Submerge

W A L L S

E T H A N

Amidst the backdrop of school routines and the cacophony of teenage life, Ethan found his thoughts increasingly occupied by Mason. There was something about him, an enigmatic allure that drew Ethan in. Perhaps it was the way Mason's eyes held a hint of sadness, or the air of mystery that surrounded him. Whatever it was, Ethan felt a magnetic pull, an undeniable curiosity that urged him to dig deeper.

His feelings were new, unfamiliar territory for Ethan. He had never been one to fall so easily, but Mason was different – a puzzle he was determined to solve. As days turned into weeks, he found himself stealing glances, observing Mason from a distance, and memorizing the curve of his smile.

Ethan's interest wasn't entirely one-sided. Mason's presence had sparked a flutter within him, an awakening that he hadn't anticipated. It was a complicated dance of emotions, an intricate choreography of longing and uncertainty. Mason's guarded nature only fueled Ethan's determination to uncover the layers beneath.

Yet, Ethan was met with walls – walls that Mason had meticulously erected, shielding his past from prying eyes. It was as if Mason had something to hide, something that he had locked away and refused to share. Ethan's heart ached to bridge that gap, to unravel the secrets that lingered beneath the surface.

The desire to know more about Mason manifested in subtle ways. Ethan found himself paying extra attention to their conversations, searching for hints and clues that might offer a glimpse into Mason's life. He discovered that Mason had a way with words, a quiet wisdom that belied his years. But whenever the topic veered toward personal matters, Mason would deftly redirect the conversation or offer vague responses.

One afternoon, as they sat beneath the shade of a tree, Ethan decided to take a chance. "You know, Mason," he began, "I've been trying to figure you out."

Mason's gaze flickered to Ethan, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "Good luck with that. I'm not exactly an open book."

Ethan chuckled, the sound carrying a hint of warmth. "I've noticed. But there's more to you than meets the eye, isn't there?"

Mason's gaze turned introspective, as if he were lost in thought. "We all have our stories," he said softly, his voice carrying a weight that Ethan couldn't quite decipher.

Ethan leaned in a little closer, his curiosity piqued. "I'd like to hear yours, if you're willing to share."

For a fleeting moment, the mask that Mason wore seemed to waver. His eyes held a vulnerability that Ethan hadn't seen before, a glimpse of the emotions he kept hidden. But just as quickly, the walls were back in place, and Mason offered a small shrug. "Maybe someday."

Ethan couldn't let it rest. He needed to know more. "Someday?" he prodded gently. "Why not now?"

Mason sighed, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly. "It's complicated, Ethan. There are things I'd rather forget."

Ethan reached out and placed a hand on Mason's shoulder, a gesture of understanding and support. "You don't have to carry your burdens alone, you know. Sometimes sharing them with someone you trust can make them feel lighter."

Mason met Ethan's gaze, and for a moment, it seemed as though he was considering the offer. "I appreciate that, Ethan. But some wounds run deep, and I'm not ready to revisit them just yet."

Ethan nodded, respecting Mason's boundaries but also silently vowing to be there when the time came. He knew that Mason was worth the wait, that behind the walls and the secrets was a person worth knowing. As the days turned into weeks and their connection deepened, Ethan found himself falling – falling for the enigma that was Mason. He had glimpsed the cracks in the armor, the vulnerability that Mason tried so hard to conceal. And with each passing day, Ethan was determined to earn his trust, to be the person who could help mend the fragments of Mason's shattered past.