𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆: 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭

...🏀...

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓, 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟒

Walking through the school's parking lot, I spotted the bus lined up with basketball players waiting to board.

I scanned the area, looking for Brooke.

"Mylah, thank God you're here," Brooke exclaimed, grabbing my arm.

I furrowed my brows, confused. "Your text said 911 and bring a bag." I patted the bag slung against my thigh for emphasis.

"You need to come," Brooke insisted, her eyes wide with urgency.

I blinked. "To the Classic?"

"Yes," Brooke nodded emphatically.

I shook my head. "No." But Brooke's eyes were pleading, desperate. "Brooke, I'm not a cheerleader."

"I know," she said, her grip tightening on my arm. "But you're a dancer, and I need help choreographing our routine so we can finally beat Claire Young and her annoying Bear Creek Warriors. They take home the trophy every year."

I loved Brooke, but the thought of dancing again sent a shiver down my spine. I had not choreograph or dance since I ran away from Andrew. I hadn't stepped foot in a dance studio in over a year. While writing music and singing brought me peace and time to heal from what Andrew did to me, dance brought heartache and would open old wounds that I didn't think I was ready to close.

"I know you've hated dancing since Andrew," Brooke said softly. I looked into her eyes; she and Haley were the only ones who knew the truth about my ex-boyfriend. "But it's been over a year, and I wouldn't be asking unless I really needed you."

I sighed, knowing I would do anything for Brooke. "There won't be room for me, and who will take care of Leila?"

"I already got it covered," Brooke replied, a triumphant smile on her face. "Your mom is going to watch Leila." She began dragging me toward the bus. "You're staying with your brother."

I stared at her, suspicion in my eyes. "You knew I was going to say yes, didn't you?"

"Yep," Brooke said, grinning. "Mylah, you need this. You just needed someone to push you towards it."

"I don't care how important this tournament is," Whitey said, his voice booming as he approached, dressed in his blue jacket and dark blue hat. "People trump pompoms!"

My eyes widened as I stared at the bucket overflowing with white and blue pompoms. "Brooke, why do you have thirty pompoms for a ten-person squad?"

"We need extras," Brooke explained, rolling her eyes as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

I seriously doubted that.

"We can't fit all that crap on the bus," Whitey said, shaking his head.

"Fine!" Brooke growled. "You be responsible for ten very pissed-off cheerleaders."

Whitey shook his head at Brooke, and Nathan stepped forward. "Coach, if we're short on room, I can drive."

"No, no, no!" Whitey said, waving his hands. "Forget it!"

"Why not?" Nathan asked. "I can fit all that crap in my truck."

Whitey sighed, clearly exasperated. "Alright." He glanced from Nathan to me. "But Mylah, you're riding with him or no deal."

"She will," Brooke said quickly, nodding and wrapping her arm around me.

I stared at Brooke, who had a knowing smirk on her lips, before looking at Whitey. "Sure, Whitey."

"You stay right behind the bus," Whitey ordered before walking away.

"Thanks," Brooke said to Nathan before climbing onto the bus.

Nathan turned to me, extending his hand.

A small smile tugged at my lips as I slipped my hand into his, feeling the warmth and comfort of his touch. As we walked toward his car, I felt a pair of eyes on me. Glancing back, I saw my brother glaring at me, then at our interlocked fingers.

"Hey, are you sure you're okay with this?" Nathan asked, his voice gentle and filled with concern.

I tore my gaze away from my brother and smiled up at Nathan. "Yeah, I'm sure."

The tension between our families felt like an invisible barrier, but in this moment, with Nathan's hand in mine, I felt a flicker of defiance and hope. Despite everything, the thought of being with him made my heart race with excitement and fear.

It was risky, but it felt right.

...🏀...

"Listen up!" Whitey's voice carried through the hall of the hotel. "We've got a team meeting in the conference room right after dinner. Lights out at nine o'clock." He handed Nathan and me our room keys. "Consider your room assignments final."

I smiled at my brother, Alex, as he walked into our room, then turned to face Nathan. He had stopped in front of the room across from mine, staring at Lucas with a look of disbelief.

"You've got to be kidding me," Lucas said, shaking his head.

Whitey laughed. "Alphabetical order. Scott, Scott. Unalterable."

"Should have changed your name," Nathan quipped, smirking as Lucas rolled his eyes and walked into the room.

I hit Nathan's arm and raised a brow. "Be nice."

"That was me being nice," Nathan replied with a grin.

I shook my head, sighing. "That's what I was afraid of."

"Mylah!" Brooke's voice echoed down the hall. I turned to see her storming towards me. "Switch with me."

I stared at her, confused. "Why?"

"Brooke," Peyton called out, trailing behind her.

"That's why," Brooke explained, nodding toward Peyton.

My gaze shifted from Brooke to Peyton as she walked towards us. "Over my dead body," I declared, crossing my arms. Brooke gasped, staring at me in shock. "I love you, Brooke, but if you put me in a room with Peyton right now after what she did to you, I will kill her."

"Damn," Brooke sighed before turning and dragging Peyton away from me.

A shiver ran down my spine as Nathan leaned in, his lips brushing my ear as he whispered, "At least you don't have to share a room with those two."

I turned my head to face him, our faces inches apart. "Don't kill your brother. He is still my best friend." I walked across the hall into my room and closed the door behind me.

"What's going on with you and Nathan?" Alex asked as soon as the door clicked shut.

I threw my bag on the bed, frustration bubbling up inside me. "Alex..."

"Dad told you to stay away from him," Alex reminded me, his voice stern.

I rolled my eyes and sat on the bed by the window, feeling the need to escape the room and Alex's third-degree. "I know." My phone dings and I glance at it before sighing. "Look, Brooke needs me. Can we talk later?"

"Fine," Alex sighed, clearly not satisfied. "Just be careful."

I understood the double meaning behind his words. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "I will."

...🏀...

As I left the room, my thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions. The tension between our families made everything so much more complicated. Whenever I was around Nathan, it felt like I was walking on a tightrope, balancing my feelings and the expectations of those around me.

I whipped my head around to glance through the lobby, looking for Brooke after receiving another 911 text from her. I groaned as I collided with a hard chest, feeling my body start to tumble to the ground.

An arm wrapped around my waist, stopping my fall.

"Looks like I found you," a familiar voice said.

I stilled as the arm around my waist tightened. My heart raced, and I stared into the dark eyes that haunted my nightmares. "Andrew."

"Mylah, how long has it been?" he asked, touching my arm. I flinched. "Over a year, I think."

I glanced around, trying to calm my racing heart and find an escape. "Let me go."

"I don't think so," Andrew said, unwrapping his arm from my waist and gripping my wrist harshly. "We're going to sit down and talk."

I shook my head, pulling my arm and wrist out of his hold, but his grip tightened painfully. I bit my lip to stifle a cry.

"You wouldn't want to make a scene now, would you?" Andrew said, pulling me closer until there was barely any space between us. "There's no one here to save you."

"Mylah," Brooke's voice called from behind me. "There you are." She didn't take her gaze off Andrew, glaring as she walked toward us. "I lost a cheerleader because of chicken pox and need to rewrite a routine for tomorrow's competition."

I said nothing as fear crept up my throat the longer Andrew held onto me.

"Is everything okay?" Nathan's voice cut through the tension. I whipped my gaze to face him as he approached from behind Andrew. "Mylah?"

The protective tone in Nathan's voice made Andrew loosen his grip, and I took that chance to step back and into Brooke.

"Another time, Mylah," Andrew said, his eyes dark and menacing as he clenched his jaw before walking away.

"Mylah," Brooke said, placing a hand on my back.

I flinched and closed my eyes as the room started to spin. I struggled to breathe. "I—I—I c—can't—"

"It's a panic attack," Brooke told Nathan. "Try to calm her down. I'll get her inhaler."

I felt a hand on my back as I was lifted into someone's arms. My feet soon found the ground, my back resting against a cold wall.

"Breath, Mylah," Nathan said softly, his forehead resting against mine. "In and out."

He moved my hand to his chest, and I felt the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. I took a shaky breath, focusing on his heartbeat, feeling the air fill my lungs.

I opened my eyes, meeting Nathan's concerned gaze. "I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to apologize for," Nathan said, holding my face gently. "I don't know what happened, but I'm here when you're ready to talk about it."

I pulled him into a hug. "Thank you."

"Mylah," Brooke said, approaching us. "Are you okay?"

I glanced at her and nodded. "Yeah." I pulled away from Nathan and grabbed Brooke's hand. "I still want to help."

"You don't..." Brooke sighed.

I shook my head. "Please. It'll take my mind off everything."

Brooke glanced at Nathan, biting her lip before giving in. "Okay."

I glanced behind me, catching Nathan's eyes burning with concern before Brooke tugged me down the hall away from him. His expression lingered in my mind, a mix of worry and something deeper that made my heart ache.

"Come on, Mylah," Brooke urged, pulling me into a conference room where the cheerleaders were gathered on a stage. "Haley?"

I blinked, trying to shake off the distraction of Nathan's gaze. My eyes focused on Haley, standing among the other cheerleaders, looking slightly out of place. She gave me a tentative smile, and I returned it, feeling a rush of affection for my friend who had stepped in to help.

"She came for Lucas," Brooke explained. "She makes ten."

I placed my hands on my hips, surveying the scene. "I need to hear the music and see the old routine."

Brooke nodded. "Okay, girls. Places."

Time passed, and I lost track of it.

The longer I spent choreographing the routine, the more I felt like myself again. It was as if a piece of me was coming back to life. Focusing on the routine helped me forget about Andrew, at least for a while.

"Five, six, seven, eight," Brooke called out, clapping her hands as the girls started from the top. "Bevin, I want you to go into a high kick. Haley, I want you to do a diagonal."

"What's a diagonal?" Haley asked, looking confused.

Mouth clapped his hands and demonstrated, extending one arm straight up and the other to the side.

"Thank you," Brooke said, rolling her eyes.

Peyton walked over to Brooke, and I stepped closer to the cheerleaders. "I need you all to do it full out. Trust me, it will help." The cheerleaders nodded. "Haley, you're doing great."

Haley smiled, and Brooke said, "This better be good."

"You're welcome," Peyton sighed.

"If we get this right to the music, I'll spring for escorts, guys," Brooke said, putting the CD into the stereo.

After hours of choreographing, I sat by the pool, watching the cheerleaders relax in the hot tub. Brooke was with them, her usual energy restored. Peyton and my other best friend walked in with her, now dressed in a cheerleader uniform.

"Ta-da!" Peyton announced.

I smiled. "Looking good, Hales."

"Tutor girl, you look bitchin'," Brooke said from the hot tub.

"Yeah, I kind of do know, don't I?" Haley spun around, showing off.

Brooke stared at them. "Now get your suits on. Hot tub therapy for both of you."

I turned to leave, heading for the pool doors, when a hand wrapped around my wrist, stopping me. I lifted my head to see Nathan staring at me, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and something deeper that made my heart flutter.

"Hey," Nathan said softly, his voice carrying a warmth that melted my tension.

I nervously touched the moonstone pendant around my neck, feeling its smooth, cool surface against my fingertips. "Hey." I bit my lip, gathering the courage to speak. "I never thanked you for helping me with my panic attack earlier."

"You don't have to thank me," Nathan said, closing the gap between us with a single step. His presence was comforting and grounding. "Whenever you're in trouble, I'll be there."

A hint of a smile broke across my lips, the sincerity in his words wrapping around my heart like a warm blanket. "Promise?"

"I promise," Nathan said, his fingers gently brushing a wisp of my curly hair behind my ear. The tender gesture sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt a rush of warmth spreading through me.

We stood there, inches apart, the air between us charged with unspoken feelings. The sound of the pool's water gently lapping against the edges seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us in a bubble of shared emotions.

"Nathan," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "There's something I need to tell you."

He waited, his eyes never leaving mine, giving me the space and time I needed to find my words. The intensity of his gaze, so full of understanding and patience, made my heart race. I felt the weight of the moment pressing down on me, urging me to speak, to finally let out everything I had been holding back.

I opened my mouth to say more, to share the feelings that had been building inside me, but a voice interrupted us. "A-hem."

I turned sharply, my heart skipping a beat, to see Whitey standing a few feet away, his arms crossed and a scowl etched on his face. The serious expression on his face broke the intimate bubble Nathan and I had been in.

"Coach," Nathan said, taking a step back from me, his voice tinged with frustration. I could feel the tension radiating off him as he squared his shoulders, ready to face whatever Whitey had to say.

"Someone better start talking," Whitey said, crossing his arms over his chest.

...🏀...

"And second place this year goes to..." The announcer's voice echoed through the auditorium. "The New Hanover Wild Cats." I held Brooke's and Haley's hands tightly, our fingers interlaced in a shared grip of anticipation and nerves. We watched the Wild Cats rush to the announcer, their faces alight with joy as they grabbed their trophy.

"And first place in this year's Sparkle Classic by Secret goes to...The Bear Creek Warriors. Five years in a row!"

I felt Brooke's body tense beside me, and I rested my head on her shoulder, trying to offer some comfort. I could feel the weight of her disappointment, almost as heavy as my own.

"Can I borrow your car, a hose, and your garage?" Brooke muttered, attempting to lighten the mood, but her voice lacked its usual spark.

"Brooke, you did a great job, okay?" Peyton told her earnestly, her eyes full of sincerity. "We all thought so."

"Yeah, Brooke," I agreed, squeezing her hand gently. "You were amazing out there."

"Not good enough," Brooke sighed, her shoulders slumping as the weight of defeat settled on her.

"And our last award of the competition," the announcer continued, his voice cutting through the chatter and cheers of the crowd. "For best original choreography goes to..." Claire from the Bear Creek Warriors handed the trophy to one of her squad mates, her smile confident and knowing. "Mylah Evans."

I blinked, the words taking a moment to register. "What?" I glanced at Brooke, my eyes wide with surprise.

"We couldn't have done it without you," Brooke said, smiling through her disappointment.

"Choreographer of the Tree Hill Ravens," the announcer said, prompting me to walk up and accept the trophy.

I took the trophy from his hands, still in disbelief. "Thank you." I walked back to Brooke and the cheerleaders, who pulled me into a big hug. "Here," I said, handing the trophy to Brooke. "We all deserved this. Brooke, I know you want to rub it in Claire's face."

"I do. I really do," Brooke smiled, taking the trophy from my hand.

Just then, a hand grabbed mine and pulled me away from the cheerleaders. I turned and found myself staring into Nathan's intense blue eyes.

"You did awesome," Nathan said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

A rush of warmth spread through me, and I couldn't help but smile. "Thanks," I said, squeezing his hand. "Are you ready for the game?"

"I don't know," Nathan sighed, his shoulders slumping a bit. "It's my first one back after everything. My parents are getting divorced..."

I cut him off, reaching out to grab his other hand and pulling him closer. I looked into his eyes, willing him to see the belief I had in him. "You can do this, Nathan. Don't doubt yourself."

Don't let Dan win.

His eyes searched mine, a storm of emotions swirling within them. I could see the weight of his worries, the uncertainty, and the pain that came with his parent's separation. But I also saw strength, a resilience that I knew he could tap into if he just believed in himself.

Two hours later, the game had fifteen seconds left, and I sat in the stands, my eyes glued to Nathan. I bit my lip as I glanced at the score. Nathan needed this win to believe in himself again.

𝟕𝟕-𝟕𝟖

I watched as Nathan got double-teamed and passed the ball to Tim. My breath caught as Tim was blocked and gave the ball back to Nathan. He tried to drive forward but couldn't get through. My heart raced as the clock's seconds ticked from ten to five. Nathan's eyes met mine.

"Come on, Nathan," I muttered, willing him to make the shot.

He spun to his left and jumped, the ball leaving his hand and sailing toward the hoop. I stood up, cheering with Haley as the ball swished through the net. The buzzer rang throughout the court.

I rushed down the bleachers, barely feeling my feet hit the ground, and leaped into Nathan's arms. "You did it!"

"Not without help from Lucas," Nathan said, spinning me around. "Or you believing in me."

I pulled back, looking into his eyes. "I'll always believe in you, Nathan."

"Good," Nathan said, his voice softening. "Because I need to t—"

Before he could finish, his team hugged him, lifting him off the ground. I stepped back, smiling, but then I noticed my brother, Alex, standing nearby with a frown.

"I don't like him," Alex said bluntly.

I nodded, understanding his protective stance. Our dad's constant rants about the Scotts had drilled this into him. "I know."

"I just..." Alex hesitated. "...don't want you to get your heart broken."

I leaned into his side, giving him a hug. "I know." I pulled back, looking up at him. "But I think he's worth the risk."

Alex sighed, his expression softening slightly. "Fine. If he breaks your heart, I'll kill him."

I rolled my eyes at his overprotectiveness. "Thanks, I guess."

As I turned back to Nathan, who was now free from his team's embrace, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope and excitement. Our families might hate each other, but standing there, seeing the pride and joy in Nathan's eyes, I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he was worth fighting for.

...🏀...

Cheering echoed throughout the gym as I stood beside Brooke, watching the Ravens walk onto the stage. I shook my head, trying not to laugh at the different guys on the team strutting the stage like it was a runway.

"Come on, let's get those bids up. It's the Annual Boy Toy Auction." Coach Whitey bellowed into his microphone. "Alright, I've got twenty-five. Do I hear forty? Oh, come on, people, this is for charity. Forty?"

Brooke raised her hand. "Forty."

"Forty," Whitey said, glancing around the room. "Do I hear fifty? How about fifty?"

"Fifty," a girl across the room said.

I bit my lip to hide my smile as Brooke glared at the girl.

"Fifty-five," another girl called out.

"Fifty-five," Whitey echoed. "Going once. Going twice." He slammed his gavel on the stand. "Sold for fifty-five. Pay your money and get your boy."

I pulled Brooke into a side hug. "You'll get another boy."

"I need a distraction," Brooke told me, her voice heavy with frustration. "Especially after the dark place that I'm in."

I rolled my eyes. "Brooke, you don't need a boy."

"Mylah, yes I do," Brooke insisted, glancing at the stage. "Oh god, it's Tim."

I turned to the stage and blinked before quickly looking away. "Yeah, no."

"So, who are you going to bid on?" Brooke asked.

I raised an eyebrow at Tim's awkward dancing. "Well, not Tim."

"So, I was thinking," Brooke said, breaking my gaze from Tim's off-beat moves.

I shook my head at the mischievous look in her green eyes. "No."

"You don't even know what I was going to say," Brooke grumbled.

But I knew that look all too well.

It usually meant trouble.

"I think you should bid on Nathan," Brooke said. I furrowed my brows. "Do you want another girl to have him all to herself?"

The thought of another girl with Nathan filled me with an unexpected pang, a sharp twist in my gut that tightened my chest. "I don't know."

"Well, I think you should," Brooke insisted. "Yes, with Peyton, he treated her like shit, but with you, he's different."

I sighed. "I don't know..."

"He likes you," Brooke told me. "And you like him."

After Andrew, the idea of being close to another guy was terrifying. But Nathan...Nathan was different. He made me feel safe.

"Alright, we're down to our last boy toy, so loosen up those purse strings and pucker up those lips, and remember, this is for a good cause," Whitey announced, snapping me back to reality.

The crowd cheered as Nathan came onto the stage wearing sunglasses, an oversized T-shirt, and shorts. I smiled as he threw his sunglasses at Mouth, the DJ, and walked down the stage.

"You're on, Nathan," Whitey said.

A gasp escaped my lips as Nathan pulled off his pants. They landed in my hands, and I saw him wearing blue shorts underneath.

"Okay, do I have the first bid?" Whitey asked.

"Eighty dollars!" One girl screamed.

"Eighty-five!" another yelled.

I glanced around at the girls raising their money, feeling surprised and worried. "Whoa."

My stomach knotted as more hands shot up, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency and unease growing with each bid.

"You're telling me," Brooke said.

Nathan unbuttoned his shirt and let it fall, revealing his bare chest with a word painted in blue.

𝐁𝐎𝐘𝐓𝐎𝐘

"$109.40," a girl beside me yelled.

"Yeah, that's not happening," Brooke said, glaring at the girl.

"Going once," Whitey said. "Going twice."

Before I knew it, my hand was in the air, held up by Brooke. I shook my head, but Brooke ignored me.

"$220," Brooke yelled.

"Sold!" Whitey yelled, slamming his gavel.

I turned to Brooke, who handed me the money. "I'm going to kill you."

"No, you're going to thank me in the long run," Brooke told me. "Now, pay the girl before one of these skanks takes your man."

...🏀...

I sighed, handed over the money, and walked outside with Brooke. My heart pounded with excitement and nerves.

"You're doing this," Brooke told me as we stood outside the school.

I shook my head, my doubts bubbling up. "I can't."

"Oh yes, you can," Brooke insisted. "If I'm going on a date with Mouth, you can handle Nathan."

I fiddled with the moonstone pendant around my neck, seeking comfort from its familiar coolness. "Brooke—"

"Mylah, you need to let someone, anyone, in," Brooke said, her voice softening. "I know it's scary after what you've been through. But the truth is, Nathan is not Andrew and never will be."

I nodded, acknowledging the truth in her words. "I know that."

"Then what is it?" Brooke asked gently. "I'll stop pushing if you tell me."

I stared into her green eyes, feeling the weight of my fears. "What if he likes me?" I whispered. "We can't go back to being friends."

"Would that be such a bad thing?" Brooke asked, her eyes searching mine.

I shook my head, knowing it wouldn't be. "But I opened myself up once. I don't know if I can do it again."

"Mylah, you can," Brooke said, grabbing my hands and squeezing them. "You're stronger than that psycho thought you were. You deserve to be happy."

I sighed, a mixture of fear and hope swirling inside me.

Finally, I nodded, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement bubbling inside me. I looked into Brooke's earnest eyes, the unwavering support and encouragement in her gaze giving me the push I needed. Trusting her and, more importantly, trusting myself, I decided to give Nathan a chance.

A deep breath steadied me, and I could almost feel the walls I'd built around my heart begin to crack. The fear that had held me back for so long was still there, lurking in the corners of my mind, but it was overshadowed by a new feeling—a flicker of hope. I knew this was a leap of faith, one that could change everything, but I was ready to take it.

"Mylah, $220?" Nathan asked, walking up to stand beside me.

"It's my money," Brooke told him, raising an eyebrow. "I just raised her hand."

I looked at Nathan, my heart skipping a beat. "So where to first, Scott?"

"Let's go to your house," Nathan said confidently. "You said your parents are out of town."

"Hmm, romantic," Brooke said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"I'm going to cook you dinner to thank you for tutoring me," Nathan explained.

I shrugged, feeling a little relieved. "Okay."

We turned and walked into the parking lot together, Nathan's presence comforting yet exhilarating.

"Have fun, lovebirds," Brooke called out, her voice teasing.

I raised my hand and gave my best friend the middle finger in response, feeling a small, rebellious thrill lighten the weight in my chest. Brooke's laughter echoed behind me, a comforting reminder of her unwavering support.

As I walked away with Nathan by my side, I couldn't help but smile, a mix of anticipation and nervousness fluttering in my chest. Each step felt like venturing into uncharted territory, but the warmth of Nathan's presence made it feel less daunting. The gentle brush of his arm against mine sent little electric jolts through me, amplifying the excitement bubbling within.

This was my chance, with a 'little' push from Brooke, to see where things could go with Nathan. The thought of exploring this new path with him made my heart race. Despite the lingering fears that threatened to creep in, there was a spark of hope igniting inside me. The possibility that this could be something real, something beautiful, made the risk feel worth it.

...🏀...

"You didn't think I could cook, did you?" Nathan asked, sitting across from me on the kitchen counter.

I glanced at my plate. "It's grilled cheese, Scott."

"There's not much to cook for a vegetarian," Nathan grinned.

I smiled back. "Okay, fair."

Nathan had made two grilled cheese sandwiches, one for each of us, and wouldn't let me help. I sat in my chair, resting my elbows on the counter, watching him navigate the kitchen to find ingredients.

It was refreshing to have someone take care of me for a change.

"So," Nathan said, sitting across from me. "Were you not going to bid on anyone?"

I nodded. "I was there to bail my brother out."

"I see," Nathan said, grabbing my half-eaten plate and his to put in the sink.

I could tell from his tone that something was bothering him. "What?"

"Nothing," Nathan replied a little too quickly.

I followed him out of the kitchen and down the hall. "Nathan."

"I need some air," he muttered, turning sharply and heading toward the front door instead. I quickened my pace to catch up with him as he pushed open the door and stepped outside into the pouring rain.

"Nathan, wait!" I called, grabbing his arm just as he reached the driveway. The rain was coming down in sheets, drenching us both instantly. "Nathan, just tell me what's wrong."

"You want me to tell you what's wrong?" Nathan said, turning to face me. His eyes were stormy, different from the carefree look he'd had a moment ago. "You didn't bid on me. Brooke had to." He took a step closer, his frustration palpable. "I made you dinner. Have you known me to make dinner for any girl?" I shook my head. "I don't know how to be any more straightforward with you."

I dropped my hand and sighed. "Nathan—"

"I like you," Nathan blurted out. My eyes widened at his words. "I like you a lot. I've always liked you since I saw you when I was five and you moved to Tree Hill."

I stared at him, trying to process what he was saying. Memories from the last few months flashed through my mind: Nathan's protective nature, lingering looks, and how he always seemed to want to say something when we were alone.

His blue eyes held nothing but sincerity.

He likes me.

"I knew I would never have a chance with you," Nathan continued. "You're too good for someone like me, especially with my only role model being my dad." He ran his fingers through his hair, the rain plastering it to his forehead, and stepped away from me. "But when I heard you and your boyfriend broke up, I thought this was my last chance."

I blinked, trying to understand. "So you and Peyton breaking up was—"

"It was mutual," Nathan said. "But my reason for ending it wasn't because of Lucas getting close to Peyton." He walked back toward me, touching my cheeks, the rain making his touch cold but comforting. "It was because of my feelings for you."

For the first time in my life, I was speechless. Nathan's words left me reeling, and I didn't know what to say.

"Which you don't feel the same way," Nathan said, dropping his hands and half-turning away. "Look, I'll get over it ev—"

I grabbed the collar of his jacket and pulled him back. Without thinking, I crashed my lips into his. Nathan's arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me flush against his chest, one hand cradling the back of my neck as if he never wanted to let me go.

Our lips moved together, and I savored the fireworks that danced across my skin with every touch. The rain poured down around us, soaking us to the bone, but it didn't matter. Each drop seemed to amplify the intensity of the moment, washing away my fears and doubts.

After everything I went through with Andrew, I never thought I could feel safe and cared for again. But Nathan did more than that. He listened and understood me in a way no one else ever had.

His lips were warm and insistent against mine, and I felt a rush of emotions—relief, excitement, and something deeper. My hands clung to the fabric of his jacket, grounding me as the world seemed to spin around us. The rain was relentless, but all I could focus on was Nathan—his touch, his warmth, the way he made me feel alive.

I pulled away first, fluttering my eyes open to see Nathan staring at me, his gaze a mix of surprise and happiness. His wet hair clung to his forehead, droplets of rain trailing down his cheeks, but he looked more attractive than ever at that moment.

"You kissed me," Nathan said, a grin spreading across his face. His eyes sparkled with a mix of wonder and joy. I bit my lip and nodded, still gripping his jacket, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Good, because I really want to kiss you again," he murmured, his voice low and filled with a raw intensity that sent shivers down my spine.

I laughed, the sound blending with the rhythm of the rain, but it was quickly swallowed as Nathan kissed me again, deeper this time. His lips moved with a confidence that made my knees weak, and I wrapped one arm around his neck, losing myself in the moment.

The world around us faded into the background. The rain, the darkening sky, the distant sounds of the city—all of it became a blur as I focused on Nathan, on the way he made me feel whole again. His hand on my neck was gentle yet firm, guiding me closer as if he couldn't bear to let me go. The rain continued to pour down around us, but I didn't care. I stood there, kissing Nathan in the rain, and for the first time in years, I felt happiness welling up inside me, a piece of myself that I thought I had lost forever.

Our families are going to be pissed.

...🏀...

𝐀/𝐍: ANOTHER UPDATE!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR 115K READS.

Yes, it's another update, and it's a longer one.

It finally happened!!!

Nathan and Mylah finally kissed. I know that a lot of you guys have been waiting for this moment. So here it is, and I hope it was worth the wait.

THANK YOU TO 925 FOLLOWERS.

Anyway, I hope you guys like this chapter.

𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒: What did you like about this chapter? How are you feeling now that Nathan and Mylah kissed? How do we feel about Andrew showing up?

-𝑀𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛𝑎𝐵𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘