Tears kept streaming down Jay's face, falling freely from someone Max had always seen as a kind of gentle giant.
Jay was strong. Firm. He never flinched in front of the other delinquents, never showed weakness, especially not in public. This was the first time Max had ever seen his armor crack.
Even Joe, who never passed up the chance to tease someone, stayed quiet. Though maybe that was because Joe knew the truth too, if Jay ever wanted to, he could fold Joe in half without breaking a sweat.
"I'm sorry," Jay said suddenly, standing up and grabbing the stack of money. His voice wavered, and then, without another word, he rushed out of the classroom.
Max stared after him.
"You know what that was about?" he asked.
Joe shook his head slowly, still watching the door.
"No. I've never seen him cry before. It kinda… hurt, you know? Seeing someone like him break down like that."
Max turned back, his mind spinning.
