S C A N D A L

Chapter Twenty-One

Knowing how fast Shiro learned, it didn't surprise Kurou anymore when after getting over the initial fear, the next he experienced was exhilaration. Once Shiro learned the ropes of riding and how to communicate with the horse, Kurou couldn't stop him from riding by himself anymore. As a result, he was obliged to take his own horse so he could ride closely next to him.

The wind blowing on his face and the flowing strength of the horse beneath him certainly fit Shiro's daring character. It was like he knew freedom as he had not experienced it since. He even swept past Kurou, driving him off the path. As he careened around a corner, leaning into it to maintain his balance, he became conscious of his husband's cry in the background, bringing him back to his senses.

Kurou halted; concern written on his face until he saw his brilliant smile. "Are you in a habit of riding down your fellow equestrians?"

"Only if they are in a habit of blocking the path," Shiro stuck his tongue out, unaware of how adorable he looked at the moment.

Kurou watched him with appreciation. "Tell me, was that a complete runaway or a controlled runaway? You were almost knocked off!"

He blushed prettily. "That was a controlled, most exhilarating gallop, teacher."

"Obviously," Kurou smirked. "Your cheeks are blooming beautifully."

Shiro lowered his gaze and his fingers threaded through Haiiro's steely-gray and white multicolored mane. "I hope you don't mind that I no longer need you," he teased.

Kurou's eyes swept over him and his grin widened. "Next time, try riding me."

"Pervert!"

But Kurou just laughed. Then closing his hand over Shiro's reins, he leaned over and kissed his mouth. This shocked Shiro because now they were being seen by the stableboys. He tapped him lightly on the cheek, "You! In public?!"

Kurou pretended that he misunderstood. "I'd rather you ride me in private, but if you're looking for an audience..."

"Kurou!"

The man laughed wholeheartedly, clearly enjoying his embarrassment. Seeing how the servants looked away and hastily left the couple, Shiro was even more agitated and started hitting him. As usual, Kurou caught his hand and kissed the inside of his wrist, making the soft skin tingle. "Let's go home," he whispered. "You're too irresistible to be out in public."

And so are you. Shiro thought, riding quietly beside him, marveling at how he had, so easily and completely overset his world.

┏━•❃°•°❀°•°❃•━┓

Shichiro was tapping his foot on the ground and looking at his watch on his wrist then blowing air out of his mouth, trying to be patient as he waited for Masaru to arrive. It didn't take long, and a Cadillac Escalade pulled inside the electronic gate, stopping in front of him.

"Finally! I've been waiting since forever. You wouldn't believe what just happened. Kurou just got served---"

"Someone managed to defeat him? I would like to meet that person."

A melodramatic voice interrupted and Shichiro was certain, it wasn't Masaru. It was then that he noticed, as the secretary came down from the vehicle, that he was followed by someone they were both very familiar with.

This would also explain Masaru's almost constipated expression. Shichiro turned to find Kei Nakajima with him!

Kei Nakajima was like the male version of Grace Kelly in Tokyo with a little touch of Audrey Hepburn. Gorgeous and classy but could be stunningly attractive and energetic. During junior high, his wacky quirks and idiosyncrasies fascinated Kurou so much that he didn't know how to stay away from him. No matter how many times Shichiro warned him of Kei's red flags, his young master was too enamored and too young to even understand what kind of trouble he had put himself into. Adding insult to injury, Kei didn't acknowledge their relationship right away. Only when they started college that they become a bit more open about it. Then, Eri Ishimoto came into the scene and suddenly their world had turned chaotic...