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.

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[ Iskwala Series #1 ]

SUPERFICIAL THINGS Trivial drama. Stupid games. Petty deals. 
Things Fiel never imagined he'd be dragged into, especially not after finally making it to college. He had only two priorities: school and family. That was the plan. But within the first few weeks, reality hit harder than he expected. Overwhelmed and cornered, he found himself making a deal he never thought he'd consider; with none other than the school's infamous heartbreaker. Karson Icarus Silverio. A name that screamed wealth, charm, and trouble. All Karson wanted was to win over Fiel's best friend. And Fiel? He just wanted the cash. Becoming a reluctant wingman felt like a small price to pay...at first. But as the days blurred and boundaries thinned, Fiel began to realize something unsettling: nothing was going according to plan. And maybe, there was more between him and Silverio than either of them cared to admit. Questions started to race in his head. How long could they keep pretending? 
And when would they admit that these weren't just superficial things anymore? Nonetheless, when a pill is begging to be swallowed, it would be difficult to deny it. Not when it keeps you up until dawn.

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THIS IS A BL STORY!

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

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