15 Gathering

He looked at them innocently, not understanding why his statement caused such a sensation, "What? What?"

Kyle took a quick look at the kids and was relieved to see that none of them seemed to have heard Xing Han's bold statement. They were all preoccupied with their own things ie the older ones were talking animatedly at their dining table while the younger ones were kept entertained by the nannies.

Their au pair, Serene, wasn't around as she was out on a date. For occasions like this, Kyle preferred it that she didn't participate as it was more of a family event. She should go out and have her own life and not stay to take care of the kids.

There was more than enough help around anyway. Out of the three nannies, two were employed by Sam while the third one was a temporary one hired just for this night by Ali.

"He's right," drawled Nitocris, kissing Xing Han's forehead.

"See? Cookie agrees!" Xing Han said smugly.

"Big Bro Nic always agrees with you, no matter what it is," Kyle pointed out.

"That's because I'm always right," Xing Han declared with a grin.

Kyle didn't answer that, and just took a drink of his water.

"How long do you think it will take?" Sam asked suddenly.

Xing Han looked puzzled and asked, "How long will what take?"

Kyle had a slight smirk on his lips as he wriggled his eyebrows, "Knowing my son, it won't be long."

"What? What?!" Xing Han asked in slight agitation as he tried to get closer to Kyle, not liking one bit that he was out of the loop. He was Kyle's BFF, right. Why is it that Kyle seemed to be talking in code with Sam?!

Nitocris nonchalantly placed his arm around Xing Han's waist, casually preventing him from getting any closer to Kyle.

Xing Han, who was sitting next to Kyle, turned to look at his husband and tilted his head. Before he could ask anything, his lips were sealed as Nitocris kissed him deeply.

That was one way for him to shut his Puppy up.

The others, being used to Nitocris's constant display of affection on Xing Han, didn't bat an eyelid over it. No matter how long they were married, he was like a walking vinegar jar whenever Kyle was around.

Despite knowing that there was nothing between the two, Nitocris couldn't help the feelings of jealousy whenever he saw how open and excited his Puppy was with Kyle. He just had to keep touching him whenever such feelings arose to calm himself.

The last time he lost it and had even forbidden Xing Han to see Kyle, Xing Han had run away from home. Not for long, of course, but he refused to return until he had calmed down. Xing Han had known Kyle since they were seven, so there was no way Xing Han would cut ties with Kyle. He would indulge Nitocris on any of his demands - except when it involved Kyle.

Nitocris knew he was being unreasonable, which is why he acquiescence this one thing.

Didn't mean he could take it.

When Nitocris finally broke the kiss, he looked in satisfaction at the dazed way Xing Han looked at him.

"Let's make a bet," Kyle continued, noting that Xing Han had been released, "As to how long Alex can hold back before he comes complaining."

Xing Han took several deep breaths and turned to face Kyle, "Complain about what?"

"About how boring school is," Kyle replied with a grin.

✿ Author posts on WN and neovel ✿

Alex stole some glances at the adult table, wondering what they were talking about that could cause them to laugh so freely like that.

They had already finished dinner and were in the living room. Some had coffee, some had tea and some had wine. It was a relaxed atmosphere and anyone could see the closeness of the group.

Anyone looking at them would see normal friends, who have gathered around, talking after a meal.

Yet, each and every one of them was powerful people in their own right.

Even Sam, who is "just" his father's personal assistant, was actually not just good enough to be a CEO but he was also extremely rich due to his investments. He had been headhunted numerous times by various companies but he was steadfast and loyal to his father.

No one would regard Samuel Johnson as a mere assistant for he held one of the most powerful positions in Smith Industries - other than the CEO and COO, of course.

This made Alex think hard about himself as well.

His father had made such good friends when he had gone to Retsu Primary School.

The same people who were with him until now and had been there for him.

What about him?

His father constantly told him that he had to go to school to expand his thinking and his social circle while schooling.

But it was so darn boring!

He felt like his brain cells would die just sitting there listening to the teachers talk.

And doing those worksheets.

They didn't have homework because the school didn't believe in it. Studying, or learning, should be fun and done in school. Home is where one is to spend time with family, relax and just be kids.

Of course, Alex didn't have that luxury as he had his training in the evening.

Today was an exception and he had the day off, but he was sure his father would double the training the next day to make up for it.

He gave out a rather deep sigh, upon which Aurora frowned at him, "What's wrong, Alex?"

Shaking himself out of his thoughts, he said, "Nothing, really. Just feel like school is so boring."

"Why?"

"Don't you find it boring?" Alex asked his sister, then also looked at Fleur and Ziad, "Guys?"

"Well…" began Fleur, thinking hard, "I made new friends. Shirley is nice."

Ziad nodded, not saying anything.

"But don't you find the lessons just too easy?" Alex insisted then turned to his sister, "I saw you drawing and doodling. You must have been bored as well, right?"

"No really," Aurora replied, to Alex's surprise.

"What? Really?!" Alex said in disbelief, "How can it be?"

"Because I drew and doodled," Aurora told him, "Isn't that obvious?"

Alex blinked.

"Daddy said that we are to expand our mind and meet new people," Aurora continued, "If you feel bored, then do something not to be bored. It's that simple."

Ziad nodded.

"Is that all you're going to do?" Alex complained a bit, looking at Ziad.

"They're right, so why should I say anything else?" Ziad replied.

"I can't believe you weren't bored," Alex argued, "You weren't doodling or talking to anyone."

"I was taking care of Fleur," Ziad replied simply.

"Auw!" Fleur responded, hugging him tightly, "My brother is the best!"

"It's your own fault that you were bored," Aurora said with a grin.

Alex sighed again.

Perhaps she was right.

Alex thought about it.

No.

Just thinking of having to fill in the time and listening to the voice drone on and on … there was no way he could feign interest, nor did he consider doing other things to occupy himself.

The thought of bringing books or playing games on his phone during lessons never crossed Alex's mind. He was too 'straight' for that.

A student would need to listen to the teacher when he or she is speaking. One must pay attention and do the work seriously.

Falling asleep in class is not an option.

Fooling around is not an option.

After struggling internally for a while, he finally got up and headed towards his parents.

"Mum, Father," Alex said as he reached them.

Kyle smiled and raised an eyebrow but did not turn as yet, looking rather smug at everyone. Sayuri was the one who turned first, "Yes, Alex?"

"The lessons at school are beneath me as it is too easy," Alex declared, "And so, I find it boring."

Kyle's lips twitched as he took a sip of his latte before he turned to ask his son seriously, "So what is it that you're asking for?"

"I'd like to go to an advance class," Alex said.

"Alone? Or with the others?"

At this, Alex hesitated and looked to his sister and friends behind, "With the others, if they like but I have not asked them yet."

"Well," Kyle said, putting down his cup, "Too bad but you can't."

Alex's eyes narrowed as he looked at his father.

"Why not?" he asked, though it was more of a challenge than a question.

Kyle leaned back on his chair and put his hands together as he smiled at Alex. Then, with a slow drawl, he said, "Because Retsu Primary School doesn't have an advanced class. Or any sort of accelerated class like you would find in secondary school - then again, not all schools would have that. It's only those that adopted Principal Godric's strategy."

Then, as if he realised he was rambling, Kyle unclasped his hands and looked straight into Alex's eyes, "So what are you going to do about it now?"