They say that happy-go-lucky people bury their deepest pain behind smiles. For Maverick Evander, an architecture student, was entangled in a web of uncertainty by his parents' decision to separate. Beneath his playful image and a well-known loud circle, he was able to carry a facade-a mystery no one could ever decipher. How can you read someone when they are just black pages in the book? That's how engineering student Rade Archiel Tejano sees Mavric: a blinding sun you could only graze upon. And the more he tries to solve the puzzles in Mavric's mind games, the more Mavric's wall thickens. Will Rade be able to crush someone who is already broken? Will Mavric top someone when he's the one who's falling? In a play where one had to win, both of them fell...hard.

In a cutthroat pre-law program, Jackson clashes with Kenzo, the arrogant classmate he can't stand, until he discovers that the very man who infuriates him holds the key to his freedom to become who he truly wants to be. *** Jackson Ramirez is done with broken promises-his mother's sacrifices, his father's prison sentence, and the suffocating pre-law program he never wanted. The last thing he needs is Kenzo Adachi, the arrogant classmate who gets under his skin. But when animosity sparks into something deeper, Jackson must deal with a past that ties their families together in betrayal. In the wreckage of secrets and pain, will Jackson and Kenzo choose each other in the end? DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGN: Rayne Mariano ILLUSTRATOR: Ri Ot

rave & cadence bl | complete

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.

[ Iskwala Series #1 ]

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

cedrix & ishan bl | complete

To Kade Sanford Black, falling for his best friend Xanthie Lorenz, a serious and drop-dead handsome songwriter, was a line he did not want to cross. Knowing all too well the huge possibility of losing the only person who could see through him, he took a step back and put a distance to sustain their friendship - especially since Xanthie is soon to marry. Will Kade be able to hold back his feelings until he sees Xanthie married? Or will he finally have the courage to confess his feelings...and risk losing the only friend he has? WARNING: This story contains depictions of suicide, self-harm, and mental health crises that may be upsetting for some readers. Any depictions of mental health issues herein are not meant as a replacement for medical care. If you or someone you know deals with similar issues, they should seek the help of a medical professional. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know in the U.S. is contemplating suicide, please encourage them to call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. For international resources, please visit: http://www.suicide.org/hotlines/international-suicide-hotline s.html CECELIB | C.C. Cover by Ren Tachibana

When Attorney Raiven Valiz finds himself in trouble with one of his cases, his life is threatened and a bounty is put on his head. To protect him, the government sends the dazzling and charming Scout Ranger Keiran Sanford. He's exceptionally good at his work and he's a good cook...except that he's the same guy Raiven kissed at a bar two years ago. ****** Attorney Raiven Valiz is cold and indifferent, the kind of lawyer who would defend anyone, good or bad, with money - to him, money was the center of his world, and everything else was a waste of his time. But when a certain Scout Ranger is sent by the government to protect him, Raiven thinks Keiran's piercing blue eyes and sexy smile are far more deadly and dangerous than the criminals after his life, especially when he makes Raiven feel different emotions he's never felt before. To come to terms with Raiven's confused feelings for him, Keiran proposes an agreement Raiven can't reject...an amorous agreement. DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGNER: Regina Dionela Lineart: Marjorie Medino