I believe Emmett is perfectly willing to lose Bay forever.

This isn't some little stunt to Emmett. After he cheated, he tried for three years to make things work with Bay.

Bay & Emmett had a few good moments when they reconnected, but they had a lot of difficulties, too. It hasn't been the same the second time around.

Emmett is wise to recognize that and to work on school and put it first.

Emmett tried to tell Bay that there might be a chance a couple of years away, but she wanted none of that and that's her right.

Emmett is not acting like a hypocrite. This decision is not about Tank. Emmett needed to be honest with Bay about his feelings. Things shifted for him, and I can understand why.