S C A N D A L

Chapter Fourteen

"So, we've finally met."

Shiro was dragged to the living room and finally met the diplomat, Izanagi Ishimoto, and Kei Nakajima's father-in-law. It was evident that the nature of his visit was about the business deal between him and Masahiko Matsumoto.

As he was given a firm handshake, Shiro quickly studied the overall appearance of another wealthy gentleman. He wasn't very tall and was medium-built with hooded eyes and sharp cheekbones. There was something about the way he carried himself, that made people who encountered him treat him with respect. Shiro could tell that he was very close with Takeo but the same cannot be said with the way he treated Kurou.

Their relationship was stiff.

"I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you on the day of the wedding. I have to leave early for an appointment," the man spoke, his voice sounded pleasant and calm.

"That's all right, sir," Shiro bowed low, "I'm thankful that you even came."

Izanagi's gaze flickered shortly to Kurou whose hand was resting on Shiro's back. He averted immediately and Shiro thought he heard Kurou scoffed. Thankfully or perhaps they both felt the tension, Takeo pulled the diplomat to another room with Masahiko. They seemed to be engaged in an important discussion but it wasn't why Shiro was fixated on the drama.

"He hates you," he didn't question this. It was apparent with the way the sparks flew as they gazed at each other.

Kurou didn't deny it either. "He never liked me. He thinks I'd be the downfall of the family," he explained and pulled Shiro by the forearm gently. "But he adores Masahiko."

"Masahiko seems like a responsible man."

"Sure."

Shiro studied the sudden silence in Kurou and wondered. "He and your dad seem very close."

"My dad saved his life and ever since he become his loyal friend."

"No wonder. Do you think he knows?"

"Knows what?"

"About you...and Kei."

Kurou stiffened and his hand tightened around the doorknob. "I don't want to talk about Kei."

Before Shiro could argue, the door to the small drawing room opened, where Grandmother with Azumi and Kumiko were enjoying a private tête-à-tête. In fact, they were laughing when they found the couple standing by the door.

Upon seeing her son, Kumiko immediately rose from the couch and gave him a hug. "Hi Mom," Shiro greeted. "It's good to see you."

Kumiko cupped his face between her hands, and her eyes twinkled. "Okasan miss you so much. Sorry, I can't be with you all the time."

"It's fine," Shiro touched the hand that was caressing his face. He would lie if he said he didn't miss this kind of moment with his mom. Because he does and he needed it...

The tender exchange was witnessed with Kurou, and though it was supposed to be a happy occasion between the mother and son, that wasn't what he could see. There was something miserable about the way Shiro smiled. To be honest, he would describe it as some sort of stoical grin-and-bear-it, slightly asymmetric smile with an expression of deep sadness pasted over the top.

When Kumiko finally noticed Kurou watching, she turned to him beamingly. "You wouldn't mind if I borrowed my son for a while, would you, Kurou-kun?"

"Oh, no...of course," he bowed with respect and he went to sit beside his grandmother and Azumi.

┏━•❃°•°❀°•°❃•━┓

Kumiko pulled Shiro outside of the room and the mother and son started walking towards the direction of the garden. "How are you?"