The drive back to Tokyo was quiet. Mai had decided to ride back with the others, leaving Noll alone with Lin and Madoka. Neither adult spoke, and the tension was palpable.
Occasionally, Noll caught one of them sneaking peeks at him. It annoyed him, but he chose to say nothing. He knew exactly what they wished to discuss, and he had no desire to initiate a conversation.
The engine hummed softly as rural landscapes morphed into an urbanized cluster. The change in scenery did little to distract Noll from Lin and Madoka, however.
The van came to a screeching halt, throwing Noll forward. His palm smashed into the dashboard, halting his momentum. Noll glared at Lin.
"Some wanker cut me off."
And the silence had been shattered.
"I saw," Madoka chimed in. "You know, I never thought I'd find even worse drivers outside of London." She set her eyes on Noll. "What about you, Noll?"
Slouching back in his seat, Noll sighed, "If I agree, will you stop talking to me?"
Lin cleared his throat, "What's got you in such a foul mood?"
"I think it's because Yasu found out," Madoka offered before Noll could open his mouth.
"He isn't going to tell anyone," Lin sighed.
Noll didn't doubt the fact Yasu would keep his secret. That wasn't his concern at all.
"I don't know why you just don't tell them. I mean, you're taking Mai out on dates, and she doesn't know. Noll, you have nothing to worry about. These people are your friends." Madoka crossed her arms. "It's not a bad thing for you to have friends."
"I'd rather not get too attached."
Lin slammed on the breaks again, stalling traffic behind him, "How can you say that? You're already attached. It's obvious."
Madoka waited a moment before asking, "Does this have to do with Masako Hara? From what I gathered, you two had gotten close and-"
"No." Noll cut her off. He mentally scolded himself for his reaction. He had no choice but to conjure some other excuse. "My association with these people can put them in serious trouble. I'd rather not feel responsible."
Blinking, Madoka asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Noll sighed, "Exactly what I said."