However, Teren was unable to do anything as things escalate further. With Eline's initiation, her other friends also tried to do something for him as if showing goodwill.
Josh came to him and gave him the most expensive snacks in the canteen.
"That's the least I can do... Teren."
Then, Mira followed.
"Here are my reviewer notes. I specialized in making reviewers for a whole week's study so that none of these idiots fail."
Dan then sat on Lina's seat while she was gone. With a meek attitude, he said.
"I have told the other teachers about the mess we've done. Since we were honest about it, we were given a warning."
The group then looked at Mike and Catherine. However, Mike didn't know what he can do to 'serve' Teren. Meanwhile, Catherine just snubbed them.
The reason for their actions was out of fear and actually, respect for Teren. But they wouldn't have the guts to do this if they didn't learn what he and Catherine actually talked about back then. Teren actually wants to apologize? It was doubtful but it's better to have hope instead of always fearing him and that's why this amicable approach is them testing the waters.
"Umm, Iesa, Nick, I've bought something for you too, if only you want though..." Josh held a plastic bag and seeing all the most expensive snacks there, Iesa and Nick gulped. Of course, they took it, it's free!
Josh turned back to Teren to see if he wants more. At that moment, Josh received a smile and a thumbs up from Teren.
'He even gave some to Iesa, what a great guy.'
Josh, on the other hand, wanted to pump his fist. He felt like he just won something.
Teren could no longer control the situation so the fuck he gave lessened. There's no turning back now, it's better to just accept it.
"Yeah, right there."
Teren said to Eline and she nodded. His temperament changed and his act dropped. It felt a little liberating. This made him question himself what's the point of being passive until now.
'I got too focused on not getting any attention. I thought it would only spell trouble.'
'What's happening? Why are they treating Teren like a king?'
'This is obviously not bullying! Why is he getting that kind of treatment?!'
'So Eline was actually genuine in giving him a massage???'
So many questions entered Iesa's ears. She didn't know how to feel about this situation. Even though she was determined to let them do whatever they want, she still feel annoyed.
'Tsk! They're getting too close to him...'
Right after that thought, Iesa's attention was taken away. Countless dirty and insulting thoughts sounded from one direction. She looked and saw that Lina was back from hanging out with her friends.
Lina just stopped there and stared as the 'popular group' flocks around Teren, like dogs wagging their tails to their owner.
For the first time, Iesa saw the changes in Lina's expression. Nerves popped out and facial features twitching. Iesa actually found this amusing and creepy. It's like Lina's mind has a poisonous gas leak called thoughts.
But it was only for a moment. Iesa was the only one who noticed this since she heard Lina's thoughts. Right now, almost everyone was watching the charade near Teren.
Lina noticed this leak and covered half of her face. Her eyes then rolled towards Iesa and squinted.
'Shit! Shit! Shit!'
Iesa found this creepy thing again where Lina's thoughts would get monotonous and sometimes, even silent. But she didn't think much of it while Lina smiled and walked to her seat which Dan stood up from.
"Ooh! What's happening here!? Is it Teren's birthday?"
"Oh, Class President, no. It's not like that."
Josh answered.
"Eh? Then what's this all about?"
In that classroom, there are three girls that are considered 'tough' The reigning queen is Iesa, the second is the aggressive Catherine, and the third is the always-optimistic class president. Since Catherine and Iesa were quiet about it, with this pattern, it was easy to guess that it will be Lina who will ask the whole class' queries.
The group looked at each other, unable to answer. Now that they think about it, they only had their eyes on getting Teren's favor. They didn't have the mind to think about what comes after it since just the action itself have already stressed them out.
Teren stayed quiet. He no longer cared if he gets attention or what. It's not like his 'psychopathic' side will be revealed by this. He is now amusing himself, thinking about the group will respond. Like a teacher testing his students on a subject, Teren observed.
'How will they respond?'
Will they be honest or...?
"Ah, it's because we did something bad to Teren's tests, this is our way of apologizing."
Mira, the smart one among them responded.
"Hahaha, isn't that too much?"
Lina laughed and everyone else could see this as her usual happy self. But for the group, she was pushing them.
"We did almost made him repeat the grade, I don't think this is too much, right?"
Teren forgot but Catherine was not the only fierce girl in their group. Just that, in front of him, Mira was like a drenched kitty, seeking attention and shelter.
"Ah, that's true." Lina nodded, thinking this calamity have been evaded, she continued, "Didn't you guys go camping? Wasn't Teren with you?"
Why didn't you take that chance to apologize? Why now?
Those were the questions the group received instead. Teren looked at Lina with suspicion.
'Even the other day, she kept cornering me. Of course, I deflected her. However, she's particularly good at finding holes.'
"Ah, now that I remember it, Class prez, why were you absent back then?"
Seeing that the group was speechless, Teren asked.
'If you can't answer, ask.'
"..."
But Lina just smiled and at the same time, the third period arrived.
"The teacher's here, hurry, finish your food!" Lina cheerfully said to the whole class.
'Yep, definitely suspicious...'
Teren stared at Lina's back.
'Maybe before I go to the warehouse later, I should ask Eron what I didn't ask last time.'