Tom Holland and Zendaya have spoken out for the first time since their romantic relationship became public, following the release of paparazzi images of the Spider-Man actors kissing in a vehicle.

In a recent interview with GQ, the couple spoke up about their relationship, detailing their response to the publication of their photographs and how they felt “robbed” of their privacy.

“One of the downsides of our fame is that privacy isn’t really in our control anymore, and a moment that you think is between two people that love each other very much is now a moment that is shared with the entire world,” Holland told GQ. Holland has been reluctant to discuss his relationship with Zendaya, and he says that he has worked hard to keep his personal life private. “I’ve always been really adamant to keep my private life private, because I share so much of my life with the world anyway,” he explained. “We sort of felt robbed of our privacy.

Tom Holland and Zendaya shared a passionate kiss at a red light (Picture: Diggzy/Jesal/Shutterstock)

“I don’t think it’s about not being ready. It’s just that we didn’t want to.”

Holland paused before disclosing too much more about their romance, saying, “it’s not a conversation that I can have without her.”

“You know, I respect her too much to say… This isn’t my story. It’s our story,” he explained. “And we’ll talk about what it is when we’re ready to talk about it together.”

“It was quite strange and weird and confusing and invasive,” Zendaya added. “The equal sentiment (we both share) is just that when you really love and care about somebody, some moments or things, you wish were your own… I think loving someone is a sacred thing and a special thing and something that you want to deal with and go through and experience and enjoy amongst the two people that love each other.”

After years of suspicions that the co-stars were more than just pals, it’s evident from both of their responses that love is in the air. Since images of their kisses went viral on the Internet, they’ve been spotted together on multiple occasions, including a July 4th party and an August wedding at a mutual friend’s home.

Tom Holland and Zendaya at a Spider-Man photocall in 2017
KARWAI TANG VIA GETTY IMAGES

Fans have enjoyed seeing Tom Holland and Zendaya together, which is one of the reasons why the Sony/Marvel Spider-Man trilogy has been so popular to this day. Their participation on MTV’s Lip Sync Battle, where Holland performed a thrilling performance topped off with Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” became a global sensation.

The pair will shortly go on a press tour to promote their third Spider-Man film, Spider-Man: No Way Home, which will be released in theaters in December.