That night..

"Whoa! This is really cool! Now I know why you are one of the most sought-after designers in the industry today." praised Syaoran as he ran his hand through the fabric of his tux.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Li Syaoran, but thanks anyway." replied Tomoyo.

It was 9pm.Sakura's already fast asleep to get her beauty rest for the big day tomorrow. Eriol on the other hand was in his room already.

"Syaoran?"

"Hmm?"

She's going to confess it now. She doesn't really know why, but this may help clear her mind up.

"I'm in love with Sakura." she said. Well, it's the half-truth anyway.

"I know."

"You do?"

"Once upon a time,I saw the very same expression in your eyes as mine when Sakura and I were rivalling for Yukito." he explained.

She fell silent.

"I'm happy that someone loves Sakura. But I believe that a human heart has many rooms. Sakura will always occupy a special suite in in, but your heart has a special room reserved for someone else." added Li.

Tomoyo blushed. "So you know about me and Eriol?"

He looked surprised. "Huh? You mean you guys are a couple?"

"Never mind!" She turned serious again. "Is it possible for 2 people to fall in love with each other after barely a week and well.. the guy's been hurt in the past?"

He shrugged. "Maybe. Why?"

She looked down. "How about if the girl is inexperienced, in say, kissing?"

Li blushed faintly. "Why are you asking me these weird questions?"

Tomoyo narrated what happened as Syaoran listened. After she finished, he spoke in a kind voice. "Tomoyo, I don't think the only reason why he likes you is he lusts for you."

"But why does he kiss me when he has another girl in mind? I'm boring him, that's why his mind wanders somewhere else."

Li felt terrible. He can sense his friend's frustration.

Tomoyo looked up, determined. "Syaoran, you've got to help me. Teach me how to kiss."

__________________________

Eriol was walking in the hallway to get a glass of water in the kitchen when he heard voices inside.

"Kiss me, Syaoran, please!" Tomoyo's voice said.

"B-But I can't!" replied Li's voice.

"This is the only opportunity we have. You're getting married tomorrow already. Come on, please!"

Eriol's blood boiled. "All women are deceivers!" He marched inside the kitchen, but both still seemed oblivious. He cleared his throat. That got their attention.

Li's face was one of relief while the colours on Tomoyo's face disappeared.

"Can you leave us alone, Li?" asked Eriol politely.

He nodded. They then heard the door shut.

"I guess I better sleep too." she mumbled, standing up from her seat.

He grabbed her arm. "Not so fast, Ms. Daidouji."

"Let me go!"

"How could you do that to your best friend? That man is her only treasure!"

"You will never understand it, ok"

"Which one? The fact that you are not satisfied with my kisses that you have to beg a groom-to-be to kiss you?" he boomed. "That man can never give you this!" He kissed her brutally as if punishing her.

Tomoyo tried to escape his iron-like arms, but to no avail. She tried to scream, but that only gave him the opportunity to deepen his kiss. She can already taste blood, but it doesn't matter. Underneath Eriol's force is passion, desire.. she feels like she's drowning in the overflow of emotions.

Tears streaked from her eyes.

Eriol tasted something salty. He looked down and saw Tomoyo crying. He also saw blood on her lower lip. He cursed himself. "I'm sorry if I hurt you sweetheart." He wiped the blood with his finger.

She gave no reply.

He tucked some of her hair behind her ear. "Tomoyo, please say something. Scream at me, slap me! Just please don't cry silently." he pleaded.

"Why.. do you always kiss me on impulses? Don't you know you're hurting me.. my feelings? I may not be like Kaho or the other women you dated, but I deserve some damn respect!" shouted Tomoyo.

He paused. "Will you feel insulted if I say that every time I see you or whenever I get close to you, I always want to reach for you and kiss you?"

Her eyes hardened. "Lust, is that it?"

Eriol doesn't know what to say. He himself doesn't know what to call this strange feeling.

She turned her back on him. "Goodnight Mr. Hiragizawa."

"Wait, Tomoyo! I-"

Tomoyo's bedroom door shut.

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