WHEN LOVE FAILS

Prologue

Jeng Sasorb had always believed in love. It wasn't just an idea to him—it was a force, a calling that stirred within him, urging him to seek out a connection that was deep, true, and lasting. Through his early twenties, Jeng gave his heart fully, four times over. 

Each story carried its own rhythm, filled with unique moments of intensity, warmth, and vulnerability. Every time he thought he had found "the one" only for love to slip away, leaving behind an ache he couldn't ignore.

First, there was Manuel, his first taste of romance, a whirlwind that left him breathless. Manuel's charm captivated him, igniting a spark he hadn't felt before. But Manuel's heart still belonged to someone else, and in the end, Jeng realized he couldn't compete. 

Then Karl came, a steady presence who offered warmth and kindness—at least, that's what Jeng thought. But beneath the calm, Karl hid a betrayal that shattered Jeng's trust. When Jeng discovered Karl had been unfaithful, he realized their love wasn't the safe haven he had imagined. It was a painful ending, but an ending all the same.

Jomi was a flash of wild passion, a beautiful burst of energy that filled Jeng's world with light and laughter. They shared a love for adventure, for spontaneity, and for each other. But Jomi couldn't commit; he was like a gust of wind, unable to be captured or held down.

And finally, there was Wonnie, a tender love that bloomed too briefly. 
Wonnie was a tender love that bloomed too briefly. Unknown to Jeng, Wonnie had an arranged marriage waiting for him in Korea, a commitment he couldn't escape. Just as their connection deepened, the weight of Wonnie's hidden obligation pulled them apart, leaving Jeng with yet another scar.

After each heartbreak, Jeng found himself questioning if true love was meant for him. Could he ever find a love that would stay, or was he destined to repeat this cycle, forever searching, forever yearning? In his mid-twenties, he decided to stop chasing love and instead turned inward.

He spent months rediscovering himself, pouring his energy into self-love and self-discovery. For  joy in his independence and strength in his solitude.

Just as he settled into this peace, Ralph entered his life—a friend and a neighbor who soon became much more. What started as a simple companionship quickly grew into something deeper, something steady and unwavering. Ralph was unlike anyone Jeng had loved before: bold, flawed, intense yet genuine. 

Despite his lustful nature, Ralph's feelings for Jeng were real, and his love was a steady presence that filled Jeng with a warmth he hadn't felt before. Against all odds, Jeng found himself daring to believe in love once more.

Now, standing at the edge of a new chapter with Ralph by his side, Jeng didn't know what the future held. All he knew was that he was ready to face it, hopeful and open-hearted. This was his journey—a story of love, loss, and resilience. And maybe, just maybe, he was finally on the path to the love he had been searching for all along.