rumor of a romance
Refers to gossip or hearsay about a romantic relationship. Often used in literary or slightly old-fashioned contexts.
A rumor of a romance spread about the two of them.
Standard kanji spelling for 'rumor of a romance'.
Alternate kanji spelling; less common than 徒名.
The historical derivation is uncertain; the kanji 徒 (vain, futile) and 名 (name, reputation) suggest a 'groundless name' or 'unfounded reputation', fitting the meaning of a romantic rumor.