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“There is no code, dumbass.”

“Please tell me he’s paying you big bucks,” the lead singer says to me, also laughing.

“Nope, tutoring free of charge,” I say. The three other boys stare as if they’re waiting for me to say Just kidding! “Jase and I made a deal.”

“Is he even doing any work?” the drummer asks.

“Actually, yeah. He may be an Advanced Procrastinator, but he does cooperate.”

Jase throws me a look, albeit cracking with a laugh. The drummer stares at me incredulously while the other two exchange impressed and surprised looks, laughter bubbling between them.

“He actually does the work?” the bassist says, still surprised.

“Yup, he’s a good listener too. He’s already improving.”

“You’re just being nice.”

“She’s a good tutor,” Jase says.

Again, I feel myself blushing.

“You needed this.” The lead singer pats Jase’s shoulder. “Someone has to kick your lazy ass into shape.”

“Seriously,” the drummer says.

“She’s the only one who can,” Jase says. He flashes me a smile before turning back to his friends. “Shouldn’t you guys tell her your names?”

“Oh, that’s right,” the lead singer says. “I’m Michael.”

“Andy.” That’s the bassist.

“Karthik.” That’s the drummer.

“Emilyn,” I introduce.

“Sorry to just come in here without telling you our names.” Andy locks his arm tighter around Jase’s shoulders. Jase nudges him off, but Andy’s arm stays locked there. “It’s just too fun making fun of Jase.”

“We’re required to do so every chance we see him,” Michael adds.

Karthik snorts at this. It’s the first time I’ve seen him smile. “True.”

Michael glances at his phone. “We should set everything up. We’ve got to warm up now.”

The other three nod.

To me, Andy says, “Sorry to break up your date.”

“She’s just tutoring me!” Jase blushes, and it’s not the kind he has whenever Mr. Squeaky-Shoes embarrasses him in our SAT class. It’s the kind I have whenever I gaze at pictures of Jungkook. My heart races. Maybe I’m just reading his blush wrong.

“Sure!” Michael sings. It amazes me how, even when he’s teasing, he somehow hits the note perfectly.

A snicker sneaks out of Karthik’s mouth.

“Oh, the codenames.” Before Jase can correct him, Andy says, “Set-up time!”

Karthik nods and walks with the other two.

Jase leers at them, albeit with a smile cracked on his face. “Sorry about those idiots.”