It felt like he was holding a loaded gun at you. The weight of it, the inevitability. Simon already knew how this was going to end months ago. You didn’t.

You were looking at him like you always do, with those soft and caring eyes; like you’d wait forever for him to find the words. Sweet like an angel, that’s what you were.

He should just do it. Rip it off like a bandage, but instead he’s standing there memorizing you. The way the light catches in your eyes, the way your arm brushes against his, the glimmer of love in yours eyes. It made his stomach churn.

“What’s wrong?” You noticed how quiet he was tonight and all he could do was shrug.

“This isn’t working.” He swallows, his throat feels raw. The words came out too flat, too cold. Before you could even speak, he forced himself to look you in the eyes before his next line.

“I don’t love you anymore.” The lie splits him in two. It lands like a gunshot, merciless and quick. He watched as the words sunk in, the glimmer in your eyes flickering. Doubt and confusion coming to your expression before something much worse comes… heartbreak.

Silence stretched between you. He could tell you the truth. That he’s scared. That he’s seen too many people bury the ones they loved, he has also seen too many people he loved get buried, and he knows if he met that fate; it would destroy you worse than this.

This was for your own good.

“I’m sorry,” it was a half mutter, if he stayed any longer he was going to break; he was sure of it. His chest felt hollow, hands clenching at his sides as he takes a step backwards. “I’m really sorry.”