Everlasting (PONDPHUWIN)

Chapter 19: An Unexpected Ally

The morning was like any other—bright, with the sun casting long shadows across the school grounds as students filtered in, chatting and laughing. But for Nueng, there was a sense of unease that he couldn't shake. The past few weeks had been challenging, with the constant scrutiny, the whispers, and the occasional confrontations that seemed to come out of nowhere. Yet, through it all, he and Palm had remained strong, their bond growing deeper with each passing day.

But today felt different. There was something in the air, a tension that Nueng couldn't quite put his finger on. He glanced at Palm as they walked side by side toward their lockers, hoping that his unease was just a figment of his imagination.

"Everything okay?" Palm asked, noticing the furrow in Nueng's brow.

Nueng forced a smile, not wanting to worry Palm. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little on edge, I guess."

Palm nodded, understanding without needing to press further. He knew how much pressure they were both under, and he had been a constant source of comfort and strength for Nueng.

As they reached their lockers, Nueng noticed something out of the corner of his eye—Chopper, standing with his usual group of friends, watching them with a smirk that sent a chill down Nueng's spine. But there was something else in Chopper's expression, something that made Nueng's unease grow. It wasn't just malice this time; it was something more calculating, as if Chopper had something planned.

Nueng quickly looked away, focusing on getting his books for class. He knew better than to let Chopper's games get to him, but it was hard to ignore the nagging feeling that something was about to happen.

As the day progressed, that feeling only intensified. Chopper was unusually quiet in class, his eyes occasionally flicking over to Nueng and Palm with an almost predatory gaze. It was unsettling, but Nueng tried to push it to the back of his mind, focusing instead on the lessons and on Palm, who was always there with a reassuring smile or a gentle touch on his arm.

By lunchtime, however, Nueng's nerves were frayed. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing, something he wasn't prepared for. And when Ben approached their table in the cafeteria, his expression serious, Nueng's heart sank.

"Nueng, Palm," Ben said quietly, glancing around as if making sure no one else was listening. "We need to talk."

Nueng exchanged a worried look with Palm before nodding. "What's going on, Ben?"

Ben hesitated for a moment, clearly uncomfortable. "I overheard Chopper talking with his friends this morning. They're planning something, something to humiliate you both."

Palm stiffened beside Nueng, his expression hardening. "What did he say?"

Ben shook his head, his brow furrowed with concern. "I didn't catch all the details, but it sounded like they're planning to pull some kind of prank or set you up in a way that'll get you in trouble with the school. I don't know exactly what they're up to, but it didn't sound good."

Nueng felt a knot of fear tighten in his stomach. Chopper had always been a troublemaker, but this felt different, more deliberate. "What should we do?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Palm reached out, placing a hand on Nueng's arm, grounding him. "We'll figure it out," he said firmly. "We just need to be careful and stay on guard. Whatever they're planning, we won't let them get the best of us."

Ben nodded, his expression serious. "I'll keep an eye out too. If I hear anything else, I'll let you know."

"Thanks, Ben," Palm said, his tone filled with gratitude. "We appreciate it."