Synopsis:

Sakura fell in love with a man she knew was out of her league. He had an incredibly long line of suitors waiting to enchant him and become his wife. What would he see in her that the other women did not have? As fate would have it, they cared for each other deeply. Their love blossomed over time. But one fateful day, he disappeared. She was told he was dead. But she held on to the belief he was still alive. Alas, he reappeared, but not as her Li Syaoran, but the fiancé of the daughter of the Wang clan. He did not know Kinomoto Sakura existed, let alone a certain little boy who carried his surname.

Chapter 7: Cherish the Chance

Her mind oscillated between longing and trepidation, exhilaration and contrition, hope and doubt.

What was happening?

Had she gone insane?

How did she get herself wedged into this emotional imbroglio?

As abruptly as their lips had locked not too long ago, Sakura pulled away, breathing heavily, her mind in a thousand places, her heart racing like a wild child. It shouldn't have happened. It was a mistake.

But. Was it, truly?

When she felt the press of his lips on hers, her entire body had become as hard and immovable as a boulder-sized rock. She was stunned into complete paralysis. She hadn't expected it at all; it was downright startling. It wasn't… right. It wasn't at all seemly. She had made an irreversible blunder. She was dangerously close to crossing an invisible boundary that she had set to protect her heart. Or… had she already crossed it?

Sakura was afraid—no—she was terrified. She was scared of Li Syaoran, whom she was well aware was someone who held the world in the palm of his hand. Was this whole situation a jaunt on a whim of absurdly affluent men like him? Wasn't it superfluous to be wasting time on commoners like her? Shouldn't he be involved with someone who could match up with his aristocratic status? Why her? She was nobody but a jejune native of a small town in the outskirts of Japan. What did he see in her? What did Hideki, the star of every dame, see in her when he was going to end up seeing someone else? What did these men want? A vestige of novel fun for gadabouts like them?

Staring at everything else but the man whose lips had caused her unparalleled jitters, Sakura clutched a fistful of the fabric of her dress and said in a faint, tremulous voice, "It—it was a mistake. I—I'm sorry."

Not wanting to make her feel any more uncomfortable than she already was, Syaoran took a tentative step back, but his maple brown eyes did not leave her pulchritudinous visage.

"It wasn't a mistake. Not for me, at least."

Reticently, Sakura elevated her gaze at him, measuring the candour of his words. His penetrating but gentle eyes were so compelling that they seemed to draw out everything that she wanted to keep buried deep within her, leaving her feeling exposed. But simultaneously, they seemed to fill her with the sense of actually being able to feel and know she could be protected, that her heart could possibly be safe with him. Possibly. A chance.

Give me a chance. Give us a chance.

Sakura's mind was working feverishly, going back and forth, back and forth, vacillating between her intuition and rationality. She could not deny the sense of inexplicable peace and deep comfort she felt whenever she was in his presence. Granted, Li Syaoran was a formidable figure who was capable of instilling a reverent kind of fear in people. Just one look from him could instantly pulverise any ounce of resistance, just a sound from him could make one's pulse surge like a river breaking through a dam. Beholding his entire form was catastrophic. She was treading on dangerous waters.

"Why?" Sakura tilted her head to one side, her eyes finally meeting his.

Syaoran raised his eyebrows marginally and leaned backwards so that his sacrum rested against the exquisitely marbled wooden slab that was the dining table. Crossing his arms in front of his chest, he said, "There is something about you that just fits, like a puzzle piece I didn't know I was missing."

"What was it that you were missing?" Sakura ventured.

Syaoran's eyes darkened for a brief moment. Then, they softened, though they seemed a little distant. He answered, "Courage."

"Courage?" Sakura repeated, looking mildly puzzled.

"To experience what I feared most," he replied, his tone laced with a tinge of sadness, desolation. Syaoran locked his amber gaze on the woman before her with an intensity that could cut through one's soul, that could make one shiver inwardly, involuntarily.

"What... do you fear?"

Lowering his arms so that his hands rested idly on the surface of the dining table, Syaoran looked away, a heartwrenching forlornness etched on his chiselled face. He tightened his lips, his gaze resting on nothing in particular.

Sakura studied his face, not really sure what she was searching for. What she saw was a loneliness that seemed to be the cause of his gnarled core, which he hid so well with his stoic facade. In that moment of stillness between the two of them, Sakura could hear a desperate plea coming from the latent part of his soul. She had an inkling that there was some sort of yearning that was lodged deep and almost abandoned inside of him, waiting to be unearthed and satiated. Sakura felt herself gravitating towards a forbidden desire to know this perilous, unfathomable, highly coveted man whom she had just shared a kiss with. And he had initiated it. And he was known to be unceremonious and curt towards the women who were interested in him. He had a long line of suitors who wanted to be that one lucky woman to be by his side. But he had decided she was the one whom he wanted. He wanted her to give him—them—a chance. What chance, exactly? It was vague, a request as cryptic as its maker, who was now eyeing her expectantly with his signature piercing stare.

"I must have caught you by surprise with my earlier question. But it wasn't something random. I... gave it a lot of thought before plucking up the courage to bring it up to you," Syaoran confessed. "I want to know what your thoughts are... Sakura."

Sakura.

Oh the way her name sounded coming from his mouth. It was unbearably invigorating and sweet. It wasn't like he was the only one who addressed her by her first name, but the cadence of his voice when her name rolled off his tongue caused her insides to twist with an unfathomable pleasure and bliss. And it wasn't just all that—it made her feel like she was someone whom he was going to treasure and guard with his life. There was a fire in his words, in his eyes, burning with a kind of commitment that she had never seen or felt in anyone, not even Hideki. Could she really believe that he wouldn't let her down, wouldn't disappoint her, wouldn't break her heart? Wait—why was she ruminating over all these senseless possibilities? She didn't fancy him in that way, did she? Yes, he was undoubtedly attractive, a real treat for the eyes. Yes, he was conceivably one of the most eligible bachelors in the whole of Asia. He was the perfect beau every girl could dream of having. But… did she… no. No. It was indecorous; she wasn't supposed to bask in such affection from this man. He was… he was… Li Yelan's son and she was just the family's tutor. Furthermore, she had just broken up with her long-time boyfriend. Perhaps she was experiencing an uncanny pull towards Li Syaoran because he happened to be around during moments of her vulnerability. It was nothing. Maybe. What was more, she ought to have learnt her lesson from her recently failed relationship with a similarly highly sought after man, shouldn't she?

Yes, she could not be foolish enough to fall into the same pit again.

"I… I don't think that's what you really want, Li-kun. You… you're… you should be—"

"With someone like you," Syaoran finished. He edged towards her, so that their mouths were mere inches apart.

Sakura's lungs seemed to freeze. Her voice was lost in his unwavering closeness. His soothing smell of bergamot was almost unbearably hypnotic. Sakura couldn't seem to get a hold of her own thoughts—of herself—in his magnetising presence. She seemed to have lost her bearings, not having a clue how she should respond. He was so forthright about his feelings that it stirred her soul, tugging at her heartstrings. Sakura looked at Syaoran hesitantly, measuring his resolve. This moment that she found herself in was a haunting reminder of the time when Hideki had confessed his feelings for her and how she had believed in his sincerity only to be utterly disillusioned in the end.

In the end, everything was nothing but ashes of a broken, incinerated fantasy.

"The food's getting cold. Let's eat," Syaoran remarked, walking over to his seat. It was quite impressive how he managed to steer them away from a potentially awkward situation. Perhaps it was his business acumen being at play.

They ate in silence; the only sound that could be heard in the breezy dining room came from the scraping and clinking of metallic utensils against porcelain plates. No more words were exchanged, only furtive glances at each other in between bites.

Syaoran was the first to finish his food. He reached for the linen napkin resting on his lap and brought it gently to his lips. Then, he lowered it onto the table and watched his companion savour the steak that he had cubed for her. He found himself immersing in a river of still waters—it was a peace he had never felt in a long, long time. And that elusive peace was felt only in her presence and it had the capability to make his soul surrender in spite of himself. There was so much bliss bubbling within him that he felt it oozing out of his skin. Was this what heaven felt like?

"Thank you for the food," Sakura smiled, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction from the delectable meal she just had.

Syaoran returned her smile. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"It's the best meal I've ever had. Your chefs are amazing. You're so blessed, Li-kun."

"I am, I think." Resting his chin in his hands, he suggested, "Would you like to take a walk outside?"

Sakura's eyes lit up in excitement. "Yes, I would love too!"

Syaoran rose from his seat and crossed over to her side. He extended his hand and said, "C'mon." He gave her a smile that could knock out the wind of any member of the female species.

Sakura stared at his hand, a look of hesitance clouding her eyes.

Syaoran didn't move an inch, his gazed fixed on her as he waited patiently for her to take it.

Slowly, apprehensively, Sakura lifted her arm that felt as stiff as an old man's back, and rested her faintly quivering hand in Li Syaoran's.

His fingers encircling her hand, Syaoran gently pulled her up from her seat. His eyes lingered on her for a moment, as though watching out for any adverse reaction to his touch. Thankfully, she didn't seem to find it repulsive, though her eyes were scrupulously downcast. His hand still clasping hers, Syaoran steered her to the front of the villa, enjoying the softness of her hand in his. It fitted nicely and perfectly in his own, like it was meant to be there all along. Syaoran smiled inwardly at the thought.

The air outside was thick with a rejuvenating warmth that was not stifling like the typical scorching summer heat— it felt akin to a soft, tranquillising embrace that wrapped around one like a familiar blanket. Tender zephyrs whispered through the trees, bringing with them a transcendent sweet scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass that tickled the olfactory nerve. The air was still but sparkling with vitality at the same time. The rustling of the leaves and swaying branches, coupled with the melodious chirps of birds and the drumming and trilling of insects, created a symphony of sounds that was serenely enchanting.

After trekking down a winding path, Sakura found herself stepping on pristine, white sand. It was so silky that it was almost cloud-like. Could sand really be this dazzlingly white? The sea was a vibrant cobalt with a smooth, opalescent surface that radiated glitters of pearl blue. Was it imaginable for the blue to have such exquisite depth? It was a phenomenal scene of pure wonder.

It was a sight so unadulterated that Sakura could not seem to peel her eyes away from it and her racing heart seemed to have dwindled to a slower rhythm.

Syaoran and Sakura stood shoulder to shoulder, facing the shimmering waters, their hands still entwined in a tender hold. Neither of them spoke as they allowed the quietude of the idyllic landscape to engulf their entire beings.

"This is breathtaking," Sakura whispered.

"Yeah, it is," concurred Syaoran.

Arching her neck to gaze at him, Sakura said, "I can see why you bought this island. It's so… cleansing and nourishing. Just a few hours here and I feel amazingly light on the inside. Did you… enchant it or something?"

Stifling a chuckle, he answered, "No, it doesn't need any enchantments to experience this lightness you said you felt. The dregs of magic from its use on this island lend to the celestial sensation you've been experiencing here. And because you possess magic yourself, you're able to actually see it, smell it, feel it. Though what you experience are only residual effects of spells being cast, it has pretty impressive power."

"Like how it has this restorative energy that I'm feeling now?"

"One among many effects of arcane remnants," replied Syaoran plainly.

"I see."

The hush that followed made Sakura acutely cognizant of their interlaced hands. His grip was firm but gentle. His palm was surprisingly warm, seeing how his stares and words could freeze water into ice. Sakura's heart rate started to quicken and she felt blood rushing to her face once again. She knew it was flagrantly inappropriate, but she just couldn't make herself break away from his hold on her.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?" Syaoran asked, dispelling the silence.

Sakura gave a tiny, uneasy smile. "Honestly, a little," she admitted.

Syaoran let out a genteel laugh. "I like your honesty."

Sakura looked down at her feet in mild embarrassment.

"Thank you." Seeing her puzzled expression, Syaoran added, "For not letting go."

Sakura seemed to be marinating a thought in her head. Then, she spoke up, "I've only recently broken up with a guy I'd dated for almost four years—"

"Do you still have feelings for him?"

What Syaoran had actually wanted to ask was if she still loved that guy. Love. He scowled at the very plausible notion that Sakura loved someone else. He wanted to be the only one she loved.

Love was possessive, exclusive.

Sakura was exclusive. To him—Li Syaoran.

"He... violated my trust. I don't think I can go back to having those old feelings of love for someone who has broken it."

Love. Syaoran had to fight the urge to roll his eyes in annoyance.

"Yes, it's hard to trust after a betrayal," he affirmed. "But it doesn't mean you should lock yourself away completely because of fear."

Sakura let out a small sigh. "Mmhmm."

"You shouldn't let one bad experience determine your future."

"I know. But... I'm afraid. Of being trampled. It makes me feel like a fool. And I don't like feeling like a fool."

Syaoran squeezed her hand, as though trying to relay an unspoken message to her with his touch, like a silent promise that whatever she feared would not be realised. Ever. As long as she was with him, as long as she was his. "Let me convince you," he said, his burnished copper eyes drilling into hers.

Emerald met amber.

A resolve in those emerald eyes wavered and was slowly flaking off under the unyielding, determined amber glint.

Let me convince you.

He made it sound so believable that refraining from it almost felt wrong.

Sunday—the day after a jaw-dropping, eye-opening experience with Li Syaoran on an ethereal island that he legitimately owned. It still felt surreal. She had never known anyone who actually owned an island. A real, physical island! Not only that, his heartfelt declaration of his desire to make her his still seemed too... fictitious for her to properly process. Every moment, every spoken word, on that incredibly enchanted island, felt straight out of a fairytale.

Sakura's smartphone chimed. She swiped across the screen and saw his name—Li Syaoran.

So it had all been real. All that had transpired on Fushiji Island.

She read his text.

What are you doing today? I was thinking we can head out for lunch. Or brunch? :)

Sakura let out a small giggle at the smiley face. It just… didn't suit his... style. Smiling, Sakura typed her reply.

Sure, would love to. My treat, ok. To thank you for an amazing day yesterday. :)

Shortly after she tapped the "send" button, his reply came in.

Gentlemen don't let ladies foot the bill. Don't worry about it.

Ah such male ego :p

Meet at 11 at the foyer?

Ok. See you in a bit.

Sakura couldn't believe he was just a level up from her room. They were so close. Sort of. The notion of it gave her the chills and filled her with a warmth that made her insides squirm delightfully all at the sametime.

A sudden strangling sensation gripped her—how could she get involved with another man so quickly after breaking up with Hideki? And it was done over the phone and she didn't even give him a chance to explain his side of the story. It felt like she was going against some kind of invisible decorum of romance. She felt a tinge of guilt gnawing at her conscience—could she just forget all that she and her first real boyfriend had?

Of course she could. He was the one who dishonoured what they had between them, seeing another woman behind her back. Why, though? Had Sakura not done enough this whole time? Was it the physical distance that had estranged them from each other? Was she… not enough for him… after all?

Could Sakura, then, be enough for the rising leader of one of the greatest clans in Asia when she was very likely not so for her basketball star former boyfriend?

Let me convince you.

But maybe… just maybe… she could. Deep, deep within her, she felt she could really, really believe Syaoran's words. And his heart.

Maybe.

She was a gem. A rare one. She sparkled in her own simplicity, imbued with a natural, understated beauty that just got more resplendent every time Syaoran looked at her. She didn't just have a beautiful face, she also had a beautiful soul that would leave those in her stride charmed and helpless. She was perfect. For him.

He beamed as he watched her descend the pristine spiral stairs—she was clad in a pair of khaki jogger pants that ended a few inches above her ankles, and a braided strap print top that revealed her collarbones and shoulders so gracefully. Her face was just slightly embellished with makeup, but that little bit of powder, eyeliner, blusher, accentuated her girlish allure that would put supermodels off the runway. Okay, he might be exaggerating a little, but to him, she was stunning beyond Hollywood glamour.

Ever the gentleman that he was raised to be, Syaoran presented his hand to her. He tried to hide his amusement when he saw her cheeks tinge pink and felt her tense up, though it would be barely perceptible to all except him who was exceptionally sharp when it came to the senses.

Syaoran beamed even brighter when Sakura gently placed her hand in his.

"All set?"

Sakura smiled. "Yes."

Sunday. What better day to have brunch? Sundays just have that perfect brunch vibe, haven't they? The buzz that resonated through a busy cafe filled with Sunday morning people, the aroma of coffee that infused very corner with its rejuvenating rich scent, the smell of buttery pastries awakening and tickling the otherwise unenthusiastic taste buds that had probably been aroused reluctantly after eight hours of dormancy.

Except the place where Sakura found herself in wasn't the typical, bustling cafe that she was used to. She was standing thirty-nine floors above the lobby of a five-star hotel in the heart of Tokyo, her eyes trying not to dilate too much at the most elegant view they had ever been graced with. Although she was only at the entrance of The Jade Chamber, waiting to be seated, she could already sense the upscale vibes seeping into her pores. She tried her utmost best to keep her mouth from dropping as she scanned what lay beyond the exclusively exquisite entrance of the Chamber.

Vast windows cascaded from the ceiling to the floor, providing an expansive view of the iconic Mount Fuji on the horizon. The Jade Chamber was furnished with a space of modern luxury, sophisticated interior with a vibrant colour palette of orange and gold that gave it a warm, welcoming glow.

"Reservation under Li Syaoran," Syaoran stated in his rich, velvety voice that made the waitress blush out of her own volition.

Scrolling through the tablet that rested on the stand, in a manner that appeared more flustered than what was normal, the waitress finally looked up. When her eyes focused on Syaoran, her face turned a deeper shade of pink. Her shoulders visibly stiffened as she tried to speak as collectedly as her thumping heart would allow. "I—I see your reservation under your name. This way, please."

Syaoran turned to Sakura and with a smile, he mouthed, "After you."

With Sakura in front of him following the waitress to their table, Syaoran's eyes lingered on her slender back and her bob of caramel tresses. He had seen, been with and mentally screened numerous women, but none had him so drawn and mesmerised like this one right there. Did she know she had the strength of a neodymium magnet? How did she come to possess such immense power to make him, who had such strong, immovable resolve, this helpless and vulnerable in her presence? He was so hopelessly... in love? Love? Had he fallen in love with Kinomoto Sakura? He wanted her, yes. But love? It was an untamed beast, an uncharted territory... It was unnerving. There were still dregs of fear buried deep within him despite finding himself completely lost in her gravity and wanting more.

"Here's your table," the waitress announced meekly, as she cast bashful glances at Syaoran, apparently dazzled by his dashing appearance.

Syaoran walked over to one of the chairs and pulled it out for Sakura. She sat down, flashing him a grateful smile.

"My name is Aiko," the waitress introduced. "I will be serving you today. Please let me know when you're ready to order." With a bow, she left, giving the two Chamber's guests privacy while they perused the leather-bound menu.

"She's lovely, isn't she?" Sakura commented, in a half-whisper.

Flipping open the menu, Syaoran answered offhandedly, "It's part of their training."

Sakura nodded and mimicked him. Her eyes bulged as they flicked over the prices listed on the menu. She had intended to treat him to this meal despite what he had texted earlier on, but if she did in this premium, out-of-Sakura's-world restaurant, she could perhaps only afford the house salad which still cost pretty much an arm and a leg.

As though he had somehow grasped her unspoken thoughts, Syaoran said, his eyes still scanning the menu's contents, "What would you like? It's on me, like I said before."

"But—" Sakura protested but Syaoran cut her short.

"Don't fret over it. Order what you like." He gave her a reassuring smile in an attempt to put her at ease.

"Fine," Sakura conceded. "I'll let myself leech on you just one more time. The next one will be on me."

"So... there will be a next time?" Syaoran's amber eyes glinted mischievously, yet there was a trace of expectancy in his tone.

Sakura gave a noncomittal shrug and continued to peruse the weighty menu before her, her lips curling playfully like a scapegrace.

"I look forward to our next time," Syaoran intoned, a sly smirk crawling up his face.

After placing their orders (Sakura decided on a quinoa grain bowl, while Syaoran went with Quiche Lorraine, as well as the Chamber's signature Jade latte at his insistence.), Sakura began, "Thanks, Li-kun. Though you really didn't have to."

"I thought we are past last name basis?" Syaoran's well-kempt eyebrows were raised, his arms folded in front of his broad, sculpted chest.

Sakura hesitated, "Erm, well, I... I guess it's not very appropriate, knowing that you're my boss's son..."

"So I'm just Li Yelan-san's son to you?" He purposely added the honorific at the end of his esteemed mother's name in an attempt to spark a banter.

"Well... that's a fact... isn't it?"

Syaoran chortled and admitted, "You're not wrong. But... it would mean a lot to me if you called me by my first name, Sakura."

That same electrifying jolt from the first time he articulated her name shot through her spine. Sakura. No one could say her name in the way he did. It was... one of a kind, distinctive. It made her feel like she was his everything. Everything.

Sakura looked out of the window, taking in the magnificent panorama before her. "You know, you never fail to astound me with your choice of venue. Thus far."

"I don't see why I should," replied Syaoran with a slight, dismissive shrug. Then he added, "Just so you know—"

"Li-san?" It was the voice of a lady, soft and smooth, capable of melting hearts. But it didn't seem capable of working its charm on the guarded, saturnine man before her.

Syaoran lifted his head and glanced at her, his visage stoic and somewhat... cold. The warmth in his chestnut eyes that had graced Sakura just a few seconds ago evaporated into just a glacial, hard stare.

"How... have you been?" she ventured, her fingers clutching her designer purse as if for dear life. Then, her eyes landed on Sakura. "I see your mother has got you a new date," she stated, her tone frosty and balefully pointed.

Syaoran's jaw tightened visibly. "Sakura's more than that." His voice sounded far away and hollow, despite the veracity of those. He didn't want to reveal more than what was necessary to someone whom he had no business with.

The woman became rigid at his mention of his companion's name with such gentleness and protective demeanour. She cast a contemptuous look at Sakura whose eyes had been glued to her lap throughout the unexpected, awkward exchange between the sophisticated-looking woman and Syaoran. She pretended to be heavily occupied with her unadorned fingernails. She didn't dare to look up, lest she get burned by the intensity of the stranger's menacing stare.

Steeling herself so as to perhaps preserve her pride, the woman said, "Have a lovely day, Li-san." With a final bow, she stalked away, her heels striking the floor with sharp taps.

"Hey," Syaoran began, his body loosening up from all the tension that had built up earlier on. He reached across the table for her hand. She didn't flinch or recoil. It was a relief.

Sakura gazed up at him, a troubled look etched on her radiant face. "I hope I didn't jeopardise anything..."

Syaoran tightened his grip on her hand. "There's nothing to jeopardise. She was merely one of the women my mother set me up with. There was nothing between us."

"She sounded... never mind." Sakura shook her head and allowed a bright smile to plaster across her face. "It's your loss to reject such a spectacular woman, Syaoran-kun," she teased. "It's a wonder how a curmudgeon like you could charm so many women."

Syaoran's eyes widened in mock stupefaction. "Excuse me? A curmudgeon?"

Sakura giggled, inviting a kaleidoscope of butterflies to flutter about in his stomach. How he enjoyed listening to the jingle of her laugh and how it balled him into a bundle of nerves at the same time. It was a sound he wanted to live listening to for the rest of his life. And she had called him by his first name, the syllables escaping her tongue so naturally like the rising sun.

"No offence, but you do carry the vibe of Ebenezer Scrooge with your grouchy face." Sakura scrunched up her face to imitate Syaoran's unsmiling, austere expression.

Syaoran chuckled, shaking his head in feigned disapproval. "Only you would have the audacity to talk to me like that."

A moment of silence hung between them as the jesting interlude dissipated. Suddenly conscious of her hand in Syaoran's, Sakura gently pulled away and let her eyes survey the vista of the bustling city through the window, her chin resting in her hands. "The view of Tokyo from up here is incredible."

Peering out of the window as well, Syaoran agreed, "It is."

Sakura turned to focus her gaze on the elegantly striking man seated across her. He was the pinnacle of refinement, which made her question again and again if they would ever be compatible with each other. Tilting her head slightly to the right, she said, sounding a little unsure, "Remember what you said earlier— that I… I was—"

"More than the women whom my mother tried to fix me up with," Syaoran confirmed, "And yes, I mean it."

Sakura regarded him thoughtfully, as if trying to pick out any trace of hypocrisy in his words. She wanted to believe him. Very much. The thought of it threw her into a pool of further questions—had she developed feelings for this man whom she knew was out of her league? Could she even? If she gave her heart to him, how certain was she that he would really take good care of it? How sincere were his words of confession? Were they really not just spoken on impulse, to get what they wanted so that they could satisfy their male ego?

The following words that came out from him set her heart ablaze with an exhilaration that she had never experienced before. It was like she had, without realising, been waiting for this moment her whole life. It was like a missing puzzle piece that she had been searching for all along, just like what Syaoran had told her when they were on his island about twenty-four hours ago.

"I think… I've fallen for you, Sakura." Syaoran shifted uncomfortably in his seat. It was so out of character that it made Sakura lift her eyebrows in pure amusement. "I'm quite certain—no—I'm certain that you are the one for me."

His face was as red as a tomato, like a boy making an earthshaking confession to his first crush. The sight of him, of Li Syaoran, the indomitable, notoriously daunting figure blushing, was so adorable that Sakura had to strive with all her might to repress the urge to laugh despite the seriousness of the conversation.

Pursing her lips in a valiant effort to stop herself from bursting into laughter, Sakura said, "You think?" Still, she could not help but to rib him just a teensy little.

Mildly flustered, Syaoran scrambled for the right words to say. His uncoordinated mannerisms made him look like he was stuck in a quagmire. And Sakura played a huge role in it.

Another out-of-character moment. Li Syaoran, perturbed, confounded.

Sakura pressed her lips harder, making sure she remained as soundless as possible.

"I mean—it's not that I'm not sure about my feelings for you. It's just that, this is all new to me. I know it sounds incredulous, but I… I'd never felt this way with anyone else. You're the first," Syaoran babbled, his already flaming cheeks turning a shade darker with each utterance.

Sakura's face softened at his candidness. He might be a highly influential figure in his own realm, but he was still human, a human capable of feeling. They might come from starkly different worlds, but they were still flesh and blood. No human was infallible.

"Thank you, Syaoran-kun, for being vulnerable with me. I know it's not easy for you and I must say... I'm moved by you—your feelings for-for me." Clutching her glass of water more firmly, Sakura continued, "I don't know if I could ever match up to you, your status and all, but I will do what I can to make things work."

There, she'd said it. She was done suppressing her heart because of a past hurt that wasn't even her fault. She had wanted her and Hideki to have a happily ever after but the desire was unfortunately not reciprocated. Could she and Syaoran have their happily ever after, then? Sakura did not know what the future held for them, but one thing that her instincts told her was that this modern aristocrat who had an astounding ability to conjure something out of nothing was a decent, wholehearted, possibly the most devoted man any woman could ask for.

Syaoran was indeed infamous among the women in his league, known to discard his dates mercilessly—according to Tomoyo's insider sources. To the fairer sex of his calibre, Li Syaoran was elusive, out of reach, but immensely desirable all at once. It was perplexing, really. It was a labyrinthine concept among those high-born women which Sakura would never be able to grasp.

To her, he was simply a hurting, lonely boy who was forced to mature beyond his years, forced to take on a role that he was very possibly not ready for. He seemed to be bound by so many layers that the light in him was snuffed out, leaving behind a cold and blustery soul.

Right then, she knew what had pulled her to him, albeit short of her own awareness. If she had met him first, perhaps in university or even in elementary school, she was fairly certain she would fall under his spell of doing nothing but everything. That was his unique charm, which probably caused women aplenty to fall head over heels with him. Sakura, being a warm-blooded woman herself, was not immune to it. Admittedly, the pull factor for her was nothing noble but superficial. Who wouldn't be enthralled by someone like him? More than that, she would see him for who he truly was and she was certain she would fall for him as she got to know him, like how he fell for her in the present moment. He might appear arrogant, unapproachable, distant—but Sakura felt innately that he held so many glowing, endearing qualities that she could not help but to draw herself deeper into his world. The desire to embed herself further into his life had been growing stronger each day, ever since she had unintentionally stumbled upon his private space where she caught a glimpse of the Syaoran that was so different from the version that he displayed to everyone else.

"There is no status, or anything for that matter, to match up to," he said, his eyes torrid with unspoken, repressed emotions that yearned to be released. Rising from his chair, Syaoran crossed over to Sakura's side and crouched down beside her. Gazing into the depths of her emerald eyes, he went on, "You only need to be just the way you are. I don't need you to be anybody else, Sakura." Gently, he cupped both her hands in his. To his bafflement, he felt the quiet trail of warm tears falling onto his skin. He looked up at her, his eyes reflecting a panic that was even bizarre to him. "Are you—are you okay?" Syaoran quickly reached up and brushed those saline beads away with his thumb. Seeing Sakura cry had officially become a source of his consternation.

Sniffling back those unexpected deluge of emotions, Sakura apologised, her voice a little shaky, "I-I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me." Inhaling deeply, she continued, "It's just… what you just said is probably something I'd always wanted to hear. Thank you."

Syaoran sighed in relief, then he smiled. "Show me your true colours, Kinomoto Sakura."

At that, Sakura laughed. Then, a visage of solemnity crossed her face. Looking him unflinchingly in his eyes, she said, "Show me yours too, Li Syaoran."

True love does not lie, neither does it hide.

True love exists between two individuals who are willing to bare their souls and in doing so, accept each other unconditionally.

True love does not judge.

True love always embraces.

In the meager number of dates that Wang Zhenni and Li Syaoran had, Zhenni had never seen him smile so brightly like how he did with that Japanese girl. He looked almost... goofy, a complete contrast to his usual surly, disengaged demeanour during their supposed dates. He was always quiet, cooped up in his own world, only spoke when a question was directed at him. She knew he was only trying to be polite and be the honourable son to his noble mother when he turned up for their dates. If he had even attempted to conceal his reluctance to show up, it was a shoddy job done on his part.

Wang Zhenni expelled an air of disgrace as she recalled how ruthlessly he had discarded her like a piece of abhorrent trash that nightmarish evening. Sure, she might be overdramatizing the distasteful scene in her head over and over again but it was such a traumatising experience for her that she spiralled into a bout of depression which she was still battling with even now. Wang Zhenni was used to being mollycoddled. Hence, the situation with Li Xiao Lang was not something she could easily accept.

"What's the matter, sweetheart?" Wang Shiren asked, his brows furrowed in deep concern for his daughter. "You seem troubled."

Zhenni nodded her head towards her ex-date and his companion. "I bumped into Li Xiao Lang just now. He has a new date. A Japanese."

Wang Shiren followed his daughter's gaze and his eyes widened slightly. Then, he turned towards Zhenni, apparently unperturbed. "Fret not, sweetheart. There is no need to be too troubled. It won't last."

Zhenni narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "How do you know, Daddy? I've never seen him behave so... freely before. Surely she must be someone really special to him. He said so himself."

Shiren arched his eyebrows, the motion as indistinct as his calm resolve would give room for. "Oh? What did he say?"

"He said she was someone more than all the dates his mother had arranged for him. He seemed really serious about her." Zhenni folded her arms across her chest and let the brief but disturbing exchange that took place a few minutes ago continue to linger in her mind.

"Pay no heed," Shiren answered, waving his hand dismissively. "Li Xiao Lang will come to realise my precious, all-rounder daughter is the right one for him."

Zhenni slumped back against her chair, her arms still stubbornly pinned across her front, as though determined to find a flaw in her father's words. "How, Daddy? You and I, and even the entire world know how obstinate he can be."

To his daughter's doubts, Shiren only smiled, a tad too serenely. "Have I ever disappointed you, my dear daughter?"

That was a rhetorical question that had stood its ground since time immemorial. Wang Zhenni's highly resourceful, highly influential, highly respected father had never once let her down. And she was convinced he would not this time either.

"Uncle!" Two clamorous, excited voices tore through the weeklong silence, reverberating in the air, shaking its molecules out of their idleness. Haitang and Haitian, the ever exuberant pair of siblings gambolled towards their favourite uncle like two joyful lambs in spring.

Syaoran scooped up the tinier of the two, Haitian, into his arms and ruffled Haitang's bedhead. "Enjoyed your trip?"

"Yes!" the siblings replied in unison.

"But we missed you and Kinomoto-sensei!" Haitian exclaimed, flashing a toothy smile as he spotted his favourite tutor just a step behind Syaoran.

"Yeah, we wished you and Kinomoto-sensei could go with us!" Haitang echoed, as she grabbed hold of Sakura's hand.

"Welcome home, you two," Sakura greeted, grinning broadly. Noticing Li Yelan and Li Fuutie emerging from the family's Mercedes-Benz Maybach limousine, Sakura stood a little taller as she trimmed her grin to a more demure lift of her pink glossed lips.

"How have you been, Sakura-san?" Yelan inquired warmly as she handed her luggage and bags to one of the attending maidservants.

Sakura gave a small bow and replied, "I've been well, Li-san. How was your trip?"

"It was... refreshing. Nice. A much needed break." Yelan turned to her son and gave him a once-over. "You seem... different. Did you finally put your sister's Christmas present to good use?"

Syaoran's face flushed with a colour as red as the beetroot. "You know I'm not into facials. I still think it's a waste of money," he answered, sounding a little too defensive.

Yelan's face lifted in unrestrained amusement. "Well, then, I must say you look rather radiant."

"What have you been up to, huh, little brother?" Fuutie teased. Another maidservant took over her bags. Flipping her lustrous hair to the back, she added, "I agree with Mother. You are practically glowing."

"I-I think I don't look any different," Syaoran disagreed, his face getting hot like an incendiary set alight.

"Uncle," Haitang piped up, "Your face is as red as a baboon's butt."

"Let's head in. You wouldn't want to get to catch a cold," Syaoran blurted out, regretting as soon as those fatuous words spilled out of his mouth. He cursed at himself inwardly for his idiocy and spun around, making his way to the house as quickly as the weight of Haitian in his arms could take him.

"It's July, Xiao Lang," Fuutie commented, running after her younger brother, wanting to pry whatever he was trying to hide out of him. "Wait! I'm not done asking yet!" she called after Syaoran as he sped off like a bullet train.

Yelan took in the brouhaha with an oddly pleased look on her perfectly contoured face. She cast a sideways glance at the girl whom she had developed some sort of affection for ever since she laid eyes on her during the interview. If there was anyone whom she wanted her only son to spend the rest of his life with, she hoped it would be Sakura—the girl who held the key to his heart.

The mysterious but fascinating bell tinkled, spewing out a ripple of gleaming pink. It had turned a brilliant shade of tea rose. Sakura observed it with interest and wondered if the others had noticed the bell's enchanting transformation. But they seemed oblivious as they piled into the mansion.

She must have stood there for quite some time, entranced by the magic of it, because she didn't notice Syaoran occupying the space next to her.

"Pink, huh," he started, glancing up at the metallic mystery.

Sakura jumped, startled by the unexpected presence of someone else just next to her. "Oh, Syaoran-kun. You scared me."

"You seemed lost in thought," Syaoran remarked.

"Where's Haitian?"

"With my sister. He wanted to open all the souvenirs he bought in Hong Kong." Syaoran raised both hands, fingers forming air quotes around the word 'bought'.

Sakura giggled. "He's so cute."

"Like his uncle," Syaoran unabashedly injected, tucking his hands into the pockets of his beige-coloured chino bermuda shorts.

Sakura punched him playfully in his shoulder and said, "Ugh, so narcissistic."

Syaoran shrugged. "I can't help it. It's a fact."

"What—being narcissistic and full of yourself?" Sakura jested, an eyebrow raised.

"Well, self-admiration cannot be helped if one is indisputably cute," quipped Syaoran. "C'mon, you gotta admit to that. If not, why would you want to make things work between us?"

This time, Sakura slapped him hard on his right scapula, her face contorted into a playful glower. Syaoran did not flinch, his frame still steady and unyielding. Perhaps the countless hours of training he had accumulated over the years had enabled him to acclimate to so gargantuan a force that the slap on his shoulder blade by someone as harmless as Sakura was like a mild nip on the finger. He simply watched her with rapt attention, his lips lifting up into a small smile.

Sakura stayed still under his scrutiny. "What?" She frowned, arms crossed in front of her.

"Nothing," Syaoran answered. His gaze was still fixated on her, unwavering.

"You're looking at me funny," Sakura commented.

Syaoran shook his head and let out a chuckle. "Sorry, I don't mean to stare. I was just… recalling what you said yesterday, about wanting to make things work. Between us."

A faint blush of tea rose coloured Sakura's cheeks as she, too, remembered what she had said at The Jade Chamber the previous day. How could she forget? It marked a pivotal turn in whatever they had between them. But to hear it from Syaoran at that moment sent a rush through her chest. It was not a fabrication of her mind. It was as real as their breaths, constant and undeniable.

"The bell knows," Syaoran stated as he looked up at the subject of his statement.

Sakura gave him a quizzical look. "What does it know?"

"It knows that something's changed." Gazing deeply into her eyes, Syaoran went on, "And you are the source. It's a change to be celebrated."

He leaned closer and Sakura caught the familiar scent of bergamot.

Their lips met.

Time seemed to have slowed, giving them the space to linger and savour the moment. It wasn't just a physical contact that sent waves of electricity through their nerves. It was a kiss that spoke volumes without words, full of tenderness and unspoken longing, leaving them wanting more.

Finally, reluctantly, they pulled away from each other, catching their breaths. Syaoran's arms were still encircled around Sakura's waist while her hands remained lightly pressed on his chest. Neither wanted to part any further than the distance between their faces.

Eyeing each other with a newfound affection, and even some apprehension, they broke into a smile that spelled bliss all over their faces.

Syaoran was the first one to break the silence. "Let's make this work." He pressed his forehead gently onto Sakura's, not wanting to move an inch.

"Let's make this work," Sakura echoed, nestling into his warm, protective chest.

SummerSensations: Thank you for your patience while waiting for this chapter to be posted! :D