382 Chapter four, 2017, petty revenge: 3 (1/2)

While studying alone together with Noriko would have been a pleasure Ulf still declined her suggestion. Christina's earlier stunt drew the attention of both media and police, and police arresting people from the media drew even more attention from the media.

Journalists from the US and western Europe were very different from their potty-trained Japanese counterparts. Freedom of press was a calling and not something best forgotten lest you discomfort people in power. It also meant western journalists never let go of their grip unless you clubbed them from behind.

So Ulf made himself scarce and dragged Noriko to the Haven rather than going home. Yukio and Kyoko would arrive there as well, and their armed body guards should be able to keep prying eyes from getting, well, too prying.

As it turned out he was correct. Ulf barely managed to pull his girlfriend inside before both body guards intercepted a couple of men with cameras growing like twigs from a poorly pruned bonsai. With a sigh of relief he opened the door to the inner room, nodded to James' silent question and stepped inside.

”I wanted you for myself,” Noriko sulked behind him.

Ulf smirked. ”At your place? With Ryu climbing all over my back because he dislikes us being a couple?”

When Noriko declined to answer Ulf turned and faced her. She was sulking.

”We can't go home to me. There's just no space for you staying the night there, and I'm not sending you home alone in a taxi. Not after what happened.”

There was enough space, but Ulf wasn't about to go there, and he very much doubted Amaya would approve.

The inner room was all but empty. It was, after all, in the middle of the day, and but for the suspensions all students were supposed to attend class now. All but empty however wasn't empty. A few Irishima High students as well as their vice principal sat there.

'Guess it doesn't count as skipping if your teacher is with you.' It didn't really matter that Satoru Noguchi probably wasn't a teacher at all.

”Cramming?” Ulf asked.

He only received a few grunts and nods as answers.

”Why are you here?” Satoru said.

Ulf smiled at the older man. ”At this time of the day?”

Satoru nodded and gave him a broken smile in return.

Ulf explained.

”Is he daft?” was the concluding response, and Ulf could only agree.

Behind them the door opened and James arrived with Ulf's order. The tray he carried contained a little for Noriko as well, and Ulf shot him what he hoped was a grateful smile.

”Noriko, up for some serious cramming?”

She smiled at him. ”Define serious!”

Ulf grinned. ”James, when do you close shop?” 'Let's see if that's serious enough for you, Noriko.'