Chasing Starlight

Chapter Fifteen: Pressures of the Spotlight

The tour had been exhilarating, a whirlwind of packed arenas, chanting fans, and moments that felt almost surreal. Y/N had attended every show she could, supporting Martinus from backstage, where she felt part of something larger than life. But as the tour continued, Y/N began feeling the weight of the schedule and the intense spotlight.

One afternoon, after Martinus finished rehearsing for a big concert in Berlin, Y/N met him in his dressing room. He looked exhausted, his face pale and eyes rimmed with tiredness.

"Hey, superstar," she teased softly, coming up behind him and gently wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "How are you holding up?"

He leaned back, eyes closed, a small smile forming. "Better now that you're here." But even his smile looked strained, his energy sapped from the relentless pace.

Y/N brushed her hand through his hair. "Maybe you should get some rest. You've been pushing yourself nonstop since the tour started."

He sighed, leaning into her touch. "I know. But it's been incredible. Hearing the fans every night... it's like a dream." His eyes softened as he turned to face her. "And seeing you after each show—it makes everything worth it."

Her heart warmed at his words, but she couldn't ignore the worry tugging at her. "Martinus, maybe we should ask your manager for a day or two off. Just to recharge. You can't keep running on empty like this."

Just then, Marcus entered the room, looking at his brother with a similar expression of concern. "She's right, you know," he said, shooting Y/N a grateful look. "You're wearing yourself thin, man. A break wouldn't hurt."

But Martinus shook his head, determination filling his eyes. "There's no time for that. We have back-to-back shows, and I can't let the fans down."

Y/N and Marcus exchanged a glance, both knowing he was stubborn when it came to his commitments. But deep down, she could see the toll it was taking on him.

Later that night, Y/N found herself backstage again, watching Martinus perform to a roaring crowd. He was captivating, every movement filled with energy and passion. But as she watched, she noticed the fatigue hidden in his movements, the way he forced himself to keep up the act. Her heart ached, knowing he was pushing himself beyond his limits.

As the concert ended and he stepped backstage, his shoulders slumped with exhaustion. She went to him immediately, wrapping him in her arms as his head fell onto her shoulder.

"Maybe you were right," he murmured. "I might be a little overworked."

She laughed softly, rubbing his back. "You think?"

As they headed back to the tour bus, Y/N was caught off guard by a group of photographers outside, shouting questions at her and Martinus. They'd been following the tour closely, documenting every show, every moment Martinus spent with her. But tonight, their questions were sharper, filled with rumors that seemed to be spreading fast.

One photographer called out, "Martinus, how do you feel about the rumors Y/N's using you to build her own career?"

Another chimed in, "Y/N, do you think you'd be here if you weren't dating Martinus?"

Y/N felt her face flush, the biting words cutting deep. Before she could respond, Martinus stepped between her and the photographers, his voice firm. "That's enough. We're done here."

He took her hand, guiding her back to the bus, leaving the questions behind. But inside, Y/N couldn't shake the sting of the accusations. Once they were alone, Martinus turned to her, concern etched in his eyes.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly.

She nodded, but her voice betrayed her hurt. "I just... it's hard hearing things like that. People think I'm only here for the attention, but they don't know us. They don't know me."

Martinus took her hands, pulling her closer. "Y/N, you're here because you love me, and I know that. Nothing anyone says will change how I feel about you."

She smiled, grateful for his support, but a sense of unease lingered. The pressures of his career were affecting them both, and she worried that it would only get harder as they continued. But she pushed the thoughts aside, determined to focus on the good moments they still had together.

The next day, Martinus had an interview with a major radio station in Berlin. Y/N stayed backstage, watching from a monitor as he answered questions. The interviewer, however, seemed fixated on her presence, asking pointed questions that made Y/N feel like she was under a microscope.

"So, Martinus," the interviewer began, "your relationship with Y/N has been big news lately. Some fans think it's affecting your career. How do you respond to that?"

Martinus' jaw tightened, and he forced a smile. "Y/N's my girlfriend, and she's been my biggest supporter. She's not here to distract me; she's here because we love each other."

The interviewer didn't let up, leaning in with a smirk. "But relationships in the industry can be tricky. Do you think it'll last with all this attention?"

Martinus paused, a flicker of frustration flashing in his eyes. "We're taking things one day at a time, like any couple. But Y/N and I are strong, and I trust her completely."

Watching him defend her made Y/N's heart swell, but it also made her realize just how much he was having to protect their relationship from outside pressure.

When the interview ended, he returned backstage, finding Y/N waiting for him. She gave him a tired smile, reaching for his hand.

"Thank you," she whispered. "For standing up for me. For us."

He kissed her forehead, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Always, Y/N. But I hate that people keep trying to make you feel like you don't belong here."

They both knew the attention wasn't going to fade any time soon. But in that moment, as they held each other, Y/N felt a renewed sense of determination to make this work, no matter what anyone said. Because at the end of the day, she loved Martinus—and he loved her.

As the tour continued, they navigated the highs and lows together, standing side by side through every concert, every interview, every whispered rumor. And as difficult as it sometimes felt, each challenge only brought them closer, strengthening their bond as they weathered the storm of fame together.