don't underestimate the making of life

Devi grips her hands together, it’s something Ben recognizes, a strategy to stop their shaking. “Paxton and I are together, and it’s great,” she blurts, and her words make his heart twist in his chest. He can feel his blood rushing in his ears.

At first, he doesn’t understand why Devi’s new relationship with Paxton is at all relevant to their current course of conversation.

But when the realization strikes him, dread settles in his stomach, and his heart picks up speed. Suddenly, he knows exactly why.

“But,” Devi continues, “Ms. Warner said it’s a conflict of interest to be both his girlfriend and peer tutor so—” Ben watches her throat bob as she swallows. “So I told her you could do it.”

And there it is.

or; when Devi and Paxton start dating, Ben becomes his new peer tutor. The result isn't what any involved expected.