Disclaimer: I do not own Itazura na Kiss or Card Captor Sakura
Chapter 6: Sakura and the Rival!
A now seventeen year old Sakura Kinomoto awoke with her hair in a mess of tangles. Stretching she trudged her way to the bathroom half asleep. She started at herself sleepily in the mirror. Same bold green eyes, same long, golden, honey blonde hair. She tried to stand a taller but slumped same height. Turning to the side she sighed as well. Same lithe frame… no curves.
Facing the mirror once more her eyes landed on her pink lips. This was the only thing that had changed with her birthday. She blushed recalling the night from a week ago.
She could still remember how he started down at her with those fiery amber eyes. "Forget? You're going to forget me?" She remembered how she had tried to be brave. She really had meant it when she said she was going to give move on. It could have been the trick of the light, but she swore she saw his eyes change as she said that. From confidence to fear? She wasn't sure.
"Oh will you?" he said before leaning down and capturing her lips.
Her cheeks heated up as she fumbled for her toothbrush. Shaking her head she tried to dispel the memory. But try as she might she kept replaying it in her head on repeat.
"Try to forget me now, "he said with that smirk of his.
She sighed in frustration, and slammed her toothbrush on the sink. How could she forget him after he goes and does something like that? It was like the guy was Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde half the time.
Once shefinished brushing her teeth she went back to her room to finish getting ready for first day of college. College! She could hardly believe it.
Pulling her hair back into a pony tail her eyes flitted over to a pretty hair comb. It was made out of jade with a pink cherry bosom stone on it.
She had awakened the day of her birthday the morning after the kiss to find it on her bedside table. At first, she thought it was from Yelan, but was surprised to see slanted handwriting that said:
Saw this and thought of you.
Happy Birth Ying Fa,
Xiao Lang
She had been confused about the Ying Fa part before Yelan set her straight. "Ying Fa? That's Chinese for cherry blossom."
Grinning like an idiot she had tried to find Syaoran to thank him, and maybe talk about their kiss when she couldn't him Yelan lamented, "He's at a tennis tournament all week I'm afraid."
She nodded sadly. It was only recently that she discovered that Syaoran was not only very skilled in soccer, a black belt in karate, but also the leading young tennis player in Japan. Where he found the time to do it all she had no idea.
Running her new comb through her hair she finished securing her ponytail. Leaping up she grabbed her bag, and headed downstairs. She had almost made it to the stairs when she noticed a hoodie hanging on Syaoran's bedroom door. Her cheeks heated up again thinking of the previous day when Syaoran had returned home.
She had spent the day with Tomoyo buying books they needed for their classes. They were crossing over the bridge at King Penguin Park when a kid accidently bumped into Tomoyo. Her books flew from her hands and one almost went into the small pond if it hadn't been for Sakura. Using her athleticness she had jumped over the railing, and saved the book in the knick of time, but not before falling into the pond herself.
She had returned home soak and wet. Upon seeing her Yelan immediately went into mother hen mode. Fetching Sakura hot tea, and demanded she change out of her wet clothes. "Oh but Sakura-chan, I didn't expect you home so early. I've been washing all your winter clothes. But here wear this," she said handing Sakura red and white hoodie with a team name 'Manchester United' on the front.
Sakura took the hoodie confused. "Isn't this Syaoran-kuns?"
Yelan tried to hide her giddiness, about the fact they were on first name basis. "Yes, but he hasn't worn it in years," she said waving her off. Shrugging, Sakura put on the hoodie, and was immediately enveloped in his scent of sandalwood.
It was sometime later when the front door opened, and Syaoran walked in. "I'm home!" he called removing his shoes. Seeming to search for her his eyes landed on Sakura, and they winded. "Where did you get that?!" he said indicating the hoodie.
"Sorry. Yelan-san said I could wear it… I was drenched from falling into a pond… I could take it off?" she began to ask, but he quickly shook his head.
"It's fine. You can wear it," he said averting his eyes nervously and making his way upstairs. Sakura stared at him confused.
At dinner that night it was only Yelan, Feimei, Sakura, and Syaoran. Fujitaka was working late at the university readying his lesson plan, and Leiyun was in South Korea for business. Suddenly, there was a sharp knock at the door.
"Who could that be?" Yelan questioned, patting her mouth with her napkin.
"Oto-san?" Sakura questioned.
"No.. He has a key. Xiao Lang, go see who's at the door," Yelan ordered.
Sighing, Syaoran stood up and made his way to the door. From the kitchen they could hear the door open, and then a very loud scream. "XIAO LANG!" followed by a grunting sound, and a body hitting the floor.
"What in the world?" Yelan said rising also and making her way to the front entrance. Sakura heard her say, "Xiao Lang are you- MEILIN?! What are you doing here?!"
"Jie Jie?!" Feimei said excitedly standing.
"Hoe?" Sakura said confused.
Finally around the corner came the most beautiful girl Sakura had ever seen. She was on the taller side with long, shapely legs. You could tell she was athletic, but unlike Sakura she had curves. Her jet black hair hung to her waist. She had the perfect china doll face that was a beautiful porcelain white. Her most striking characteristic, however, was her crimson eyes. Sakura became very aware of her frumpy attire. She quickly pulled her hair down, and ran her fingers through her hair.
"Meimei!" the girl squealed holding out her arms to Feimei. Sakura was shocked to see the usual placid Feimei run into he girls arms with the biggest smile. Once they were done hugging her crimson eyes fell on Sakura. "Oh? Who is this?"
For some reason Syaoran looked like he wanted to anywhere but there.
"This is Sakura Kinomoto. A close friend of the family," Yelan said through a forced smile.
"Ohhhh... I see," her eyes seemed to register the hoodie. The whole room seemed to burn black as a cloud of doom brewed over the visitor's head. "Why is she wearing the hoodie I got you Xiao Lang?" she said shooting him an accusing look.
"It was an accident she didn't know-"Syaoran tried to explain, but stopped as the girl shot him a death glare. Sakura had never seen Syaoran look more uncomfortable. Her heart sped up a little. This beautiful girl had got him a hoodie? What was their relationship?
Seeming to read her mind Meilin strode forward, and seemed to size up Sakura. She squirmed under her gaze, but stopped at seeing the girl's confident smirk. "I'm Meilin Li," she said extending her hand. "Syaoran's fiancée."
Sakura's mouth fell open in shock, and her heart plummeted. She didn't stick around to her them all bicker in Chinese.
Now standing on the landing Sakura stared at the hoodie. So he had a fiancée yet he still kissed her. Was their kiss just a game to him after all?
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The girls met each other at lunch time, and gossiped about their week break. Sakura had just seen Tomoyo the day before, but she hadn't seen Chiharu at all. She was surprised to see that her friend had done away with her signature pigtails, and instead had a very grown up haircut that ended at her chin.
"You look wonderful!" Sakura exclaimed.
"Thank you," Chiharu said blushing prettily.
Her hair wasn't the only new thing; however, her friend had decided to confess her feelings to her long time crush Takashi Yamazaki at graduation. They had now been dating for 1 week.
"Why are we hanging around by the science department?" Chiharu asked. Seeing Sakura's blush, Chiharu nodded, "Ah Li Kun?"
"I guess it's true you probably won't see him as often since you're in different departments, "Tomoyo added.
Suddenly, Sakura perked up at seeing Syaoran walk out of the science building. She thought he looked quite handsome in his blue button down, and tan pants. She went to wave enthusiastically at him but stopped at seeing Meilin walk out after him. Meilin looked very stylish in her dark jeans, red shirt, and black blazer. She ran up to Syaoran and snaked her arm through his. He seemed to look annoyed for a moment, but then let it happen.
"Who's that?!" Chiharu gasped.
"That's Meilin Li," Takashi said sliding up to Chiharu. He was in the science department as well. "She is known as the Peony of the science department."
"Li? But isn't that?" Tomoyo questioned.
Sakura nodded. Last night Yelan had pulled her aside and explained things.
"She's a distant cousin," she had hurriedly explained. "It's not what you think Sakura-chan. I'll let Xiao Lang explain things, but please don't let this change your feelings."
Now Sakura was more confused than ever. So were they engaged or weren't they?
He walked towards their group and stopped staring at Sakura. It almost seemed as if he was going to ask her a question before Meilin said:
"Syaoran! Let's go eat lunch. I packed a bento," she said holding up a 5 tier bento.
"No," was his deadpan response before walking away.
Sakura couldn't help it but she snickered. Finally, someone else to experience the cold shoulder.
Meilin's cat like crimson eyes narrowed on Sakura. Sakura stared back unafraid. She wasn't going to let this girl bully her.
A fake smile came over Meilin's face. "Syaoran told me why you were living with him. I've also heard form people you've have a crush on him for 4 years. I must say I admire your tenacity even going as far as to live with him," Sakura's mouth dropped open in indignation. "It's a pity he's already taken. But I hope we can be friends," she added smiling before running after him.
Her friends came up, and patted her on the back. "Why is Li-kun even bothering with her? I thought he didn't like dumb girls," Chiharu said glaring at Meilin's retreating back.
"Actually! She's not dumb," Takashi said speaking up. "She got the second highest entrance score, and turned down a scholarship to Oxford."
"So she's beautiful and smart," Chiharu whistled. "Looks like you got a rival Sakura."
"Why would someone give up Oxford for this school?" Tomoyo questioned looking at Sakura for an answer, but her friend just continued to stare at Syaoran's retreating back.
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Later that night everyone was present to celebrate Sakura and Syaoran's first day at the university. Fujitaka had volunteered to cook, and had made a spread of beautiful traditional Japanese cuisine.
Sakura smiled proudly at her father as he told everyone to dig in. He smiled at Sakura and said, "I have a surprise for you later," he said winking.
"Hoe?" Sakura questioned.
Leiyun stood up, and held his drink in a toast. "To Sakura and Syaoran- Congrats on your first day!"
"Here Here," everyone agreed clinking their glasses.
Yelan was getting ready to make a toast as well when the doorbell rang. "Oh? Who could that be?"
Fujitaka's eyes twinkled as he said, "Why don't you go see Sakura-chan?"
Sakura hopped up and ran to the front door. "Hai!" she called running to the door and opening it.
There at the door stood a tall young man with light blonde hair, and warm golden eyes. Her mouth dropped open in shock.
"Hello, Sakura-san," he greeted warmly.
"Julian?! Is that you?" Sakura gasped.
The boy smiled and nodded. Sakura had been friends with Julian since they were little. His mother was American, and his father was Japanese. He had left to go study in America 6 years ago.
"Are you going to invite me in?" he asked grinning.
Nodding slowly she stepped aside and showed him in. Fujitaka stood and warmly greeted him a hug. "Everyone! Allow me introduce Julian Sakamoto."
Julian politely bowed. "Nice to meet everyone."
"Yelan-san, Leiyun-san, please forgive my rudeness for inviting a guest without asking," Fujitaka began bowing to the couple. "But I wanted to keep it as a surprise for Sakura."
"Oh! Not at all," Yelan said waving him off. She eyed Julian warily sizing him up. He was quite good looking, tall, and seemed well educated. This could pose a problem. She thought eyes flitting back and forth between Sakura and Syaoran.
"Forgive my rudeness," Julian said producing a bottle of wine, and handing it Yelan. "You have a beautiful home," he complimented smiling.
Yelan couldn't help it. She melted under his gaze. After Yelan had recovered, and everyone sat back down, Fujitaka explained that Julian's family and his were close friends. He and Sakura had grown up together. For the past 6 years he had been studying in the states, but now he would be finishing his last year of college at Tokyo University being Fujitaka's Teacher Assistant.
"So you want to be an archeologist as well?" Leiyun asked.
"Yes," Julian answered politely. "I can only hope to be as great as Fujitaka-san someday."
"You flatter me," Fujitaka laughed.
The family laughed and talked with their new guest, and introductions were made. Sakura kept glancing over at Syaoran to see his reaction, but he was calmly eating his food not bothering to look up.
"So how did you come to live here?" Julian asked pleasantly.
Fujitaka explained about the earthquake, but Yelan piped up. "Yes very unfortunate, but meant to be it would seem," she said eyes gleaming mischievously. "For little did we know that Sakura-chan wrote a love letter to Xiao Lang!" Sakura choked on her food. "It would seem a higher purpose pulled them together."
"You wrote him a love letter?" Julian laughed throwing an arm over Sakura's shoulder. "Oh Sakura-san you never change."
Yelan didn't miss Xiao Lang's eyes narrow.
"Yes it would seem marriage is meant to happen," Yelan said clapping happily. Both Sakura and Syaoran choked this time.
"Marriage huh?" Julian questioned. "Well I'm sorry to say, but Sakura and I have a very special relationship," he said looking at Syaoran straight in the eyes. "We always said we would end up marrying one another."
Yelan gasped, and Fujitaka laughed. Blushing furiously Sakura ducked out of his arm. "We were five!" she protested.
"Besides!" Feimei said looking at her brother proudly "My brother doesn't want to marry her anyway. Right gege?" she said using the Chinese name for brother.
"I can't promise that," he said coolly patting his napkin on his mouth. "People change their minds. You might just tolerate someone one minute, but tomorrow you might," he said looking Julian straight in the eyes as well. "Love them."
"So you do love Sakura?!" Yelan gasped happily. Sakura's mouth fell open.
"I'm not sure about that," he said standing up. He bowed to his family and then turned to Julian. "Enjoy your stay," he said before leaving.
Sakura was aware that conversation was going on around her, but all she could hear was his words on repeat. What did his words mean? Did that mean that he did love her? What about Meilin? Why was life so confusing?
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Later that night Sakura lay on her bed, and thought about the day's events. "Ne, Kero-chan," she said addressing her favorite stuffed animal. "Julian is back. Do you remember him?" she asked. "It's good to have a familiar face back. Ohhhhh why did he have to bring up that we promised to marry each other," she said clutching him to her chest. "But!" she said sitting up. "Syaoran is the one that is engaged so why is he going around and saying it's possible to love someone. Kero! Why is he so confusing?!" she said beseeching to the yellow animal. He stared back at her with black beady eyes almost seeming to try to understand her.
"Talking to stuffed animals now?" a voice came from the door. Sakura blushed heatedly seeing Syaoran lean up against her door with wet hair fresh from the shower. She tried not to get over powered from his fresh, clean scent. He smirked seeing her blush. "The shower is yours," he said before making his way to leave.
"Wait! Syaoran-kun!" she said quickly before he left.
"What?" he asked leaning back up against the door frame.
"Ano…" she began nervously standing. "What's your real relationship with you and Meilin?"
"Meilin? Why bring her up all of a sudden. Are you jealous?" he asked teasing her.
"What?! No-"
"I thought you were going to forget about me. Ah… But we did kiss," he said walking towards her grinning. Her cheeks flushed at him bringing up their kiss for the first time. Before she knew it he was only a step away from her. Gulping she looked anywhere but his face. "So now you can't forget about me right?" he asked leaning in closer.
Her heart sped into over drive, and she couldn't help but to stare at his lips. Was this going to be their second kiss? Suddenly he laughed at seeing her expression, and pulled away. She huffed in frustration watching him walk out of the room. He seemed to stop for a moment, and it looked like he wanted to ask her something but then he changed his mind at the last minute. Watching him leave she thought sadly to herself well that confirmed it. He really doesn't care that we kissed. It was a game.
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Over the next couple of days Sakura despaired over not being able to see Syaoran as much. Between her studies and his she felt like she had little to no time to see him.
"Why don't you join a club? Get your mind off of things?" Tomoyo offered at lunch. "You loved cheerleading in middle school. Or gymnastics?"
"We're always looking for another person," Chiharu piped up. She had just joined the cheerleading club last week.
Sakura nodded considering. Joining a club didn't sound like a bad idea, but which club should she join? They were lucky in the fact that their school offered multiple clubs. She did love cheerleading, but she had never been good at baton twirling. Gymnastics was also very fun, but it was very hard on her health. She sighed sadly, but then perked at seeing Syaoran walk into the cafeteria.
He looked quite handsome in a simple, light black sweater and dark jeans. He had just entered into the food line when he was accosted by a boy Sakura had never seen before. He looked to be a couple years older than them, and had very flamboyant style. He wore his bleached blonde hair spiked, and his ears were adorned with a multitude of earrings. Punk seemed to be his style choice, and he paired off his look by wearing dark sunglasses while indoors.
He grinned at Syaoran and seemed to be begging him about something. Syaoran visibly sighed, and tried to step around him. However, the boy was quicker and got in his way again talking with Syaoran animatedly.
"Who's that?" Sakura found herself asking in wonder.
"That's Mikai Mizuki or Kai for short," Takashi said setting his tray down beside Chiharu.
"How do you know everybody?" Chiharu asked in awe.
"Oh my dear. I know all and see all," he said laughing. "Did you guys know that being psychic is actually a genetic mutation? It was first presented in monkeys. They found out only certain monkey's were able to tell when banana's would ripe before they were-"he was cut off with Chiharu hitting him with her spoon.
"Stop telling lies," she chided.
"Anyway," Takashi continued. "Kai is the president of the tennis club."
"Tennis club? Sakura-chan you don't think Li-kun?" Tomoyo questioned.
Sakura nodded. It would make sense that Syaoran would be approached to join the tennis club. He had already been approached by the karate and soccer clubs to no avail. Finally it seemed like Syaoran gave in and nodded. The boy whopped loudly, and boldly hugged Syaoran. The latter protested and tried to throw the spiky hair boy off.
"Sakura-chan, how about you join the tennis club with Li-kun?" Tomoyo said excitedly. Thinking about Sakura in cute little tennis outfits and holding a racquet.
"Probably not a bad idea," Chiharu agreed. "And you would be away from that awful girl Meilin."
Sakura nodded happily. That settled it. She would join the tennis club. She was athletic so how hard could it be?
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Syaoran sat and waited for Tennis club to begin. He really didn't know how Kai-kun talked him into it. He had secretly hoped to just relax his freshman year, and maybe join a club next year. However, Kai had made him an offer he couldn't resist.
Finally Kai made his entrance. He wore black and red tennis outfit, and his racquet was black with flames on it. Syaoran shook his head slowly.
"Welcome! Welcome to the first meeting of Hitsubashi's Tennis Club. I'm your club president Kai Mizuki," he said smiling to the group. Turning, he looked behind him towards the door and said, "Are you going to come in?"
Syaoran wondered who he was talking to when there through the door walked Sakura. She smiled and waved to everyone, and was dressed in a pink and white tennis outfit. He had to grin and shake his head. He should have expected this. Her eyes locked onto his, and she waved enthusiastically.
A throat cleared behind him, and before he knew it Meilin snaked her arm through his. He sighed of course she would follow him to Tennis club. Meilin had joined every sport he had ever been in since Elementary school. Sparks seemed to fly between the two girls as Sakura took her seat.
Kai coughed loudly. "So anyway! This year should be very exciting. As you can see we have a couple of new faces. Please stand Syaoran-kun," Syaoran stood and bowed to the group. All the girls visibly swooned. He did look quite dashing in his green tennis outfit that complimented his toned physique. "Syaoran-kun is the leading young tennis player in all of Japan. Just recently he won first place in the Japan regional championship." Everyone clapped enthusiastically. Kai had known Syaoran for years through tennis so they were on first name basis begrudgingly from Syaoran.
"I look forward to playing with you all," he said bowing again, and taking his seat.
Kai seemed to visibly fidget, and he had to clear his throat twice before saying, "Also we have M-Meilin Li," Meilin stood gracefully and bowed to the group. Her beautiful jet black hair was tied back into a simple pony tail, and her red tennis outfit complimented her milky white skin.
Sakura tried not to make a face at her. So she followed Syaoran to tennis club too? Could she not escape this girl? She then had to remind herself that she too had followed Syaoran to tennis club. Well… she tried to tell herself at least she probably hadn't played either.
"Meilin Li is an extremely accomplished tennis player from China. She is in the running to compete for China in the Olympics. And she has also won multiple rewards. Everyone please welcome her," everyone clapped loudly as Meilin bowed prettily.
Sakura's jaw dropped. Olympics?! Hoeeeeeeeeee…
"And finally we have… I'm sorry what was your name again?" Kai asked staring at Sakura.
"Oh! Sakura Kinomoto," she said standing abruptly, and tipping over her hair. She laughed nervously to the group, and went to pick her chair back up.
"Ah! Yes! Kinomoto-san. And have you played tennis before?" Sakura gulped tensing and timidly shook her head. She saw Meilin smirk, and shake her head. "Ah well that's okay! We welcome everybody!" Kai said good naturedly.
After all the introductions were made; everyone made their way onto the tennis courts to practice. Kai announced that for today they would just do an assessment of everyone's ability by facing him one on one.
Sakura smiled and swung her new racquet around. She had called Yelan after lunch, and told her the idea of her joining tennis club. Yelan had responded eagerly, and had gone out and bought Sakura all the tennis necessities that day.
"I wouldn't be so excited if I were you," came a teasing voice from behind her. Looking around she saw Syaoran smirking down at her.
"Why? It's always fun to learn something new, and Mizuki-kun seems nice," Sakura added watching Kai walk towards his gym bag.
"He seems nice now, but just wait," Syaoran said crossing his arms. "I've played him before. He's known as the deadly magician. He takes people out with brute force, and cunning techniques."
Sakura stared at Mizuki-kun in wonder. When his hand touched his racquet his whole demeanor seemed to change. With a flourish he held out his racquet, and singled out another freshman girl. "You! On the court!" The girl visibly tensed and marched forward.
What followed next was just awful to watch. Kai took out every opponent that faced him. He seemed to be able to read people, and knew exactly how to take them out. Whether it was using brute force or knowing exactly what their weak spot was.
Some of the girls couldn't help but to swoon though. "I've heard he's excellent at archery too."
He looked around and his eyes landed on Meilin. He seemed to gulp before saying, "Okay Li-san your turn."
Meilin tossed her hair before walking onto the court. She looked confident and beautiful as she took her mark. Everyone watched in a hush. No one had been able to score on Mizuki-kun yet.
Kai seemed nervous as he threw up the ball to serve. Everyone waited for his power house serve, but instead came a gentle serve right to Meilin. She hit the ball with ease, and she easily scored a point against him. She huffed and glared at him. "Don't go easy on me Mizuki!"
"I'm sorry," he said before bouncing another ball, and this time serving it with all his might. Everyone was shocked when Meilin shot out and was able to hit the ball and score. The crowed whopped and hollered as she made her way back to the crowd smiling proudly.
Sakura swore she saw Mizuki-kun blushing. But he glared at seeing her give Syaoran a big hug. Syaoran sighed and tried to push her off. Pointing his racquet at Syaoran he said in a deadly tone, "Your turn."
Syaoran strode forward almost bored, and took his stance. The wind whipped back his chestnut bangs, and his amber eyes stared at Kai waiting. The deadly magician whipped off his sunglasses, and gripped his racquet forcefully. "I've been waiting for this for a long time Syaoran."
Syaoran just smirked back at him and awaited his serve. Kai yelled loudly and served the ball. Everyone expected him to use the power serve, but were surprised when instead he went with tact. The ball curved left. However, the spiky hair boy was in shock when Syaoran served the ball back easily.
He seethed seeing him return back to all his admires. Sakura shook seeing a deadly cloud start to loom over Kai Mizuki's head. His knuckles turned white as they gripped his racquet. Looking around she suddenly realized she would be the last to go against him.
"Hoeeeee," she said trying to hide behind a taller junior.
"SAKURA KINOMOTO!" Kai yelled.
Sakura quivered, and tried to disappear. Meilin, however, wouldn't let her hide and pushed her forward. "Have fun!" she called.
Knees wobbling she made her way onto the court. She gulped and clutched her racquet. She tried to calm her nerves, but Kai looked too much like a hell bent ghost. Taking the same stance she saw everyone else taking she held her racquet.
Syaoran looked back and forth between the two. It hardly seemed like a fair match, and it was obvious Sakura was scared. "Maybe I should have lost," he heard himself saying.
Meilin looked at him in shock. "Lose? Why?"
"Well look at him," he said pointing to the tennis demon. "He looks like he's going to murder her."
"So?" Meilin said shrugging. "Teach her to get in our way."
"I don't want to see her get hurt," he said almost to himself, but Meilin had caught it. She stared at him for a moment longer in silence before moving her eyes back to the match.
Kai yelled and served the ball with so much force that if the match were an anime the ball would have flames behind it. "HOEEEEEEE," Sakura screamed, and held her racquet up in front of her in a panic. The ball hit her racquet, and consequently knocked into her head. She saw stars for a moment before hitting the pavement.
Everyone rushed up to her in fear, and asked if she was okay. Seeing that she was okay Syaoran couldn't help to laugh. "C'mon Sakura. I'll take you to the nurse," he said helping her up.
"Okay Kero-chan," she said in a dazed voice.
Meilin watched them walk away with a sinking feeling in her chest. He had called the girl Sakura.
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The next day Sakura showed up for practice as scheduled with a new determination. There was no way she was going to be a quitter. Her father taught her to not quit anything in whole life.
When Kai Mizuki saw her approaching with a racquet he laughed. "Might as well put that away," he said indicating her racquet. "Today you're just doing muscle training."
Kai presided over the group in a rigorous muscle training session. They had to do 200 squats, 100 sit ups, 50 lunges, and plank for 10 minutes. She was determined to show them all that she was indeed athletic. However, as practice went on she never noticed Syaoran or Meilin anywhere.
That was until a ball soared out of nowhere, and hit her in her already sore nose. "Oh sorry about that Sakura-chan!" Meilin said apologizing running over. "It is okay if I call you Sakura-chan right? Hard at work I see."
Sakura rubbed her nose, and peered up at Meilin. She then looked over the girls' shoulder and noticed she had come from the courts. "Why are you allowed on the courts?!" she asked in indignation.
"Oh didn't you know? If you had scored yesterday you automatically qualified to be on the court. Too bad you couldn't score," she said with a sickingly sweet smile.
Sakura stood and dusted off the back of skirt. Peering excitedly over Meilin's shoulder she searched eagerly for Syaoran. As if reading her mind Meilin smirked and said, "Looking for Syaoran-kun?" Sakura nodded and continued to look. "Oh but do you not know? That was his terms for signing with the club. He doesn't have to come to practice, and he can choose which games to play." Sakura's heart plummeted. So she wouldn't get to spend time with him. "I would think that by living with him you would know him better than that. I guess you're not as close as I thought after all," she said smiling before waltzing back to the court.
Sakura' shoulder slumped. Maybe she was right. Perhaps she and Syaoran had grown apart.
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Even being as athletic as she was even her muscles were screaming at her by the time she left practice late that afternoon.
"Who's he?" she heard a girl giggle from beside her.
"He's so good looking. Is he American?" another one asked.
"I wonder who he's waiting for."
"Sakura-chan!" a voice called. Sakura looked up to see Julian waiting at the gate for her. He smiled and waved his hand. Forgetting her sore muscles she raised her arm to wave back quickly, but brought it down a second later in pain. He frowned and ran up to her. "Are you okay?" he asked concerned.
"Yes. Sorry I just have sore muscles. Why are you here?" She asked happily smiling up at her friend. He had grown so tall since she last saw him.
"Your father wants to speak with you. I volunteered to escort you to him," he said smiling taking her bags for her. She tried to protest, but he ignored her. "You look like you could use some ice cream. Want to get some on our way? My treat."
She smiled gratefully at him, and followed him out of the gate.
Syaoran emerged from behind the wall he was hiding behind; no not hiding behind he was just resting there for a moment. He frowned watching their retreating backs. His frowned deepened watching Sakura smile so happily. Had she ever smiled at him like that? So carefree?
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She loved visiting Tokyo University most especially in the spring. She had fond memories of when her father would have to work late at the university, and she would help either put books away or categorize materials. When the work was done they would head home together under the shadows of the Cherry Blossom trees. He would tell her loving stories about her mother, and she would rest her head on his arm.
Walking with Julian she couldn't help but to have those same feeling stir. Looking at his profile she was reminded just how much he reminded her of her father. That was partly the reason why she had liked him when they were younger. He was gentle and good at everything just like her dad. Also being around him was easy. It was like they were puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together. Whereas with Syaoran she felt like she was constantly trying to get their puzzle pieces to match. It seemed they would fit one moment, but then the next she would double guess herself.
Seeing the cherry blossoms float down Sakura reached her hand out and let them fall upon her hand. Julian watched her with warm eyes. "So when did you start to like Li-kun?" he found himself asking.
"Hoe?" Sakura asked tilting her head. Seeing his serious expression she thought about it for a moment. "It was my freshman year of high school. I bumped into him by accident. I guess you can say it was love at first sight," she said blushing.
He nodded slowly. "So a year after I left," he concluded.
Sakura nodded remembering. She had been so crushed when Julian left. He was so much older and cooler than her that she thought she didn't have a chance. But her feelings for Syaoran were a lot different from her feelings for Julian. Syaoran made her feel all sorts of emotions like anger, resentment, jealousy, happiness, nervousness, and love.
"Do you think you could ever love anyone else?" she heard him ask from a far off place. She looked at him questionably. "Maybe if I become a world renowned archeologist… could you love me then?" he asked.
Her heart sped up. Was this a confession? She decided he was just teasing her. Laughing she pushed him playfully. "Stop being so serious," she chided. "I'll race you in!" she said gleefully taking off towards the building her father worked in.
Julian watched her run off with a sad smile.
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Her father had got them take out, and Sakura ate it gratefully as he continued sat down in front of her. He watched his daughter and frowned at the red mark on her face.
"So why are you playing tennis?" he asked carefully. "I would think you would have joined the cheerleading or gymnastics' club. Is it because of Syaoran?"
Sakura laughed and popped another fried shrimp into her mouth. "Why the sudden interest?"
"No reason," he said shifting in his seat. "I've heard Meilin is also in this club?"
Sakura nodded sadly. Fujitaka was a quiet man, but he was also very shrewd. He could tell things were not progressing between his daughter and Leiyun's son. He too had hoped for them to have feelings for each other, but now with Meilin in the picture it didn't seem like it was going to happen. Also he wasn't particularly fond of the way Syaoran acted towards her sometimes. He tried to stay good natured about it, but sometimes it did bother him. Leiyun had apologized countless times, and Yelan tried to explain that Syaoran just didn't know how to express his feelings.
"So Sakura-san I've been thinking," he began. "We've lived with the Li's for quite awhile now. And I think we've lived off of their generosity for far too long." Sakura's heart sped up. "And I think now especially with Meilin in the picture that it would be best for us to move out." Sakura dropped her chopstick. "I know Yelan-san and Leiyun-san adore you, but I think it would do you good to distance yourself from Syaoran. So let's go back to living with just the two of us. What do you say?"
Sakura stared at her father in silence. She could see that he only wanted the best for her, and that he was just looking out for her feelings. Putting on a bright cheerful smile she said, "Sounds great Oto-san!"
Fighting back tears she made the long walk to the subway station. Her father's voiced echoed in her head. "Please consider my feelings as well. I hate to see you get hurt Sakura. I found us a nice place to live, and it's close to school for you."
Coming to a complete stop she let her bag fall off her shoulder. If they moved out now she would no longer have any connection to Syaoran. They would go back to being classmates, and she would have to go back to admiring him from afar.
"What are you doing?" came a voice from behind her.
Sakura turned and gasped. "Syaoran-kun?! What are you doing here?"
He avoided her eyes and kept walking not answering her question. She quickly picked up her bag and scurried after him. It did seem odd that he would be in this part of Tokyo.
"How about you? Kind of late for little girls to be out," he said teasing pulling on her braid.
She made a face at him but answered, "I was visiting my father at the university."
Again he avoided her eyes, and adjusted his bag. "Was that guy there?" he asked after awhile.
"Julian? He walked me there, but didn't stay for dinner. His grandparent's still live in the neighborhood so he helps out at their shrine in the evenings." She said fondly.
He cleared his throat. "You seem rather fond of him."
"Well we grew up together," she said shrugging.
"Did you ever like him?" he found himself asking before he could stop it. Why did he care?
The blush that hinted her cheeks said all however. Before she could answer him he quickly cut her off. "Never mind," he said gruffly.
She blinked him questionably. What was with his change in mood? Letting it brush off she told him her big news. "Oto-san wants us to move out," she began. "He said he's found us a place to live."
Syaoran came to a halt and turned towards her. "What?"
"Can you believe it's been so long since we've moved in?" she said laughing. "He feels like we've imposed long enough."
His heart seemed to sink a little. Tightening his hold on his bag he said, "So you're moving out?"
Her light demeanor faded. Looking up at him with her large emerald eyes she asked him seriously. "Will you miss us?" Will you miss me? She asked in her head.
Staring down at her he got lost in her eyes for a moment. The traffic lights in the background made her golden hair light up making it look like a halo around her face. Would he miss her? He didn't know quite how to word what he was thinking so instead he said, "Well I guess everything will return to normal now." Scared he would say more he quickly walked away.
Again, she found herself staring at his retreating back. He really wouldn't miss her? After all they had been through? Maybe her father was right putting some distance between them might be a good thing. "I wish I knew how you felt Syaoran-kun," she whispered into the night.
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Author's Note: Hello everyone! Sorry for the delay of this chapter. This was the first chapter that I didn't have written out before hand. Also with this one I tried to add in a lot more CCS into the story. So Yes Meilin is the rival. Before I get lots of flames let me explain. I adore Meilin. She is one of my favorite characters so it was really hard for me to write her in such a way. I went back and watched the episode where Meilin first makes her appearance and it sealed the deal for me. I knew she had to be the "rival". However, don't worry; I have great plans for our dear Meilin. Also, Julian emerges and yes he is our "Kin-chan". I tried to make him both like Yukito and Kin-chan. So let me know what ya'll think! I love to hear from everyone how they like the story so far.
ALSO! Please note that the character Kai Mizuki is not mine. I've borrowed him from a story called: The New Trials of Card Captor Sakura and Friends by Wish-chan. (He's known as Kai Tanaka in hers). If any of you have read the story you will see why I've borrowed him in the future. I'll explain more when that time comes, but for right now just know that he is not mine.
Please review!