SUPERFICIAL THINGS Eros Zafiel Constancio, a guy with nothing but hopes and dreams for him and his family finally entered college as a freshman. However, upon indulging in the before-school-year-acquaintance-party, he realized that academics wasn't the only thing he would be stressing out on; but also having to be in the presence of an egotistic thick-faced playboy because of his best friend. Being the prideful Fiel he is, he never lets anything get away without being taught a lesson, but who would have known his own trap would soon backfire and send him spiraling into the curb of immense self-questioning? With the other having his eye intentionally blinded by the truth as well, until when can two keep a facade up especially when the truth is now right in their faces? Nevertheless, when a pill is begging to be swallowed, it would be difficult to deny it. Not when it keeps you up until dawn.

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.

Through skies and seas... I'll always find my way back to you.

When Franco moved to Manila for college, he told himself that he'll experience everything there is to experience. And he did. His first year could be considered as... scandalous, to say the least. So when his sophomore year came, he promised himself that he'll do better para na rin sa future niya. He intended to join this prestigious organization that would surely help his career in the future. When Franco joined AIESEC, he knew his life would change... little did he know, magbabago talaga ang buhay niya nang makilala niya si Joaquin Lorenzo Santillan-the perfect student who's beloved by everyone. Franco was in awe. Every where Joaquin goes, his presence commanded respect. His presence was magnetic, his smile effortless, his charm undeniable. And he was nice-so nice that Franco unknowingly followed him around, like he was orbiting around Joaquin's magnetic presence, eager for him to be noticed. Akala ni Franco ay okay ang lahat. Naka-pasok na siya sa org. Mukhang magiging kaibigan niya na si Joaquin. But one night, few beers after, his world seemingly collapsed when Joaquin stared him in the eye and said, "In case there's any confusion, let me make it clear-I'm not gay." Franco's world tilted on its axis, crumbling in an instant. Now, his mission was simple: survival. Avoid Joaquin at all costs. Erase the memory of that moment, of those eyes, of the touch that seemed to linger impossibly on his skin. Little did he know, some marks aren't so easily erased.

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Sometimes, the only way to be brave is to run away from the truth-with the moonlight as your witness.

Secret Series #2 Axel couldn't afford the luxury of peace in his life; each moment was filled with danger as he constantly found himself in the heat of battle. Raised without lessons on care, respect, camaraderie, let alone love, Axel found Keisuke Valdez's boundless optimism and joy annoying from the beginning. He hated the fact that Keisuke seemed to embrace life with enthusiasm. He's so annoying. Axel thought to himself. Until one day, fate tried to mess with him. Axel found himself desiring to have that annoyingness all to himself.

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[ Iskwala Series #2 ]