"Strings Between Us

whisper and warnings

They hadn't done anything obvious.

No holding hands in public. No kissing backstage. No sneaking off during interviews.

But somehow, people were still talking.

It started with a crew member.

"I saw Tom coming out of Isadora's room at like... six in the morning."

Then it was the opening act drummer.

"Dude, they were totally vibing last night at the party. It was a look."

And finally, it was Nina, catching the tail end of two makeup girls whispering near wardrobe.

"Tom and the Brazilian chick? No way. She's too lowkey for him."

Nina raised a brow. If only they knew.

Isadora was halfway through soundcheck when her manager, Renata, pulled her aside, flip phone in hand.

"Hey. We need to chat. Quietly."

She led her into a side room near the loading dock where the walls were lined with wires and crates of gear.

"Don't freak," Renata started. "You're not in trouble. But word's moving around fast. I just got a message from Universal. One of the press team assistants overheard something."

Isadora's stomach dropped. "So what does that mean?"

"It means keep doing what you're doing - just even quieter. No slipups. No PDA. Not even a shared hoodie, you got me?"

Isadora nodded slowly. "Yeah. I got you."

Renata smiled softly. "You're allowed to feel what you feel. Just remember what we're building. Stay smart, baby."

Meanwhile, Tom was slouched on a black leather couch in the green room when his manager, David, walked in and shut the door behind him.

Tom immediately sat up.

"I didn't do anything wrong," he blurted.

David smirked. "Didn't say you did. But listen - it's getting a little noisy out there. You and Isadora? Keep it chill. No rooftop moments where anyone can snap a pic. No van cuddles. You've got girls dreaming about you all over Europe, and the execs want that illusion intact."

Tom rolled his eyes. "So I can't even be happy now?"

David's voice softened. "I'm not the enemy here. I just need you to think before you act."

There was a pause.

Then, "You like her?"

Tom looked up. "I do."

"Then protect her. That means keeping it locked down. You can be reckless with your music - not with her."

That night, they met on the rooftop again - hoodies up, eyes low, backs pressed against the wall.

"Everyone knows," Isadora whispered.

Tom nodded. "They told me too."

They didn't kiss. They didn't even hold hands.

They just sat side by side under the moonlight, staring at the skyline and the headlights far below.

"Still worth it?" she asked.

He turned to her. "Always."