Having one of those rare moments alone in the studio, Cat sat on the floor with her her notebook open in front of her fiddling with the guitar strings, trying to find the right melody to capture everything she was feeling. She stared down at the half-finished lyrics, messy phrases and crossed-out words filling the page. This song was supposed to pour out everything she couldn't say to Jade—the confusion, the frustration, the love that somehow seemed to be wrapped in layers of miscommunication these days.

The words just wouldn't come. Every time she thought she'd nailed a line, doubt crept in. Would Jade hate this? Would she see right through the lyrics? Would she know that the song was about her, about them? The thought was terrifying. If Jade didn't like the idea of her singing about grown-up relationships, how would she feel about Cat singing about their struggles?

But then, Cat caught herself, setting her pen down. Why am I even worrying about this? she thought. This album was her own, her chance to tell her story, to be vulnerable and authentic. She was supposed to be writing from her heart, not censoring herself to fit anyone else's comfort—even Jade's.

And wasn't it silly, anyway? Half the time, Jade was getting annoyed at her for being able not to hold her hand in public, or acting like a couple in any sort of way just incase there was some paparazzi lurking nearby. They'd had to be a little careful before- but how with this image that Jade has unintentionally made for herself- they couldn't risk it at all. It hurt sometimes, feeling like their relationship was something to be hidden. But now, as soon as Cat tried to put her emotions into her music, Jade had an opinion on that, too. It's stupid Cat thought, shaking her head. She wants to show people we're together, but she's upset if I sing about it? What am I supposed to do?

A fresh wave of determination rose in her. She picked up her pen again and started writing, letting the lyrics flow out, raw and unfiltered. She didn't worry about phrasing it perfectly or softening the words for Jade's sake. She just wrote, capturing every emotion—the love, the arguments, the feeling of being held back and the longing to tell the world.

As she read back over the lyrics, a bittersweet smile crossed her face. She wasn't sure what Jade would think, but this song wasn't about Jade's approval. This was her truth, and for the first time in weeks, she felt a sense of peace.

Jade sat in Tori's living room, frustration practically radiating off her as she vented. Tori listened, sat forward on the couch, as Jade paced back and forth.

"It's just… ridiculous," Jade snapped, crossing her arms tightly. "They're controlling everything she does. Telling her what she can and can't sing, who she's supposed to look like. And they're pressing in more on wanting her to hide us because they think it's 'better for her image.' Like her being with me is something to be ashamed of."

Tori nodded, sympathy in her eyes. "That's really unfair. I don't get why they'd make her act like someone she's not—especially if she's already famous."

Jade let out a harsh laugh. "Exactly! And I don't even think she sees it half the time. They've got her so wrapped up in this idea of being the perfect pop star that she feels like she's gotta be someone else. And every time she starts being herself, they pull her back." She clenched her fists, her expression darkening. "But you know what makes me even angrier? I feel like I can't say anything without coming off like I'm jealous or controlling. And I'm not—I'm just tired of watching her become this…filtered version of herself."

Tori sighed, giving Jade a sympathetic look. "I get it, Jade. You're protective, but for good reason. It's like she's stuck in this tug-of-war between who she is and who they want her to be."

Jade dropped into a chair, letting her head fall back with a groan. "And it's like…this album, it's already bringing out so much between us. I don't care if she wants to sing about grown-up stuff or push boundaries. It's the hiding I hate. I don't want our relationship to be this secret her label hides away." She glanced over at Tori, bitterness flashing in her eyes. "I want people to know. I want to stand next to her and not feel like we're something that should be shoved into the background. But every time I bring it up, she gets all defensive—like she's protecting them and not us."

Tori placed a comforting hand on Jade's shoulder. "Have you told her all this? She might not realise how much it's getting to you."

Jade sighed, looking down. "Not like this. I just keep arguing with her about the songs, but it's not even really the songs, is it? It's the fact that the label makes her think this is the only way to succeed, and she goes along with it." She shook her head, her voice quieter. "I just miss when we didn't have to think about all this. When it was just…us, and I didn't feel like I had to fight everyone just to be with her."

Tori squeezed her shoulder, offering a small smile. "Maybe it's time to tell her that. All of it. Not just about the songs, but about everything you're feeling. She might surprise you."

Jade nodded, staring at the floor, the fight in her eyes softened by an edge of vulnerability. "Yeah," she murmured. "Maybe you're right."