As most of us know, the official manga ending is that Sakura confessed her love for Syaoran before he went back

  to Hong Kong. Then at around junior high age, Syaoran came back to Japan and they met again and lived happily

                     ever after. MU-HAHAHA~ not according to the unofficial yuri fans!

 

                                     " " quotations mean dialogue

                                      {thoughts of the individual}

                    [translation of japanese vocabulary/ expressions or author's comments] 

 

                                 THE GREATEST GIFT by K BARON

                                         htmkmugen@hotmail.com

 

 Several months passed after Syaoran and Sakura have been a couple. It's after school. Tomoyo and Sakura are walking home

 together. 

 

 Tomoyo casually asks, "Sakura chan, you have something planned for this weekend with Syaoran san?" 

 

 Sakura's head is down, contemplating. 

 

 Tomoyo gently shakes her friend's arm:"Sakura chan." 

 

 Sakura's head picks up, "Huh? Oh, he has soccer practice this Saturday so..." A soft sigh follows. 

 

 Tomoyo, alarmed, comforts Sakura:"Syaoran san is trying to socialize more with others in his class. That's why he joined team

 sports. He's more out going now. Isn't he? He's been changing a lot FOR YOU, ne." 

 

 Sakura murmurs, "yeah...but he shouldn't have to. I mean, aren't couples just "meant to be soul mates"? Look at Onii san and

 Yukito san, they just, they just match. They don't have to change their personalities, and so on. But we, I almost start every

 conversation. And the places he takes me to, I like the things he plans, but when I tell him 'let's try this!' he agrees, yes, he

 ALWAYS agree with me. He never upsets me. But sometimes I feel that he doesn't like my 'wild side'. But he says he likes me

 because I'm different." Sakura slows down her steps, turns to her best friend for advice. 

 

 Tomoyo's eyes are full of concern but her voice is calm," Sakura chan, boys and girls are supposed to like different things.

 When you go out, you two have to compromise. That's how a relationship lasts. He may be a bit more reserved and cautious,

 but Syaoran san is right. You are different. You can learn from each other, ne. After all, what really matters is, that he cares

 about you; you can trust him; and you can count on him to protect you regardless of what danger lies ahead." Tomoyo finishes

 her speech with a reassuring smile, but WHO is she trying to convince? {i care about Sakura too; she can trust me too. Why

 can't I---BUT I CAN'T PROTECT HER. LOOK WHAT I WAS DOING WHEN THE CLOW CARDS ATTACKED

 HER. SYAORAN SAN BATTLED WITH HER. I JUST VIDEOTAPED! And, I can never provide Sakura a family...} 

 

 Sakura is still absorbing the complex advice Tomoyo has given her when she suddenly catches sight of Tomoyo's sad

 expression: "What's wrong? Tomoyo chan? You're worrying about me and Syaoran san? Oh, Tomoyo chan..." Sakura is

 deeply touched. She naturally reaches out and holds her friend's hand gently, but firmly. Unfortunately, her act of gratitude and

 friendship only causes Tomoyo's heart to twitch. 

 

 Tomoyo turns her eyes away, fearing any further revelation of her emotions. But her voice betrays her anyway when she says,

 "Sakura chan, don't worry about me. It's YOU TWO I'm worrying about. Syaoran san is a quiet person. If there's a problem,

 you got to call him up first. He may seem tough, but he's soft inside. Remember be tactful when you bring up any suggestions." 

 

 Sakura:"Tactful? Hoe? Such as...?" Tomoyo has a sweat drop now ^_^ "Sakura chan, if you don't mind, really, it's between the

 two of you, but I can be the messenger for you two if you can't figure out what to say to him..." Tomoyo's heart races when she

 offers her help. All these months Sakura and Syaoran have been going out, Tomoyo has almost been like a "movie extra" who

 had no schedule as to when or where to meet with Sakura. If she can participate somehow in the relationship, doing something

 special for Sakura, she would DIE FOR IT. After all, she chose Syaoran for her. If it turns out to be a wrong match and

 Sakura's heart breaks, Tomoyo cannot possibly forgive herself. 

 

 "Ok, I guess..." Sakura accepted her friend's help. {Well, relationships are private matters and telephone 3-way conference is

 DEFINITELY not the thing, but I guess Tomoyo is a better speaker than I. Maybe I'll just ask her what to say and then tell

 Syaoran san myself.} 

 

 It's a sunny Saturday. The soccer field is empty now that the players have finished their practice. Sakura fiddles with her purse,

 waiting at the school gate for Syaoran to have their discussion, as per Tomoyo's cleverly drafted instructions. Syaoran quickly

 spotted the brown haired girl and walked towards her. 

 

 The couple is facing each other. Sakura stumbles with words: "Hi, Syaoran san, can we---do you have time? How about we go

 to the park? I---" 

 

 Syaoran:"Sure, I have something to talk to you too." Then the silent couple walks to the park. 

 

 Today is different. Syaoran speaks first:"Sakura san...if I...if I haven't come back from Hong Kong, would you, would you have

 met someone else?...Maybe you would have met someone else wonderful?" 

 

 Sakura is totally thrown out of rhythm. Forget about the lines Tomoyo has given her. This is too much of a blow. Syaoran

 hardly ever asks things, especially personal things, so directly. The tone is not accusing, rather doubtful of himself. 

 

 Sakura:"What? Where does that come from?? Someone else? Who? Wonderful? You're not wonderful? Syaoran san, I only

 want to go out with you---is it Yamamura senpai? [senpai is an honourific suffix for schoolmates or colleagues senior to you]

 He's just been showing me how to skate board and his sports collections. Those weren't dates! You trust me don't you?" 

 

 Syaoran:" Of course I trust you, Sakura san. It's not that. I'm just saying, I'm just proposing, if I was never there to meet you

 again, wouldn't you have found someone else who would make you happier? I've changed a lot. And I'm willing to do it for

 you. But it's still the same me. It always will. Maybe, maybe..." 

 

 Sakura, frustrated, not understanding where all these ideas have come from, finishes the sentence for Syaoran:" we don't

 match? Is that what you're trying to say? Who matches then? Like onii san {brother} and Yukito san? Tomoyo chan says,

 doesn't really matter we're different, as long as we care about each other, and trust each other and, and---" In the midst of

 panic, Sakura searches for exactly what Tomoyo's advice was. However, Syaoran has a mind of his own:" What else did

 Tomoyo san say? You listen to everything Tomoyo san tell you?" 

 

 Sakura can't deal with so many questions shooting at her all at once, especially most of them are so pointed. Sakura loses her

 calm: "Syaoran san, stop. I don't know. What're you trying to say?? I can't talk to Tomoyo chan when I have problems? Who

 else will I talk to? Sometimes when we're together, I feel like I'm talking to a stone wall. You're so wrapped up. Our

 relationship is private, I know, but I have no one except her. Besides, she always understands." 

 

 Syaoran flatly asks,"and I don't?" Silence fills the air afterwards. 

 

 Syaoran knows he talks too much today. He's not good at speech in the first place, let alone deep thoughts and emotional

 topics, with the one he cares so much about. He probably has confused her, maybe even hurt her. He'd better stop talking

 now. He intently looks at Sakura, and told her that he is sorry, he probably said too much, and he'd need some time to think

 over this entire situation. He'll call her soon. Out of genuine concern, he reaches out his hand and offers to walk her home.

 However, Sakura was already deep into the pit of confused anger, and she flatly refuses his offer, saying that she will be fine,

 and starts to skate away, in the direction of Tomoyo's mansion. 

 

 Tomoyo is stunned when the servant leads the completely drenched Sakura into the guestroom. Sakura is not only shaking with

 coldness, but her left knee is bleeding. She must have slipped while she was skating to the mansion. Being overwhelmed by the

 pain Sakura must be suffering, Tomoyo embraces her dear friend for almost an eternity. Slowly she releases her arms, and

 reassures Sakura that no matter what happened, she will make it better for her. After being carefully (and lovingly) bandaged

 by Tomoyo, Sakura is led to the bathroom to take a shower. 

 

 "Kiya~" Screams of pain from the bathroom send Tomoyo rushing to the door, knocking the door violently:"Sakura chan! Are

 you alright?" 

 

 "Oh, Tomoyo chan, I'm fine. It's just that the warm water sprinkles on my bandage but the wound still hurts~" 

 

 "Oh, Sakura chan, gomen ne [sorry], you do need to wash your wound. But try cover it with a cloth so the water won't come

 in direct contact with your knee." 

 

 "Ok, I'll try that. Hm...It's better now. Oh, Tomoyo chan, thanks. I don't know what to do without you. I'm sorry I ran into

 your home like this. I, I..." {words can't express how I feel...Tomoyo chan. Can't you read my thoughts? my pain? I hope you

 understand, 'cuz seems like no one else does} 

 

 "Sakura chan, I'm glad you made it here. It's pouring outside. You should have called me and I could have picked you up

 wherever. You still have my cell phone right? Don't worry. When you come out, we'll talk things out, what ever it is." {You see,

 there're so many things I still have to help you with, like picking the wedding dress, choosing baby clothes, etc. When one day

 you finally grow up and don't need me anymore, you can forget me. You can lose touch with me. I'll let go. I promise. Our

 memories will be enough. I'll always be there...} Tomoyo collapses by the door, but quickly comes back to her senses and

 stands up again. 

 

 After the shower, Sakura's cheeks return to their usual rosy colour, but still lost their shine. Her eyes are drooping too. Tomoyo

 carefully analyses the conversation between Sakura and Syaoran at the park:" I think he's critical of himself, not you. He

 expects a lot from himself, believing that you deserve more happiness than he's giving you right now. I guess he's a believer of

 "soul mate" theory too? I don't think he minds that you share your problems with me. After all, I'm the matchmaker and I hold

 some responsibility for the outcome of your relationship. Maybe he wishes that you can turn to him for answers, instead of

 turning to me." 

 

 Sakura's eyes are wide open:" He's jealous? Of you, not Yamamura senpai? You're the best companion to talk to, that's what

 best friends are for. I can't turn to him for a lot of things, girl stuff for example. No, he got it wrong. I can and I should still talk

 to you. But he's gotta change---" Sakura realizes her own hypocrisy. She's just told Syaoran moments ago that being different

 is actually good, that they can learn from each other. Then she wishes him to be more open like she. {WE DON'T

 MATCH??} "Maybe we don't match. Syaoran san says so too." 

 

 Tomoyo's heart twitches. {No, that can't be. I didn't? Did I? With my own hands, I push my only love into failure? A first love

 that ends with a sour note?} Tomoyo holds up Sakura's head, and promises to call Syaoran and straighten things out. 

 

 Ring---ring. Syaoran drags himself out of the bed for the phone. But the answering machine is activated when Syaoran

 hesitantly reaches out for the receiver. {What if it's Sakura san? what should I say or ask?} It's Tomoyo's voice, a bit shaken,

 which is unusual:" Hello, this is Daidouji Tomoyo. Syaoran san, if you're in please pick it up. It's important. Sakura is at my

 house. She's hurt---" Syaoran's voice interrupts the recording, just as Tomoyo expected:" What? Tomoyo san? Sakura what?

 Is she alright?" 

 

 Tomoyo, still nervous about if she can fix the problem, keeps Syaoran in suspense:" Syaoran san, it's good that I can get a hold

 of you. She's fine, but she's bleeding. She says you want her to try going out with some one else." She twists the story enough

 to make sure she can get a response from the reserved Syaoran, who, usually doesn't clear things right out. Surprisingly, this

 time the strategy backfires. 

 

 The tactic goes smoothly at first. Syaoran does deny that he wants to break up with Sakura, and confirms that he loves her.

 Tomoyo can't believe what she hears next though: "I just feel that maybe I'm not the one for her. I mean, just because, we, went

 through a lot of troubles and dangers together and...but on a normal day, would she pick me to hang out with? Like, I came

 back for her because my life is boring without her. I need her smile. I need her. But when we're together, it's like, we don't---" 

 

 "Stop. Syaoran kun." Syaoran is shocked by Tomoyo's bluntness. She's never like that. Tomoyo goes on, without any

 apology:" Sakura chan is still young. When she matures, the distance betweeen you two---no, the distance between a man and

 a woman will lessen, I believe, because the older you get, the more experience you have with how to get along with others, and

 understanding WILL grow. You got to be patient. It's a long term relationship remember? When you weren't sure about how

 you felt at first, remember I encourage you on to 'try it'? I don't mean by 'just try it once'. Love takes a long time to nurture. It's

 the hardest plant to grow---" 

 

 This time it's Syaoran interrupting:" Tomoyo san please. I know you were the matchmaker and you probably felt responsible for

 whatever happens between the two of us, but, this is between me and Sakura san. I'm just thinking, if we need so much help

 from you and others, that Sakura san and I have to involve so much and so many people to keep it all together, is it worth it? Is

 it fair to her? And how come you've chosen me to match with Sakura san? What makes you think that I'm the one?" 

 

 "Because you care about her. You protected her. I can see how much you'll cherish her if she belongs to you. I entrusted her,

 my dear friend, to you." {oh~what is this feeling? It's panic. No way, I never panic. But he's losing her. I'm losing Sakura's

 happiness. I have to keep trying.} 

 

 "Urh~Tomoyo san, thanks for calling, and helping us out. I'll come to look after her wound, but is she in the mood to see me?" 

 

 "OF COURSE SHE IS! That's great news! I'll send a car to pick you up then." Tomoyo hangs up before Syaoran has the

 chance to speak further, fearing that he may change his mind. Tomoyo's voice is a bit too excited, Syaoran thinks to himself. 

 

 While Syaoran is getting himself ready, many thoughts run through his mind. {Thanks to Tomoyo, what a great mediator. What

 would we do without her? Come to think of it, she's a bit possessive of Sakura's problems. Oh well, they're best friends since

 childhood. But isn't it odd she's acting like it's her own relationship as if she's got so much free time---no, she has private tutor

 lessons for music and other subjects, plus choir practice, and going out---with Sakura and other friends. No boyfriend yet for

 her, hm...she does get a lot of chocolate on Valentine's Day from boys of different classes and grades, though it's not really the

 right day for boys to give out chocolate. Boys give out chocolate on March 14 the "white day". Hm, she does give out

 chocolate to---to Sakura?! Ah...and she...videotapes Sakura. Uh~this is, this is THAT?!} Syaoran's thoughts are interrupted

 by the door bell. Tomoyo's guards have come to pick him up. 

 

 On his way to Tomoyo's mansion, Syaoran has made a painful decision. {How could she have lived like that? How has she

 managed to restrain herself from embracing the one she loves so dearly? To hide her tears, her emptiness and all. How brave

 for a girl to endure such pain. If that's the case, I can't take advantage of Sakura san's ignorance of the situation and keep our

 relationship. I want to be a real winner, with Sakura san choosing me after she makes an informed decision. She deserves a

 choice and Tomoyo san deserves a chance. She cares about Sakura san just as much---or maybe even more than I do...} 

 

 When Syaoran arrives, Tomoyo allows some privacy for the couple in the guest bedroom. Syaoran tenderly attends to

 Sakura's wounds so Sakura keeps quiet to enjoy the sweet moment. Then Syaoran's face darkens. He frankly tells Sakura that

 there's another person who is in love with Sakura. Therefore, they should be apart for a week as a test to see whom Sakura

 misses the most. Whoever that is would be the one she should love. Sakura is completely disturbed by the proposition and

 bombards Syaoran with one single question, "why?" Syaoran realizes that Sakura can be quite dense sometimes when it comes

 to delicate matters. Then again he does not want to expose Tomoyo's true feelings without consent. So he insists on protecting

 the identity of the secret admirer, only stressing that Sakura deserves a choice and that admirer, who "has always been there for

 you in both rain and shine" should have a chance. That said, Syaoran quickly leaves the distraught Sakura, lest himself will

 break down in tears and revert his proposal. 

 

 That night, Syaoran goes home very late and even turns off his phone to avoid Sakura. Meanwhile, Sakura tosses and turns on

 her bed, wondering who can be as worthy as Syoaran to win her love. {If I can't find anyone else who's just as wonderful, I

 guess I have proved that Syaoran is the only one and we should be together. But I got to stay strong. I can't make everyone

 worry about me. But I can't do this myself. I need someone to talk to.} Out of reflex, Sakura dials up Tomoyo's phone

 number. Tomoyo can't sleep either. Her heart is filled with guilt. {Sakura is old enough now. She'll probably understands my

 feelings. She didn't react negatively to Touya san and Yukito san. Maybe it's ok to tell her.} 

 

 Ring---ring "Hello? Sakura chan?" Tomoyo answers the call right away, since the cell phone is by her bed. [How obsessive.] 

 

 "Tomoyo chan~what should I do? What if I can't find that person? Syaoran kun is all I have~" 

 

 "Sakura, I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I thought you'd be happy with him but it turns out like this. You want to know who else

 admires you? I'll tell you. Wanna come over to my house?" 

 

 "Tomoyo chan, You found out? OH~you're the best! I'll come right now!" click. Sakura can't even wait for Tomoyo's ride. She

 just skates right over to the mansion. 

 

 "So, who is it?" Sakura shoots out the question as soon as she arrives. Tomoyo's eyes are fixed upon Sakura, with a strange

 sense of determination. "Sakura chan, come." She leads her clueless friend into the bedroom, and shows her the box once

 again. "Remember this eraser you've given me? Everything you gave me: notes, UFO catcher dolls, stickers, I keep them. I

 videotaped you, because I don't want to lose any memory of you. Sakura, you're the most important person to me. I never try

 to hide it from you. You're just too young to understand. I don't blame you. You're so innocent. That's what I like about you. I

 like everything about you." Sakura's eyes widen. 

 

 Tomoyo takes a deep breath and continues, "Sakura, there're not many girls like me. So I sort of assume that you'll need a

 boyfriend someday. I look around, and found Syaoran san. He's a wonderful boy. I know I find happiness when my love finds

 happiness. Sakura, are you angry at me? I cause so much confusion between you and Syaoran san. I'll be there for you,

 whenever and wherever, as long as you need me." Tomoyo finishes her confession, closes her eyes, and waits for the verdict

 from Sakura. Tomoyo has really spelt it out this time. She even dropped the "chan" suffix, which is used commonly among

 childhood friends. To call someone with first name only means either rudeness or intimacy. 

 

 Neither one speaks. There are no signs of disgust, anger, or even discomfort from Sakura's face. Instead she leans forward to

 Tomoyo, looking intently at her friend with awe, gratefulness and guilt. Someone has always been there for Sakura, through rain

 and shine. Someone is hopelessly in love with Sakura, yet joyfully accepts the destiny. She embraces loneliness, regardless of

 her complete devotion of time and energy. That someone, is Tomoyo. Sakura breaks into tears, and then a smile. She strokes

 Tomoyo's face gently: "Tomoyo, you're the greatest gift I have. When I was little, I wanted a sister, and there you were. I

 needed a best friend. There you were. When I look back, the happiest days of my life is childhood, when there's nothing I have

 to worry. Otou san [dad] and onii san [brother] sheltered me. So did you. You always came up with a way to help me, cheer

 me in one way or another. When we entered junior high, there're so many changes I had to face, but not alone, because of you.

 Tomoyo, you're perfect. Sometimes I think I should be more like you, smart, elegant, mature. But you always have a way of

 making me feel special, that I am just perfect being the way I am. Before I met Syaoran, my life was happy. Why do I keep

 thinking I have to have him? Because I'm older? Because I need a boyfriend? I need romance?" 

 

 Tomoyo puts a finger on Sakura's lips: "Sakura, you need a family. You need someone to protect you too. Syaoran san can

 provide that for you. I can't. I was all you need when you were young. But as time goes by, needs change. Sakura, I'm grateful

 you accepts what I am, but please don't push yourself for me." 

 

 *****************EDITED ENDING************************

 *****************EDITED ENDING************************

 *****************EDITED ENDING************************

 *****************EDITED ENDING************************ 

 

 "When Syaoran told me he noticed another admirer deserves my love, I had no idea what he meant. And I was hoping that

 person would turn out to be someone not so dear to me, so that the choice would be easier. But it turned out to be you..."

 Sakura's eyes looked around the room, which is walls of videotape collections and hanged group photos of her, tomoyo,

 naoko, rika and chiharu. Indeed, childhood is a beautiful place to stay. One must grow away from it though. 

 

 Tomoyo squeezes out a smile, and pulls herself away, "Sakura chan, gomen ne, I'm making this difficult for you to choose. I've

 always promised myself not to be a burden to you. Don't worry. We can stay as friends ^_^ You go ahead and let Syaoran

 know that he has nothing to worry about, ok? If you want, we can all meet together and straighten things out, whatever

 misunderstanding is going on between the two of you. Ii de shou [alright]?" 

 

 Sakura stares at her friend, unsure of how much pain her friend is hiding. The meeting is going nowhere to any solid resolution,

 so Tomoyo urges Sakura to go home by her car and leave the decision to tomorrow. 

 

 The next evening, Sakura leaves a message on Syaoran's phone, letting him know the progress: she knows the admirer is

 Tomoyo but she needs some time before she makes the decision. 

 

 {Who can I talk to? When I was rejected by Yukito, Syaoran lent me his shoulders. When I have fights with Syaoran, I turn to

 Tomoyo chan. Now both of them're competing. I need advice from, from Onii san! He can help. He teases me, but he always

 protects me.} The thought of Touya's often stern but concerned face gives Sakura a momentary relief. 

 

 [In Sakura's room] Sakura: "Onii san, either one of them would be heart broken. I know how it feels, being rejected..."

 {flashbacks of Yukito confessing to Sakura that he's really in love with someone else} "Even someone as gentle as Yukito san

 didn't make the rejection sound any softer. I can't forgive myself hurting the ones I care so much for. I wish I knew the right one

 from the start. That way, I wouldn't involve so many people, crying for me." Sakura holds her head tight, weeping. 

 

 Touya frowns even deeper, pads her little beloved sister's head and soothes her, "Sakura, I'm sorry I've broken your heart.

 Neither of us meant to lead you on. I didn't notice I loved Yuki until later, and Yuki couldn't see it in your eyes. Strange isn't it?

 Love, so strong; it runs deep inside you like blood flowing in your body. You feel the pulse, but you don't always stop and think

 about it. It takes time to sit down and think hard to realize what others have been doing for you, especially when you're busy

 thinking about someone, first Yuki, then Syaoran. I'm sure Tomoyo forgives you for missing her out." 

 

 Sakura: "Onii san, about the 'love is like blood running deep inside', that's deep thoughts, you came up with that?" 

 

 Touya, startled, coughs, "Ah, Hm---you caught me ^_< Kaho told me that when I was reconciling with her about who we

 really love. By the way, I don't regret the time I spent with her. She was loving, and I've learned much about life from her.

 Through love one grows, no matter how painful it is. You learn to be self-less, different, open and trust others, and brave too.

 So whoever you choose, fear no pain or guilt, because the day you open your heart to someone, you should have the courage

 to face anything. It's not your fault that you didn't pick the right one, or you didn't notice who loves you. Most people make

 wrong choices before they find the right one, and it takes two to make a relationship go down. And don't think that you'll lose

 one of them forever, because I believe both of them will stay as your friends anyway." 

 

 Sakura, amazed by her brother's sudden profound wisdom {guess I haven't ever had a heart-to-heart talk with Onii

 san---didn't know he's THAT smart; always thought Yukito san was smarter ^_< } asks her brother further: "So should I stay

 with Syaoran san, or leave and try a new life with Tomoyo chan? What makes you realize that you got to be with Yukito san?" 

 

 Touya thinks for a moment, then replies firmly, "When you can't think of living another day not seeing that person---that is,

 everyday wherever you go, whatever you do and think, that person is PART OF YOU, like the blood flows in you. It's there,

 but you don't see it, but you feel the pulse. If it goes away, you REALLY feel empty and can't move on. It's scary at first, when

 I noticed that how much I have been depending on Yuki. But then I was glad, I found someone special. I'm not living on the

 earth alone. Someone is with me. When Otou san [father] dies, and you get married off, I'll still have someone, Yuki, by my

 side. Sakura, you've got to have the guts to try. Doesn't matter if it turns out the wrong one, find you soul mate. It's worth all the

 journey." 

 

 "Arigatou, Onii san. I kinda understand what you mean by 'soul mate' now." {I feel the inertia to change, but it has to be that

 way I guess.} 

 

 "Gomen ne, Syaoran san, made you waited these few days." 

 

 It is a sunny afternoon, but Syaoran can feel the clouds around him. Before him stands Sakura, the soon-to-be ex-girlfriend.

 She chose her. He can tell. Sakura is a passionate person. If she has chosen him, she would have already moved closer, why

 the guilty distance? Syaoran, a gentleman from start to finish, breaks the silence. 

 

 "Sakura san, it's...okay. I am prepared for either way. Your happiness is the most important. That's why I insisted you look into

 the alternate admirer. You deserve the best. If anything goes wrong in the future, please tell me, I'll do my best being your

 confidente." Tears betray Syaoran's smile. He wipes them away, and gives the hesitant Sakura a strong, last hug. Sakura cries

 on Syaoran's shoulders, but this time, it's departure. 

 

 "Syaoran san~ gomen ne, Tomoyo chan---Tomoyo needs me. I need her too. Please don't wait for me. That would be too

 much to ask. Syaoran san, I'll take my chance. Please don't wait for me like Tomoyo did. It's too awful." Syaoran hesitates to

 promise this request. It's impossible to forget Sakura, at least for now. Syaoran whispers into her ear softly, "Sakura, I can't

 forget you. But I promise that if someone wonderful loves me, I'll give her a chance, ok?" Sakura closes her eyes with tears of

 relief and gratitude, "Thank you, Syaoran san." 

 

 Looking from a distance, Tomoyo can't make out what words have been exchanged between the couple. She only sees the

 tight embrace, then the parting of the two, with Syaoran's head down, a clear sign of defeat. Tomoyo's heart is now divided

 between guilt and excitement. {I'm sorry Syaoran kun. I was the matchmaker and look what I've done to you. But, what can

 make Sakura possibly choose me? I'm a great friend, but can I be all that to her? Oh~ I just hope she didn't choose on

 impulse.} 

 

 Sakura quickly spotted Tomoyo and skips over to her side. {Hoe, what should I say?} "...Tomoyo chan---hn, To-mo-yo,

 gomen ne, I made you wait. I hurt Syaoran. I was dumb. This time, I hope...I won't hurt you!" Sakura swiftly takes Tomoyo's

 hand by surprise, and blurts out, "Ikimasu! [let's go]" 

 

 Tomoyo: "Sakura! It's broad day light!" 

 

 Sakura: "Hoe~oh well, sooner or later...Tomoyo, hanasa nai de [please don't leave me/ don't let go]." 

 

 Tomoyo laughs: "I never have," then she draws closer to Sakura's side, whispers, "and I never will." 

 

 Owari~ ^_^