“Castaway Hearts” is a gay romance short story of over 12,000 words, which tells the fates of two friends who take part in an island challenge game. As they fight for their survival, they find themselves exploring not only their shared history but also the feelings that they harbor for one another.

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Hunter and Ethan have been best friends since college and dated different people, but deep down in his heart, Hunter never stopped hoping they could become something more... one day. When the two sign up for a survival game in the wilderness, his desire for a future with Ethan intensifies, but despite lust dimming his senses, confessing what he feels isn't easier. Ethan has trouble speaking up about emotions, too, and when his ex-girlfriend joins the island game, things get even more complicated...

Thanks to frequent challenges in the wilderness, Hunter has plenty of things to keep himself busy, but they don't help. He can't stop thinking about Ethan, and as they cross friendship boundaries one more time, the question, “what are we?” plagues him even more... Will the two get together despite present-time obstacles, fear of rejection, and past secrets?

“Castaway Hearts” is an atmospheric short story about exploring the unknown, be it nature or personal feelings. It shows how easy it is to act upon one's physical desire but how hard to deal with the emotional consequences of it. It also encourages the reader to be upfront about their feelings, as that's the only way to clarity and, ultimately, true love as well.

Table of Contents:

- Castaway Hearts (Full Story)