𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆: 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐲!𝐖𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐲!

...🏀...

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓, 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟒

Sunlight, a traitorous sliver sneaking through a gap in the curtains, pricked at my eyelids. I squeezed them shut, willing myself back to sleep for just a minute longer. But then, a faint thump-thump-thump echoed beneath my cheek, disrupting my fragile hold on unconsciousness.

Confused, I fluttered my eyes open. The first thing I registered was the unfamiliar sight of the balcony doors pulled slightly ajar, casting a rectangle of light onto the floor. My gaze darted to the crib across the room, where Leila slept peacefully, clutching her favorite blue blanket. Relief washed over me momentarily, only to be replaced by a jolt of panic as the source of the rhythmic thumping became startlingly clear.

My hand.

It was resting on a chest. A broad, firm chest.

A jolt of electricity shot through me as I became hyper-aware of everything—the warmth radiating from the body beneath my hand, the tangled sheets wrapped around my legs, the faint scent of citrus, and something musky that I recognized all too well.

Nathan.

My eyes flew open, landing on his face—amusement dancing in his dark eyes as he watched me with an unnerving intensity. Heat flooded my cheeks, and a scarlet wave threatened to engulf my entire face.

"Do you know your nose scrunches like that?" he drawled, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. "When you're trying to figure something out."

I blinked, momentarily speechless. Denial, however, felt futile. "No," I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper.

He chuckled, a sound that sent my heart into a nervous frenzy. "Hmm," he said, a playful glint in his eyes.

I lifted my head from his chest, a cascade of light brown curls tumbling down my arm.

"How long have you been staring at me?" I blurted out, desperate to break the awkward silence.

"Not long," he teased, his eyes sparkling. "Just long enough to appreciate the view."

My cheeks burned even hotter. "Seriously, Nathan."

He grinned a slow, heart-stopping grin. "Actually, your daughter woke up."

My eyes shot to the crib across the room, relief washing over me as I saw Leila peacefully sleeping again. "How long has she been awake?"

"Just a few minutes. I managed to rock her back to sleep."

Relief flooded back, momentarily eclipsing the burning heat in my cheeks. My gaze darted back to the crib. Leila remained blissfully unaware of the drama beside her, her small chest rising and falling peacefully.

"You put her back to sleep?" I asked, surprised.

His eyes softened. "Yeah. I didn't know you had a daughter."

"Yeah," I mumbled, scooting away a little. "A lot of people don't."

My mumbled reply and the slight scoot away dampened the lighthearted mood.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to take a risk. Reaching out, I grabbed Nathan's hand, its warmth grounding me.

Surprised, Nathan raised an eyebrow but followed me willingly as I pulled him closer to the crib. Seemingly sensing our presence, Leila blinked her eyes, letting out a soft coo.

My heart melted.

Scooping her up carefully, I cradled her close, the familiar weight a source of comfort amidst the sudden tension. A tiny yawn escaped her lips as she nuzzled my chest, her grip tightening on my shirt.

Turning to Nathan, I offered a hesitant smile. "Nathan, this is Leila. My daughter."

He stood there, mesmerized. A soft light flickered in his eyes as he looked from me to the little bundle in my arms.

"She's beautiful, Mylah," he finally said, his voice filled with a genuine awe that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Thank you," I whispered, a warmth blooming in my chest.

"Mylah!"

My eyes widened as my dad's booming voice echoed through the house, calling my name.

Panic clawed at my throat while Nathan stared at Leila with a goofy grin.

"Nathan," I hissed, the playful cooing of my daughter a stark contrast to the urgency in my voice. "You need to go. Now."

The gravity of the situation finally hit him. He glanced at the door, his smile fading.

Quickly, I placed Leila back in her crib, her contented babble filling the room with a strange sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.

My gaze darted around the room, landing on a crumpled white T-shirt discarded on the floor. Without a word, I grabbed it and shoved it toward him.

He pulled on his shoes with a practiced ease, snatching the shirt from my hand as he did. We locked eyes for a beat.

Then, before I could blink, he leaned forward, his lips brushing against my cheek in a fleeting kiss. My breath hitched in my throat, electricity sparking at the unexpected touch.

Before I could process what had just happened, he was already moving. He darted towards the balcony doors, a single glance back before he threw a leg over the railing, disappearing into the morning light.

The doorknob rattled, and my dad barged in, his face flushed with sleep and anger. "Mylah! Breakfast is ready. And why is your balcony door open?"

My heart hammered against my ribs, a drumbeat against the sudden stillness.

"Uh, I must have forgotten to close it last night," I stammered, forcing a carefree smile.

Dad grumbled, shaking his head before leaving my room.

The moment the door clicked shut, I collapsed onto the bed, my legs turning to jelly.

My hand flew to my cheek, the phantom warmth of Nathan's kiss lingering on my skin. A slow and unexpected smile bloomed on my lips.

He'd kissed me, and a tiny part of me wanted him to do it again.

...🏀...

The crisp autumn air whipped around me as I entered the familiar confines of the river court, Brooke skipping beside me.

My gaze immediately darted to the basketball court, where Lucas, his friends, and the Ravens were already warming up.

A smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I watched Lucas launch a basketball into the net; it went in, earning a chorus of good-natured jeers from his teammates.

Suddenly, Nathan materialized at my side. "Hey," he said, a hint of apprehension.

Brooke smirked knowingly before leaving me alone with him.

"Hey," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant despite the nervous flutter in my stomach.

The image of him kissing my cheek a few days ago still pops into my thoughts.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry, I missed our tutoring sessions and didn't pick up your calls. My dad..."

He trailed off, but the unspoken apology, the dark circles under his eyes, spoke volumes.

"I guess it didn't go well," I said gently.

He nodded, a humorless laugh escaping his lips. "You'd be right. Every time I'm around him, I get caught in this riptide, you know? The harder I try to fight it, the harder it is to breathe."

My heart ached for him.

Reaching out, I squeezed his hand gently. "Maybe you need someone to throw you a lifeline,"

I offered, then surprised myself by letting him pull me closer.

A flicker of relief replaced the tension in his jaw, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Have fun," slipped from my lips before I could fully consider its implications.

My hand lingered in his for a beat too long, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down my spine.

He flashed me a grateful smile, the tension momentarily melting from his features. With a quick nod, he melted back into the group, rejoining the playful banter with his teammates.

Taking a deep breath, I turned away, seeking out the familiar comfort of my friends. Brooke and Peyton sat on the hood of Peyton's car with Jake's adorable baby, Jenny, nestled between them.

The sight warmed my heart. Jenny gurgled happily, reaching for a stray strand of Peyton's hair. Peyton gently tucked the hair behind her ear, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Just then, a basketball came bouncing towards us, stopping at Peyton's feet. Jake came bounding after it. Peyton smiled at him, picking up the ball and tossing it back.

A nudge from Brooke sent my gaze back towards them.

"Well, well," she said, a sly smile on her lips.

Before I could respond, a flash of light momentarily blinded me. Brooke, holding a Polaroid camera triumphantly, stood next to me.

"I guess this answers the 'gay question,'" Brooke declared, holding the photo out of Peyton's reach.

Peyton swatted playfully at the camera, her cheeks flushed a light pink.

The playful bickering was interrupted by Haley, who snatched the camera from Brooke's grasp. "Give me that!" 

We all huddled closer, a chorus of giggles erupting as Jenny gurgled happily in our midst.

"Cheese!" Haley declared, snapping another photo, this time capturing all of us.

As I stared at the picture, a warmth bloomed in my chest. A moment of pure happiness.

I haven't been happy in a long time.

A basketball rolled to a stop at my feet, breaking my gaze from the picture. I bent down and picked it up, the worn leather cool against my fingertips. Looking up, I saw Nathan jogging towards me with a lazy grin.

He reached out his hand, and I tossed the ball back to him. He caught it effortlessly. His eyes lingered on mine, his gaze holding mine for a beat longer than necessary

Then, he leaned in unexpectedly, his warm breath tickling my ear.

"For good luck," he whispered, and before I could react, he brushed a soft kiss against my cheek.

He pulled away, a shy smile gracing his lips, and jogged back onto the court.

I stood there frozen, the echo of his touch lingering on my skin like fire. My cheeks burned as I turned to face my friends, watching me with knowing smiles.

"So—" Brooke started, her voice laced with amusement.

Before she could finish her sentence, I whipped my gaze toward her, a playful glare intended to mask the flustered feeling in my stomach. "Don't," I warned, my voice barely above a whisper.

Brooke let out a laugh, which quickly spread to Peyton and Haley. They all seemed to find my reaction highly entertaining.

"We're just friends," I muttered, more to myself than to them.

Brooke raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, right," she said, her voice dripping skeptically. "Friends don't look at each other the way Nathan looks at you. You know that, right?"

I shrugged, unable to meet her eyes.

Nathan was different. He was the first guy since Andrew who didn't make me scared or anxious. He made me feel...safe. But what that feeling meant, what it might lead to, I wasn't sure yet.

"Yeah, maybe," I finally admitted, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips as I stole another glance at Nathan across the court.

...🏀...

Juggling textbooks against my chest, I weaved through the crowds of students swarming the campus path, my mind already focused on my upcoming English quiz. Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through the noise.

"Hey, Mylah!"

I glanced up to see Nathan jogging to catch up with me, a mischievous glint in his eyes. We hadn't spoken much since he kissed me on the cheek at the river court a couple days ago.

"Hey, Nathan," I replied, despite the butterflies in my stomach. "Going to class?"

"Actually," he started, scratching the back of his neck with a nervous chuckle, "I think I'm gonna cut out of here a little bit early. Wanna join me?"

My heart did a surprised flip-flop.

Ditching class wasn't something I usually did, but the vulnerability in his eyes made the suggestion oddly appealing.

Besides, a part of me craved some time alone with him, a chance to decipher the change that I was noticing between us.

"I don't know," I hesitated.

"Why not?" he pressed, his voice laced with a hopeful plea. "You up for it?"

Taking a deep breath, I decided to take a leap of faith. "Okay," I finally conceded, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

Nathan's face lit up, and he grabbed my hand, the warmth of his touch sending a jolt through me. He practically dragged me out of the crowd of students and towards the parking lot.

Minutes later, we were hurtling down the highway in his truck, the wind whipping through my hair as I tried to ignore the nervous flutter in my stomach. The beach emerged on the horizon, the familiar stretch of sand and crashing waves.

Nathan parked the truck, and we hopped out, the cool sand squishing between our toes as we made our way toward the water's edge. The sky was ablaze with the colors of a setting sun, painting the horizon in breathtaking orange, pink, and purple hues.

I stood there mesmerized, inhaling the salty air as the rhythmic sound of the waves crashed against the shore. Nathan stood beside me as we watched the sun dip below the horizon. A comfortable silence settled between us.

Nathan broke our silence, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small velvet box. My breath hitched as he flipped it open, revealing a delicate necklace.

"I got you something," he said, his voice barely a whisper.

My heart hammered in my chest as I watched him retrieve the necklace and extend it towards me. I reached out, taking it gently from his grasp.

It was a delicate yet sturdy gold chain holding a beautiful moonstone outlined in rose gold. The stone shimmered in the fading light, its milky blue depths reflecting the vibrant colors of the setting sun. As I turned it over in my hand, a single number engraved on the back caught my eye—

𝟐𝟑

"It's not much," Nathan mumbled, his voice laced with shyness.

A lump formed in my throat. It wasn't just the beauty of the necklace that took my breath away, but the thoughtfulness behind it.

"I love it," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

A smile bloomed on his face, genuine and heartwarming.

I rubbed my thumb over the moonstone. The blue shimmered against the white, reflecting the fading light like a captured piece of twilight.

"How did you know I love moonstone?" I finally asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Nathan chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "I, uh, may have consulted Brooke," he confessed, his cheeks flushing a light pink.

A smile bloomed on my face.

"Thank you," I said, the words filled with a sincerity that surprised even me.

Turning slightly, I let my hair cascade over my shoulder, a silent offer for him to help me put it on.

The moment stretched between us, thick with unspoken emotions. His hand reached out, hesitantly at first, then with a newfound confidence. He took the necklace from my grasp, his fingers brushing lightly against mine as he did.

My breath hitched as the cool metal of the chain brushed against my skin. He lifted it gently over my head, the weight a welcome presence on my chest. A shiver ran down my spine as the clasp clicked shut.

My hand instinctively rose to rest on the smooth moonstone, the cool stone grounding me in the moment. Brushing back a stray strand of hair falling across my face, I turned towards him.

Our eyes met, and a jolt of electricity shot through me. The setting sun cast long shadows on his face, deepening the blue of his eyes. His gaze was intense, searching mine with an emotion I couldn't quite decipher.

My heart pounded in my ears, a drumbeat against the crash of the waves. The air crackled with unspoken words, a tension that both exhilarated and terrified me. I fidgeted with the necklace around my neck, a nervous habit brought on by the sudden shift in the atmosphere.

He kissed me on the cheek twice, and I know that has irrevocably changed the dynamic between us.

As I stood there, his eyes holding mine captive, a silent conversation passed between us.

The intensity of his stare sent shivers down my spine, a thrilling mix of fear and excitement. My breath hitched, the pounding of my heart drowning out the sound of the waves. I wanted to lean in, to bridge the gap between us.

But the moment shattered.

Nathan cleared his throat, the sound sharp and out of place in the quiet.

"I quit," he said abruptly, his voice laced with a newfound determination.

My head snapped up, confusion momentarily erasing the heat from my cheeks.

"Quit?" I stammered.

He met my gaze head-on, a flicker of pain in his blue eyes.

"Basketball," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "I'm quitting basketball."

My surprise quickly morphed into concern.

"Why?" I asked gently, reaching out to touch his arm.

He didn't pull away, but his gaze remained fixed on some unseen point in the distance. His other hand toyed with the green ribbon that held half of my hair back.

"I lost the love for the game," he finally admitted, his voice rough. "It just doesn't feel the same anymore."

A wave of sympathy washed over me. The joy he'd exhibited on the court the other day seemed like a distant memory.

Without thinking, I reached out and pulled him into a hug. His arms wrapped around me instinctively, his embrace a warm haven against the sudden chill settling over the beach.

We stood there for a beat, the crash of the waves a muted backdrop to the storm of emotions swirling within me. Pulling back hesitantly, I stared into his eyes, the space between us a mere whisper.

My heart hammered against my ribs, echoing in my ears.

He leaned in, his breath warm against my cheek. At this moment, I craved him, needing his lips on mine.

My lips were on the verge of meeting his, but a harsh grip on my arm yanked me back, the world spinning as I was pulled roughly away from Nathan. 

Disoriented, I stumbled and lifted my gaze.

There, towering over me, stood Dan. His face was contorted in fury in his steely eyes.

Shit.

...🏀...

The world spun as Dan yanked me back, his grip on my arm like a vice. Pain flared, but it was nothing compared to the cold dread that washed over me. The stolen moment with Nathan—gone.

It was replaced by icy fear and the suffocating grip of Dan's anger.

He dragged me roughly across the sand towards the boardwalk that jutted into the darkening sea.

"You've got Mason Bowl next week, and this is how you're training?" Dan's voice boomed, echoing off the wooden planks of the boardwalk.

Nathan's jaw clenched. He lunged forward, grabbing his dad's arm and pulling him to a stop.

"Dad, let her go!" His voice was strained, a mixture of anger and desperation.

Dan looked at his son, his face a thundercloud. He shook his head, his grip tightening on my arm so much I cried out in pain.

"Now you're fraternizing with the enemy," he snarled, the words laced with a bitter history hinting at the feud between our two families.

The memory of the almost-kiss, the warmth of Nathan's embrace, felt like a distant dream.

Dan marched me towards Nathan's truck, parked at the end of the boardwalk, where it met the Scotts' beach house.

"You're hurting me!" I cried out, tears pricking my eyes.

He didn't even glance at me, his fury a dark cloud obscuring everything else. He shoved me roughly into the passenger seat of the truck, slamming the door shut with a bang.

Nathan scrambled into the back, his face etched with worry and defiance. Dan slid into the driver's seat, the engine roaring to life as he yanked the truck into gear.

The beach disappeared in the rearview mirror as Dan sped away from the water, his tires kicking up a cloud of sand. We were heading back to Tree Hill, back to a reality that has become far more complicated.

Dan's knuckles were white-knuckled around the steering wheel, his face a mask of simmering anger. My arm throbbed where he'd gripped it, a dull ache that mirrored the growing unease in my stomach.

He pulled the truck to a stop with a screech outside my house, the harsh sound shattering the tense silence. Dan was out of the truck before I could even think of opening the door.

He yanked me out of the truck with a force that sent me stumbling backward.

I gasped for breath, images of Andrew's rough hands flashing in my mind, a sickening reminder of a past I desperately wanted to leave behind.

Dan didn't seem to notice my reaction, or maybe he didn't care.

He marched towards the front door, pounding on it with a fury that seemed to shake the house's foundations.

A few anxious seconds ticked by before the door creaked open, revealing my mom's surprised face. Her eyes widened as they took in the scene—me, disheveled and shaken, Dan beside me radiating anger, and Nathan awkwardly behind us.

"What's the meaning of this, Dan?" My mom's voice was calm, but there was a steely edge to it that I recognized.

It was the voice she used when she wouldn't be pushed around.

Dan didn't answer.

He shoved past her into the house, dragging me along like a ragdoll. Nathan, thankfully, didn't hesitate. He pushed past the doorway, placing himself between me and Dan's imposing figure.

"I found our kids together at the beach," Dan finally growled, his voice laced with accusation.

My mom looked at me with concern etched on her face.

"Mya?" she asked gently.

The urge to explain, to defend myself, burned in my throat. I knew I didn't have enough time to explain fully as my dad's footsteps boomed from the kitchen doorway.

"I'm tutoring Nathan," I blurted out.

My dad raised a questioning eyebrow. "You're doing what?" he asked, confusion evident.

I whipped around to face him, feeling his eyes on me radiating disappointment. "Dad," I started, but Dan cut me off.

"I told you to keep your kids away from my son, Michael," he said, his voice dripping with venom.

My dad glared at him, his gaze unwavering. "If you kept your son from my daughter, we wouldn't have this problem."

The air crackled with unspoken hostility, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. I stood glancing at the fury in my dad and Dan's eyes, my heart pounding frantically against my ribs.

All I wanted was for the ground to swallow me whole, for this whole mess to disappear.

But it wouldn't.

Dan finally looked away from him, his gaze landing on Nathan with a mixture of disappointment and fury.

"Why aren't you at practice?" he barked, his voice tight with barely contained rage.

Nathan stood tall, his jaw clenched. "I quit," he said, his voice barely a whisper but laced with a newfound defiance.

The revelation hung in the air like a thunderclap. I could practically feel the anger radiating off Dan, a heat that seemed to scorch everything in its path.

"You what?" he roared, the word a guttural growl.

Nathan didn't flinch. "I quit," he repeated, his voice firmer this time.

Dan's anger seemed to shift its target, his gaze snapping back to me. "Was this her idea?" he spat, his voice dripping with accusation.

My body bristled.

I blinked, trying to process his words, the sting of his tone a sharp slap in the face.

"Excuse me?" I managed, my voice shaky but laced with a rising anger.

I didn't like how Dan spoke to me, especially not when I had nothing to do with Nathan's decision.

"Come on, son," Dan scoffed, turning back to Nathan. "Basketball is your everything, not some damaged goods."

My jaw clenched so tight that I felt a headache blooming behind my eyes. I clenched my hands into a tight fist by my side as my voice cut through the tension.

"Damaged goods?" I repeated, my voice surprisingly steady despite the tremor in my hands. "So, what are you then?"

Dan stared at me, his anger morphing into something darker, a flicker of something cold flashing in his eyes. I met his gaze head-on, refusing to back down.

"Other than a father trying to live through his son because he couldn't make it himself," I finished, my voice dropping to a dangerous low growl.

The air crackled with electricity.

My parents, silent observers until now, exchanged a worried glance.

Dan's face contorted in fury. "At least my son is going places," he sneered, his voice dripping with venom. "What about you? Pregnant at sixteen. I don't see a lot going for you."

My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the backdrop of his cruel words. Glaring at him, I fought back the tears in my eyes.

"Just some whore trying to sink her claws into my son," he added, his voice dripping with disdain.

That was it.

Before anyone could react, I lunged forward, my hand connecting with a resounding slap across his face.

A stunned silence descended upon the room. My hand throbbed, but the satisfaction of seeing the shock on his face momentarily overshadowed the pain.

"Enough, Dad!" Nathan roared, breaking the silence. "I'm quitting because I used to love it. Walking onto the court during practices and games. Hearing the crowd shout my name and shoot baskets."

Dan rubbed his cheek, and a red mark from my slap was evident on his face. "Now?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

Nathan took a deep breath, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I'm suffocating," he confessed, his voice raw with emotion. "The thought of stepping into that gym makes everything inside me lock up. All I want to do is escape. To find a moment to breathe."

Nathan's words hung heavy in the air, a silent confession that resonated deep within me. His vulnerability and the raw pain in his voice sparked a fierce protectiveness within me.

My mom cleared her throat, her posture firm as she extended a hand towards the door. "Don't come in here and accuse my daughter," she said, her voice leaving no room for argument. "Because it will not go well for you. I think it's time for you to leave."

Dan bristled, his jaw clenched tight. The idea of being kicked out of my house seemed to infuriate him, but he knew my mom wasn't bluffing.

"If you don't leave in five minutes," she continued, her voice steely, "I'll have security throw you out on your ass."

With a final, disgruntled huff, Dan turned and stormed out, slamming the door shut behind him. The sound echoed through the house, punctuating the chaotic scene.

Silence descended, thick and heavy. I looked at Nathan, his blue eyes searching mine for reassurance.

"I'll be fine," I mumbled, trying to project a strength I didn't feel.

He nodded, a flicker of worry lingering in his gaze.

With a final, hesitant look, he turned and headed towards the front door, his presence leaving a strangely heavy void.

As the door closed behind him, separating us again, I heard my dad's voice boom from behind me.

"I think you have some explaining to do," he said, the tone leaving no room for debate.

...🏀...

𝐀/𝐍: I UPDATED AGAIN!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR 113K READS.

I honestly love writing about Mylah and Nathan, especially because of how I changed the plot. So, I thought I would be nice and give you guys another update because I won't have time next weekend to update since I'm going on vacation. I made this chapter a little longer than the previous one because I wanted to give you guys something to read and re-read when I come back.

There are a lot of Mylah and Nathan in this chapter, as the stolen glances and almost kiss weren't a dead giveaway. A kiss is coming soon, but of course, there needs to be tension before we get there.

THANK YOU TO 921 FOLLOWERS.

Anyway, I hope you guys like this chapter.

𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒: What did you like about this chapter? Are you ready for Nathan and Mylah to get together yet? Did Mylah take it too far, slapping Dan?

-𝑀𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛𝑎𝐵𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘