Chapter 4 :- 35 Percent in Love


Pink flamingos.

Pink flaming flamingos.

They were dancing through my head, they always did. I mean seriously. Whenever I tried to think about what has happened to my serene life, they magically pop up.

Pink flaming flamingos with frog heads.

"Sakura, what did we say about random phrases that may allow others to question your sanity?" asked Kura as she shook her head at me.

"It doesn't even compare to what has happened in the last week." I argued back, but blushed lightly for having voiced that image.

"Sweetie, you're exaggerating. Try looking at it with a cool head, I'm sure you'll find that it was amusing" Said Saku with a smile on her lips as she worked on some sort of needlework.

"Yeah, like that'll happen." Muttered Kura as she lazily examined her nails.

"I know Kura, but at least she's trying."

"How about the fact that I barely have time to breathe, let alone try to be normal." I stated dramatically. "Honestly, school used to be so much calmer. What happened?" I asked with a sigh as I slumped deeper into the chair. I was so unbelievably tired on a Saturday morning, it was pathetic.

Kura and Saku didn't spare a moment to say, "You happened." Before leaving me to my thoughts.

As if it was my fault alone. Seriously. It wasn't. Maybe with the flamingos dancing in my head, but not anything else… well, not exactly everything was my fault.

As you all know I did a very stupid thing.

I took a picture.

See, that wouldn't have been the problem, if it had been a picture of an apple, a flower or even a frog headed flamingo (maybe the flamingo is a little extreme). But still, you get my point. I shouldn't have taken that picture.

The picture I took was of five stunning gods and goddesses. Sure, that doesn't sound so bad. If I hadn't got caught, it wouldn't have been bad. But may have contributed to some of 'that stalker within' me. Not my words, in fact they are the goddess Aphrodite's words.

See, in the past week, since I took the picture. I was carried like a sack of potatoes, buried under secretarial paper work, ran around the school looking for a certain someone's ten thousand yen Channel headband (why someone had the reason to bring it to school and then lose it is far beyond me, not to mention why you would buy something that expansive), and working at the hospital.

That wasn't even all of it, see one thing I found out was the Li, is an apa! (For those of you who are not familiar with the term apa, it stands for aggravating pain in the ass.) Now, there are more colourful terms I can use to describe him, but let's try to keep this under 18A. But one thing is for sure he is a slave driver. Not just a normal slave driver, you know just orders upon orders—no not apa. He's… how do you put it? Someone who has whip and constantly throws insults, walks with a scowl and shoots out flames? Oh I know! A TRYANT!

Now, here's the million dollar question, what power does the apa have one me? Simple. I had failed to realise that he was the president of the student council. I mean sure, why else would his opinion count. But he was. And I had to admit, he was good at it. Especially the commanding part.

A bloody freaking tyrant.

If it wasn't for his amazing hair, gorgeous eyes, boyishly-sexy smirk and that stupid personality that made me laugh, cry, hit and hug him at the same time. I would hate him.

I do hate him.

A lot.

Really. I do.

…

Okay, maybe I do find it amusing…

Our bantering that is…

Okay fine! I admit it… he is a little bit bearable, and sort of cute. But nothing else! End of story.

Well anyways, back to that faithful day, that the apa carried me like a sack of potatoes. He then wrapped a very simple hot/cold bandage on my foot. And that was it… NOT!

No, he made me feel so self-conscious. Something, I don't really know about that entirely well, until of course that day. See, he sat me down on a desk, and carefully took of my shoe and then my sock. He cradled my foot gently and placed the bandage on, like the hero (rolls eyes) he is.

If only it was that simple.

Our school uniform for girls consists of a skirt, white blouse with a sweater or blazer. Now let me pinpoint the main problem.

The skirt.

That rides up, when sitting, and having you leg pulled apart slightly can be nerve wracking for a female student. Not to mention embarrassing, especially if she wore some random teddy bear undergarments. How would you solve this problem?

Keep your legs tightly close and your hand on your skirt to make sure it does not move up or anywhere for that matter.

Thankfully, I did not acquire a more embarrassing situation after that. At least no that lunch period. However, the duties of a secretary ranged from minor paperwork to backrubs and foot massages to elaborate presentations for the winter festival. Honestly, I think I should be paid for all the stuff I've had to do.

So after the bandage, he decided that he would walk me to class, to be assured that nothing was going to happen to me or my leg.

"You really don't have to walk me to class. Really, you don't." I said hoping that he would catch on.

His face split into that melt-your-legs smirk that I wanted to immediately wipe off his face. "Why Ying Fa, that would be very non-gentlemanly of me."

"Since when are you a gentleman." I muttered under my breath as I rolled my eyes at him. I tried not to talk to him knowing that I would most likely end up arguing with him. And that would be very eye catching, which frankly at the moment I didn't want to be involved in.

But alas, no task is easy with the over bearing as-bum.

"What's your favourite color?"

"Why do you need to know that?" I questioned back.

"I already told you that I like you, and I'm trying to figure out how much you've changed. Now, be a good girl and answer my question."

"There is no arguing with you is there? Fine, I like teal."

He raised his eyebrow at me, "What no pink? Blue? Purple?"

"Yes, seriously! I prefer teal because the colour is so beautiful and confident of itself. It has a sad-yet cheerful disposition."

He looked at me thoughtfully for a second, trying to understand my explanation. Then changed his mind seemed to think of continuing with questions. "Favourite food?"

"Not sure." I said. "I like to eat pretty much everything."

"Then why is it that you didn't eat with us in the club room?"

"I already ate."

"You're lying, when I came to get you, you were drinking juice and the bell had just wrung too."

"I had a big breakfast, so the juice was sufficient enough."

"Are you on a diet or something? Since, girls are always watching their weight. They lie needlessly to say they're okay when they are trying to kill themselves."

"Honest, I'm not on a diet. I have never cared about my outwardly appearance. I just have a small stomach."

"Right." He said, and I knew that he didn't believe me for a second. He glanced up and saw that we were in fact reaching our destination. He sighed.

He turned to me, with a slight smirk on those perfect lips.

I felt trapped. I felt very suspicious of him instantly. "W-what?" I said trying to be clear but obviously failing.

"Ying Fa…" he said as he stepped closer to me.

Now I was scared. "Did you want something?"

"…Ying Fa…" he almost whispered, causing my flesh to breakout in goosebumps.

I eyed him. "What is it?" I felt that if I said his name, I would regret it instantly.

He moved closer, his eyes bearing into mine. I swallowed very slowly as I could feel his hands almost touch my arms. His eyes were so clear yet so mysterious. They seemed to want to tell me something. But didn't.

"W-what is it?" I said hoping that maybe he would back up a bit.

He carefully, almost afraid, brought his hand up to cup my face. He said softly, "Ying Fa…" he came closer to me so that our faces were barely two inches apart.

I closed my eyes feeling that he was going to kiss me again.

"…you're… too cute." He whispered into my ear, huskily. He pulled away almost immediately and dissolved into laughter.

My mouth dropped. That jerk. I snapped it shut and glared at his laughing form. He was fooling around. I quickly stormed over to him and stomped on his foot. Hard.

He yelped in surprise. "What the hell?!"

"Serves you right, thinking that you could take advantage of me." I said coolly as I started to walk to my class, leaving him clutching his foot. I was about to turn into my class when all I was pulled into a strong chest. "What the hell do you think your doing?!" We were right in front of my class, with most of the students in it!

"Well, Ying Fa, to tell you the truth I'm getting even." He said as he brought his lips down giving me a tender, slow kiss that left me speechless.

He smirked in amusement for having caught me, as he pulled away, giving me a quick peck on my cheek, he walked away.

I blinked.

"Oh, Ying Fa before I forget, I'll pick you up after school." He called from the middle of the hall getting everyone's attention.

I turned beat red, "No way in hell LI!"

I had then walked into class only to be crowded by people asking me how I knew that… beast! Which angered me, more so I had stormed into my seat and scathingly glared at anything that reminded me of the apa.

Brown, mud, dried leaves, worms, no—chocolate! I'll never be able to look at it the same way again. Ugh everything to do with brown reminds me of him. I sighed coming out of my reverie. I used to love brown. It is such a warm colour. But now, the apa had changed it. I would rather immerse myself in… orange! Or fluorescent yellow! Ha! That will burn his eyes out. Oh… yes, this would be good. Very good.

So, I was becoming a bit of a manic as the days passed, but seriously could you blame me?

I was quiet surprised to find that all the teachers agreed to make me the secretary of the student council. In fact, Kaho was so ecstatic that she came home that day with me, and gushed about it until I threatened to castrate Touya, which seemed to shut her up almost instantly. I wonder why?

It turned out that once it came down to the Student Council, the divine court—it's easier to call them that compared to gods and goddesses—was surprisingly serious. It was a very interesting, for lack of a better term first student council meeting I would have anticipated.

"Order. Order! First year reps stop flirting!" called out Artemis, as she glared at the four first year reps. The first years quickly got quiet and looked over to the Artemis. "Excellent, now. Meeting 24 of the year will now begin. Pres."

I had been told that as secretary, I was supposed to note everything that was said in the meeting. So, I was quickly scribbling what was being said.

"Yes, thank you Mei. First of all I would like to introduce all of you to our new secretary, Kinomoto Sakura."

I smiled softly from my position at everyone. The rest of the committee didn't seem all that interested and vaguely nodded their head.

"Now, the main issue for this meeting is: the coming up, winter culture festival. Tomoyo."

Aphrodite smiled. "Well, we have all agreed that all clubs will have booths, and the festival will be held on the roof and part of the greenhouse."

"We already talk about budget, and so all seventy-two clubs will be receiving ten thousand yen." Stated Artemis as she looked down at her folder.

"The main problem is that this school has three divisions, and we have yet to meet with the junior and elementary level, to decide how to collaborate the festival."

See, you most likely find this a very normal and very professional meeting. But everything, does has its downside, which coincidently starts now.

"They'll agree without a doubt with whatever we throw at them, it's not like they'll have anything worth saying." Said a second year as he smirked. He has a very lanky build, and had badly styled hair. He seemed like he was the arrogant type, a bit too annoying and ignorant for my liking. I had looked up and glared at the kid.

"No offence kid, but I for one will not take advantage of our younger students. It has to be as equal as possible." I stated as I felt a twinge of anger.

Everyone had turned to me, since I had been quiet the whole time, finally taking in that I was really there.

"What? It's unfair, besides they have just as much power over their sections as we have over our section." I said, as I continued, ignoring everyone's eyes.

"What do you know about rules Kinomoto? You have never been one for them. Skipping, and talking back to teachers."

I felt both my eyebrow rise in mild surprise, and then I felt myself chuckle. "You have got to be kidding me."

This had caused everyone to look at me as if I had spontaneously sprouted another head. But I could see that Li looked amused with me as well as the other gods and goddesses.

"W-what's so funny?!" the lanky kid demanded.

I stopped to look at him, "Well, even if I do hate to admit it, but I am unfortunately one of the top students and I have made fairly close relationships with them since I've known most of them my entire life, and if you didn't know I have been going through this school since I was a toddler. I don't talk back, more like they find it amusing to argue with me, call it an educational debate. "

"Secondly, I may skip, but it's never without a reason. Sure, I leave class early, but that's only because the teachers allow me to. In fact, other students are the ones that get me out. And lastly, I only break rules if I absolutely must, which quiet frankly I don't think I have broken any terrible rule. But since we are on the topic of rules, I'm sure I have seen you on the roof with one or more of Class D student from second year. And, you know so much about rules you do know that the roof is off limits for all students." I smiled a sly smile and glanced to see that half the divine court where shake with silent laughter.

He looked completely aghast. "You-you're not allowed up there either!" he stammered.

I rolled my eyes, "Kaho-chan—sorry I meant Kaho-sensei asked me to find you and said that you were most likely there. I'm sure you remember what she said when you did get down there?"

He had now paled at the mention. I knew Kaho well, and when she did get angry, as rare as it was, the whole world needed to take cover.

I continued to coolly say, "Something along the lines of being revoked from Student Council along with your Class A that, quote—your parents bought you—unquote."

"You b-bitch!" he almost shouted.

Before I could retort, Li had gotten up and Hermes started to walk towards the kid.

"Subaru-san, you have no right to treat or call the members of this student council anything. You wrongly accused Kinomoto-san and then you insulted her. I do not take this kind of act well, no matter whom it may be. The members of the council and I agree that you will be replaced after I have spoken with the teachers. Naozumi, if you would be so kind as to escort Subaru-san out."

"No problem." Was his simple answered as he glanced down at the second year student.

"Hold on! You can't just kick him off Student council, at least not for what he said!" I said, after coming out of my shock.

"Sorry, but we don't tolerate that kind of behaviour. Besides the guy had been getting on my nerves for a while." Replied Aphrodite.

"I agree I'm glad someone gave it to him. Though, I was hoping it could have been me." Said Artemis as she smiled at me.

"I quiet liked your performance Kinomoto, and I've got to admit, you sure can handle just about anyone. No wonder why you're Syaoran's girlfriend." Said Poseidon with a sly smile of his own.

I was pretty sure I was red by now. "I'm not his girlfriend."

The divine court turned to look at me, and grinned widely, except for Hermes who had a knowing smile plastered on his face. Li had a smirk on, knowing what his friends were about to say. At the same time, the four gods and goddesses said, "Yet. But you will be."

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, when pigs fly!"

"Wait a sec, you're Kinomoto! The Sakino!!" said one of the first years.

I raised my eyebrow in confusion, at more at 'the' that was placed before my name. "Excuse me, but who is Sakino?"

"Ah! You're right Kie-kun! I didn't realise it, but she is!" said an adorably innocent looking second year. She turned to me with large eyes, "Can I shake your hand?" she asked in admiration.

My mouth dropped and I almost fell off my seat. "Say what?!"

"Oh my god, to think that Sakino finally joined the Student Council. Wow! Seriously, everyone is going to be so jealous to hear that I'm in the same club as the Sakino!"

"Yeah, and the S.L.C. will be so shocked by this sudden news! I can't believe that Kumaru didn't recognize her!"

"Okay, I am now officially confused, can someone care enough to explain why I'm a 'the' and what is S.L .C. and why are you guys calling me Sakino! The last time I checked I was registered under Sakura." I finally said feeling sudden irritation.

The cute second year smiled shyly at me and began to answer my question, "S.L.C. stands for Sakino Lovers Club. Sakino came out of your name, --ino for Kinomoto and Sak-- from Sakura. It's a way of everyone addressing you without saying your proper name. It's a non-formal club, more of an association of student throughout the three divisions that can almost rival the S.C.F.C… umm the Student Council Fan Club." She was now, blushing a fair pink clearly embarrassed.

"So, I'm assuming that it's for these guys and their beast of a president?"

She nodded and a different student began, "Yeah, but I think once they hear this news, it'll most likely become a joint club."

I was clearly stunned, "Why would anyone want to do that?!" I asked in complete bewilderment.

"You don't really see yourself do you, Ying Fa?" asked the voice of irritation.

"What is it Li?" I asked, as if his opinion really mattered.

"Well, dear I believe they like you, and think of you as some goddess. Why do you think it was easy so for us to find you?" said the very same voice of irritation.

I sighed, "Yeah, your stalking tendencies can marvel just about anyone"

"Ying Fa, I have more talents for you to marvel upon."

"Guess what Li, I don't really want to see."

"You do."

"No actually I don't."

"Stop denying it Ying Fa, I know you do."

"Wipe that smirk off your face, and I don't."

"Why? I think my smirk is sexy."

"And I think you smell like pee."

"Vulgar language is not becoming Ms. Kinomoto."

"Nor is arrogance Mr. Li."

"Alright we get it! Can the two of you stop already? You guys are almost overbearing." Said Artemis breaking into our argument.

I looked over and noticed that the Divine court had amused expressions, while the other representatives looked almost alarmed. This was mostly due to the fact that they hadn't seen the two of us argue before.

I hated when other people were right especially due to my childish behaviour. But what I hated the most was that I had really wanted to win the banter. At least I got the last word in.

But, still I was a sarcastic fool, "Sorry Mom." I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. But it sounded like an echo to my ears. I turned to see a slightly surprised expression on Li face as we both realised that we had said the same thing.

I groaned and light banged my head on the table. "Why me?"

See, that was the first meeting that week. As it turns out, the Student council has meeting with their division representatives every Wednesday, and the inner circle, meaning the Divine Court meet almost everyday. It's sad really. I got suckered into it.

Anyways, I found that the two girls Tomoyo and Mei Ling are actually really sweet girls. They are super nice. After a little black mail on their part, they have now asked me to call them by their first names. So, I obviously have to return the favour, and now they call me by my first name.

The black mail, I must admit was played out well so excellently that I wouldn't be surprised that even the best lawyers in the world would not be able to crack. I swear those girls are going to be one big mega-busting-world-conquering team of goddesses.

My life really had become very complicated.

"Sakura! Door!" hollered Touya from his room.

And, it most likely just got worse. I groaned as I hollered back "You get it!"

"In a situation!"

"Fine!" I yelled back. Usually when Touya says a situation it can range from watching Soccer to in a crucial moment with Kaho or a contest with Yukitto, really the man was so unpredictable.

As I walked down the stairs, the person rang the bell again. "Coming." I called as quickened my pace.

As I reached the door, I grabbed the door knob and pulled it back to be grabbed by four hands. "What the hel—"

A musical voice called up into the house, "Touya-san Sakura's going shopping with us!"

I couldn't be! "Noooooooo!"

But I was blinded by a blindfold being tied. "Noooo. Girls, please! Can't we talk about this like civilized people?"

"Alright, Sakura be back by ten!" he called back, which was enough to please the musical voice and the chime of bells.

"Touya! Don't leav---" I couldn't get everything out as I was suddenly gagged. Damn, blindfolded and gagged. These goddesses were so in for it!

"Sakura, dear don't struggle, the more you do, and the more painful it will be." said Aphrodite. "Seriously, it's just shopping…" as I was lead to the car.

Why is it that you gagged me then!

"Well, you see… we kinda figured you would try to pull something and try to get out of it. I mean sure, not every girl loves to shop but at the very least you should be shopping for you date." Replied Artemis to my unspoken question.

What date?!

"Please don't give me that Sakura, don't you remember? Syaoran asked you on a date almost a week ago, but with everything being so busy it was kind of hard to do. So it was rescheduled for this afternoon. What a better way to spend your Saturday, don't you agree Mei?"

"Yeah, really we only have four hours to get her dressed and ready to go."

"Yeah, and this date is beyond crucial is very crucial and turning point of your relationship with Syaoran." Said Tomoyo in a very matter of fact voice.

I don't want to date him!

"That's what you're saying now, but even Tomoyo and I were pulled in by him and his personality, and I'm his cousin. No offense Sakura, but you don't stand a chance."

Tomoyo then said a little annoyed, "It's something about him that is so aggravatingly attractive. But that obviously changed when I started to have feelings for Eriol."

Well, I don't particularly want to be infatuated by him. I thought in anger.

"Honey, we all lose. Well, in your case win. See, the thing about Syaoran is that it's natural ability in him to have any girl that he wants. Look at him, great academics, athletics, and musical talent. Not to mention respectable, but the thing is that he has never even given a girl a glance—"

"—Yeah, we actually thought he may be homosexual." Interjected Artemis with a snort.

I could hear the glare from Aphrodite, "As I was saying before I was interrupted. Syaoran never gave a girl a glance, but with you it was entirely… different."

"Hmm, it was. See, before when he laughed or smiled it felt empty. But now the way he argues with you. It's obvious."

"Sakura, don't you dare argue, but it's not one-sided on his part. You're an open book around him. You may not realise it."

"But the possibility is there."

"A very strong possibility."

Even if my eyes were blindfolded, I rolled them. When hell freezes over, I will like him.

Both goddesses sighed, when Aphrodite began again, "There are three stages in love, denial, sudden realization and finally acceptance."

"The sudden realization is the hardest thing you face, but accepting it can be pretty difficult to. But then again acting on those feelings is the Queen of torture and nervousness." Added Artemis dryly.

I don't get why you two are so keen in seeing me like him.

"It's because we want to see him happy. He means a lot to us. A brother who was bound my too much burden. You don't realise how sweet it is to see him acting like a normal teenager." Stated Artemis quietly.

I was shocked, never had I heard Meiling speak like that. It really was astonishing. I swallowed slowly.

Guys take off the blindfold and un-gag me, I won't run away

In response I felt their hands begin to untie the… shackling. I blinked a little and took in the atmosphere around me. We were in a posh limousine with a drinking bar and fridge.

"Is it really necessary to go through a limo?"

"My mother. What can I say, she prefers I go around with style and bodyguards. She's always been that way."

I sighed, "I see… girls, I'll give you magic rights as long as there are limits, alright?"

In response Aphrodite squealed in delight and clapped her hands. Artemis grinned the sly smile of Hermes. Oh shit!