The romance between Heroes stars Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia has been an open secret for months – in part because of their 12-year age gap.

“They were tired of avoiding questions and of all of the effort of keeping it secretive,” a Panettiere source tells Us Weekly.

Hayden, 18, who plays Milo’s niece on Heroes, was also worried about her reputation. “She didn’t want people thinking she is a ‘ho’ because she jumped from one relationship into another,” a source close to her said.

But Milo Ventimiglia, 30, had a crush on his co-star since she was dating Stephen Colletti of Laguna Beach fame. They broke up last summer.

Who can blame Milo Ventimiglia for his crush on this adorable star?

“He always had a crush, but really let her know the minute she broke up with Stephen,” a source close to Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia said.

Since Panettiere still leaves with her mom and brother, it’s a good thing, a source tells Us, that Ventimiglia has her family’s approval.

“Milo is such a good guy, honest and sweet,” says a source. Besides, says another source, “She is really like a 30-year-old.”

We’re not sure how that works, but you kids run with it!

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEoaalpKmsvLCwxqiqrKGgY7CwuY5rZ2lwX2V%2BcLnIpaZmrpWjwaq5yKCjopldna6ledKeqaKnpah6pL7UrJ9mp55itaLFw56lZqiRo7K1wMieqZ5n