I want to thank everyone who reviewed my first four chapters. This is my first fan fic and your encouragement means a lot to me. Thanks again! =)

Chapter 5: Our Unspoken Bond

"Hey Hales, you doing okay? I was starting to worry that you're getting bored," Nathan casually said as he sat down the lower bleacher in front of Haley.

Haley just laughs, "I am not getting bored at all, Nate. Besides, I'm having a ball watching Brooke and Peyton shout their voices out!"

Nathan smiles as he follows Haley's gaze towards the cheerleaders. Brooke and Peyton both waved at them and the two waved back. Haley was still looking at them, but Nathan turned his eyes back to her. Not wasting the moment, he let his eyes stare at her face until she turned her eyes towards him, forcing him to withdraw from his stare and do a quick scan of the gymnasium.

Casually, Haley put a hand on his shoulder, which made Nathan squirm a little. "By the way, you guys were doing great out there."

Nathan felt so embarrassed, still thinking how weird he must have looked with how he reacted to Haley's touch. Luckily, he manages to give an answer, "Uh...thanks. Whitey does not think so though. He spent the last hour pointing out how I should move with each play," he sighs and lets out a little laugh.

Haley just looks surprised at what she just heard, "Are you kidding? Whitey should not be having problems with you guys. The Ravens are the most feared players in the league!"

Nathan lets out a laugh, "Well, the Ravens fear Whitey and right now, that's all that matters!"

Haley just shrugs, "I suppose."

Things went silent between them as Haley turned to look at Brooke and Peyton again. Lucas and Jake are with their girlfriends this time. They sat by the bleachers right in front of them as they did another round of their routine. Afterwards, Peyton goes to Lucas side and sits beside her boyfriend who was grinning widely at her. She gives Lucas a sweet kiss before she rested her head on his shoulder. Lucas then slipped a hand around Peyton's waist as he leaned down to her ear. Pretty soon, Peyton just kept laughing uncontrollably. In the meantime, Brooke has already sat on Jakes lap who was cradling her slowly while Brooke leaned over to give him a kiss. Haley had always felt that her friends deserve all the happiness they've been getting lately. Sometimes, however, she can't help but wonder when she'll ever find happiness for herself. Suddenly, she heard a voice in her said making a suggestion, "What about Nathan? He makes you happy." Haley tried to keep herself from blushing at the words she heard in her head. True, Nathan makes her happy, but does she make Nathan happy? Does Nathan like her more than a tutor?

Nathan felt the need to tell her something, he just doesn't know where to begin. "Ah Hales, we're still on for later, right?" He was hoping so much that she would say yes. He was really looking forward to spending time with her later.

Haley suddenly glances at her watch upon hearing Nathan. "I suppose there's no harm in pushing through with our plans," she thought as her watch said 3:15. Haley's parents can be strict, but that rarely happens since Haley barely sees them. Tonight was not an exception. Her parents had told her last week that they'll be gone for three weeks this time, some business they had to take care of somewhere out of town. "Yeah, no prob. We can still do your tutor thing," Haley answers casually as she looks up at Nathan. She swears she saw Nathan's eyes lit up the moment she said that.

"That's great! I owe you one, Hales!" Nathan gives her arm a friendly squeeze, although he was hoping he can do more. Soon, it was time for Nathan to go back to court.

"Catch 'ya later Hales!" Nathan said as he stood up and waves at Haley.

"Yeah, I'll be right here," answered Haley as she smiled at Nathan.

Nathan was grateful that Haley decided to stay around. "Hey, maybe we can just study in my place. You know, have something to eat while studying. Sound good?" he asked before he rejoined his teammates.

"Yeah, sounds great!" Haley answered with a big smile. After all, watching people practice makes her pretty hungry too, but cafeteria food is the last thing her stomach would want to have.