9 bab Bersambung DewasaIn the near future, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania is crumbling under automated decay, and Christian nationalist fervor, two haunted men collide over a cup of bitter coffee. Xander, a twenty something, shy, and unassuming man, is grieving, closeted, and drowning in guilt over his childhood best friend's suicide. He survives by hiding his shattered heart, and his unspeakable pain, and trying his best to muddle through life, looking normal, and ordinary. Gar, a twenty something, hyper masculine jock, is battling heroin's oblivion, and a bisexuality he despises. He survives by pushing everyone away, fighting his way out of everything with his fists, and temper, and by using his masculinity as armor. He plays the role of the stereotypical tough guy, but underneath he is hurting, and looking for someone he can depend on for once.
Their connection is instant, electric, and violently tender. But as society fractures under OmniCorps algorithmic tyranny, and the cruel Morality Act, their secret love becomes a refuge as toxic as the world outside. Xander sees Gar's brokenness as a chance for redemption, Gar sees Xander's empathy as a threat to his armor. Can love bloom in the ruins of a fractured and hateful society, when the roots are poisoned by shame, addiction, and the ghosts of the past? The Black Orchid is a raw, unflinching saga of queer love, trauma, and the quiet rot of the world choosing fear over humanity. Will OmniCorp and its AI triumph, or will humanity, decency, and love, ultimately rule the day?