Be My Valentine
By: Sakura aka Michelle
Chapter 8

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May 2, 2008

Be My Valentine

Chapter 8

By Sakura aka Michelle

Syaoran had kept his words. Exactly half an hour after Sakura’s request to be brought home, she was ushered into the awaiting limousine just outside the entrance to the grand mansion that belonged to the prestigious Li family. The butler, who was known as Wei to Sakura, had kindly informed her that Syaoran had made all the necessary arrangements for her to go home. Sakura knew that she should feel happy at the thought of going home to meet her family but somehow, the happiness seemed to be drained away from her at the thought of separating away from Syaoran.

I guess I am used to staying inside his room, Sakura thought with a sad smile. But I shouldn’t delay going home any further. It really is weird for somebody like me to be staying together with Syaoran. He’s a prince and I am just plain Sakura. Who am I to him?

The elderly butler was trying to tell her something. Seeing that he did not have her attention, he kindly kept quiet and pushed his spectacles higher on the bridge of his nose and waited patiently for the right moment to notify her that she was to be expected downstairs in about five minutes.

So deep in her thoughts that Sakura only realized that Wei was still standing by her side. She was standing by the windows, staring out into the scenery while she sorted out her thoughts. She would miss this beautiful scenery. How she wished her own room at home overlooked a wide expense of garden. The view was simply breath-taking.

“I’m sorry!” Sakura apologized frantically. “I didn’t realize you are still here.”

Wei nodded in understanding and gave her a fatherly smile. “No offense taken. Syaoran-sama always does this all the time.”

Sakura blinked at his statement. Why is he telling me this? “You wished to tell me something?”

“Syaoran-sama has arranged a car to bring you back home. If you are ready, please follow me down. The car awaits.”

Wei opened the door for her and waited while she exited before closing the door firmly behind her. I am going to miss this room, Sakura thought as she looked at the door fondly. It holds so many precious memories for me. With one last glance, Sakura slowly made her way down behind Wei to the entrance of the mansion, where a grand limousine was waiting.

Sakura paused at the steps leading to the porch, staring at the limousine while Wei hurriedly rushed to open the door of the grand vehicle for Syaoran’s lady guest. His hands remained on the door handle while he turned to face Sakura politely. The lady was clearly hesitating about something. “Wei-san,” she started. “I do not believe that it is a good idea to be taking the Li family’s grand limousine. It isn’t appropriate. After all, I am not a part of the family.”

Wei smiled, understanding dawned on him instantly. He opened his mouth to answer but was rudely interrupted by the occupant in the backseat of the limousine. “What nonsense is that?” came a familiar voice that made Sakura’s heart skipped a beat.

“Prince Li?” Sakura asked as she peered into the limousine curiously from where she stood. “What are you doing inside?”

Syaoran scowled immediately. “I told you to call me Syaoran. Are you going to come in or stand there all day long?”

“But it is inappropriate for me to take your family’s limousine,” Sakura protested.

Syaoran shrugged, “Does it matter? You have taken it the other time.”

Sakura pouted. “I wasn’t given a choice!”

Syaoran sighed. That lady sure is stubborn, he thought as he pushed himself out of the limousine and approached Sakura. Her breath seemed to have been taken away; she was hardly breathing at this closeness. She took an unconscious step backwards to put a safe distance between them so that she can breathe normally again. She did not know that Syaoran’s nearness had this stunning effect on her. She stared up at him with wide innocent eyes.

“Isn’t it your decision to go back to your own home instead of staying here until you are totally recovered?” Syaoran asked, his face dangerously close to hers.

Sakura blinked in response. It took her about five seconds before she could make a reply. “Y-yes,” Sakura almost winced at the hoarseness of her voice and she looked shyly down at her own feet.

Syaoran took a step forward towards her and she scooted backwards immediately. He frowned at her response but said nothing. Clearly, something was upsetting her. That was what the prince had thought. Did I do something wrong? The prince asked himself silently but could not find any answers to his own question. After a long moment, he realized that she was fretting over his so called confession earlier. No wonder she looks so jumpy.

Syaoran purposely walked closer to Sakura, knowing that she would move backwards in an attempt to get away from him. Eventually, her back came into contact with the solid doors that led to the interior of the mansion. In other words, she was trapped between the cursed door and the too-handsome-for-his-own-good Syaoran. She would have moved away from the door if not for Syaoran’s hands that were in her way. He had prevented her escape by planting his hands on the door on both sides of her head. She was trapped.

Sakura was forced to look up at him in the eye as Syaoran bent over her so that they were both looking at each other at eye level. Sakura made the mistake of looking at his lips. Knowing that she was caught staring, she hastily looked at everywhere but him.

Her breath was caught in her throat again when Syaoran leaned closer with an unmistakable intent in his eyes; he was also staring at her mouth. Sakura’s heartbeat quickened to a speed that she thought was inhuman. She thought her heart was going to burst out from her chest. He’s going to kiss me!!

Their lips touched.

Syaoran pressed feathery light kisses on her lips.

Sakura’s eyes widened in surprise. But only for an instant.

In the next moment, she sighed and her eyes closed on their own accord.

She did not know how long had passed but a discreet cough startled her and she broke away instantly, heat flooding her cheeks. Her face must be as red as a tomato! She caught Wei trying very hard not to look at the both of them and he had an amused expression on his face. Sakura was aghast! She then realized that she had wound her hands around Syaoran’s neck and hastily disentangled them away from him.

Syaoran grinned, his hands still pressed firmly against the door. He looked please with himself. He knew Sakura would be feeling very confused right now so he took the liberty to explain his action to her. “That’s practice.”

“Practice?” Sakura repeated dumbly, still aware of the mad blush on her cheeks.

He pushed away from the door and put an arm around Sakura’s shoulder, ushering her towards the limousine, making use of her current confusion to propel her towards to vehicle that she refused to take. “Yes,” he reaffirmed. “That’s practice.”

Wei shut the door after the couple had entered the car. He was smiling. Never had his master had the kind of smile on his usually strict face before. Hence, he was really grateful of Sakura’s presence which had a devastating effect on Syaoran’s behaviour.

He watched as the limousine sped off.

I, too, have experienced waiting ages for other fanfics to be updated so that I can read them. As much as I enjoy reading fanfics, I also enjoy writing them. I will be writing more often this time round. No more going back on my words. Well, this is like the second fanfic chapter within 7 days. I hope to improve! Feel free to flood my inbox should you feel that I am updating too slowly. Hahas.. I hope you enjoy the chapter. )