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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Since he was young, Khaydel De Luna vowed to his parents that he would do everything to achieve the dreams that they wanted for him. With the pen and paper on his hand, he would do all the things to pave a way towards his dream to be one of the top journalists of the country. He would do all the tasks just to be the headline of his own scoop. He thought everything was as serene and peaceful as the calm waves, but, it wasn't. It was just the calm before the storm. Like a strong typhoon, someone barged inside his perimeter. With the gun and piercing gaze, the man was owning, Khaydel knew it wasn't good news. He knew that he should start building walls and burning bridges, but he found his defenses collapsing like dominoes. With the tension rising between the two of them, Khaydel knew that he should think of a better strategy to defend his heart from further damages. Would he fight for his beliefs inside the battle of heart? Or would he surrender himself to the man as they conquer each other's territory?

THIS IS A BL STORY!

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

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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