Only one

Whispers and speculation

The tour bus had rolled into Rome, and the band was enjoying a rare day off. The sun was shining, and the city's ancient beauty provided a perfect backdrop for some much-needed relaxation. Despite the beautiful day, a buzz of activity surrounded the band, all stemming from their recent Instagram Live performance.

The band had gathered in the lounge area of the bus, the energy still high from the morning's rehearsals and sightseeing. Carlos and James were sprawled on the couches, scrolling through their phones, while Kendall and Logan were seated at the small dining table, talking quietly.

James broke the silence, his voice tinged with surprise. "Hey, have you guys seen the internet lately? Our 'Iris' cover is everywhere. I mean, everywhere."

Kendall looked up, frowning. "What do you mean?"

Carlos chimed in, holding up his phone. "There are memes, fan theories, and even a lot of articles. It seems like everyone's connecting the song and the bouquet of irises."

Logan sighed, his fingers idly tapping on the table. "I should've known. The bouquet was pretty personal. I didn't think it'd cause this much of a stir."

Kendall glanced at Logan, concern evident in his eyes. "I guess we underestimated the impact. The fans are really piecing things together."

James nodded, scrolling through the comments. "It's not just the bouquet. The way you two looked at each other during the live, and the lyrics of the song—it's all fueling speculation."

Carlos raised an eyebrow. "The fans are wondering if there's something more going on. They're making connections between the personal touches in the song and your relationship."

Kendall rubbed his temples. "We've been so careful to keep things private. I didn't expect this cover to stir things up like this."

Logan reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Kendall's. "We knew it might happen sooner or later. It's just a matter of how we handle it now."

James leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "The good news is that most fans are being supportive. They're excited about the song and the personal touch. It's the speculation that's the tricky part."

Carlos nodded. "We just need to be prepared for whatever comes next. We'll keep supporting each other and handle it as it comes."

Kendall took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "Alright. We'll stick together and stay focused on the tour. We'll deal with the speculation and let our music speak for itself."

Logan squeezed Kendall's hand gently. "Exactly. We've faced challenges before. This is just another one. We'll get through it."

The band spent the rest of the day preparing for their show that night, their minds partially occupied by the growing online buzz. As they stepped onto the stage in Rome, the energy from their fans provided a welcome distraction from the swirling speculation.

Backstage, before the show, Carlos and James continued to monitor social media, sharing updates with the band. "The speculation is intense, but so is the support. Fans are rallying behind you two, even if they're curious."

Logan and Kendall exchanged glances, their resolve strengthening. They knew that while the speculation might be unsettling, their bond and their music were their focus.

As the band took to the stage, the roar of the crowd was a reminder of why they were on this journey. Despite the growing online chatter, they were determined to make the most of their time in Europe, embracing the highs and lows of their tour with the strength of their friendship and the support of their fans.