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.

Austine Yohan Sevilliana, a brick headed man who loves to play games for his own leisure. He loves to play with people's emotions as it entertains him deeply, he finds joy in people's agony. He was branded as a wolf in sheep's clothing by those who knew him while others remain clueless with his true nature and twisted mind. He loves drama, and for that he found himself locked up in a boarding school together with his friends where he met the enigmatic, cold blooded (they say) school president Knox Cyrus Villanueva. Austine was piqued by his indifferent behavior towards every one of his attempts to make him lose his temper. He never met someone like that so he vowed to himself that he needed to see Knox lose his temper, however, in the process he found himself feeling restless whenever Knox would ignore him and pay him no mind. Is he frustrated because his efforts bear no fruit or is he slowly falling in love? he's not. never. maybe. just a little. probably my type.

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

(Game Series # 9) Mauro Eugenio dela Rama's life revolved around school and work. At times, he felt like drowning pero hindi siya pwedeng magreklamo kasi pinili niya naman 'yon. For him, he'd rather be exhausted with his 9 to 5 and 5 to 9 kaysa humingi ng pambayad ng tuition sa tatay niya. He was doing fine kahit nahihirapan siya. Akala niya hindi niya kailangan ng tulong... Then he met Atty. Achilles V. Marroquin. Mauro thought that he was just being nice to him dahil abogado na 'to ay siya ay 'di hamak na struggling law student lamang. Kahit nahihiya siya, humingi siya ng tulong dito. Kakapalan niya na ang mukha niya kaysa bumagsak siya sa subjects niya. He thought he was just being regular nice to him... hanggang isang araw ay napapatanong na lang siya sa sarili niya kung normal pa ba 'to o nilalandi ba siya ng abogadong 'to?

It all started when rookie setter Seb Angeles misset the ball causing injury to their team's opposite hitter, Nico Almojer.

Falling for their opponent's outside spiker isn't a part of rookie libero Kaizen Reyes' plan. But when Kai discovers that Roen Alejo has liked him for so long, maybe receiving that facial hit from him before isn't that bad after all. *** Determined and innocent, rookie libero Kaizen Reyes believes in the power of manifestation. Whether it be through his studies or winning their volleyball games, as long as he sets his mind on it, he makes a way to make it come true. However, after obtaining a facial hit from Roen Alejo, their opponent's outside spiker, Kai's quiet world suddenly becomes disturbed. Through their constant meetings and communication, Roen is making him feel something he can't fully name, making him doubtful and confused. Now torn between confessing to Roen and keeping their friendship afloat, can Kai remain focused and keep his emotions in check? Or will he take the leap of faith and risk it all for the sake of love? DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGN: Louise De Ramos Published under Pop Fiction

bl

A love letter, a confession, and a blossoming heart. I got nothing to lose, only my heart to break.

Would I ever find myself lost in your blank stares, searching for even the smallest sign that you see me for who I am? Just knowing you see me for who I truly am could quiet all their cruel whispers. But is that enough to fight for us? Will your gaze ever hold the strength to defy their judgment, or will we fade into the silence of their disdain?

Fuck and Forget Series #3 This is the story of two souls running from the world, from their past, and from themselves... only to realize under the moonlight that the only escape they ever needed was each other.