Everlasting (PONDPHUWIN)

Chapter 17: Public Revelation

The decision to live openly, without hiding their relationship, was both liberating and terrifying for Nueng and Palm. They knew it would not be easy, but after everything they had been through, they were determined to face the world together. They were ready to stop hiding, even if it meant bracing for the inevitable backlash.

Word of Nueng's estrangement from his family spread quickly, though the details were murky at best. Gossipers speculated about the reasons, some claiming it was because of academic failure, others whispering about rebellious behavior. But the truth—the real reason—remained their secret. That was, until now.

Nueng and Palm had agreed that the time had come to reveal their relationship, but it was a decision they did not take lightly. They were fully aware of the risks, the potential for judgment, and the likelihood of alienation from their peers. But they also knew that continuing to live in the shadows wasn't an option anymore.

The day they chose to reveal the truth was a crisp, bright morning, just after the weekend. Nueng and Palm walked into school side by side, not hiding their connection but not flaunting it either. There was a quiet strength in their steps, an unspoken understanding that whatever happened next, they would face it together.

As they walked through the school gates, Nueng felt the familiar prick of eyes on him, the weight of whispers growing louder as more students noticed the pair. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. Palm, sensing his tension, gently squeezed his hand, offering a reassuring smile.

They didn't stop when they reached the courtyard where many of their classmates were gathered. Instead, they continued walking, their hands still loosely intertwined. Nueng could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the adrenaline coursing through him as he prepared for the inevitable reactions.

And then it happened.

"Look!" a voice shouted, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. "Are they... holding hands?"

A murmur of disbelief rippled through the crowd as more and more eyes turned toward Nueng and Palm. The shock was evident, and Nueng could feel the judgment in their stares, the way people's eyes widened in surprise or narrowed in suspicion.

Whispers turned into hushed conversations, and before long, it felt like the entire school was buzzing with the news. The rumors that had once been vague were now being confirmed in real-time, and the reality of their relationship was no longer something that could be denied.

Nueng's heart raced, and for a moment, he felt the urge to turn and run, to escape the judgmental eyes and the crushing pressure of being exposed. But then he glanced at Palm, who stood beside him with unwavering resolve. Palm's presence gave him the strength to keep moving forward, to face the consequences of their choice head-on.

They walked to their lockers, pretending not to notice the stares or the whispered conversations that followed them. But it was impossible to ignore completely. Nueng could feel the tension in the air, the way it seemed to crackle with curiosity, disbelief, and, in some cases, disdain.

As they reached their lockers, Nueng finally allowed himself to look around, meeting the eyes of a few of his classmates. Some looked away quickly, as if they couldn't bear to be caught staring. Others held his gaze with a mixture of shock and confusion. But what surprised Nueng the most was the small group of students who looked at him with what seemed to be understanding, even respect.

"Nueng, Palm," a familiar voice called out. Nueng turned to see Ben walking toward them, his expression unreadable. For a moment, Nueng's heart sank. Ben had always been his closest friend, and the thought of losing him because of this was almost too much to bear.