Just putting a little more thought into this -- it seems Iikka, Jason, and Olivia could function as friends, or at least acquaintances, at least to the point where if they saw each other at the mall, and all decided to leave at once, they'd leave together. 

Max would be more than okay going to the mall, or anywhere, on her own, since she could make friends with a coat rack -- but y'all are absolutely right: if she saw people she knew from school, she'd attach herself and only leave when forced. 

Maybe Mario is doing some...Scouting thing at the mall, and offers to walk Olivia or Max back home? 

And then I could see Jason, Olivia, or Max being the one to suggest the 'short cut' through the construction yard.