Right Here Waiting

Chapter 12: When feelings collide

Syaoran tapped his fingers on his study table, unsure of what to do. He had been staring at the phone for a while now, but he still could not have the courage to pick it up to talk to her. There were so many arguments running in his mind. He looked at his clock and frowned. It was almost ten in the evening. He was not sure if she would still be up yet, but there was no use. He needed her help. With a sigh, he grabbed the phone and waited.

 “Hello? Daidouji residence.”

Syaoran paused for a moment, still struggling to proceed or not. Being stubborn in nature, he always had a plan in mind and would always be sure in everything that he has to do. He was trained that way and if his mother Yelan Li was watching him right that moment, he was sure that he would be receiving a long discussion with her once again. He cleared his voice and, “Good evening. Can I talk to Ms. Daidouji? This is Li Syaoran.”

“Just a moment please.” The maid said in the other line.

Hearing soft footsteps from the phone, Syaoran tried his best to even his breathing. There was no turning back that moment so he needed to at least compose himself and his thoughts before talking to Tomoyo.

“Syaoran.”  Tomoyo said softly to catch him attention.

Syaoran straightened, then tried to relax. “Tomoyo.”

“What’s with this sudden call?”

Usually, he would not care what other people would think, much more asking them for help. Being a Li, he was used to deal on things with his own hands. However, this time, he knew he must get out of that zone. “I need your help.” He said, imagining the young heiress of Daidouji Corp raise her eyebrow.

“About?”

“Tomorrow is Sakura’s birthday.” Syaoran said. “I was hoping if you could help me with some things. I don’t normally do this so—“

“A surprise party? That would be nice!” Tomoyo exclaimed in excitement.

 Syaoran did not expect Tomoyo to have that idea, but he smiled at the thought. With that, he took a deep breath and sighed in relief. He started to talk, sorting out ideas with the girl who knew Sakura very well.

Few minutes went along and both said their good nights. Syaoran put the phone back into its place then dropped his body to the bed. He could not believe that there would come a time that he would think of doing something for her. ‘Tomorrow is going to be a long day.’

***********

"Sakura!"

Syaoran watched Touya shout at the bottom of the stairs as he sat down the couch. He knew Sakura would not be expecting him that day so he took the chance to talk to Touya for a moment before he decided to ask her out.

“I’m coming!” Sakura answered in a cheerful voice. Hurriedly, she went downstairs and found her brother holding his usual workbag. She frowned. “You have work?” She asked, disappointment dripping in her voice. It was her special day and both her dad and brother would be busy.

Touya nodded. He raised his hand to her head. “I’ll be back earlier. In the mean time, that brat and another friend of yours are here.”

"Who?" She asked Touya then gazed at the living room. She saw Syaoran then beside him was Tomoyo. "What are you guys doing here?"

Syaoran remained silent as he gave Tomoyo a quick glance.

Tomoyo gave a small nod at Syaoran and smiled at Sakura. “Sorry for this sudden visit. However, I found out that you were fond of teddy bears and there is an exhibit in town today. I wonder if you want to come?”