Chapter Twelve

Meet the Easiness of Confessing

The worst that can happen,

is that he doesn't return your feelings.

You won't die from it,

So tell him soon.

February 2020 – Tomoeda, Japan

'Why are you coming along again?' Sakura asked her older brother for the sixth time that evening. They stood in the kitchen, preparing a meal for their father who would arrive home within a few minutes. He had been on a trip to Italy with his class and came home this weekend.

'I like skiing.' Touya retorted.

He had given a different answer every time she asked. He told her things like: 'To keep you away from the gaki', 'I've found a part-time job' and 'Dad wanted us to come along'. Sakura had no idea what the real reason could be by now. Sakura sighed as she continued washing the vegetables. Touya didn't make any sense on this subject. He already had a well paying job, so why did he want a part-time job in a ski resort?

But she had to smile to herself when she recalled their father would come along, as well as Yukito. He could try to keep Touya under control, especially around Syaoran.

They wouldn't leave for another week, but preparations where already made. Fujitaka had left a list for them, telling them everything they had to check and buy to take with them. He would check it when arriving this evening.

They were silent for a while, and they heard to door opening, meaning their father had arrived. 'Daddy!' Sakura said and raced towards to door, to give her father a hug. 'Welcome home, dad.'

Touya greeted him in the kitchen, without jumping all over him as his little sister did. 'Hi dad, had a nice time?'

Fujitaka smiled at his children, and nodded. Touya still stood in the kitchen preparing the food, and Sakura brought his luggage to his bedroom, where they didn't stand in the way. 'It was wonderful.'

As he took place he told them all he had seen, visited and found in Italy. Meanwhile the siblings served the food and they ate and listened. When Sakura placed the dessert on the table, Fujitaka had told them everything they wanted to know and it grew silent as they ate in peace.

After a while, Sakura's thoughts drifted towards the upcoming holiday, and she asked her brother: 'Why are you coming along again?'

'Yelen asked me personally to come along, by all means.' Touya answered seemingly serious. Fujitaka smiled and Sakura sighed deeply.

That couldn't be correct either.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

On Monday, Sakura's thoughts drifted away during class. Within five days, she would go on her second holiday this year, and she would spend another week with her friends and family. Although she looked forward to it, she didn't want to go before telling Syaoran about her feelings. She missed all her chances of telling him so far, but she couldn't allow that anymore.

Now that Touya would also come along, she didn't have a chance of spending time with Syaoran, without being watched every minute of every day by her overprotective brother. Her only solution seemed to be to have a relationship with him. If they did, her father would keep Touya away, without doubt. Yukito would help too, she was sure of that.

As she had planned on confessing all along, she thought this would give her a bit more courage to actually do so. Within five days, she had to tell him. No, she thought, it has to be today. It would be awkward to tell him on such a short notice, right before we leave.

That said, didn't make it any easier, but she did have a few ideas. Syaoran had told her this morning that he wouldn't be around for lunch, because he needed to be in the library. If she could talk to him there... But first, she had to speak to Eriol.

When the bell rang, Sakura hadn't heard a word of what the teacher said, but luckily no one seemed to notice. She stood up, excused herself towards Chiharu and raced out of the class. She knew where Eriol had class and found him just as he left the classroom. She pulled on his arm and dragged him along, where less people stood to hear what she had to say.

'Sakura, easy there! What's wrong?' Eriol asked, not liking to be dragged along.

Sakura stopped on a quiet hallway and turned towards him. 'Nothing is wrong! Well, not yet... But I need your help.' Eriol only raised his brow at this. Sakura took a deep breath and continued. 'I need to talk to Syaoran, but I can't do that with Tomoyo around. I need you to keep her with you in the cafeteria and make sure she doesn't follow me. Please?'

Eriol's smirk grew large and he had that mischievous twinkling in his eyes. 'You're going to confess?' He asked, already knowing the answer.

Sakura nodded, but couldn't hide a blush. She knew very well that a lot of her friends already knew what she felt for Syaoran. 'Yes, so please, Eriol? Can you keep her away?'

'Sure, She won't leave the cafeteria.' Eriol stated, but Sakura knew he was up to something.

'And keep yourself away too, Eriol.' He pouted at her, but his eyes were laughing. 'This is personal, I don't want anyone listening, filming or looking. Nor hidden cameras!'

At this Eriol burst out laughing and held himself steady with a hand on the wall. 'Sure, Sakura, we'll stay away, I promise. I won't tell Tomoyo, but only on one condition: that you tell her yourself afterwards.'

Sakura smiled at him thankfully. Though Eriol was a strange person, and it wouldn't be wise to always trust him, she knew for certain that he wouldn't pull off anything that she didn't like. She said her goodbyes, and he wished her luck, before heading towards the library.

As she neared the library, she became more nervous with every step. She couldn't turn back anymore: she would seriously, without doubt, tell him today, in this hour, without any disturbance from friends. It crept her out.

Suddenly she found it strange to just tell him "I love you" or "I really like you" or something like that. It sounded stupid and a bit fake. After all, it were merely words, nothing more. Would he think like that too? But then what? What else could she say?

A myriad of words went through her thoughts as she entered the library. She didn't see him with the first glance she threw at the tables. She stood still a moment and looked around, but couldn't find him. He didn't sit at his regular table, or another one. Not behind the computers, nor at the front desk.

Her nervousness increased as she realized that maybe he wasn't here at all. But then, where could he be? Before she would search throughout the school, she decided to check among the racks of books first. He could easily be there without being found, seeing as the library of Tomoeda University had a large collection of books.

She walked between several racks, nearing the back of the room and she calmed down enormously. A few deep breaths while her eyes wandered over the book covers, made sure she felt in control of herself again. After a while she heard Syaoran talking, and she followed his voice.

When she arrived in the lane where he stood, she saw him standing with his back towards her. A smile adorned her lips as she observed him for a short moment. In his right hand, he held his mobile near his ear, and with his left hand he emphasized his words. Not that the person on the other end of the line could see the movements, but Sakura thought it was somewhat like a habit of his.

Unnoticed she stood a few feet behind him, wondering what to do. The conversation Syaoran was in sounded rather important, and she didn't want to interrupt him if it were like that. But neither did she want to wait the entire lunch break for him to finish. It could even be that he would stay on the phone for hours. She certainly couldn't wait that long. After all, Eriol could only be trusted so far. If she hadn't confessed during lunch, Eriol might tell Tomoyo anyway.

She tried her best not to listen to the conversation, not meaning to impose. Syaoran tightened his left hand into a fist and let his arm hang down. On impulse Sakura took the few steps towards him and took his fist gently in her own hands. She noticed his surprise but then he relaxed visibly. Sakura entangled her fingers with his, not looking at him, but just standing beside him.

Whatever conversation Syaoran was in, it seemed to go smoother now. He kept talking, as he held Sakura's hand. His thumb softly caressed her hand, and if Sakura would look up to his face, she would see a tender smile. But she didn't look up and instead focused on his hands. Large hands, which held hers with so much care. Hands that seemed to fit hers perfectly. Hands that she didn't want to let go anymore.

After a few minutes Syaoran ended the conversation and put his mobile away. Still holding hands, he turned towards her and smiled as she looked up. 'You came just in time. I was about to get really angry at him, when you calmed me down. Thank god, because I would have given myself a lot of trouble if I lost my temper there.'

Sakura smiled at him though she had no idea who he had talked to on the phone. But she decided that it didn't matter, because she understood the situation. 'I'm glad that I can calm you down.' She wanted to say a lot more, but forgot how to do that. That resulted in a silent moment in which neither spoke a word.

After a while, Syaoran raised their linked hands up a bit. 'Do you mind if I hold on to this a bit longer?' He asked her, though his eyes told her he already knew the answer.

Sakura nodded and gave him a grin. 'I won't be happy if you let go.'

He grinned back, raised their hands higher, and gave a small kiss on her knuckles. 'That's good, because I don't intend to let go.' Syaoran observed her reaction to his actions, hoping to see what he was looking for. When she didn't cringe, shiver or pulled back, but did give him a blushing smile, he sighed inwardly with happiness. This could only mean that Sakura had decided to overcome her fear of men. That she willingly choose to stay at his side and wouldn't run away from him.

Syaoran held her hand and looked in her emerald eyes, while his thoughts drifted away. Just holding her hand like this made him feel warm inside, and he was not sure if the smile on his face would ever disappear again. He had longed for this for a while now, and that the moment was finally here, made him a bit bewildered, but also euphoric.

But even though Sakura seemingly accepted her own feelings and his at that, he didn't want to go further than just this simple gesture. For the time being, that is. He thought that taking things slowly would be the best option, considering Sakura's past.

Sakura meanwhile had her own train of thoughts. She held on to him, not only with love, but also a bit scared. To this point, everything went well. Syaoran had understood her, without her saying anything at all. She knew that the feeling was mutual, but she had to say the words, before there could be any misunderstandings. She had to tell him she loved him.

But what would happen after that? Would she manage not to shiver during their first kiss? Would she be able to give her entire body to him, without screaming and running? Could she even enjoy it, being scared as she was?

Sakura's cheeks turned red at her thoughts. Why did she even think about that? That wouldn't happen anytime soon. Anyway, they were only holding hands yet, nothing more. And Syaoran knew her; he would wait, just like he waited for her to confess.

Ah, confess! Sakura remembered again, and decided now was the best time. But just as she took a deep breath, a voice came up behind them.

'Li-san, are you here?' Mizuki Kaho asked as she rounded the corner. She stopped when she saw the scene in front of her. Sakura and Syaoran jumped away from each other, feeling caught red-handed and blushing furiously, though Syaoran firmly held on to Sakura's hand.

Mizuki smiled kindly at them, having a mischievous look in her eyes, just like Eriol had sometimes. 'It seems I came at the wrong moment.' she said, but didn't make any attempt of leaving them alone. Her face turned serious again and she looked Syaoran in the eye. 'I would like to speak to you, if possible. It's about your exams and the schedule we need to set up for you personally.'

'Sure.' Syaoran answered and Mizuki turned half away to leave.

'That is, if you're not too busy to come...' She walked out of their sight, the mischievous smile on her face once more.

Sakura and Syaoran stood as far away as possible with linked hands and looked at each other with red faces. Sakura got a fit of laughter, of the weirdness of their situation. Syaoran smiled at her and closed the distance with two strikes. 'It seems I have to go.' he said meekly.

Sakura nodded at him. 'You should, before she'll jump to the wrong conclusions.' Syaoran gave a nod, agreeing with her, but didn't let go of her hand. Sakura took this chance before it was over. She took a deep breath, looked him straight in the eyes and gave him a smile. 'I love you!' It came out before she even realized. It turned out to not be so difficult to say it after all.

'I was afraid for a moment that you weren't going to say it.' Syaoran smiled back, bent over and gave her a kiss on her cheek. 'I love you too.' Even though Sakura had expected him to give a sort like answer, it still made her very happy. Her eyes shone and her smile almost radiated in delight. She felt to urge to dance, run, or anything else with what she could lose some of her increasing amount of energy. But instead, she gave him also a kiss on his cheek and they let each other's hand go. 'I really have to go now; I'll talk to you later, okay?' Syaoran asked her tenderly.

Sakura nodded. 'Alright. Can you ask Mizuki to keep quiet about this towards my brother? It's better I tell him when he doesn't know yet, or else he has plenty of time to think of excuses as to why I can't do this.'

Syaoran let out a laugh. 'Sure, but then you have to take a picture of his face as you tell him.' He showed her an evil grin. He could already imagine Touya's reaction, and strange enough it humored him immensely.

He received a light slap on the arm from her. 'Syaoran!' she said and he walked away with a smile. When he was gone, Sakura couldn't help but to let out a laugh herself. She could already imagine the steam that would come from Touya's ears. Thinking of his reaction, made her realize that something far worse had to be handled first: Tomoyo.

When she exited the library she suddenly stood still. Wait...He said he loves me, so that means we're together now, right? Sakura took a deep breath to calm down. How unexpectedly strange. That wasn't so hard! She had never thought it would be this easy. All the nervous hours, the panicking and stressing. All for nothing! What a waste!

She continued walking, towards the cafeteria. But I can't fool myself. There will be lots of nervousness, stress and panicking in the future. Especially when she realized that she only made the first step. She had confessed, but there wasn't a relationship just yet. They had to build that together, although she was completely inexperienced in how to do such a thing. Come to think of it, so is he... She wondered how he felt about that. Was he as nervous as her?

When she entered the cafeteria, she feared the worst; and with a reason.

At their regular table all her friends waited with excited and expecting looks on their faces. Except for Tomoyo, that is. She looked furious and a bit worn out. She sat on a chair that had been pushed against the wall, Yamazaki and Ted sat on chairs besides her and firmly held her arms, and Eriol sat on her lap. Students around them sniggered but left them to it.

When the little group spotted her, Tomoyo started to wail. 'Sakura! How could you? You destroyed my life-work!' She ranted on for a while, and Sakura had to push herself to get to the table.

Eriol looked expectantly at her with a large grin. 'She hasn't left this room, as you can see. But it only took her a minute to understand the situation, so we had to immobilize her.'

He looked at her with eyes that seemed to tell her: I did good, right? Sakura felt the urge to pat his head like she would do with a good dog. Luckily for him she could suppress it and instead gave him a thankful smile. 'You did wonderful, Eriol. Thank you.'

Tomoyo glared at her boyfriend. 'Will you let me go now?' she asked. Eriol looked questionably at Sakura, who wavered for a moment, and then nodded. As soon as they released their grip on her for just a moment, Tomoyo broke free, ran to Sakura, grabbed her wrist and dragged her out of the canteen. She fully ignored the laughter of her friends behind them.

Sakura couldn't help but laugh as well. She understood why Tomoyo was angry, but maybe she deserved that, payback for always wanting to know, see and videotape everything, without giving her some privacy.

Tomoyo stopped when they were outside and had reached the oak tree. 'Well?' she asked impatiently.

Sakura blinked her eyes innocently. 'Whatever could you mean?'

Tomoyo lost her glare and looked at her "friend" with tearful eyes. 'Just tell me already, I'm dying to know!'

'I can't have you dying on me Tomoyo, I'm pretty sure your ghost will hunt me for eternity.' Sakura tried to look shocked, but failed miserably. The grin just couldn't leave her lips. 'You know I'm afraid of ghosts, so you can't do that to me.'

'Then tell me already!' Tomoyo wailed, although she wouldn't mind hunting Sakura as a ghost for revenge. 'Did you kiss?'

'Eh...' Sakura blushed deeply, but shook her head. Wasn't Tomoyo supposed to ask if they were together or not, instead of the mushier details? 'No, we didn't.'

Tomoyo tapped her foot impatiently. That sort of thing would obviously happen when she wasn't around. If she had been there, Tomoyo knew for certain that they would have kissed, may it be with a little help from her. 'Then what happened? You confessed, right? How did he react? Did you have to cry? I need details, Sakura!'

Sakura had to laugh at her impossible friend. 'I kept you in the canteen for a reason, Tomoyo. It's very personal; I didn't want any spectators at that moment. So naturally I'm not going to give you all the details.'

'Wha...?' Tomoyo looked at her with teary eyes, and a bit of sadness.

'But…' Sakura gave a big grin. 'There are some things you must now, of course.' She laid her hands on Tomoyo's shoulders and looked at her with friendly eyes. 'You are my best friend for a reason. I can't possibly hide everything from you.'

Tomoyo relaxed and waited for Sakura to continue.

'I told him I love him, and he said he loves me too. We didn't kiss, just a kiss on the cheek, because I think he knows I need to take things slowly. And nothing could have happened, because Mizuki interrupted. She needed to speak to Syaoran, so he left.'

'Then Mizuki was the first to know?'

'Eh... well, I suppose so. But I came to you directly afterwards!' It sounded like an excuse, although Sakura had no say in Mizuki's entrance.

Tomoyo sighed deeply. 'Oh well, I'm happy for you anyway.' She threw her arms around Sakura and gave her a hug. 'Now we can do double dates!'

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Syaoran left Mizuki's room, after she promised not to say anything towards Touya, until Sakura had spoken to her brother herself. They had discussed the schedule of his exams, which neared rapidly. Because all the many classes he had to follow, it only made sense there would be many exams. But he couldn't follow the normal schedule which would mean he had several exams at the same time.

After an ode that he wouldn't discuss the contents of the exams with fellow students, they agreed to shift everything a little. He would have some of the exams just before the others had, which did mean he would have several exams on one day. Following the schedule he counted that six exams on one day would be the maximum. That would certainly be a very stressful period of his school year here.

He walked from Mizuki's office back to the library. He still had a lot to do, before the next class started. He had taken a break for too long already. First the phone call from the head of the LiCo department in Kyoto, then the moments with Sakura (which he rather liked), and then the schedule problem with Mizuki. All together it had taken more than an hour of his time. Luckily he didn't have many classes today, but he needed the time for self study.

When he sat as his regular table in the library, he tried his very best to concentrated on his studies. But to his great disappointment, he got distracted very easily. Every time he tried to read a sentence, his mind wondered off halfway through, thinking of Sakura.

Sakura who had confessed to him.

That Sakura.

And then his thoughts would only drift further away from his studies. After a few tries he gave up. He had to think about her first, go over every detail, before she would leave his mind alone. Enough to let him focus on his studies again, anyway.

When he thought of it, it happened awfully fast. Even though it seemed like hours, they had only spent a few minutes together, before Mizuki called him away. Not that it really mattered, because he had waited for those few minutes to happen. The moment where he didn't need to hide his love for her anymore. In that short period of time, he told her clearly that he loved her. There was no way that either of them had misunderstood. She knew he loved her and he knew that she loved him. Even more, that she would face all her fears for relationships and everything around that, just for him. Just so that she could be with him.

With me... She loves me! He had to laugh thinking of that. He had known part of her feelings for him, seen it in her eyes every time they looked at each other. He was even quite sure she knew of his feelings as well. But nonetheless, hearing her say it out loud... It seemed surreal. Suddenly it seemed impossible.

She loves me!

He felt bewildered. When he went to Tomoeda, he would have never thought he would make friends, let alone find someone to love. Or get a girlfriend. Strange, he hadn't even thought that he would ever find a girlfriend. And now he did. Just like that. No, that wasn't correct. He had taken about half a year only to understand his own feelings. And even when he accepted those feelings, it still took long enough for him to confess. Not that he could have done it sooner. He knew very well that Sakura had to make the first step, if he wanted to stay at her side longer then today.

Happiness, tenderness and the feeling of loving someone surged through him. He felt like floating. Sakura loved him. Him, the cold heir of Li. Scratch the "cold", he thought, I don't feel cold at all. She had cured him from that. Well, for a part anyway. He wouldn't lose it completely, but was able to cast it aside when needed.

Thank God, she loves me!

He almost felt like crying, out of thankfulness. But seeing as the library was filled with other students, he was glad he could suppress it. He combed his hands through his hair, trying to get complete control back over himself. He sat back in his chair and looked at the ceiling. After a while he calmed down, even though he couldn't help but smiling.

'E-excuse me? Li-san?' A soft and uncertain voice called out for him.

Syaoran looked straightforward and saw a girl standing in front of him. She had black hair, tied in a lose tail. Her hands were folded in front of her, and she hardly dared to look at him. Her cheeks were beet red, which made her seem like a shy, uncertain person. Even though Syaoran already suspected what she wanted to say, he answered her nicely. All thanks to his good mood. 'Yes, that's me.' He looked at her friendly and gave an encouraging smile.

'Eh... I eh... I have always been in the library, ever since I knew you were here most of the time. I came especially hoping you would notice me. B-because, I really like you! And eh... I hope that you like me too...' Her voice faded away and she shifted uncomfortably with her feet.

Syaoran sighed quietly. He had heard many confessions in his life and except for Sakura's, he had always responded coldly, without caring for the girl in question. But seeing as he just admitted that he wasn't that cold anymore, he thought it better to handle this in a more civilized manner. He forced himself to keep smiling at her. 'Thank you, but I have to disappoint you. There's already someone else whom I love.'

The face of the girl fell and turned white, surprise written on her features. 'R-really...? T-there is someone else?' She started to cry, turned on her heels and ran away. Two girls who sat at a near table, jumped up and ran after their friend.

Out of nowhere, Eriol showed up beside him. His gaze followed the running girls. 'And you even tried to turn her down nicely, for a change.' He remarked smoothly.

A frown appeared on Syaoran's face. 'Why did she sound so surprised? Is it that strange that I love someone?' Eriol choose not to answer that, but his mischievous smile said enough. He pushed his glasses higher up his nose with two fingers. 'Forget I asked.' Syaoran muttered and fell back in his chair again. 'So why did you decide to show up now all of a sudden? With your smart comments.'

Eriol grinned evilly at him. 'I never let a chance slip to make smart comments.'

'Like I don't know...' Syaoran examined the ceiling, not wanting to look at his friend at the moment. He didn't quite know if he wanted to smile, frown or glare.

'I heard from Rika, who heard from Chiharu, who heard from Tomoyo, who heard from Sakura herself...' Eriol started. A smile broke through on Syaoran's face again. '…that you have both finally confessed?'

'That's right.' Syaoran said and he felt amazingly happy again. Completely unnecessary, he added: 'She loves me.' He finally looked at Eriol with a happy face.

Eriol couldn't help but smile back. In all the years he knew Syaoran, he had seldom seen him this happy. He deserves it. They both do. He swallowed the smart comment, which lay on the tip of his tongue, back in. 'I know.'

'So how come you heard via Rika and Chiharu?'

Eriol grumbled and sat himself on the table. 'Tomoyo's kicked me out the cafeteria. The first person I spoke after that was Rika.'

'That sounds like a nice story. Explain.' Syaoran grinned wickedly at his oldest friend. He couldn't help but enjoy the little fights Tomoyo and Eriol had together.

'I kept Tomoyo in the cafeteria, with the help of Ted and Yamazaki, so that she wouldn't spy on the two of you during the confession. Since she didn't cooperate, we had to pin her down, until one of you returned.'

'That certainly could not have been your idea.'

Eriol sighed and raised his shoulders for a moment. 'No, of course not. I would have been right beside her when she videotaped the two of you. I wanted to see for myself as well, but Sakura made me promise not to.'

Syaoran started laughing. That was one of the many reasons why he loved that girl. But this also explained him that Sakura had come especially to confess. He couldn't help but think that she had to feel very nervous when she found him, while he was on the phone. Knowing Sakura, it would have taken a lot of courage to confess, and finding an ideal situation didn't help. But then again, she managed fine. He rather liked the indirect way she had used. He could still feel the sensation of her hand in his.

That earned him a glare from Eriol who whispered fiercely at him. 'You can laugh about it, but everyone is looking. Your reputation is going down the drain.'

Syaoran let himself laugh some more, before he managed to calm down a bit. 'Hardly anyone here knows who I am outside of school, so I don't think too much damage will be made. Besides, I think I'm allowed to have a good laugh every once in a while. Even with my reputation.'

A deep sigh escaped Eriol's lips and he nodded his head. 'I guess you're right. That's rare though, most of the times I'm the one that's right.'

'Serves you right.' Syaoran joked.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

When school ended, Sakura and Chiharu made way to the oak tree, where all their friends normally gathered after school. When they arrived, only Syaoran and Eriol where there. 'Where's the rest?' Sakura asked.

'Ted and Nakuru went ahead, Rika and Naoko where out early and Tomoyo is still mad at me, so she left without saying anything.' Eriol answered, giving her a glare. He blamed her, even though he could hardly mean it.

Sakura laughed at him sheepishly. 'You should go after her, Eriol.'

He sighed and nodded. 'I know. I called her guards and they're going to pick me up.' A car pulled up at the school entrance. 'Ah, there they are. See you tomorrow.'

Sakura looked at him walking away with worry. 'I'm sorry Eriol, but it was really necessary!' she yelled after him. He raised his hand, saying that he understood.

Chiharu said from behind her: 'Yamazaki is still inside; I'm going to find him. I'll see you tomorrow!' And with that she ran off as well.

Syaoran came to stand besides her. He held out his hand and she took it. 'Let's go.' He said smiling and they walked towards the car. Strange enough, Sakura didn't feel peculiar or anything. It felt nice walking next to him, holding his hand. She looked up at him and smiled. She could finally look at him, without being questioned. He tried to find the keys of Eriols car in his bag, but did notice she looked at him. He glanced sideways and gave her a wink, before diving in his bag again.

With just one hand, it turned out to be harder to find it, but he refused to let go of her hand. Sakura giggled and assisted him by holding the bag up. They had reached the car by now and when he found the keys they got in.

Syaoran gave her a questioning look, but Sakura understood. 'Let's go to a park. I could use a walk. But I better be home before Touya is. I'm sure I need the time to handle him.'

Syaoran nodded and started the engine. 'The park it is.' When they left the school grounds, Sakura closed her eyes for a moment. 'What's wrong?' Syaoran asked. 'Worried over Eriol?'

Sakura nodded. 'Yes, he didn't seem all that happy. I hadn't expected for Tomoyo to take it out on Eriol. I explained everything to her, and I thought she wasn't angry anymore.'

'Don't worry about those two. They can overcome any fights; especially since they both like to exaggerate a lot. I doubt Tomoyo is really angry, and I know for certain that Eriol isn't all that hurt.' Syaoran gave her an encouraging smile as he stopped before a red light. 'If it makes you feel any better, I'm glad no one was watching, listening or filming.'

Sakura smiled back at him. 'And no hidden cameras.'

The light jumped on green, the car moved on and Sakura sighed. 'I guess you're right. Tomorrow they will probably be the normal couple we know.' They drove in silence for a while, before they arrived at the cherry blossom park. All the trees were leafless now, since it was only February, but the park still looked lovely. Sakura checked her mobile for the time. 'We have about fifty minutes, before I need to get back home.'

Syaoran nodded and they stepped out of the car and onto the walking path that led through the park. 'Do you already have an idea of how to tell Touya?' he asked her, as he entangled his fingers with hers.

Sakura though for a while as they entered the park. Hardly any visitors were at the park, probably because of the cold. From where they stood, a couple with a dog and an old man sitting on the bench were the only people they could see. 'Not really. I think I just tell him, watch his reaction and then see what will happen. I can always stomp his foot if he gets too difficult.' She smiled at him, letting him know that it didn't concern her. 'He won't be happy anyway, so it doesn't really matter.'

'Ah, that's right. Mother called me this weekend, saying that she invited Fujitaka and Touya as well for the holiday.'

'Eh...!' Sakura stopped walking for a moment, before continuing again. 'So that's how! I asked Touya why he and dad wanted to come along so suddenly, but he refuses to give me a normal answer.'

Syaoran laughed sheepishly at her. 'I think it's because Meilin talks too much.'

She looked at him quizzically. 'Why?'

'Well... Meilin has told my mother all about her holiday here, and ever since then kept her up to date about what happens here.' A blush crept up his cheeks. 'I think Meilin told my mother how I think about you.'

'But that doesn't explain...' Sakura started, but got interrupted by Syaoran.

'Mother is really keen on finding partners for her children. She has introduced me to many girls, hoping I would like at least one of them. That didn't happen, of course, and I think she is really happy that I found someone now. I'm afraid that she invited Fujitaka and Touya, in the hope that she would meet her future family in law.'

Sakura gaped at him and refused to walk any further. Syaoran still looked sheepishly and beet red by now. 'I'm only following her train of thoughts, for your information.'

'But... but! I only confessed to you today!'

Syaoran let out a laugh. 'And I haven't told her anything about my feelings, but she still knows. That's why I say: Meilin talks too much. She, Eriol and Tomoyo are the only ones who I have told, and Eriol and Tomoyo have asked mother explicitly not to invite Touya. So it has to be Meilin.'

Sakura frowned a bit. 'I guess Meilin knew about my feelings. After all, Tomoyo knows, which automatically means Meilin knows. We have rather close contact ever since we met her.' She sighed deeply. 'But still. It has become sort of a strange situation. Touya isn't exactly looking forward to the trip, so it must be dad who told him to go. He certainly doesn't want to spend an entire week with you. And as worse: Dad must feel uncomfortable going on a holiday with a family he hardly knows. Meilin probably wants to have a lot of my time, and the same goes for Tomoyo. Your mother will check on me to see if I am any daughter-in-law-material, and you will be busy running away from Touya, and Yukito will be running after the both of you.'

Syaoran sniggered. 'You're forgetting my four sisters. They tend to squeal, hug and give kisses to everyone they think is cute.'

Sakura looked up at him, not quite understanding what that had to do with it. 'Why would... Oh!' Her cheeks turned a nice shade of red at the hidden compliment. Syaoran grinned broadly at her and put his arm around her shoulder, motioning her to walk further. Sakura held her own arm around his middle. 'What are your sisters like? And what are their names?'

'Fuutie, Fanren, Feimei and Shiefa. After all this years, they don't look alike as much as they used to and they all have different hair and clothing styles. But it's still hard to tell them apart. They act exactly the same, sound the same and treat me the same.' He sighed, thinking of his big sisters. 'They tend to get on my nerves quite a lot, but other than me, everyone adores them.'

'You don't adore them?' The path took them towards a large pond. In summer, there swam many swans here, but now the water didn't even move. It reflected the huge cherry blossom tree, although its branches were leafless in this time of the year. Sakura promised herself to come here again in April, when the trees would blossom.

'Well... Let's say I love them very much, but I'm glad I don't see them all that often. Every time I meet them, I wonder if I will survive it this time or not.' He pointed at a bench near the water. 'Let's sit there for a while.'

When they sat down, Syaoran took two sweets out of his pocket. He handed her one, and put the other one in his own mouth. 'Thanks.' Sakura said and after that they just enjoyed the silence of the park and the view over the pond. She nestled herself against his shoulder in comfort. After a while, when her mouth was empty, she dared to speak again. 'What for candy was that? It's delicious, but I've never seen it before.'

Syaoran swallowed the last remains of the sweet before answering. 'It's a creation of Feimei. She owns a candy shop and she has created everything they sell. If she thinks of something new, she sends me some to taste.'

'Like a guinea pig?'

He smiled at her. 'Sort of, I guess. She will probably bring tons of it to the ski resort. If everyone likes it, she will sell it.'

'Isn't that a strange occupation for someone of the Li-family?' Sakura stated.

But Syaoran disagreed. 'Not really. Mother proved everyone that a woman can lead the company as well as anyone, but decided that not her eldest child would take over, but the one who wanted that position most. None of my sisters desired the position, but I did. That's why my sisters can do whatever they like, because the family business is already taken care off.'

'Then what do, eh... Fuutie, Fanren and eh... Shiefa do?' She hoped she remembered the names correctly, but Syaoran didn't say anything of it, so she presumed she did.

'Fuutie is in the clothing branche. Fanren and Shiefa are both married and enjoy not working at all. They do help their husbands with their work though, as well as a little volunteering. Fanren loves to hang out in the orphanage.'

'Do they have children?'

Syaoran shook his head, and rested his head on top of hers. He rather liked this position, and hoped the fifty minutes would last a while longer. 'No, not jet. But I believe Shiefa might be pregnant.'

Sakura rolled her eyes at him. 'Believe she might be? Wouldn't she know if she was?'

He shrugged. 'I'm sure she knows, but she doesn't want to tell me. Neither do her sisters or our mother. But I'm going to find out once we are in Austria.'

When he mentioned Austria, Sakura realized she had no idea where they would go skiing, and that she had never asked. But Austria... 'Austria? But that... that's in Europe! I thought we were going somewhere in Japan?'

Syaoran grinned broadly at her. He had wondered when she would find out, and what she would think of it. 'England is in Europe, and that didn't seem to be a problem.' he responded cleverly.

Sakura looked up at the sky for a moment, thinking about her own feelings. She spoke softly, and a bit uncertain. 'Before this year, I have never been outside Japan. Not even far from Tomoeda. And now I've been in Tokyo and England, ready to go to Austria. It feels a bit surreal. My dad has been all over the world by now, and I kind of think that I got used to the feeling that only he could travel so far. Mother, Touya and I always stayed here, and when mother died, Touya looked after me, together with Yukito. It seemed so normal, not traveling outside Tomoeda, that these sudden trips to the other side of the world kind of feel... out of place. It's a bit scary, I guess.'

Syaoran looked at the girl he loved, who tried so hard to explain what she felt. He wondered how he could take her fear and uneasiness away. 'You know, I said you had no choice in coming along, but if you really don't want to, it's okay. You can stay here, with your family.' Sakura gave him a questioning look. 'But you could also try to overcome this fear of yours. I know you have enough fears to overcome, but maybe that will be less hard if you try to overcome the small things first.'

Sakura sat back on the bench and crawled under his arm again. What he said made sense. Even though she looked with a bit fear towards next week, she also felt great expectations. Not going wouldn't feel good either. But if she should begin with the small fears... What were her small fears anyway? How could she make up the difference between all of them? She realized that the upcoming period would be full of new experiences, and that a lot of them would be scary. Maybe she should overcome hers fears first of the things she really wanted to do.

Maybe...

She looked up at the man next to her and knew for certain what she wanted right now. But what would he think? It's alright, he will manage. Even if I'm really bad at it, he would make the difference. 'Syaoran?' She turned around, facing him.

'Hm?'

'Kiss me.'

For just a second, he stared at her amazed. That was something he really didn't expect her to say. Maybe this was one of the small things to overcome? But, what did she expect? A small kiss? Or a passionate one? Something in between? He looked at her lips, but couldn't decide.

'Please? You'll have to teach me, though.' she added on second thought. Not the wisest thing to say, she noticed too late, it's like saying: It won't be a pleasure, though. A blush appeared on her cheeks because of it.

Syaoran couldn't help but smile. Was that what she worried about? He knew for certain, though, that every kiss with her would be perfect. He just had to show her. He turned a bit and laid his right hand at the side of her neck, bent forwards and pressed his lips lightly on top of hers. Sweet... he thought firstly. Then he felt her shiver, but she didn't tense up. Ever so slowly he moved his lips and tongue, and a tingling sensation ran over his back when he noticed that she responded. His hand went from the side of her face, towards her neck, while the other slowly encircled her waist and pulled her a bit closer. Sakura visibly relaxed in the kiss, her hands rested on his chest. He felt like going on forever.

But he didn't.

Considering Sakura's feelings, he slowly parted and looked her deep in the eyes, hoping he could find her exact feelings there. Her breath had quickened a bit, her cheeks flustered, her hands still on his shirt. Then she suddenly started to laugh. Her soft, gentle laugh.

'I can't figure out why I was scared of that. It was bliss!'

Syaoran pushed away the feeling of grudge that she laughed after such a passionate moment. For them, it was the most passionate till now, anyway. Laughing seemed a bit out of place. But then again, he understood why she laughed. She laughed at her own fear, or maybe he just hoped she did. And after all, she did say it was bliss!

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When Eriol arrived at the Daidouji-residence, about thirty minutes after Tomoyo had, he silently climbed up the stairs towards her room. None of the servants found it particular strange that he entered this mansion without asking, and directly went to daughter of the house. Some just pretended they didn't see him; others nodded their heads in acknowledgement.

He entered his girlfriend's room, but soon noticed she was not there. A deep sigh escaped his lips, wondering what to do. He didn't think it was right to go and find her, bow on his knees and beg for forgiveness. Their relation just didn't work like that. And besides, if she just hadn't been so stubborn... Ah well, he rather liked the strange habits of his amethyst eyed girl.

He entered the lounge, took place behind the piano and softly played a song that came to his mind. His fingers first warily touched the keys, but grew in confidence very fast. He used to play the piano a lot when he was younger, but just didn't find the time for it, nowadays. This piano, however, was his own, given by his parents for his eighteenth birthday. He never had room for it, though, in the student block which he shared with Yamazaki, Ted and Nakuru.

Out of curiosity of how well he could play, Tomoyo had offered to place it in her home, so he could practice whenever he wanted. He smirked when remembering Syaoran's complaints when he asked him to bring it over from England. But since it arrived, he hardly played anything at all.

Now he really got the hang of it and the simple song changed towards one of the symphonies of Beethoven. He got so absorbed in his own music, that he forgot his surroundings and didn't notice at first that Tomoyo had come to listen. She stood quietly by the door with closed eyes and a melancholic expression on her beautiful face. When the part neared its end, Eriol noticed her presence and smoothly changed the part from classical to a simple tune. He started to sing making up the words as he went.

´Oh, my sweet lover, don´t look so sad.

Give me a smile, let´s not be mad.´

Tomoyo opened her eyes sharply and saw the – obviously fake – heartbroken expression on his face. She really tried to her best to maintain her own angry expression, but when he started the second verse, she couldn't help but laugh. As Eriol went on, he sang more and more out of tune, until Tomoyo just had to stop him.

'Enough already! Eriol, stop it!' She jelled, but he expertly ignored her. 'Eriol!'

At some point she already understood that she should be the one to say sorry this time. She just didn't notice immediately that he tried to give her a chance to do so. 'Alright, I'm sorry, Eriol! I'm sorry and I won't be mad at you anymore for following Sakura's orders. So please stop singing so terribly out of tune!'

Eriol ignored her once more by continuing his song, and simply raised a brow to let her know she had to do more than saying sorry. Tomoyo sighed, but couldn't hide her smile. She stepped towards him; put both hands on his face and kissed him passionately. The last tunes of the piano were more out of tune than his voice, since Eriol completely forgot the instrument and focused on his girlfriend instead.

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'Touya, are you even listening?' Yukito asked his friend, waving a hand in front of his face.

Touya's eyes darkened and he glared back at the silver haired man in front of him. He was obviously not happy. 'I heard you, but you don't actually believe I agree, do you?'

Yukito smiled sweetly as he sat back in the chair, which stood in the back of the bakery. 'Maybe not yet, but eventually, you will see it my way.' That earned him another glare. 'You see Touya, she is indeed your only sister, and I know you want, more than anything, for her to be happy. Standing between her and her love won't do that, now will it?'

'Hey, Yuki, on whose side are you on anyway?' Touya sighed and rested his forehead in his large hands. 'I came to you to get rid of my irritations and to find some agreement. So why are you defending her and the gaki? Do you honestly believe those two will be happy?'

Yukito leant forward in order to look him in the eyes. He had to convince Touya to leave them alone in their love life. 'I honestly believe so. I don't know Syaoran all that well, but what I have seen from him, he truly loves Sakura. Don't you think he should at least have the chance to prove his pure intentions?'

'I know for sure he will make her cry.' Touya shot back. 'How will that make her happy?'

Yukito laughed at that, his eyes shown with pleasure. 'Now, now, don't you think you're exaggerating? Of course she will cry, but that's only normal for her. After all, she has to start from a scratch, and each step will be hard for her. She will be scared and she will cry, but if someone can get her trough it, it will be Syaoran. And she has to get through it, Touya. You can't expect her to be alone for the rest of her life: she needs someone by her side, someone she can love, and who loves her.'

'But why him? Why not someone who is actually nice?'

Yukito thought a moment about how to answer that, when the door opened and the little bell above it rang. It was already a few minutes after closing time, but since he hadn't closed the doors yet, due to Touya's sudden visit, it was still possible that someone wanted to buy some bread or cake. He peeked around the door, only to see that two girls had entered which he knew quite well.

'Ah, Yukito! We know it's after six, but do still have that strawberry cake from last time? Mother forgot the buy one for grandma.' The girl with two pigtails asked him.

'Chiharu, Rika, it's nice to see you again. I still have one cake, but could you probably do me a favor before that?' Yukito asked the two friends of Sakura. He explained them the situation and brought them towards the back of the shop, were Touya still sat, quite impatiently. The girls greeted him and took place in the two remaining chairs. 'Ladies, can you please tell Touya how you think about Syaoran and the way he relates to Sakura?'

Both girls nodded and pondered for a while. 'Well, how to start...' Chiharu began. 'Syaoran is a really nice person, in spite of his reputation. He didn't show it at the beginning, but when he befriended Sakura...'

'Or did Sakura befriend him?' Rika asked Chiharu.

'Maybe a bit of both? Anyway, he really opened up after that. I'm not quite sure when he realized, but we all saw that he liked Sakura more than just a friend at some point. He never told her though. I'm not quite sure why, but it seemed he suffered under it. But he just stayed friends with her and helped her in any way possible.'

'Until Sakura had enough of it, that is.' Rika interrupted again.

'That's right. Sakura really loved him as well, we all knew that. And eventually she decided to confess to him. Now Syaoran is even nicer than usual.'

'Even though she only confessed today.' Rika nodded.

Touya looked at them perplexed. Something was not right. They definitely don't know about Sakura's past, or else they would know why the gaki never told her and waited for her to tell. But damn, the fact that I acknowledge that reasoning seems to say I actually accept this. But what did she say at the end?

Sakura confessed today?? NOOOO!!!

'I heard after that, that Syaoran rejected someone nicely for a change. Instead of just ignoring them, I mean.' Chiharu continued, not noticing the state Touya was in.

Now Touya finally said something. 'The gaki rejected her?' That seemed unbelievable, and somehow, that didn't even please him.

Chiharu and Rika giggled and the last one retorted. 'No, of course not! Syaoran and Sakura are an official couple now! But just after that, a girl from first year also confessed to him. It was her he rejected.'

'Not that it really mattered.' Chiharu added. 'She cried anyway. But what did she expect? No ordinary girl could ever dream of winning Syaoran over.' Both girls nodded again, still oblivious to the chaos they created in Touya's head.

Somehow, Touya felt a bit of relief, knowing he was wrong. Although: if Syaoran really had rejected Sakura, he would have definitely killed the boy. Then again, he probably didn't even stand a chance, even if he tried his best. And if he, by any chance, survived it, then Sakura would kill him nonetheless for trying.

But if they were a couple... would it be any better? If he really admitted to himself, he had to say he knew that Syaoran honestly loved Sakura. And if he was correct about Sakura, she probably felt the same way. But would they be able to make each other happy? And keep it that way? He couldn't say that for sure.

'Well, thank you, Chiharu, Rika. I shall get you the cake now. Are you coming along?' Yukito asked the girls and the three of them went back into the shop.

When Touya finally set his thoughts straight again, he followed them, thinking it best to go home now. When he got there, Sakura's friends had just left the shop, and Yukito looked at him meaningfully.

'So?' Yukito asked him.

'What?'

'What is your conclusion? Are you going to ruin their time together?'

'You know, you really have your way of talking in to me, haven't you?' Touya grumbled. 'I won't come in between, unless the gaki does something unacceptable.' He went to the door to get outside but still could hear his friends reply. He just didn't know if he talked about the first or the second sentence.

'I know...'

When Touya finally got home, Sakura sat in the living-room, obviously waiting for him. She had made tea, and two cups stood on the table. It couldn't have been for their father, for he wouldn't be home until the day after tomorrow.

When he stood in the door opening, he looked at his little sister for a while. She sat at the couch, not all that comfortably. She tried to make eye contact, but not in the easygoing way she normally did. He knew immediately that she planned on telling him what happened between her and the gaki. He sighed, put his back down, hung his jacket in the hall and sat next to her on the couch. Without a word he took one of the two teacups and drank slowly, waiting for her to begin.

'Touya, I want to tell you something, but I do not want you to get angry. You may say whatever you like, but please think it trough first, and don't give arguments not based on reasoning.' Sakura told him directly, pouring tea in her cup and not looking at him at all.

A vein popped on Touya's forehead. She sounded like she really believed he would snap. Did he give out such bad vibes? Didn't she realize he only meant the best for her? He agreed nonetheless... 'Sure.'

'Okay!' Her smile beamed at him as she turned to face him. Then she mustered up courage and blurted out: 'I'm dating Syaoran! Today at school I...'

'I know...'

'...confessed and so did...eh?' Sakura eyes grew large with bewilderment. 'What do you mean, you know? Who told you? Did Kaho tell you?'

Touya shrugged and hid his smirk for her. 'Kaho knew already? Then why didn't she tell me?'

'I asked her not to...'

'Anyway, I was at Yuki's and then those friends of yours came in, Chiharu and Rika, and they told us.'

'They did...?'

'They did.'

'So you know, and you're not angry yet?' She sounded rather surprised.

'Now why would I be angry?' Touya looked innocent, which made Sakura think he was angry after all. When she looked closer, she noticed the tensed look in his eyes, covered by worry. His shoulders stood rigid, and the lines in his forehead proved her right.

'Ah! You are angry!'

'Of course!!' The older brother shot back at his little sister. 'You know very well that I am overprotective.'

'Eh? I didn't know you realized that!'

They looked fiercely at each other, and then suddenly Touya started to laugh uncontrollably. All the time he laughed, Sakura just stared at him, not understanding at all. Did she misunderstood him all this time, or did he have a moment of idiotism? When his laughter finally calmed down, he suddenly embraced his little sister. 'You know, I have more than enough reason to be overprotective, and I keep being like this until the end. But most of all, I want you to be happy. I'm not saying I suddenly like the gaki, but if you really love him, then I will support you.'

'Really?' Sakura asked him, as she hugged him back.

'Well... let's say I won't go directly between the two of you.'

Sakura pulled back and gave him a frown. 'That's something completely different!'

He shrugged again. 'Be glad I'm not locking you up in your room.'

'What? Why you...!' Sakura stomped her foot with all her might down, hoping to hit one of his. Seeing the way he shrieked and jumped around on one foot, she had booked success.

'You little monster!'

'I'm not a monster!'

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