Everlasting (PONDPHUWIN)

Chapter 18: Standing Strong

The days following Nueng and Palm's public revelation were a whirlwind of emotions and challenges. The initial shock had worn off, but the tension at school had only intensified. Every day was a test of their resolve, as they faced not just the whispers and stares, but also the more overt forms of judgment that came their way.

In the classroom, Nueng could feel the weight of his classmates' gazes. Some were curious, some confused, and others openly hostile. Chopper, true to his word, had continued to stir the pot, his snide remarks and thinly veiled threats a constant undercurrent in the hallways.

"Look at the lovebirds," Chopper would sneer, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he passed by. "How cute. I wonder how long this little romance will last before one of them cracks."

Nueng had learned to steel himself against Chopper's barbs, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. But it wasn't easy. Every time Chopper spoke, every time someone whispered behind his back, it felt like another small cut, another reminder of how exposed they were.

Palm, however, seemed to take it all in stride. He stood tall, his head held high, and his confidence never wavered. It was as if he had drawn a line in the sand, daring anyone to cross it. And in a way, that quiet strength made Nueng feel braver too.

But the challenges were not limited to school. Outside the classroom, the world felt just as hostile. Nueng had noticed the change in the way people looked at him when he walked down the street, the way some of the shopkeepers in town seemed colder, more distant. It was as if the news of his estrangement from his family, coupled with the revelation of his relationship with Palm, had made him an outsider in his own community.

Despite all of this, there were moments of light, moments that reminded Nueng why he had made the choices he did. Ben had stayed true to his word, standing by them and offering support whenever he could. He made it clear that he didn't care what others thought, that his loyalty to Nueng and Palm was unwavering.

"You know, you guys are really inspiring," Ben said one day, as they sat together in the school cafeteria. "I mean, it's not easy to do what you're doing. Most people would just hide or pretend to be something they're not. But you two? You're out here, being yourselves, no matter what anyone else thinks. That's brave."

Nueng smiled, though he still found it hard to see himself as brave. "Thanks, Ben," he said quietly. "It doesn't always feel that way, but we're trying."

Ben nodded, his expression thoughtful. "And that's what matters. As long as you keep trying, keep pushing forward, you're already winning."

Palm reached out, placing a hand on Nueng's arm, and Nueng felt a surge of warmth at the simple gesture. It was moments like these—small, quiet moments of support and solidarity—that helped them get through the tough days.

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As the weeks passed, the initial wave of gossip began to die down, though the tension remained. The stares and whispers became less frequent, and though there were still those who disapproved, Nueng and Palm found that they were able to carve out a space for themselves, a space where they could just be.

But the challenges were far from over.

One afternoon, as Nueng was leaving school, he found himself cornered by a group of boys who had never paid him much attention before. They were older, more intimidating, and Nueng could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as they approached.

"Hey, Nueng," one of them called out, his tone casual but with an edge that made Nueng's stomach twist. "We need to talk."

Nueng glanced around, hoping to see Palm or Ben nearby, but they were nowhere to be found. Taking a deep breath, he turned to face the boys, forcing himself to stay calm.