The mood became lively soon afterward. If they can, why would they not? Most didn't know the danger they were falling into. Instead of being sour for the whole time, they played and ate all together.

No wonder they are popular. Mike was charismatic while Catherine was friendly and fun to be with. Mira is cool that her rare smiles were a bit sought for. Eline was the loudest and made the scene even livelier with her thundering laughter. Dan was a bit timid but he was able to go with the flow. But when he took out his guitar, his temperament changed as he provided the music, making Catherine's speaker kind of redundant. But it's not like he will play all day long though. Josh, on the other hand, was the main reason for Eline's laughter as he would throw jokes from time to time, making the conversation enjoyable.

Somehow, they no longer regretted coming here. At first, they were greatly reluctant since Nick was very suspicious. But now, is he trying to make to befriend them? After all, he didn't specifically say anything about doing something to them.

Maybe it was just their fear and the rumors around Nick? But none could blame them, Nick's invitation was just too abrupt and it was right after they offended Teren, his 'friend'

But to be sure, they tried talking to him. With his 'authoritative' no longer needed, he returned to being casual which made everyone relieved. They reached a conclusion.

Is he just awkward but wants friends?

That may be so. But in reality, of course, that's not what's happening. Mike and Catherine knew so well. The key person is missing. They want to talk to him as soon as possible but it's not like they have nerves of steel. Just like everyone else, they're normal students at the end of the day.

"Mike, I can't believe you." Eline shook her head in a joking manner.

"What do you mean? And are you drunk?"

"Haha! Drunk? No one brought alcohol in the first place!" Eline laughed loudly before continuing, "But what I'm saying is, you're letting Teren defeat you? I didn't know he had a lot of guts to him, calling Iesa out of here. I wonder what he will do..."

Mike gulped as he looked at Catherine. The latter heard this too and looked at him too. They were not too worried about Iesa's safety. They remember back then when they were cornered by Teren, Iesa was with him, like a right-hand person or something. At least that's what it looks like.

"But that bitch..! I'm sure she's crazy, do you know what she did this morning to me?" Eline brought it up.

What she did earlier was only planned between her and Mira. If either Mike or Catherine heard it, she would never do it - telling Teren to persuade Nick to stop.

But now, thinking that the mood was no longer heavy and whatnot, Eline just let it out. As a group of friends, they rarely keep secrets from one another, that's how strong their bond is.

When she told what happened this morning, amused while complaining, both Mike and Catherine's faces paled.

"Y-y-y-you did what to Teren?" Catherine stammered. She didn't hear anything about this. She was there at the emergency stairs because Mira brought her. Then they saw Eline crying, complaining about how Iesa destroyed her phone. But she didn't say anything about doing something to Teren!

"Hm? I said I will let him fuck a girl I know, which is a lie to be honest, if he can persuade Nick to stop." Eline said as if it was nothing.

Nick heard this and was dazed. Since he heard it, almost everyone heard it.

Hanon, who was trying to help the 'outcast' interact with the group, froze as well.

Eline has a lot of guts! They thought.

'But if she knows who Teren actually is, she wouldn't be able to do that.' Hanon sighed.

"And you know what happened after that? Iesa just comes in and said 'Go back to the room'" Eline impersonated Iesa's cold gaze before continuing her story, "Then she just asked for my phone. I know it sounds ridiculous but I think she's trying to protect Teren, no? After all, she seems awfully close to him compared to others."

Although Iesa was like an enemy to her, Eline couldn't help but be immersed in those sweet gossips, especially if they are related to couples or love in general.

"Then she just threw my phone the moment I gave it to her and said 'I'm prettier' that's definitely jealousy! I have long guessed that a perfect person like her exists, she's crazy!"

"Woah, she's like that kind of person, what do they call it?" Dan muttered which Josh replied.

"Yandere?"

"Yeah! That's it..."

"That's... wow."

"Yeah..."

I'm jealous of Teren.

-was what the two wanted to say but couldn't.

Meanwhile, the people in question were a bit far from the group. Teren led Iesa somewhere after calling out to her 'sneakily' and finally stopped.

Iesa's eyes immediately averted his. Like a child guilty of something and now her parents are going to talk to her.

She slightly squirmed as if uncomfortable under Teren's gaze while waiting for him to speak, She didn't wait long.

"Why did you come here?"

Teren asked in a cold manner. He composed himself since this was just probing. If his guess that Iesa's memories were returning is true then he would immediately drop the cold act. But until then, he needs to look as if he doesn't have anything to do with her.

Iesa replied with an awkward smile and a timid look.

"Umm... I-... I just want to go out and camp too."

She gave an unconvincing answer, making Teren just stare at her in silence. He crossed his arms and leaned onto a tree behind him. He seemed to be waiting for her to speak the truth.

Iesa knew that even without hearing his thoughts. However-

'I'm crazy! I can't say the truth! He will think I'm a lunatic!'

Of course, she would panic. 

It was the desire to witness Teren's crimes in person that urged her to contact Catherine. How did she know Catherine's number?

That happened when Teren was always staying at her apartment.