CHAPTER 3
Thoughts in Turmoil

"Your house is so nice." said Tomoyo, running her gaze across the elegant pieces of furniture in Eriol's living room.

"You're too kind." he replied, putting a tray carrying a plate of biscuits, 2 teacups and a pot of aromatic coffee in-front of the girl.

"Thank you, Hiragizawa-kun." thanked the lass shyly.

He sat down across her. "Please, let's drop the formalities. Call me Eriol."

"E-Eriol then."

"Thank you.I never knew my name could sound that pleasant until you called me so, Daidouji-san."

"And please call me Tomoyo."

"Tomoyo.." he nodded to himself. "Your name feels good in my lips. Tomoyo.."

She sipped from her teacup to hide her red cheeks but she realized it was empty!

"I didn't put coffee in it yet." he chuckled. He took the cup from her and filled it with rich black coffee. After handing it to her, he gave her a packet of creamer.

She slowly stirred the creamer into her drink. "Thank you so much for letting me stay in the night."

"Don't mention it. Tell me, Tomoyo, why did you run away?" he asked.

Tomoyo let out a sigh before narrating what happened. Upon finishing, she glanced at him.

He put the cup down on the saucer. "That was very immature of you, Tomoyo. Selfish too. Have you ever thought of how your housemates would feel when they find out you disappeared? You were under their care, so they're liable for whatever that will happen to you."

"I guess you're right." she whispered, her eyes trained on her lap.

Eriol looked at the misty-eyed girl. Immediately, he felt a flood of emotions: pity, compassion and his least favourite emotion, concern. No, something deeper than emotion, which is? Eriol was confused.

He didn't ponder on that too long though. He doesn't want to see Tomoyo sad so he thought of another topic.

"Cheer up, Tomoyo. How about if we celebrate your birthday in advance tonight?" he proposed.

She nodded happily. "That would be lovely."

In the kitchen, Eriol began to prepare his best recipe: chocolate cake. After he set it in the oven, he cooked buttered vegetables on the gas range. He then roasted chicken outside.

Meanwhile Tomoyo set the table. She brought out scented candles too. After she was satisfied, she joined Eriol outside the house who's still busy with the
chicken.

"Just a few more minutes, Tomoyo." He informed upon seeing her.

She noticed Eriol's sweaty face. She impulsively wiped his face with the back of her hand.

He was touched by what she did. "Thanks, Sweetheart."

She smiled, her cheeks pink. "Um,I-I'm going to go inside to make us some drinks." She ran back inside the house.

Eriol ran his fingers across the cheek she touched awhile ago. Her hand felt so warm..

"Master Eriol, what's that pretty girl doing in here?" asked Nakuru, appearing from the bushes.

He placed the food on the serving plate. "She'll stay in for the night."

"In your room, Master?" she asked mischievously.

"Yes."

"Beside you?"

"No, I'll sleep in the living room." He told her before going in the house.

"Suppi, what do you think? Our master is treating that girl with so much kindness. Isn't that strange?"

The black cat sighed. "It is peculiar. I can only guess what our master has in mind."