RIGHT BESIDE YOU (Book 1) || HaruMaki

THREE THOUSAND KILOMETERS FROM HOME.
"Those uncertain, vague expectations
Became certain when I met you
You taught me that I'm not alone
I know, in our love
It's the reason for this buzzing chest
I know, in our life
The magic that summer nights cast on me"

Kenta Hamada never intended to fall in love-not here, not now, and especially not with someone like Jake Ignacio: loud, unfiltered, and endlessly persistent. As a transfer student from Osaka trying to stay invisible within the chaos of Manila's university life, Kenta only wanted peace, low grades, and long nights spent on video games.

But fate-or bad timing-had other plans.

In a whirlwind of rain-drenched confessions, lingering eye contact, secret glances, and group samgyupsal dinners, Kenta finds himself at the center of something terrifyingly real. Add to that an overprotective younger brother in Japan, emotionally complicated friendships, and conservative parents who still believe love only looks one way-and suddenly, choosing happiness becomes a rebellion.

As Jake keeps showing up, and Kenta keeps trying not to care, the lines between running away and running toward begin to blur.

Maybe love doesn't need to be perfect. Maybe it just needs to be honest.

This is a story about the mess of growing up, the courage of choosing love, and the quiet revolution of letting yourself be seen.