"Strings Between Us

out loud

Isadora’s POV

The studio lights were blinding. I could barely see past the camera, but I knew hundreds of thousands of people were watching. Phantom Youth was seated beside me—Nina was pale but poised, Leo nodded quietly, and Luca gave me a subtle thumbs-up. The Tokio Hotel boys were doing their own interview just down the hall.

I smoothed the hem of my red skirt, heart pounding under my cropped blazer. I wasn’t just nervous. I was done. Done with whispering behind closed doors. Done with fake smiles. Done with hiding something that was growing inside of me every single day.

The interviewer smiled at me politely. Her name was Marie, and she had sharp eyes behind her chunky white sunglasses.

“So, Isadora, you’ve been in the spotlight quite a bit lately. New music, an award for Anastasia, and a lot of… speculation.” She tilted her head. “Anything you want to clear up?”

I hesitated for one beat.

Two.

I felt Nina’s hand gently squeeze my wrist.

And I exhaled.

“Actually… yeah. I do.”

The room went silent.

I leaned into the mic, swallowing the last of my fear.

“I know a lot of people have been talking about me. There’ve been rumors. Whispers. The truth is…” I paused, eyes scanning the crowd behind the cameras, as if Tom was standing there even though I knew he wasn’t.

“I’m pregnant.”

The gasp was immediate—like the air got sucked out of the studio.

“And before the headlines twist this—this isn’t a scandal. I’m not ashamed. I’m in love with someone who’s been my rock, my best friend, and who’s stood by me through the darkest times. And yes… he’s someone you all know.”

Nina had tears in her eyes, and Luca leaned forward like he couldn’t believe I’d actually done it.

Marie blinked, trying to keep her cool. “Are you saying… it’s Tom Kaulitz?”

I smiled, soft but sure. “Yeah. It’s Tom.”

A pause. A beat. And then—

“I wanted to keep this private. I still do. But I also want to be honest with the people who’ve grown up with our music. Who’s stuck by us. I’m not perfect. But I’m real. And I won’t hide anymore.”

The crowd watching behind the glass cheered. Like, really cheered. Fans had their hands over their mouths, some were crying, some filming, others just smiling like they’d known it all along.

After the interview ended, I stepped off the platform and went to the green room.

Tom was already waiting there, arms crossed, worry written all over his face.

“You really said it,” he said, voice quiet.

I nodded. “Yeah.”

Then he walked straight to me, kissed me like the world was still, like the noise didn’t matter, like it was just us.

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to.”

He wrapped his arms around my waist—well, under my waist and above where my tiny bump was starting to form—and kissed my temple.

“I’m proud of you, babe.”

Nina came in seconds later, followed by Bill and Gustav. They were all smiling.

“Dude,” Bill grinned, “you guys just dropped a bomb on the whole country.”

Tom laughed. “Good.”

And for once, I didn’t feel scared.

I felt free.