Sweet Tooth [HS]

SEVENTY SEVEN

Later. 

Finn left after that. 

When Max had finally shut the door, and had finally turned around she had almost forgotten that he was still there. She jumped when she saw him. And then her guilt swallowed her whole when she took in his face. He looked so sad. Sort of broken, really. 

Max felt like she was looking in a mirror. 

"So," he said eventually. "Harry Styles loves you?" 

Max winced. "He doesn't." 

"You love him?" 

That made her flinch. Decided she would not lie. "I don't know." 

"And you've always loved him?" 

Max nodded. "Yes." 

"And you don't- I'm just... You don't care about me, do you?" 

Max bit her lip and tasted blood in her mouth. 

"No. I don't." 

She watched Finn swallow and look away as his shoulders bent inwards and his head drooped towards the floor. She hated hurting him - but she could not lie to him anymore. 

He was too good for her. 

"I'm sorry, Finn," she said, walking towards him slowly but he put his hands out to stop her.

"I think I've always known," he said. "It's why I never told you how I felt." He paused and glanced up at her, and she was shocked there was no anger, no malice. Just sadness. "I think I should go." 

Max did not stop him. 

Hated that he turned and smiled at her, just as he was about to leave. "I. Um. I won't tell anyone, Max. About you and him. I imagine you want to keep it quiet." 

The kindness sort of killed her. 

"Thank you, Finn." 

He gave her a nod, then turned, and then Max was left alone for good.