Maybe in the west but in JP wouldn't it be common with teachers putting more responsibility on students as the years go on, doesn't feel like a stretch
I think you may be right, and I can tell you that sort of teacher behavior would have blown up in their face immediately, if I were the target.
I would have told my friends (girlfriends?) that I would tell the teacher I'm ignoring the whole thing, and that anything she will ask me, will be disregarded with all my power - and please join me in doing something more worthwhile with their time.
As an example, the girlfriend who jumped ship would get to date/hang out a lot more than the other one.
Then tell the teacher that if she wants respect, she should treat others with respect, rather than manipulate them - especially in a way which is detrimental to the relationships of those manipulated.
Then again, I didn't have the weird "avoid being the nail that sticks out" mindset when I was in high school ...