NATHAN AND PEYTON?

CAN SOMEONE please explain why in the ever loving fuck did nathan say to peyton “I think i’ll always have feelings for you peyton” in 1x18. Hello? Like did he always still have feelings for her even after him and hayley got married ?! And he kept that one picture of her on his computer? Naley is end game and I don’t quite enjoy rewatching the series and witnessing Nathan express his love for peyton which he claims he’ll ALWAYS have.