“Exotic Malady” is a gay romance short story that narrates the fates of two gay friends who have been balancing on the thin line between friendship and something more, for some time already. Tired of continuously hiding their feelings, the two meet with the intention of taking things further.

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Javier is a 23-year-old student studying animation in Lazeta - the capital island of Subanii, a tropical archipelago country in the (fictional) Suba Sea.

After moving out of his parents' house, Javier quickly becomes part of an eccentric clique; but even though he loves his friends, he doesn’t tell them everything… He hides both his sexual orientation and his strong crush on Manuel - a friend’s friend from another island.

When something romantic happens between the two on chat, Javier realizes that he must visit Manuel to consolidate their relationship. But Manuel lives on no ordinary island…

Lavana looks like yet another exotic paradise in the archipelago, but its history gives everyone chills. Over twenty years ago, an exotic bacteria decimated ninety percent of the island’s population, and now, most places are vacant and eerie – and some hide real dark secrets…

As Manuel shows Javier around, telling him different stories, their chemistry intensifies, becoming just as intense as the heat…

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“Exotic Malady” is a gay romance short story about passionate feelings, unconquerable desire, and atmospheric summer nights. If you are looking for a read where the tension between characters feels strong and builds up with every page turned, you will enjoy it.

Table of Contents:

• Exotic Malady (Full Story)