Submerge

D R U N K

E T H A N

Ethan's phone buzzed, drawing his attention away from the calculus homework he was attempting to conquer. It was a message from Mia, and the urgency in her words was impossible to miss.

Mia: Ethan, you need to get to Marco's party ASAP. Mason's here, and he's a total mess.

Ethan's heart leaped into his throat as he read the message. Mason. The name alone was enough to send a jolt of concern coursing through him. He knew Mason had been struggling, but the idea of him being in such a vulnerable state at a chaotic college party sent alarm bells ringing in Ethan's mind.

Without a second thought, he shut his laptop and grabbed his car keys. Parties weren't usually his scene, especially not the wild, college kind, but Mason was different. Mason was worth any discomfort or inconvenience.

Ethan stood at the entrance of the bustling party, the thumping bass reverberating through his chest.

When he finally arrived at Marco's house, the thumping bass of the music was audible from blocks away. The front yard was littered with people, some laughing, some stumbling, and others passed out on the lawn. Ethan pushed through the crowd, his eyes scanning the chaotic scene for any sign of Mason.

It didn't take long to spot him. Mason stood near a makeshift bar, surrounded by a group of college guys, including Jacob. But Mason's condition was worse than Ethan had feared. His eyes were glassy and unfocused, and he swayed unsteadily on his feet.

Ethan's heart clenched at the sight. "Mason," Ethan called, his voice gentle. "It's me, Ethan. Let's get you out of here, okay?"

Mason turned his head sluggishly, his eyes struggling to focus on Ethan's face. Recognition flickered in his gaze, but it was clouded by the effects of alcohol. "Ethan?" Mason slurred, his words slow and slurred. "What are you... doing here?"

"I'm here to make sure you're okay," Ethan replied, concern etched on his features.

Mason turned to him, and his gaze was hazy, as if he couldn't quite place Ethan. Then, without warning, he pushed Ethan away with surprising force. "I'm fine," he slurred.

Ethan stumbled back a step, his surprise quickly giving way to concern. He couldn't let Mason stay here in this state. Not when he was clearly in no condition to make rational decisions.

"Mason, please," Ethan implored, reaching out to steady him. "You're not okay. Let me help you."

But Mason wasn't having it. He shook off Ethan's hand, his expression twisted with anger and defiance. "I don't need your help, Ethan! Just leave me alone!"

Ethan watched in dismay as Mason turned back to his group of so-called friends, including Jacob. The college guys were egging him on, pouring drinks and encouraging him to keep partying. It was a toxic environment, and Ethan couldn't stand by and let Mason spiral further out of control.

He approached Mason again, this time with a firmer resolve. "Mason, I'm not leaving you here. You can be mad at me later, but right now, you need to come with me."

Mason glared at him, his eyes burning with anger. "I said no!"

He glanced at the group of older guys , realizing that they were part of the problem, that they were enabling Mason's self-destructive behavior. "Come on, Mason," Ethan urged, his voice unwavering. "You're better than this. Don't let them drag you down."

For a moment, it seemed like his words had gotten through to Mason. His expression wavered, and Ethan saw a flicker of doubt in his eyes. But before he could respond, Jacob stepped in, his voice dripping with mockery.

"Back off, pretty boy," a guy with piercing blue eyes sneered, pushing Ethan away from Mason. "Mason's a big boy. He can make his own decisions."

"Who the hell are you?" Ethan demanded, his voice tinged with irritation. 

The guy's tone was mocking as he replied, "I'm his friend. What's it to you?"

Ethan's patience was wearing thin, but he tried to keep his cool. "Look, I don't know who you are, but Mason's not okay. He needs to leave."

 "He's fine. We're just having a good time."

Ethan's concern for Mason outweighed his desire to avoid confrontation. "I don't care what you think. I'm taking him home."

As Ethan tried to reason with the older guy, he could see that Mason was becoming increasingly agitated. His face was flushed, and his eyes darted around as if searching for an escape.

Mason suddenly pushed Ethan away again, this time with more force. "I said, I don't need your help, Ethan!" His voice wavered with a mixture of anger and desperation.

Just as he was about to insist on taking Mason home, the guy interjected. "Come on, man," he said to Mason, his tone coaxing and persuasive. "Let's get you out of here. You don't need this drama."

Mason hesitated for a moment, looking back and forth between the two of them. Then, with a resigned nod, he allowed him to guide him away, his arm wrapped around Mason's shoulders.

Ethan watched them go, a sinking feeling in his chest. He had come here to help Mason, to rescue him from whatever dark path he seemed to be on. But instead, he had been pushed away, rejected in favor of a stranger.

As the stranger led Mason toward the door, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong. The look in Mason's eyes, the way he had acted—it was all so unlike him. And Ethan couldn't help but worry about what would happen next, now that Mason was in the care of someone he barely knew.