Right Here Waiting

Chapter 9: Realizations

Syaoran sat quietly on the tree, reminiscing what happened few nights ago during the dance. He was not sure what was going on with him, but after that night Sakura constantly invaded his mind. Sure, he would think of her often—after all, she was his only close friend besides Meiling. However, this time, he paid more attention.

Like now, for example, he enjoyed himself watching her even though she was simply sitting on the bench near him.

 “Get down here, Syaoran.”

Hearing her speak, Syaoran panicked and lost his balance. “Woah!” Then he fell on the ground. “Ouch.”

Sakura giggled. “That’s the consequence for eavesdropping on me.”  She said, then turned her eyes back on her notebook.

‘I am not eavesdropping.’ Syaoran reasoned out, but realized that there was no need for explanations. So he straightened, removing the dust on his pants and some leaves attached to his body. He sat beside her and gazed at the words she had been writing for a few minutes now.

Travel to the moon
You're sleeping, solving a dream
while the light of the deserted star pulls the puppet strings
I forgot to smile in order to be strong
I'm sure that if we're together, I can get it back

“That’s the lyrics of the song I danced with you.” Syaoran pointed out, surprised that she remembered and was actually listening that time. All the while he thought she was absorbed by her emotions, especially after she saw Eriol dancing with Rika.

Sakura nodded, eyes still on her notebook. She remained silent for a moment then she looked up to meet Syaoran’s gaze. “Syaoran, what if…” she began. “What if this did not happen? I mean, what if I do not have feelings for Eriol? We might have been good friends right? Plus, I did not have to bother anyone.”

 “You don’t bother anyone!” Syaoran disagreed, understanding her words. Being Sakura, she would always consider what other people think or feel. As much as possible she did not want to be a burden. It was true that he kept on worrying these past few months, but he always did since he met her. When they were capturing the Clow Cards, he had always had the urge to watch and to protect her. “You needed to think that time. And all I did was out of my own will.”

Sakura smiled at his words. She knew that Syaoran was really someone she could count on. Though sometimes he could be troublesome like Touya, she knew that it was his way to make her important. “Thank you.”

 “What are you planning to do then?”

“I want to save what we have.” Sakura said determinedly.

“Will you be okay?” Syaoran asked, knowing that things would not return in a snap. It would probably take a long time and a lot of effort too.

Sakura stared at him softly and smiled once again. “You care for me so much, you know that?”

Syaoran was taken aback with the observation. He knew it was an innocent comment from her, but his cheeks suddenly heat up. “I… I….” He stammered then he suddenly stood up, feeling himself losing control. “I… need to go.”

******

-Sakura's POV-

Raising a brow in confusion, I watched Syaoran ran back to the building. I did not know what came into him, but he suddenly started to become uneasy. It was not like I used to see, for he would always appear to be in control and neutral about things.

 “See you.”

With that, my attention was caught by a familiar voice. I turned my head towards its direction, and there he was, smiling at the love of his life. Eriol waved Rika goodbye. They had probably finished practicing Rika’s piece for the singing competition she was assigned to. I watched Rika walk away, until I realized Eriol was walking towards me.