Chapter 9 University Fair

So much to do and so little time was given to all of them. Little did everyone know, Sakura welcomed it a little bit. It was her way of trying to forget her frustration, pain and especially guilt for trying to avoid Shaoran. She had tried to act as normal as possible but she knew that there will come a time when people would start noticing, especially Shaoran. So far, it was going well. There hadn't been much encounters lately after the stairway incident. She rarely found herself alone, which was a relief as well. She didn't want to face him just yet by herself.

Working with the senior class officers, the student council was able to organize and prepare all necessary things that would be needed for the university fair. It was definitely a race against time for all of them. Since club activities were starting again, they needed all the man power they could get.

All the student council members had their specific club activities. Ryu and Kenishiro were both part of the basketball club. Shiho was part of the swimming team. Sakura was part of the cheerleading team. Aside from that, there were senior students too who were involved with sports or some sort of club. Shaoran was one of them. He was part of the kendo club and debate team. It was a juggling act that they endured for less than a week.

Friday came. It was the last day of preparations. Only the final touches were needed. All was left to do was give out final instructions. All senior class officers were present. While they took their sheets, Shiho handed a blank attendance sheet to Sakura while she took out another one to pass to the officers who were there so that they could sign in for the meeting. Before Ryu started, Sakura already told him that she was going to have the attendance sheet photocopied for the fair.

Ryu gave her a nod as she quietly left the room. Ryu then called the room in order so that they could start and finish early. He knew that there were a lot of them who would be scrambling to get to their respective clubs afterwards so he was determined to keep it short.

After a few minutes, Sakura returned and entered the room silently. She then walked up to Ryu and whispered to him that the Principal was on his way to meet with everyone. Ryu looked at her and nodded. Sakura nodded in acknowledgement before she walked towards Kenishiro so that they could arrange the attendance sheets into the different folders allotted for each of the senior class.

Shaoran had watched Sakura enter and exchange a few words with Ryu. He didn't seem to see something going on more than usual. It was more to him like professional work. But that was Sakura for you. She never let her personal matters interfere with her responsibilities in school, especially student council affairs. They were both very professional at that moment. Ryu knew that Shaoran was looking but chose not to act or acknowledge it. He didn't see the need to.

Ryu continued on giving the final instructions. And as if on cue, the moment Ryu finished was the moment the Principal arrived and entered the room. Everyone stood and bowed to give him due respect. They sat back down while Shiho then continued to do her minutes of the meeting and Sakura and Kenishiro were doing the filing.

"I won't keep this long. You all know that this is a very important event as it will be the stepping stone to your future. You have all been advised by your homeroom teachers about it and I am not about to repeat what they have said because I know that is what you have been hearing these past weeks. I will however say this to all of you. Do not take this opportunity for granted. Choose your university wisely based on their specialty courses." The Principal said.

All were silent. They said nothing as they just listened to every word that was being said. "Tomorrow, I know that you are all class officers, and that goes to Watanabe-kun and Uchiha-kun. You are all officers but tomorrow I would like you all to be just senior students looking for potential universities. I know that you will have your specific duties so that tomorrow and next Saturday's event will run smoothly. But as much as possible, I would like all of you to just be senior students because it is only less than a year before you graduate and next month will be the start of entrance examinations. I would like you all to take this opportunity to think about your futures well." The Principal continued on to say.

Ryu and Kenishiro were surprised with the sudden words. All of the senior officers were just as surprised. The Principal then turned to Sakura and Shiho, "Kinomoto-chan. Morimoto-chan. It might be too much to ask but I will expect that you both take the lead tomorrow and next Saturday. As non-graduating student officers, you must take it upon yourselves that everything is running smoothly so that Watanabe-kun, Uchiha-kun and all the officers here can concentrate more on their career and university choices. Can I expect that from you?"

"Yes, Yamaguchi-sensei. We both understand the importance of the event and will be happy to oversee that everything is running smoothly in behalf of Ryu-san, Kenishiro-san and all the officers here." Sakura answered without a doubt in her mind which was evident in her voice.

Shiho stood and gave a nod. "We will do our best, Yamaguchi-sensei. You have our word." Shiho said as she and Sakura gave him a bow.

When the Principal seemed satisfied, he smiled at them and left the room. Ryu then said, "Alright then. Sakura, Kenishiro, if you please."

Sakura and Kenishiro then took the folders and went to stand beside Ryu. "These folders have been labeled per section. It contains your class' attendance sheet for tomorrow and next Saturday." Sakura started.

Kenishiro then went on to say, "Attendance will be checked in the morning, before lunch, after lunch and 3 o'clock in the afternoon. So all in all, there are 8 sheets in each folder. After the time for attendance has elapsed, we are required by Yamaguchi-sensei to pass the folders to him to be signed and checked before the next attendance period. For those who will come in late or plan to ditch school, it will be noted by the student council and will be marked absent or tardy. No one can sign in for anyone as our advisers have explained. It will be countersigned by either Sakura or Shiho and a faculty member that will be assigned on that hour."

"As we all know, this is very important and these are orders direct from the Principal. When we learned about it, all of us shared the sentiment that it is a little too strict but we cannot do anything about it. We tried to talk with Yamaguchi-sensei but he just showed us this form from the Department of Education. It seems that it is written in our law. So please advise your fellow classmates, if you hear something like they plan on skipping tomorrow or taking tomorrow for granted, tell them that this is serious business and appropriate action will be taken for any wrong doings." Ryu said.

"If you don't have any questions, this meeting is adjourned." Ryu said as he turned to Sakura who was fixing all the folders as Kenishiro handed them to her. He also turned to Shiho. "Are you guys ok with it? I mean, it will be hard work taking on most of the responsibility." Ryu said.

Sakura smiled at him and replied, "It's nothing. It simply means we have to work extra hard that's all. Besides, you heard what Yamaguchi-sensei said. He wants all of you to think about your futures. Shiho and I share the same feeling about it."

"Yeah, Sakura-sempai is right. We can handle it. The question really is if you can lay low and let us do our jobs being workaholic and all?" Shiho joked. Sakura laughed. Ryu grinned.

"Well anyway, if there are problems, do tell us. It's not like we don't know how to multitask too. I don't know about Ryu but more or less I'm already set for college. I've made up my mind and all. I'll just put it to the test tomorrow and see if it really is the right choice." Kenishiro commented as he got his bag.

Ryu smirked as he got his bag too. Sakura placed the folders in her bag and told Shiho, "I'll be here at 7. I'll meet you at the entrance booth." Shiho nodded.

"We will be around that time too to check that you two are alright." Ryu commented.

Sakura smiled as they were walking towards the door. Shaoran was there waiting for her. She was surprised but chose not to show it. He then pulled her aside to talk to her for a while.

"Hey! Shaoran! You could have been a little more rough." She said sarcastically.

Shiho, Ryu and Kenishiro looked at each other but didn't move or say anything. "Sorry. But listen be careful." He said. Sakura didn't seem to understand what he was talking about.

"Huh? Be careful with what?" She asked.

"Just be careful who you give your heart to, ok? With how things are going I might not be always there to protect you." Shaoran said. Sakura seemed stunned. Shaoran then took out a small box tied with pink and blue ribbons from his pocket and gave it to her.

Sakura looked at it and then at him. He insisted that she should get it. Sakura took it apprehensively then looked back at him. "What? You never were apprehensive in accepting a simple gift before." Shaoran commented as he grinned at her.

Sakura smiled at little. "Yeah well that's because things weren't that complicated back then. Well anyway, thanks. You should be going, kendo right? I should be heading to cheer practice too. And I really don't want to get Rika all jealous or something." Sakura answered.

Shaoran grinned and nodded. "Happy birthday, Sakura." He then unexpectedly kissed her on the forehead. He then smiled at her "Take it easy. See you around tomorrow." Shaoran said before he made his way towards kendo. Ryu, Kenishiro and Shiho then joined her.

"It's your birthday? Why didn't you say anything?" Shiho said.

Sakura smiled. "No. It's not my birthday yet." Sakura replied as she placed Shaoran's gift inside her bag.

"It's your birthday tomorrow, right?" Ryu said as he smiled at her. Sakura nodded.

"But it seems something more is brewing in the air. It seems that there a lot of guys taken in by you and are vying for your attention." Kenishiro commented.

"Don't be stupid. Let's not even go there." Sakura said as she tried hard not to blush.

Shiho then intertwined her arm on Sakura's and said, "Please, please, please, Sakura-sempai. Please you've got to tell me your secret. You have a lot of the school boys googling and wanting to be your boy friend. And Watanabe-san and Li-san are also working out on trying to get you even if Li-san already has a girl friend, he still is sweeter towards you and…and…that Shinzo look-alike guy…what's his name? Eriol? Hiiragizawa Eriol? That's it! Please, Sakura-sempai. And then I heard some of the senior girls talking that last year, you have that guy…your brother's best friend…well, actually they say that you still see him a lot and – oh! You're so lucky!"

"Shiho, you better learn not to listen to rumors. Shaoran is my best friend. We've known each other since we were practically in diapers, naturally he seems to be sweeter as you say towards me. He views me as his sister, not more and nothing less. As for Eriol, leave the guy alone. It's enough that he's being associated to Shinzo and because of that he's a having a little trouble fitting in. As for other guys, please. Don't start justifying rumors. And as for Ryu-san, we're just friends." Sakura said as she smiled at her.

"Well I'm hoping not for long." Ryu commented as he smiled at Sakura.

She turned to him and smiled a little, "Haha! Funny. I'm taking that as my cue. This is my stop you guys. See you tomorrow. Bye." Sakura then started to run to her fellow cheerleaders. They were warming up. She knew she was late. They watched her for a while.

"Well, I'm going too. I'm sure I'm going to hear it from coach. Bye guys." Shiho said as she dashed off to the swimming pool.

"Are you seriously going to court Sakura?" Kenishiro asked as he and Ryu walked towards the locker room to change for basket ball practice.

"You seem against it." Ryu answered.

"No. It's not that but do you really want to go head-to-head with Li Shaoran or Kinomoto Touya or even Tsukishiro Yukito? I mean, if you hurt her, damn." Kenishiro said.

Ryu smirked and replied, "If that's what it takes to protect her, I don't mind standing in the line of fire."

Kenishiro seemed surprised. It seemed that Ryu hadn't realized the full extent of what he was saying. Perhaps he hadn't realized it much that he was in love with her. "Protect her?" Kenishiro asked.

Ryu smirked and closed his locker and looked at Kenishiro. "I've seen it in her eyes, the pain she tries so hard to hide. For a split second, I saw it. She is a close friend of mine as she is yours. She is our vice president. You said it yourself a couple of nights ago that we are here to protect her. This is the only was I know how."

Kenishiro grinned. "Well if you are sure, by all means go for it, man. I'm not blind as to not see what you see in her." Ryu smirked as they went to practice.

That night, after cheerleading and figure skating, Sakura went home. She had met up with Yukito as they walked towards the Kinomoto residence. "So, Sakura, what do you want for your birthday?" Yukito asked.

Sakura laughed as she looked at him and replied, "If you can make everything go back to normal, that would be really great." Yukito smirked and then started to laugh with Sakura.

"You have a lot of problems it seems." Yukito commented.

"Not really. The usual stuff and not so usual stuff. Complicated but I'm not really complaining." Sakura answered, still laughing.

Yukito could only guess the full extent of her problems but it seemed that she wasn't bothered about it much, which was good. It was typical Sakura. Though he had to wonder why he hadn't seen her with Shaoran lately. He decided not to ask.

"But really, any wishes for tomorrow?" Yukito asked.

Sakura smiled at him and said, "I appreciate the thought, Yukito-san. But I'm not really asking for anything. Tomorrow is the seniors' university fair so I'll be in school most of the day. I guess I just want a quiet hang-out thing tomorrow and catch up a few zzz at it. I know it's boring but I've just had been working a lot lately and I'm exhausted."

Yukito smiled at her. He then placed a reassuring arm around her shoulder and said, "If that is what you want, well we can't do anything about it. But here, take this."

Yukito then handed her a parcel. "What's this?" Sakura asked.

He smiled at her and replied, "Open it." They stopped walking and Yukito let her go as she opened the parcel. There was an ID inside. Sakura knew what it was. It was an ID for the French embassy who was looking for an apprentice for a while. There was a program that was being offered for students to become an apprentice.

"Yukito-san…this is…" Sakura said, still couldn't quite get over the shock.

Yukito smiled at her and said, "I know that you want to be a diplomat or an ambassador when you finish school. I thought that you could start here."

Sakura looked at him and hugged him. "Thank you so much, Yukito-san. Thank you. I think this is the best. I can't thank you enough."

Yukito looked at her and smiled again. "It's nothing. This is your dream, Sakura. You know that I will always back you up."

"But how did you…I mean…it's hard getting into the program…how…don't tell me that the reason why you haven't been around lately is that…" Yukito smiled again. "Oh Yukito-san…I don't know what to say…"

"Just do your best, Sakura. I know I don't need to tell you that because you always apply the best of yourself when it comes to your responsibilities and dreams. This summer you are going to enter and it will be hard but it will be a learning experience for you. You have been down lately so I thought this is the best way to cheer you up."

Ssakura smiled and said, "Really Yukito-san this is the nicest, most wonderful thing anyone has ever given me for my birthday. Thanks you so much."

Yukito grinned and offered his hand to her, "Come on. Touya might be wondering why you aren't home yet. I have no doubt that you will do great. The people in the French embassy were really impressed to. I didn't have to do much persuasion. They accepted you right away." Sakura blushed as she took his hand and she allowed him to lead her.

After saying goodnight to Touya and Yukito, Sakura headed to her room. As she laid in bed, she remembered that Shaoran had given her a gift that afternoon. She got her bag and looked for the box she left there. When she got it, she undid the ribbon and laid it at her bedside. She then opened the box. She was surprised when she saw a note inside.

When she took out the paper, she was astounded when she saw what he had given her. She sat up and took out a beautiful hair pin. It was adorned with white roses and small diamonds. They had seen it in the store a couple of months back. He saw her looking at it and she told him that she wondered who could wear something like that. He had told her that she could and it would certainly look stunning if she wore it.

Sakura opened the note and it read, 'we haven't been hanging around lately and I somehow feel that we are drifting apart. No matter what happens, you are my best friend and I will be here for you. I also heard that you have a lot of suitors now. Just tell me if any of them breaks your heart and I'll do the rest. But anyway, happy birthday my dearest, Sakura. Wear it with dignity. I told you once that you are the only person who could wear something like this. You are beautiful inside and out so even if you don't need this anymore, I'm still giving it because you deserve nothing less than the most beautiful things in this world. – Shaoran' Sakura couldn't help but smile. Oh, Shaoran…

(to be continued…)

Somehow it may be a little dragging and stale but if you stick around, you'll understand why things are turning out the way they are. Thanks to those who have sent in their reviews and have read up to this chapter. I hope that you continue to journey with me. Please do review. Thanks.

Michiko