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Chapter 8: Breaking Free

Finn's POV 

It was the night of the homecoming dance and my heart is about to fall out of my ass from nervousness. Because it was my first time attending and that's only because Heather forced me to. Jason and I kind of had an agreement to go together as friends so he was picking me up tonight. I just went with a full black attire because I didn't want to be seen since I was literally humiliated the last time in front of everybody. No one's told me about it, not even the school's blog which really surprised me since that blog have a disturbingly excessive thirst for drama. 

As I was adjusting my tie in the mirror, my dad entered the room. "My baby nugget is growing." My dad teased like he always did when I'm all dressed up but this time, he wasn't able to hide the proud gleam in his eyes. 

"Dad." I said sternly but I wasn't able to hide the smile on my lips.

"Now, now, Finn. Don't have too much fun, if you know what I mean. I need you before 12 and that guy better take you home that time." He reminded, crossing his arms like the father he is.

Just as I was about to answer, I heard a loud beep from outside and a ding on my phone followed it a second later.

'i'm here' The text read. 

"He's here." I repeated to my dad.

My dad got there first to open the door and we were just in time to see Jason open the passenger seat.

My dad looked at me in confusion. "Last I remember, he was blond?"

"That's his friend, Jason." I told him.

He nodded but I can still sense the wariness radiating off of him. 

"Hello, Finn and Mr. Vasco." Jason greeted as he walked towards us. 

I almost got in between them, thinking my dad was gonna attack him for not being blond but my dad actually offered a smile.

"Take care of Finn and bring him home before 12. If he doesn't get home safely, I'll kill you." 

Wow, that's surprisingly... tame compared to what he said to Oliver the first time they saw each other, I think he has something against blonds. 

Instead of being scared, Jason just flashed a bright smile at my dad. "Will do."

Before leaving, I hugged my mom and dad goodbye.

As we were walking the path to his car, I leaned in. "How did you not die?" I whispered to Jason.

He chuckled. "Because I'm confident I can get you home before 12 so don't worry about it." He reassured.

I hopped in and before I could close the door, he leaned in with a smile. "By the way. You look good." 

I started to blush, these goddamn cheeks. 

. . .

Jason pulled over in front of the school and the first thing I saw were Heather and Oliver there waiting. The entrance of the school was packed with students but Oliver's attire and his everything just outshined everyone else.

We got out and was met with cold night breeze which caused me to wrap my jacket around myself tighter.

Heather gave me a hug as a greeting to which I hugged her back. "Oh my god, Finn, you look so amazing, how come I've never seen you in a suit before?"

"Just not my thing." I muttered before I fully took in my best friend. She was wearing a long sleeve lace top dress in a beautiful shade of pastel pink. Very bridesmaid-y.

I looked at Oliver but he avoided eye contact which was unusual but I didn't think of it much.

"Hey, by the way, are we still going to Marcus?" Jason asked and I was confused at first when I remembered that Marcus is a restaurant near the school where the cool kids go to a lot.

"Oh my god, I've always wanted to go to Marcus. Jason, I have to know the full menu." Heather said enthusiastically.

Jason and Heather walked ahead, discussing the meals available at the restaurant while I was left with Oliver walking beside me.

"Hey, how've you been?" I asked, trying to make small talk but Oliver seemed like he didn't hear me. 

I gently nudged him with my elbow to which he flinched. "What?"

"Are you okay?" I asked him, he looked like he just saw a ghost.

"Sorry, I'm just... dazed out." He said before taking a step away from me as if to make distance. 

Damn, that hurt. But for the most part, I was just confused. A few days ago, we were still good, I went over to his house and even showered there, we were eating cookies and I met his brother but ever since that night, it's been radio silence, it's like we were back to square one. To the point I was overthinking so much and now he just completely clarified where he stood. Was he sick? Did he suddenly realize being gay is bad and wants nothing from me? And the worst one was...

Was he staying away because he finally got Heather?

Clouded with my thoughts, I only just realized that we at Marcus and we were already picking a table.

I sat across Jason and beside Heather. I wasn't hungry as I was before so I just ordered a soda to at least have something to occupy myself. 

I looked out the window and the streets were filled with teenagers dressed in formal attire, it was like there's a second Homecoming outside the school. Most importantly, the dark blue sky held the moon and was specked with glimmering stars, it was a beautiful sight. And once again, I was alone with my thoughts.

. . . 

The four of us walked through the gymnasium doors to see the room decorated in red and white themed decorations, the streamers, the lights, the curtains and the banners and I was completely captivated by everything. 

The principal took her place in the middle of the room where the spotlights turned to her. 

"Everyone, I know you know the drill, so, no dangerous acts, no drinking spiked drinks, we've provided stands outside just in case you go hungry or thirsty. Have fun or whatever and no having sex." The principal said which caused the whole room to cheer.

Across the room, I saw a few of the popular kids calling over Oliver.

"I have to... go for now." Oliver said and what hurt again is that he was only able to look at Heather and Jason but not me.

"So... Jason, what do you do at a homecoming? Finn and I haven't gone to one yet." Heather asked.

"Well. We mostly just dance and have fun until the coronation and then after, it's pure slow dance with your partners."

I nodded and looked around, everyone was having fun, everyone was dancing, talking, catching up, not worrying about anything.

"Let's dance. This night isn't ending soon so let's just have fun." Jason said before pulling Heather and I towards the dance floor.

"I don't know how to dance." I said as my widened eyes took in the amount of people around me but obviously, Jason overpowered me and he started to jump up and down, making all kinds of dance moves. 

Heather joined him which caused me to laugh. They were... definitely moving, but whatever, that wasn't the point, they were having fun.

So I unleashed the inner performer in me. 

I started to dance, jump up and down and swaying my arms side to side, not caring for the world whether people thought I was a crazy person but to hell with that, we were all breaking free.

And speaking of breaking free, the song 'Break Free' by Ariana Grande started to play. 

To my surprise, the crowd dancing started to sing along with the song and I was about to scream at them to stop for fear of ruining the song but it unexpectedly sounded good! 

"This is the part where I say I don't want ya, I'm stronger that I've been before!"

We partied into the night until we were all tired and worn out. 

I caught my breath as we escaped the fray, the loud bass thumping in my body caused me to be nauseous.

"Bro. Can we go outside? I'm seriously about to die." I said tiredly.

The three of us went outside where Oliver was standing, staring into the distance.

"Finn, I seriously don't know who that person was in the dance floor but you need to let him out often. You were the life of the party there!" Heather said which caused me to laugh.

"You'll never see him again, I was just so caught up, it's so embarrassing." The two of us laughed again until we were stable again.

"Anyone thirsty?" Jason asked.

Yes.

"No." I said and I thought Jason heard me but after buying drinks, he handed me one. "But I just literally said--"

"Finn, do you think I'm stupid? I saw you sweating back then, I know you're thirsty."

I let out a laugh from his bluntness when I felt a sudden tug on my sleeve and I turned to see Heather.

"Can we talk for a moment?"

I nodded and followed her towards a more secluded area where less people were in. I was about to ask her what we were doing when she pulled me into a tight hug.

"You know I love you so much, right?" She said as she pulled away to look me in the eyes.

"Yes... But why remind me?" 

She laughed and pulled me into another hug. "You think I forgot about what you did in that party? You saved me from embarrassment. I'm so so so grateful for that and I wish so much that you didn't do it." 

"It was either you or me, I couldn't let that happen, Heather. You know that." I said and it seemed like she was conflicted but she kept her mouth shut.

"Listen. I can't even put into words how thankful I am and not only that..." She trailed off, staring into the distance and into the football field. 

"What is it?"

She sighed and looked up. "I think I'm falling." She said with a smile.

My blood ran cold along with the wind that was blowing. I felt my heart drop. I was terrified to ask her to elaborate, because I already know.

"...For who?" 

She was silent for a whole while... before looking at Oliver.

Damn it.

As much as it pained me to ask but I had to make sure. "Oliver?" 

"Yeah... I can't believe it, Finn. He is so dreamy, fairytales aren't my thing but he makes me feel like I'm in one. It's so cliché but it's true." She smiled at the ground before letting out a laugh, shaking her head, like she couldn't believe what she was saying, and neither could I.

"Wow... Um... I'm... happy for you!" I stuttered out, grimacing at how shaky it sounded.

But then I remembered, I was speaking to someone I've been friends with for two years, so she obviously sensed something wrong.

"Finn, what's wrong?" 

"Nothing. It's bothering me how we can just die any moment now." I swerved very subtly with a sheepish smile.

Heather glared at me but wrapped an arm around my shoulder as we walked back to join the two, but my heart was still heavy, I couldn't feel anything, my face and hands were ice cold. 

I can't have these feelings now that Heather confessed to me, because Oliver still likes her and I'm sure, one of these days, one of them will slip up and that would be it. I needed to contain the thought of kissing Oliver, of cuddling with him, of being with him, because that's never gonna happen.

Oliver, Heather and Jason started a conversation while I just dozed off, staring into the distance until I noticed someone staring at us, but it wasn't just someone, it was Bella. She had her resting bitch face on as she stared at Oliver and Heather getting close. As much as I loathed the girl, I couldn't deny that she was gorgeous. Especially in her red dress, the bodice embellished with gems and shit. But that didn't cover up the stench of shit emanating from her to the point I almost feel bad for the dress.

She looked like she was undressing Oliver with her eyes but at the same time, burning Heather at stake. I'm hoping to the stars she doesn't start shit again tonight because I'm not sure if I can still contain my anger.

I turned back to the three when I bumped into Oliver, he caught me by the shoulder.

"Sorry." I muttered before I untangled myself from him, I kept my distance immediately since I didn't want him to do it himself.

We went inside again and the music have changed into a slow, romantic song. Couples were paired up and are already swaying into the beat. At the corner of my eye, I saw Oliver tap Heather on the shoulder, asking her to dance.

I looked at Jason to see him looking back at me, he smiled innocently. "I was about to ask you."

"I would if I wasn't scared of being judged. I'll get staked alive if they find out I'm gay."

Jason frowned at me. "Nah, they won't. I'm literally bi and everyone knows, no one cares."

"But you're attractive and popular, of course no one would care."

"Shut up and just dance with me." He said before pulling me into the dance floor where we got a few confused stares but most of them were too focused on their dates. 

As much as I found Jason attractive, I kind of treated him like a boy best friend I never had. It's only been a few days we've met but he treated me like we've been friends ever since birth. It was such a refreshing experience for me since I've never had a male best friend and I've always wanted one but my dad was just a very scary man.

"What are you thinking about?" Jason asked, a curious look on his face as if he was attempting to read me.

I chuckled to ease the situation. "Not much, I'm just reflecting." I said as my eyes wandered around, seeing couples after couples. My eyes fell over Oliver and Heather dancing over my partner's shoulder.

They were talking but I could tell it in their expressions it was something serious. Maybe Heather's confessing, for all I know. I didn't notice the amount of time we've been dancing only until the slow, romantic song changed into a pop song along with the lights coming back up.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am kindly asking everyone to stop dancing before I officially end this homecoming earlier than usual because of this atrocity." I heard Mrs. Ponds, the Principal, say, her voice booming through the speakers. "I'm here to announce the Homecoming King and Queen so let's just get this over with."

The four of us came together for the announcement as the room fell in tensed silence.

"Psh, I know you all know, the winners are Bella Lee-Evans and Oliver Hunt." Mrs. Ponds announced with such a bored and uninterested tone but despite that, everyone still cheered as the Bella and Oliver climbed the stage to receive their crowns. 

Once that happened, the two faced the front, Bella looked hella proud of herself while Oliver looked bored but he still had a smile as he waved into the crowd like the school celebrity he was. 

And then...

Before I knew it, Bella and Oliver were kissing which caused the crowd to go wild, people were screaming, boo-ing, throwing up, I don't even know. 

But one thing I do know... is that Heather was watching. 

I looked at her and I wish I didn't, because the look on her face broke my heart completely. Her eyes held surprise, betrayal, sorrow, hell whatever it was, as what was happening on the stage were reflecting on her blue eyes, combined with wetness.

"Heather-"

Before I could even move, Heather had already ran out the doors, clutching her face in her hands. I looked back to the stage just in time to see Oliver push Bella off of her, a shocked look on his face but he still managed to cuss out Bella who looked proud of herself. Oliver finally looked in our direction, and all I could give him was a glare.

"You go check up on Heather, I'll handle the rest." Jason said as he gave me an encouraging nod, and I ran out the gym doors.

I managed to catch up to see Heather collapse on a bench near the exit of the school, her sobs filled the air which brought aches to my heart.

"Heather..." 

Heather looked at me and her eyes were wet and red, just as expected. She looked like she was gonna scream at me but instead, she ran up and tackled me with a hug to which I returned. 

"I'm so sorry you had to see that." I said before she pulled away to look at me.

"No... To be honest, I don't know why I'm crying, I don't have the right." 

I shook my head. "No, Heather, you like him, of course you have a right to be hurt." I said before pulling her into a hug to soothe her, caressing her hair as she sobbed against my shoulder. 

We stayed silent for a few while, she wasn't sobbing anymore which at least eased me at the moment but I felt my blood boiling. I'm angry at Bella, at Oliver, it might have been an accident but damn, they hurt Heather, and I'm not gonna let them get away with it.

"Listen, Finn. I'm so so thankful for you being here with me, not only now but this whole night, and I am so grateful for everything but I just... wanna go home." She said, struggling to get every word out.

I nodded as I helped her find her balance. "Okay... Do you want me to get Jason?"

"No, my aunt is coming to pick me up. Please enjoy the night and don't worry about me." She said, giving me a reassuring smile, I wasn't buying but still, I let her go.

Once Heather left, I heard footsteps behind me and for some odd reason, I immediately knew who it was and my blood started to boil. 

"Finn?"

I turned around and there he was, the almighty King of the school who just kissed Bella in front of everybody and most importantly, the guy who hurt Heather.

"Are you proud of what you did?" I asked as I walked towards him.

He raised his hand in defense. "Finn, it was Bella who-"

"But you should've... I don't know, dodged! You know Heather was watching you!" I couldn't contain my anger, I wanted to explode, I wanted to pin the blame on somebody.

"I knew that and that's why I'm incredibly sorry. Where is Heather?" 

The reason I was mad at Oliver was because he hurt Heather but part of me was... jealous and I shouldn't be feeling like that. Not only was I getting in the way of Oliver and Heather but it was incredibly selfish of me to be mad for a personal reason.

"You don't give a shit about her so why should I tell you? Huh? Are you happy? You hurt my best friend!" And that's when I threw a punch at him and fortunately, he caught it.

"Finn, please-"

"How could you?!" I threw another punch and he still caught it. I collapsed against him as tears started streaming down my face. I was crying because of how mad I was... but also because I was incredibly jealous, and I couldn't say to him how I felt. 

I was pissed at everything and everyone.

"Finn, I'm so sorry, I'm so so sorry. I made a mistake." Oliver said against my hair as he ran his hand up and down my back and surprisingly, he was soothing me, but I was still mad.

I pulled away to look at him, but my vision were blurred by the tears. Our faces were so close, 

And then...

His lips were on mine. He grabbed the sides of my face gently with both of his hands as his mouth moved against mine. The heat of the moment was too much so I couldn't resist but to do the same. He was everything, he was amazing and all I ever wanted.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and his arms snaked around my waist. Because of the heat of the moment, I couldn't help but open my mouth which Oliver used as entry to explore me. My fingers were in his soft hair while his hands were on my back and holding my face. 

The wind around us was cold but despite that, my face and body was all hot and because of Oliver's arm around me. I still had my eyes closed as our lips parted. I was still processing what happened and it just suddenly dawned on me.

Oliver Hunt and I kissed... right after he hurt my best friend... because he kissed Bella.

"Oh my God, we can't be doing this." I said, pulling away from Oliver to much of our dismay, I already missed being in his arms.

"Why not?"

"You like my best friend, Oliver, and I can't hurt her. I like you, I like you so much but we can't." 

He ran a hand through his face as he started to pace back and forth. "I'm not so sure anymore, Finn. I..." He trailed off, his eyes focused on the ground.

"W-What do you mean?"

Our eyes met and his are a beautiful hazel, it held so much passion and it looked almost as if... he wanted to kiss me again.

"I-"

A group of students suddenly appeared from the gym and interrupted him. Oliver looked at me again, his hands going towards me but I dodged subtly. 

"I'm sorry, Oliver but... I-I think I'm just gonna go home. Goodbye." I said and before I could let him convince me to stay, I've already walked away.

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