[1st Series under IKIGAI] Elio Maze Inoue is a bubbly and optimistic, with an infectious energy that draws people to him. He also have that bright, expressive eyes that sparkle with enthusiasm. While in a physical manner, he has this curly or wavy hair that's always a bit messy and endearing. Also a lean, athletic build with a relaxed posture that exudes confidence. He's currently on his 12th Grade under the STEM strand. On the other hand, Kiernan Ryuu Pellegrini, a 2nd year College student under the Bachelor of Science in Architecture, he has this cold and distant personality, with a tendency to keep people at arm's length. Many considers him as an emotionally unavailable, making it difficult for others to get close to him and has a sense of superiority, which can make him come across as aloof or snobbish. What happens if these two different personalities cross when a stranger meets a stranger, and one of them truly needs to pull off the link of the nightmare past?

series 1: vd The echoes of our hearts, a haunting melody of desire. started: May 25, 2024 ended: July 09, 2024 photo used as book cover is not mine. credit to the rightful owner.

To Kade Sanford Black, falling for his best friend Xanthie Lorenz, a serious and drop-dead handsome songwriter, was a line he did not want to cross. Knowing all too well the huge possibility of losing the only person who could see through him, he took a step back and put a distance to sustain their friendship - especially since Xanthie is soon to marry. Will Kade be able to hold back his feelings until he sees Xanthie married? Or will he finally have the courage to confess his feelings...and risk losing the only friend he has? WARNING: This story contains depictions of suicide, self-harm, and mental health crises that may be upsetting for some readers. Any depictions of mental health issues herein are not meant as a replacement for medical care. If you or someone you know deals with similar issues, they should seek the help of a medical professional. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know in the U.S. is contemplating suicide, please encourage them to call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. For international resources, please visit: http://www.suicide.org/hotlines/international-suicide-hotline s.html CECELIB | C.C. Cover by Ren Tachibana

Jackson Ramirez has always followed the rules-his family's, society's, everyone's but his own. Trapped in a life dictated by expectations, he buried his passion and silenced the voice that once made him feel alive. So when Kenzo Adachi walked into his class-blunt, intense, and always acting like he owned the room. Jackson couldn't help but feel . . . annoyed. Annoyed by his confidence. Annoyed by how he said whatever he wanted. Annoyed by how free he was. But Kenzo? He saw something else. He saw a bird trying to breathe through its cage. And Kenzo, the kind of man who lives by his own rules, was ready to go beyond the boundary-just to help Jackson learn how to fly.

Santiago Alverio is torn between family expectations and his own internalized fears from homophobic relatives. As he enters a casual fling with Diablo Delgado, he discovers that love, patience, and acceptance might be the blueprint to healing and embracing his true self. *** Santiago Alverio has always lived by the rules of his family, peers, and a silent world that tells him who he should be. As a civil engineering student, he hides behind toxic masculinity and the fear of being noticed because of expectations and a homophobic upbringing. Then comes Diablo Delgado--fearless, affectionate, and unapologetically himself. What begins as a no-strings "friends with benefits" arrangement slowly converts into something deeper. With every touch, every unguarded smile, Diablo breaks the walls Santi has built around his heart. But love is never simple. Santi is caught between family pressures, societal judgment, and his own insecurities. Will he ever realize that happiness was never about meeting expectations but about choosing the person who makes him feel whole? DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGN: Rayne Mariano ILLUSTRATOR: Ri Ot

Elysian Raziel Villanueva was given the chance to get a role in the most anticipated movie, where he met Liam Sebastian Alvarez, his co-actor and the male lead, who made his life go beyond special or rather, beyond the spotlight.

Fuck and Forget Series #2 Their first meeting is anything but graceful, but as days turn to weeks, their scars begin to speak the same language. Amid crashing waves and fading light, they learn that healing isn't always quiet, and sometimes the most breathtaking sunsets come after the worst storms.

Fuck and Forget Series #1 Rainbows After the Rain is a quiet story of healing-of finding hope after the hurt, and realizing that sometimes, the most beautiful things come after the pain.

Looking for new members to recruit in cheerleading, Zydaun met Jasvin who's desperately wanting to join for a scholarship grant.

Yuno, a painter and delivery guy, lives his life like a dish served without toppings. No flavors, no attachments, just bare survival. Though selfless and determined to stand on his own, Yuno's solitude is a paradox: he pushes away help yet silently craves connection. But when Cid, a sexually frustrated swimmer, offers him financial support in exchange for an unconventional deal, Yuno is forced to reconsider the simple life he's chosen.