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

In a society where blue is classified for boys and pink for the girls, Shiloh Ching Escarra struggled during his childhood when he discovered his fondness for the toys and colors that were only labeled for the girls. Despite confining himself in the darkness, Brent Matthew Jarsdel, his roommate and the son of his mother's friend, gradually peeked through his thick walls and found a way to paint his world according to what color he genuinely prefers. In the midst of those unexplainable feelings, confusions, and judgements, Brent was willing to risk it all; to fight for the love he unexpectedly found; to build him a home where his true colors would finally be accepted.

O

Mikazuki convinces Bullet to meet his birth parents after being taken away by the former leader of the most powerful mafia group, Black Organization, for twenty-five years. But what if she later learns that their real families are in fact mortal enemies? Will Mikazuki dare to fight for their blossoming love--or will she choose to seek revenge? *** After staying in Japan for several years, Mikazuki finally convinces Bullet, her adopted brother, to go back to the Philippines and meet his birth parents after being taken away from them twenty-five years ago by Terrence Von Knight, the former leader of the most powerful mafia group, Black Organization. Things start to get more complicated as untold stories and secrets concerning their real parents unfold, and they discover Mikazuki's true connection with Terrence Von Knight. A battle between their hearts and priorities erupts. What will be Mikazuki's ultimate choice? DISCLAIMER: This is a story written in Taglish. COVER DESIGNER: April Alforque

Eight years ago, Iuhence met Mhelanie Tschauder at his mother's birthday party. She was the most stunning and ravishing woman his eyes ever laid on. In just one night, she managed to awaken emotions that only a man who had a heart could feel-apparently, he had none. Eight years later, they met again. The feeling was still there. Hindi iyon nawala kahit na ibaon pa niya iyon sa pinakamalalim na parte ng pagkatao niya. But apparently, Mhel didn't care if she made him feel strange emotions. She didn't even care when he told her that he was always housing a boner every time she was near. Wala itong pakialam sa kanya kahit pa yata masagasaan siya ng sixteen-wheeler na truck. And it irritated him. Wala pang babae na tumanggi sa kanya. Wala pa siyang nakilalang babae na walang pakialam sa kanya. Women begged to be pleasured by him. But not Mhel. She was rritatingly different and she was annoyingly beautiful. Believing that a man got to do what a man got to do in order to get the attention of the woman who captured his heart and mind ... ... he kidnaped her. CECELIB | C.C. WARNING: MATURE CONTENT | P-18 COMPLETED