(Dis)order (A Never Let Me Go Fanfiction) (Bilingual Book)

Chapter 3 - Concession

"Khun Nueng. I don't think it's a good idea..."

"Because we can't be 'friends' at home, is that it?"

There was such a sharp irony in his words that Palm experienced a deep discomfort. He felt uneasy about having to face the gaze of someone who had no apparent reason to feel hurt because of a mere servant like him.

And especially because deep down... Nueng was far too precious to him to accept being the cause of his worries.

"Absolutely. You don't have to worry about me," Palm explained calmly, trying as best he could to smooth things over. Nor should you be bothered by so little..."

The classical music enthusiast exhaled a breath that sounded like a forced laugh, as he was so startled by these words.

'So little?' Did Palm really think that Nueng would give him so low a consideration? All this was probably because he was simply the man he was destined to serve for an indeterminate, but promisingly long time...

Their relationship existed simply because they had no choice but to start it. And Nueng had been wrong to think that it could be otherwise, simply because he had had, for a brief moment, the urge.

An urge that he suppressed altogether, when he retorted, in a much less cordial manner than before:

"Palm. If I tell you it's an order, is it clearer for you?"

"..."

Palm startled. It was rare that Nueng called him by his first name, and when he did, it always had a strange effect on him. He knew it probably had no effect on Nueng's mind. But in his mind... it was a major disruption.

So, even though Palm might not agree with the decision he had just made without giving him the opportunity to negotiate, he just followed the instructions. As usual, obediently.

Because, by his actions, Nueng had just reminded him once again that he was his master, quite simply.

And neither of them could ever expect anything else from this relationship, in which they were trapped for probably years to come. Palm knew this, and yet... his heart didn't seem to agree with this at all. It struggled to follow the recommendations of his head, frantic as soon as Nueng sat next to him on his bed. So close that at the slightest gesture, the young man would be able to touch the naked arm of the one he had to look after, who had appeared in front of Palm dressed in black silk pyjamas, which must have cost quite a lot of money, an outfit that completely contrasted with his clothes, much more sober, not to say cheap.

When looking at the two of them, it was a bit like night and day, in a way. The day being, of course, Nueng, in Palm's mind.

The boy was impeccable in all circumstances. No matter what he did, he had that special something that never let those around him ignore him. Palm included.