Chapter 98 - Another Gathering

Meanwhile, on the other side of the cafe, Hanon noticed Iesa but didn't think about it too much. This is not usually a place for students with limited allowance but if they do have money, what's holding them back.

Instead, he was focused on Teren's further explanation about the 'contract' he was offered. After talking for the whole lunch, both of them have reached a consensus. 

Teren was thrilled about it but Hanon seemed a little depressed and anxious.

Iesa was the first to come out, saying that she had somewhere to go. Unfortunately, she failed to ask her question for the day however, she really has somewhere to go and she has to prepare.

The end of lunch was approaching and the meeting time was arriving.

Near the plaza, Dan parked his van to a parking spot. 

"Okay... huu... I got it."

He sighed. Before this, he had a fight with his parents since he suddenly wants to cut classes and borrow the van for camping. Even he knew that it was sudden and the chance of his parents allowing him was small.

But after a few bickering, he was able to persuade them in the end.

Dan was not anxious, in fact, he was relieved. In his head, he had already done his part, bring his van. He even brought his favorite guitar. It was obvious he didn't think too much into it. Nick is a gangster, so what? He's just alone. Including him, there's Josh and the athletic Mike. He didn't believe that if things went physical, they would lose.

'And that Teren seemed to be oppressed too. If we saw a chance, maybe he will help us against Nick.'

"No... the problem is what lies after that."

Confident that what he envisioned will happen, Dan considered the future of it.

"What if Nick's brother retaliates?"

He sighed. At that point, they have no choice but to call the police or the school. He stepped out of the van to see Mike walking towards him. He seemed depressed, Dan thought. 

"Hi" Mike waved with a forced smile.

"H-hi."

"..."

"..."

Of course, it would be awkward between them.

Catherine then arrived as well. Thinking that the awkward atmosphere would finally break, Dan smiled but seeing her pretty face, he noticed that she too was not in the mood.

His mood was soured as well, blaming the too for being worrywarts. If only he was not directly one of the reasons why this happened, he could've told them what he was thinking, however, that was not the case.

Soon, Josh arrived as he was brought there by his brother in a luxurious car. He brought a big bag with him as he was tasked with providing the tents which others don't have.

"W-woah, I didn't know you're this rich, Josh."

"Well... ahahaha..." Josh laughed as he scratched his head but it seemed like it was not his favorite topic. Sensing this, Dan swallowed his questions.

"So... where-"

Just before Josh asked, Eline and Mira arrived. Just like the others, they are in their casual clothing. As high school girls, they looked dazzling. Catherine would be the jewel with them but with how depressed she looked, she didn't exude that usual brightness and cheerfulness.

Seeing this, both Mira and Eline tried to talk to her. The three of them held hands and like some sort of secret girls talk, they formed a circle, whispering about something. This left the three boys around.

"Umm... Mike, sorry..." Josh's eyes wandered as he tried to reconcile with his friend.

Mike sighed and patted Josh and Dan's shoulders.

"No... no... it's true that I and Catherine were changing and that's affecting our group. Although that's still not enough to excuse for what you did, that does not mean I will hate you, guys."

Seeing this chance, Dan apologized too and after that, they all laughed. Hearing them reconcile, the group of girls felt lighter too but soon, Catherine revealed something that would shock the two girls.

"Eh, what?"

"No, Catherine, I don't like this...!" Eline trembled.

"S-sorry, I have no choice."

But since they were whispering to each other, the boys didn't hear it.

"But we still need to be careful." Mike turned serious again. Josh and Dan nodded and tried to hear him out, "Nick is not the one we should be-"

"What about me?"

The light atmosphere that was created after reconciliation between friends immediately disappeared as Nick appeared before them.

Seeing that no one else was there, they were relieved. Except for Mike and Catherine, they all thought one thing-

'This guy thinks he can handle all of us alone just because he's some gangster and have a name for himself.'

Just as they were falling into a hostile bunch, a pair of people arrived. One was still in his school uniform, the other... in his school uniform too. The difference was that the former was a student and the latter was a teacher.

"E-eh, Sir Hanon!?"

Eline was the first to react.

"I learned this outing from Teren and I cannot let this go unsupervised."

Hanon said harsh enough to reprimand his students for cutting classes but lenient enough to not to obstruct the said 'outing'

Usually, a teacher joining a ground of friends' outing would ruin the occasion but this time, they were greatly ecstatic.

With a glance, it looks like Nick was not informed by this as well. They all looked at Teren and thought-

'Good job, Teren!'

Of course, with the exception of Mike and Catherine. Although they were confused about Hanon's appearance as well.

Nick saw Teren glanced at him and nodded.

"T-that would be great, Sir Hanon. Since we're all here, let's go."

When everyone was about to enter the van, Catherine raised her hand and said.

"There's still one person who's not here."

"Huh? Who?" Nick scratched his head, not knowing why the group is increasing.

Just as the others were thinking who it was, she arrived. Mira and Eline were not surprised at her arrival since Catherine already informed them earlier.

Out of them all, Teren was the most speechless since that person was Iesa.