh no," Sakura replied brightly, "I'm meeting a friend-"

"Sakura!"

They both turned to see a woman waving in their direction.

"Oh I see her!" Sakura laughed. And with a nod of thanks, she walked toward her friend. "Konnichiwa Naoko!" she greeted the attractive brunette as she neared the table.

"Same to you, Sakura." Yanagisawa Naoko leaned forward conspiratorially. "So what do you have to tell me that can't wait another forty-eight hours?" Her brown eyes twinkled from behind stylish black frames.

Sakura smiled as she extended a slim, perfectly manicured hand. "This." On her fourth finger was a silver ring with three square-cut diamonds, their facets sparkling under the restaurant lights. Naoko gasped.

"Oh my god...he didn't." She said breathlessly as she took Sakura's hand and began examining the flawless jewels.

"We were going to announce it at the dinner party Saturday night but since you're my best friend...I don't think it's right to make you wait." She grinned.

"Good decision, good decision," Naoko murmured as fingered the ring. "When did he propose?"

"Sunday night."

"Sunday night?" Naoko shrieked. "You kept the news from me for four days?"

"Ranma wanted me to wait until Saturday!"

"I would have killed you if you told me then," Naoko snapped as she turned Sakura's hand from side to side. "How did he propose?"

"Popped the question over dinner."

"Where?"

"Cicerone."

"Ooh...nice."

Sakura giggled. "I know. Ranma said that the ring and the dinner probably cut him down a month's paycheck."

Naoko snorted. "More like a day. Even a Tiffany ring and dinner at one of Tokyo's most expensive restaurants wouldn't put a dent in your fiancé's salary. He's an investment banker. Going broke is not in their vocabulary."

"It's Cartier." Sakura laughed. "But should Ranma finance a bad venture one day, my new promotion should be able to cover our expenses."

"You got a promotion?"

Sakura beamed. "Vice-president of Tokyo Advertising. Can you believe it?"

"Of course I can." Naoko smiled. "Sakura you're just on a roll here! What other news?"

"I'm moving in with Ranma."

"Ooh...a townhouse in the Daikanyama district? Nice"

"It's gorgeous."

"Yeah, I'm jealous." Naoko leaned back in her seat and began to drum her fingers on the polished table surface. "Hm...Tsumori. Tsumori Sakura." She pretended to think. "I like it. Has a nice ring to it, you know?"

Sakura beamed. "I know, doesn't it?"

"Where are you planning to honeymoon?"

Sakura sighed and rested her chin on her handas she began to randomly trace the edges of her menu. "Well..." she began, "we were discussing this last night and we're thinking a wedding in the Caribbean would be nice and then honeymoon in Europe."

"Europe as a whole? Or a few particular countries?"

"England, France, Italy, and Greece, specifically."

"Good choices. I would love to spend a week in the Caribbean but with my schedule..." Naoko trailed off.

"I don't care how your schedule goes," Sakura replied lightly, "because you're the maid-of-honor!"

There was a slight thud as Naoko leaned forward and in the process, slammed into the table. "What?" she whispered. "Did you just ask me what I think you asked me?"

Sakura smiled. "If you thought I asked you to be my maid-of-honor, you're right."

Naoko started laughing gleefully. "Oh my god that is fantastic!" she squealed. Reaching over to take Sakura's hand in her own, Naoko said breathlessly, "Sakura, you're going to have the best damn wedding ever. I'll see to it myself." She smiled. "Who are you going to have design the wedding dress? Vera Wang? She's the absolute best in the business. She's Chinese-American and I've seen a couple of her designs-"

"No."

Naoko stopped and looked up at her friend. "What?"

"I said no." Sakura shook her head. "I've been looking at wedding magazines and one of them had this article on an up-and-coming designer here in Japan. The dresses she designs are gorgeous."

Naoko frowned. "I don't believe I've heard of any Japanese wedding dress designer...who is it?"

Sakura turned to her purse and pulled a magazine out. After flipping to the desired page, she set it in front of her friend and smiled.

"Tomoyo Daidouji."

This chapter is pretty short, but I promise they'll be longer! I'm desperately trying to write more and be more detailed so just bear with me.