Sibling spotlight - billie and Finneas story

The interview

Chapter 10: The interview

The car ride to the interview this time was different. There was still the nervous flutter in Y/N’s stomach, but she felt more herself now, her body wrapped in the familiar comfort of her hoodie and loose jeans. The pressure of wearing something she didn’t like was gone, and while the anxiety of the interview still weighed on her, it was easier to manage now.

Billie sat beside her, scrolling through her phone, but every now and then, she’d glance up, checking on Y/N as if making sure her little sister was still holding up okay. Finneas, as usual, was calm and collected, occasionally humming a melody or tapping out a beat on his leg.

The city blurred past them as they approached the interview studio, the sun casting long, golden shadows over the streets. Y/N felt the tension start to creep back in as they got closer, her fingers curling into her sleeves as she fidgeted. She could already imagine the bright lights, the cameras, the reporters who would undoubtedly ask personal questions she wasn’t ready to answer.

As they pulled up to the studio, a crowd had already gathered outside. Paparazzi were waiting, their cameras pointed at the black SUV, ready to capture every move as soon as they stepped out. Fans lined the barricades, shouting Billie and Finneas’s names, but there were a few signs with Y/N’s name, too, and that made her heart race. It was still hard for her to comprehend that people cared about her—whether good or bad.

“Ready?” Finneas asked as the car slowed to a stop.

Y/N took a deep breath, her palms damp with nerves. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Billie squeezed her hand gently. “Remember, you’re not alone. We’re all doing this together.”

The door opened, and the bright flashes of cameras immediately filled the car. Y/N flinched at the intensity of it, her body instinctively tensing up. But before she could fully react, Billie was out first, greeting the crowd with a wave and a small smile. Finneas followed, as composed as ever, giving Y/N a reassuring nod.

Y/N stepped out last, pulling the hood of her hoodie up slightly to shield her face from the barrage of flashing lights. The paparazzi yelled out their names, calling for attention, but she kept her head down, sticking close to Billie’s side as they made their way through the crowd.

“Billie! Over here!”

“Finneas, give us a smile!”

“Y/N! Look this way!”

The shouts blended together, the noise overwhelming as they entered the building. Y/N felt her heart pounding, her breaths coming quicker, but the moment the heavy doors of the studio closed behind them, the chaos from outside was muted. It was just the three of them again.

“Breathe,” Billie whispered, leaning closer to Y/N. “We’re inside now. It’s all good.”

Y/N nodded, focusing on slowing her breathing. She didn’t realize how tightly she’d been gripping Billie’s arm until they started walking toward the interview set, and she finally loosened her hold.

A studio assistant greeted them, leading them down the brightly lit hallway toward a sleek, modern set where the interview would take place. The chairs were arranged in a semi-circle, facing a large camera rig and several soft lights. There was a small audience of industry people off to the side, but no one Y/N recognized, which was a relief.

The interviewer, a woman in her early thirties with a warm smile, greeted them as they entered. “Billie, Finneas, Y/N—it’s great to have you all here today. Thank you for making the time.”

“Thanks for having us,” Billie said politely, giving Y/N a quick glance as if to check on her again.

Finneas offered a quick handshake to the interviewer before they all took their seats. Y/N settled into her chair, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She kept her hood up, hoping it might offer some shield from the spotlight that now focused on them.

The interviewer quickly dove into the questions, starting with Billie and Finneas—talking about their careers, recent projects, and the process behind their music. Y/N felt a small sense of relief that the attention wasn’t immediately on her, allowing her a few more moments to gather herself.

But then, inevitably, the conversation shifted.

“So, Y/N,” the interviewer said, her tone gentle but curious, “you’ve recently stepped more into the public eye with your music. How has that experience been for you? Especially being part of such a talented family—do you feel pressure to live up to certain expectations?”

Y/N’s throat tightened. She could feel Billie and Finneas both subtly turning their attention to her, ready to support her if needed. The pressure from the interviewer’s question was palpable, and the familiar anxieties started to bubble up again. How was she supposed to answer this without sounding overwhelmed or unsure of herself?

She took a deep breath, deciding to keep it simple. “It’s been… a lot,” Y/N admitted quietly, her voice steady but soft. “There’s definitely pressure, but I’m grateful to have my siblings with me through it all.”

The interviewer nodded, clearly noticing Y/N’s nerves but not pushing too hard. “It’s great that you have that support system. Do you find that your music reflects some of the challenges you face in the spotlight?”

Y/N hesitated, her mind flashing back to all the unfinished lyrics in her notebook—the songs she had started writing but couldn’t finish because the weight of public scrutiny had crushed her motivation. She wasn’t sure how to explain that without sounding like she wasn’t strong enough for this industry.

Before she could answer, Finneas spoke up, his voice calm and reassuring. “I think Y/N’s music is deeply personal, and that’s what makes it so powerful. She’s figuring out her own voice, and that’s something we’re all really proud of.”

Y/N shot him a grateful glance. He’d sensed her hesitation and stepped in just in time. Billie nodded in agreement. “Yeah, Y/N’s music has its own vibe, and it’s been amazing to watch her grow as an artist.”

The interviewer smiled, clearly impressed by the support the siblings had for one another. “It’s really inspiring to see such a close-knit family, especially in an industry that can be so tough.”

Y/N offered a small smile, feeling a bit more at ease now that Billie and Finneas had taken the pressure off. The rest of the interview moved along smoothly, with most of the focus shifting back to Billie and Finneas, which allowed Y/N to relax.

As the interview wrapped up and the lights dimmed, Y/N let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. It was over, and she had made it through.

“You did great,” Billie whispered as they stood up to leave.

Y/N nodded, still feeling the weight of everything, but knowing her siblings were by her side made it a little easier to carry.