MARKED BY THE ENEMY

TUTORING TROUBLE

Chapter 4: Tutoring Trouble

A week later, the school’s dreaded mandatory test results were posted. Students crowded around the board, groaning and celebrating in equal measure.

Ashley scanned her score quickly, relief flooding her when she saw she had passed well. But when her eyes drifted toward Devin’s name, her stomach sank. His grade was low—dangerously low.

At this rate, he wasn’t just at risk of failing the next exam… he was at risk of repeating the year.

Their teacher wasted no time making a decision. “Ashley, since you’ve consistently performed well, I’m assigning you as Devin’s tutor. Help him catch up.”

Ashley blinked in shock. Me? Tutor Devin Park? She laughed nervously. “Y-Yes, sir.”

It couldn’t be that bad, right? How hard could tutoring the school’s infamous heartthrob really be?

---

Later that evening, Devin showed up at Ashley’s house. She half-expected him to be aloof and cold, but to her surprise, he greeted her mother politely at the door.

“Good evening, ma’am,” he said smoothly, even offering to help chop vegetables in the kitchen while her mom chatted away.

Ashley stood frozen at the doorway, wide-eyed. Is this even the same Devin Park?

Her mom laughed warmly. “What a charming young man! You should bring him over more often, Ashley.”

Flustered, Ashley quickly intervened. “Alright, Mom, that’s enough. We really have to study now.”

Grabbing Devin’s wrist, she tugged him toward the stairs. He followed without protest.

---

Ashley’s room was small but cozy, the walls decorated with soft colors and a few personal trinkets. It suited her perfectly, warm and inviting.

Devin glanced around with a faint grin tugging at his lips, taking in every detail. “Huh. Not bad.”

Ashley cleared her throat nervously. “Make yourself at home.”

To her dismay, he dropped onto her bed like he owned the place, leaning back casually. The sheets rustled beneath him, carrying her scent, and for some reason, that made her cheeks burn.

Trying to ignore it, Ashley busied herself with clearing her reading table, stacking books neatly. She didn’t notice the tall shadow that loomed closer until she turned and nearly jumped.

“Devin!” she gasped, clutching her chest.

He chuckled softly, pulling out the chair beside her desk and sitting down, his movements oddly quiet for someone with his presence.

Ashley blinked at him, confused. He wasn’t the detached, sharp-edged Devin she saw at school. No, this version was calm. Collected. Almost… comfortable.

Taking a steadying breath, she opened her books. “Okay, let’s start with math. We’ll go step by step, alright?”

But before she could continue, Devin’s hand brushed against hers as he reached for the same notebook. Her heart skipped a beat at the unexpected contact.

Finally, he spoke, his deep voice breaking the silence.

“So… why are you really helping me?”