In a tiny off-campus apartment in Osaka, three young men found themselves drawn together by a desire to experience genuine connection and belonging in a world that often felt too confined by expectations. Kenta, an aspiring botanist with a reflective soul. Johan, an aquaculture student who looked calm on the outside. Chandresh, an extrovert whose humor and princely persona masked his longing for unconditional acceptance. What began as a practical housing arrangement quickly evolved into an interdependent attachment built on shared meals, late-night study sessions, and the quiet promise that they didn't have to navigate the complexities of adulthood alone. But their friendship wasn't without its hardship. When Johan's family conflict threatened to pull him back into a life of parental abuse, and when Chandresh's past came back to haunt him, and Kenta got caught in the middle of all the chaos, their commitment to each other was challenged. It was up to them to let circumstances tear them apart or to use the hurdles as an opportunity to deepen their bonds.

When visiting Canada for a wedding, a commitment-averse dive instructor must pretend to date her Australian seatmate to avoid conflict with her ex and judgmental mother. *** Audrey Clarke rarely felt like other women her age. Not as a teen who'd never gushed about gorgeous celebrities, nor at almost thirty, with no desire to marry, have kids, or settle down. She would much rather explore reefs in Southeast Asia and adventure around exciting places. Even when she meets travellers with similar dreams, none are the right romantic match. Until Caleb. When flying home to Canada for her friend's wedding, Audrey dreads confronting the pain she caused her ex and facing her judgemental mother. It drives her to connect with her seatmate, Australian environmental scientist, Caleb, who also craves a distraction. Despite his charm, he is enigmatic about the cause of his stress. They agree to fake a relationship to make their lives easier. The more time they spend together, the more real their act feels. Will Audrey be brave enough to share her true feelings before the trip is over? *** Featured on - Humor's 'Ambassador's Monthly Pick' reading list (Nov 2025) - Ambassador's recommendations "Aces! Bows and Aros" chapter (Nov 2024) - Chicklit's "Rom-Com" reading list (August 2024) - Romance's "Slow Burn" and "Fake and Arranged Relations" reading lists (June 2024) Winner - Grand Winner Aro/Ace Awards by the TripleACommunity and FreetheLGBT communities (Dec 2024) - First Place Harvest Festival Astania Awards Wild Card category (Nov 2024) by the Asatnia Community - Honourable Mention, Romance Awards, Romance category by the Romance profile (Oct 2024)