
I can't lie, the author is doing a really good job at showing how manipulators act and the way that they know how to grip onto their victims. The ML knew that the MC was only a bystander (which in my books is just as bad as doing the act but I digress). He knew that before he sniffed his clothes he had a good relationship with the MC...... But he also knew how the MC's friends acted. He knew they were good for nothing bullies.
Because I know how manipulative, conniving, cocksuckers act I bet you this is what happened (guessing): The ML was just going to go through high school cruising on by, not getting attention from anyone despite having good looks because of how he masked his presence. Because of that, people thought of him lesser than since he seemed like an easy person to pick on.... But all of a sudden the MC and him start talking? And they get along? The ML probably instantly obsessed over the MC, and he was in on it for the long haul. Sniffing his clothes deserves an ass whooping for sure... But not the bullying he received... But like the MC said this chapter, the ML would look at the MC like "you see what's happening? You have a conscience right? Feel bad for me, be upset, feel immense guilt." and eventually the big fall happened.
If I remember correctly the ML was smiling or something when he fell. Like he got the MC in his trap. He probably waited long enough for the MC to "forget" about him for a few minutes then BOOM in his life again. I wouldn't be surprised if he stalked the MC since high school. Maybe he waited for when the MC would be at his lowest, treat him kindly then boom tear him down in order to keep him by his side. He probably feels like fear and control are the only things that would keep him, as anything else is "too flimsy"
BUT THAT'S JUST MY ASSUMPTIONS. I'm just speculating, based on how I've been treated in the past by people.
This is the type of story that you need to turn your brain off to enjoy it... But at the same time there's fucking nuances and hints that it's a deeper story than it appears to be so it's also hard to NOT shut your brain off. All I can confidently say is that they're both dumbasses, mostly the MC. The ML is a fucking psycho who pretends to be dumb but at the same time does things in the most absurd way for what!? Shits and giggles?! Both are for sure mentally unstable, especially the MC who is feeling empathetic for the ML!!!!!!
They're made for each other, neither are good people so they only have each other to look to. Man I wish the raws were further I'm dying to know if this is all set up by the ML or not.