Heartstopper Forever (2026) – Transcript

Name: Heartstopper Forever
Director: Wash Westmoreland

Published July 18, 2026

Nick and Charlie are in love, but new challenges lay ahead with Nick getting ready to leave for university and Charlie taking on new responsibilities at school.

Heartstopper Forever
Year: 2026
Directed by: Wash Westmoreland
Written by: Alice Oseman
Based on: Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Starring: Kit Connor (Nick Nelson), Joe Locke (Charlie Spring), William Gao (Tao Xu), Yasmin Finney (Elle Argent), Tobie Donovan (Isaac Henderson), Corinna Brown (Tara Jones), Kizzy Edgell (Darcy Olsson), Rhea Norwood (Imogen Heaney), Anna Maxwell Martin (Sarah Nelson), Jenny Walser (Tori Spring), Fisayo Akinade (Mr. Ajayi), Nima Taleghani (Mr. Farouk), Leila Khan (Sahar Zahid), Bradley Riches (James McEwan), Jack Barton (David Nelson), Darragh Hand (Michael Holden), Eddie Marsan (Geoff Young), Derek Jacobi (Pete)
Release date: July 17, 2026

Plot: In the Heartstopper finale, Nick (Connor) and Charlie (Locke) are inseparable, but with Nick preparing to leave for university and Charlie finding new independence at school, the reality of a long-distance relationship begins to weigh on them. Doubts take hold, and their relationship faces its biggest challenge yet. Meanwhile, their friends are also navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship, confronting the bittersweet challenges of growing up and moving on. Can first loves really last forever?

* * *

Transcript

Note for Students & Writers: This transcript is archived here for educational purposes, critical analysis, and screenwriting study. All rights belong to the original creators.

[gentle music playing]

[Harry] Confidence, charisma, sex appeal.

[students chuckling]

[Harry] These are all the qualities that I offer if you vote for me to be your head boy.

Now, what can I do as your head boy?

[Nick] Charlie?

[Harry] Last year’s head boy promised…

[whispering] You feeling okay? No, but it’s too late to back out now.

The speech is great.

The rugby lads said they’ll vote for you even if you’re shit.

I just think everyone’s gonna laugh at me.

You’re smart. You are tough.

You’ve been through way worse than a speech. Okay?

[students clapping, cheering]

[Mr. Lange] Up next, Charlie Spring.

[students clapping]

Go on.

Uh, hi, everyone.

My name’s Charlie.

A lot of you probably already know who I am because

I’m one of the only openly gay people in this school.

[students chuckling]

I used to be scared of anyone finding out I was gay because

I thought the other boys would bully me for it.

And they did.

They called me slurs, shoved me around, made me scared to come to school.

Most of all, they made me feel like I was the problem.

But I wasn’t.

He’s got this. I know.

The problem was the culture of bullying that existed in this school.

Guys often struggle with mental health ’cause we keep our feelings to ourselves.

We have to brush everything off as banter and pretend we feel okay when we don’t.

Pretend that being made fun of or laughed at or kicked or punched or whatever isn’t scary or upsetting or…

Pretend it isn’t fucking shit.

[students chuckling]

[students murmuring] [giggling]

I want to be head boy to end the culture of bullying at Truham.

I wanna destroy the homophobia that made my life hell.

I want to make it easier and safer to exist in this school no matter who you are.

So if you want that too, I hope you’ll vote for me.

[Tao] Charlie! [cheering, whooping]

[Isaac] Yeah, boy!

Charlie! [Nick chuckles]

[upbeat music playing]

[Elle] Vote for Charlie.

[Imogen] Speak up, use your voice.

Vote for Charlie Spring to end bullying. Vote for Charlie Spring.

Vote for head boy.

[Darcy] I will, I will.

Here you go.

[Darcy] Can you bring it up that way?

[indistinct chattering]

♪ …the neighbors on your street ♪

♪ You’re far more cooler The flavor of the week ♪

♪ ‘Cause I need your love ♪

♪ Save my body, step on me ♪

[music fades]

[Mr. Farouk] Okay, the moment you’ve all been waiting for.

This year’s head boy with 61% of the vote, Charlie Spring.

[students cheering]

Yes!

[whooping]

Well done, Charlie.

[cheering, applause continues]

♪ I live in my mind ♪

♪ And you can’t make this right ♪

♪ It’s labyrinthine ♪

♪ Again, I’ve got to try… ♪

Everyone, it’s the new head boy of Truham Grammar!

Okay. Hey. Hi.

Hi. Hi, Charlie!

Hey. Hey.

How does he just keep getting hotter?

[Elle scoffs] You are such a simp.

Well, I’m just proud of him.

[boy] Sorry, mate.

I should definitely ask for a recount.

It’s not like he said anything important. He didn’t even talk about the canteen.

[Christian] Behave. Whatever.

I mean, I think I… I probably am a, you know…

But, like, what if I’m bi? [chuckling] It’s okay.

[Darcy] Found some.

Sahar said she’s not coming. She’s staying home to work on a new song.

You know she’s taking next year off to focus on her music. On her gap year.

Mm. Maybe I should take a gap year too.

Yeah? What about uni?

What about uni?

♪ I really miss you You were my best friend… ♪

Hey.

Come dance.

[Tao] Mm-hmm.

♪ All the meaning in emotion I’m emotionless ♪

♪ And you’re… ♪

Mm. You good?

It’s gonna be so weird next year without you.

Yeah, I… I know.

[girl] How do you all know each other?

Yeah, we were a group of, like, three different friendship groups, and then, yeah, we came to Paris and we all became best friends.

It was beautiful. Shall we come in here? [gasps] Oh my gosh, it looks incredible.

I want my future house to be decorated like this.

Don’t you get picked on for that?

Uh, yeah, sometimes. Doesn’t seem to bother me though.

I like that you don’t care about people thinking you’re weird.

♪ “Always keep raw thoughts close” ♪

♪ “When you get fucked up And you’re going back home” ♪

♪ Fuck it, girl, I really miss you You were my best friend ♪

♪ In the hours when it falls I try to comprehend ♪

♪ All the meaning in emotion I’m emotionless ♪

♪ And you’re sitting by the ocean Thinking about sex ♪

♪ Thinking about… ♪

[both laughing] Oh, that’s great.

[Nick laughing]

[Charlie] You’re so slow!

[Nick] Oh, am I now?

Run!

[Charlie] Whoo!

[Nick] Whoo-hoo!

[Charlie] Run! Run!

[Nick] I am!

[Charlie laughs]

[both laughing]

[Nick laughing]

[Nick] Ooh!

♪ And you’re thinking about sex ♪

♪ I’m thinking about you ♪

[Nick breathing heavily] ♪ And you’re thinking about sex ♪

♪ I’m thinking about you ♪

♪ And you’re thinking about sex ♪

♪ I’m thinking about you ♪

[music fades]

[gentle music playing]

[Charlie] Whoa!

What you doing?

[barking]

[Charlie] You’re so cute.

[barking]

They were scratching at the door.

There you go.

Come here.

Then you’ll get a job as a rugby coach for two-year-olds, and I’ll be a famous historian, and we’ll have a flat with a river view.

You better sell a lot of books

’cause I don’t think I’m earning much as a coach for toddlers.

Then we’ll go to the gay club, then we’ll come home, have sex, and then in the morning, you can make us pancakes.

Oh, I like this plan. [chuckles]

I think I’m probably gonna put Leeds as my top choice for uni.

The city’s great.

You know, we saw the rugby team.

I don’t know, I can actually see myself there.

Were you scared to tell me that?

Well, yeah. It’s… it’s, like, far away.

Five-hour drive or something.

Yeah, I’ll just learn to drive or get the train.

[gentle music playing]

[chuckles]

We look like babies.

We were.

[chuckles fondly]

You know I don’t actually like rugby, don’t you?

Well, it’s not one of your passions or anything, but…

Nick, I joined the rugby team ’cause I had an insane crush on you.

[Nick chuckles]

Are you gonna miss me?

A little bit.

Mm. Sure I can’t change your mind, Charlie?

Ah, no, sorry.

[chuckling, chattering in distance]

[inhales deeply]

[boy 1] Last year.

[boy 2] Yeah. Last year?

He’s really strong. I’ll go three today. You go two.

[indistinct chattering]

[Nick sighs]

[boy 3] He’s good, then?

[boy 4] Yeah, very good.

[boy 5] Don’t worry about technique. Just pass the ball.

[chuckling]

[boy 6] He’s definitely a swot.

[boys laughing]

♪ I cut my hair The way you say you like it ♪

♪ Have I got no free will? ♪

♪ I took the long way home ♪

♪ To make a point about it ♪

[sighs]

♪ Now I’m late, but what a thrill ♪

♪ Been trying to be everything ♪

♪ But I can’t be your rock And your lover, your mom ♪

♪ And I’ve tried ♪

♪ Now I’m not anything ♪

♪ Just a painting that’s meant To blend in with the wall ♪

♪ I’m tired If I’m your everything, who am I? ♪

♪ See, when you get sad I find it all consuming… ♪

Latte for Patrick?

Thanks.

[cell phone dings]

[door closes]

[keyboard tapping]

[Charlie] Rawr. [chuckling]

Oh, David’s here, by the way.

[Charlie scoffs]

Why is David here?

He broke up with Jess, so he’s moved back.

Good for Jess, but I hate that he’s here again.

Yeah, it’s fine.

It makes you so anxious though.

I wish he’d just piss off out of your life.

I don’t know, it’s…

It’s complicated.

I’m not here for sex, you know.

I could help you with your essay.

Or we could go for a drive, sit by the river.

Or we could just talk.

[Nick] No.

No, I just wanna…

[sighs]

Maybe it’s not a good idea if David’s in the house.

[chuckles softly] We can be quiet.

[gentle music playing]

Oh, I’m so glad you came over.

[breathes heavily] What do you wanna…

[kissing]

[Charlie] I can… Let me.

[Charlie gasps]

[zipper opening]

[Charlie gasping]

[breathing heavily]

Wait. Uh, did you lock the door?

[Nick] Shit.

[lock turning]

[Nick sighs]

[exhales sharply] [both chuckle]

[gentle music playing]

[Nick breathes heavily]

[Charlie moans]

[moans] [Nick chuckling] Shh.

[giggling] Sorry. Sorry.

[softly] It’s okay.

One day, we’ll have our own place.

[Nick sighs]

Look at me.

[Nick exhales sharply, sighs]

[David] Did you get it?

[David chuckling in distance]

No.

Yeah, I’m fine. I’m in the up…

Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I… I’m… honestly, I have no problem with that. I’ll drive.

I’m not letting you drive, am I? [laughs]

[Nick sighs]

I was awarded best team player at rugby camp when I was 12 and given the sportsmanship trophy at 14.

Not only am I the captain of the rugby team, but I am also incredibly handsome and have a very nice…

Oi… [chuckles]

Okay, but you have to let me talk about how lovely and kind and brave and smart you are.

Maybe you should get a part-time job or a volunteering job or something.

Yeah. Yeah, maybe.

Rugby’s good, but you should have something outside of school just for you.

Maybe then you’ll start to realize how great you are.

[school bell rings]

Hey. You okay?

Did you wanna talk to me about something?

[intriguing music playing]

[Charlie] Growing up queer can be so isolating and scary.

Especially in a single-sex school.

You’re an easy target for bullies. You might struggle to make friends.

Queer kids need a space they feel supported by older students and teachers.

The thing is, Charlie, it sets a precedent.

We don’t have any other clubs for… social groups.

Well, maybe this could be the first.

I don’t think I can commit to this right now, Charlie.

Let’s wait a few months, and we’ll revisit.

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ Hey ♪

♪ Yeah… ♪

He’s got a mustache. [chuckles]

[Michael] I’m training with a new coach up north.

Also teaching kids how to skate, which is endlessly entertaining.

He won’t say it, but he’s training to qualify for the Winter Olympics.

Wait, are you serious?

There’s more to it, but, yeah, that’s the general idea.

So you’re just back for the weekend?

[Michael] Yeah.

I mean, three months without seeing Tori, so…

Yeah, sounds rough.

[Michael] I mean, we’re okay though.

I mean, there’s… there’s her life and my life, and when we’re together, it’s… it’s like… [whooshing, mimics explosion]

But when we’re apart, it’s like…

Whoo… [mimics explosion]

Also, phones exist, so…

[Charlie chuckles softly]

[Nick] I think you need to finish this ’cause I’m struggling.

Wait, if you hold the end, I can…

[pensive music playing]

[Nick breathing quickly]

Hey.

Hey, what’s up? What’s going on?

[Nick breathes shakily]

I had a dream you died.

[Charlie] What?

[Nick gasps]

Sorry, I…

It’s so stupid. I just… It felt really real. [sniffles]

Sorry.

It’s okay. [breathing heavily]

It’s not real. I’m right here.

[Charlie] Can you…

[Nick] Got it.

[Charlie] Thank you.

[Tao] I’ll take that.

[Darcy] I’ll get that.

[Charlie] Great.

[indistinct chattering]

All right. Santa Claus is coming to town.

[Elle] Yes, please.

[Isaac] You look a bit like him.

Everyone say cheers and thank you to Nick for being able to legally buy alcohol.

I know that’s the only reason you keep me around.

[Imogen] Oh, don’t say that.

Charlie looks fit.

It’s the self-confidence. It’s transformative.

I think when you know yourself, it’s really powerful.

Speaking of, I wanted to… Okay, everybody, we are Queer Intentions.

[cheering] Whoo! Whoo-whoo!

We’re here to play you some music tonight, so who’s ready to rock?

I’m ready! I’m ready!

[band playing “I Only Want to Be With You”]

Who’s dancing?

[Nick] I like this one.

[Tara] Let’s dance. What, already?

Yes. Come on, Nicholas! I’ve just got… Wait.

[Tara whooping]

♪ I only know I never wanna let you go ♪

♪ ‘Cause you started something Oh, can’t you see ♪

♪ That ever since we met You’ve had a hold on me? ♪

♪ It happens to be true ♪

♪ I only wanna be with you ♪

♪ You stopped to smile at me… ♪

Yeah, Charlie!

[Sahar] ♪ Asked me if I’d care to dance ♪

♪ I fell into your open arms ♪

♪ I didn’t stand a chance ♪

♪ Now listen, honey I just wanna be beside you everywhere… ♪

Go on, Charlie!

[Christian] Nick! Hey, Nick. Tequila!

[Nick] Ah… Sort him out. Sort him out.

Here, bro. Okay.

You ready? Yep.

Right. Everyone. Right.

Cheers. [others] Cheers.

[boy coughs] Oh my…

♪ I only wanna be with you ♪

I’m okay. Let’s go again.

No, I’m okay. Come on!

Please. Come on. One more.

[Sai] Come on. All right, okay.

You ready? Yeah.

Right.

And cheers, boys. Cheers.

♪ Now listen, honey I just want to be beside you everywhere ♪

♪ As long as we’re together Honey, I don’t care ♪

♪ ‘Cause you’ve started something Oh, can’t you see ♪

♪ That ever since we met You’ve got a hold on me? ♪

♪ No matter what you do ♪

♪ I only wanna be with you ♪

[Christian] Yeah!

[Sahar] ♪ No matter what you do ♪

♪ I only, only, only, only ♪

♪ I only wanna be with you ♪

[cheering]

One more song! One more song!

Um, so we have got another song for you.

It’s a Christmas song ’cause the manager says we have to.

But you might recognize this one.

[a cappella] ♪ Deck the halls with… ♪

Oh, I love this one.

♪ ‘Tis the season to be jolly… ♪

[girl] Have we met?

Yeah, I think, uh, I think we maybe went to drama school together. Yeah.

Nice to meet you. ♪ Don we now our gay apparel… ♪

The band is so good.

Yeah. Yeah. That’s… that’s actually my boyfriend.

Oh, hi.

[band plays rock version]

♪ See the blazing yule before us ♪

♪ Strike the harp and join the chorus ♪

♪ Fast away the old year passes ♪

[all] ♪ Fa la la la, la la la ♪

[Sahar] ♪ Hail the new year Lads and lasses ♪

[all] ♪ Fa la la la, la la la ♪

♪ Sing we joyous all together ♪

[all] ♪ Fa la la la, la la la ♪

[Sahar] ♪ Heedless of the wind And weather ♪

[all] ♪ Fa la la la, la la la… ♪

I love you! Oh! ♪ See the blazing yule before us ♪

♪ Strike the harp and join the chorus ♪

[Nick giggling]

[all] ♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪

[Sahar] ♪ Follow me in merry measure ♪

[all] ♪ Fa la la la la la, la la la ♪

[Sahar] ♪ While I tell ♪

♪ Of Yuletide treasure ♪

Whoo!

[urinating]

[sighs]

[toilet flushing]

[zipper closing]

[sniffs]

[faucet running]

[indistinct chattering]

[Elle] It’s like you don’t even care about my dreams.

[Tao] I respect your dreams, but not coming to visit me at all?

I mean, Berlin’s not even that far. It’s two hours by plane.

I don’t know what you want me to say, Tao.

I’m sorry I’m not rich and have money to get on a flight every two min…

Hey, hey, hey, hey. You need to talk to each other. Like, communicate.

It’s… it’s just about communicating and, and, and saying what’s in there.

That’s… that’s all that matters, and then you’ll be able to connect…

Yeah, okay, Nick.

No, if you love each other, it’s easy.

You know, me and Charlie, we love each other…

Yeah, we get it. You and Charlie are perfect, all right?

It’s… it’s just not the time right now, Nick.

All right.

You guys were so good.

Um, I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the drums.

Oh, well, you… you still could. Yeah…

It just… it seems so hard, though, you know?

Any drumming advice?

[Charlie chuckles]

Just… just practice.

[last orders bell rings in distance]

Hey, you all right?

Charlie was just giving me some drumming tips.

Really? ‘Cause it looks like you were just flirting with my boyfriend.

Well, we were just having a conversation, so…

Okay, well, conversation’s over.

Nick!

Nick, are you okay? He was flirting with you, so…

Yeah, I know he was. I can handle myself.

I didn’t march over when that girl was flirting with you earlier, did I?

No, but that’s different, isn’t it?

Tao, can we just talk, please?

[Tao] No, I don’t want to.

[Elle] We can figure this out.

[Tao] Nothing to say.

I’m gonna get another drink.

[Charlie] No. You’ve had enough.

Nick. [sighs]

Hey, I’m going home. Is he okay?

Yeah, he’s all right, I think. Hey, I’m glad.

[Nick] Another pint of lager, please. Sorry, mate, the bar’s closed.

Shit.

I think everyone hates me. [sighs] Let’s get you home.

Are you angry at me? No, I’m not. Come on.

Sure? I’m not angry. I…

Let’s just get an Uber or something.

What the fuck is wrong with him?

I need to get him home.

Throw up in the car and I’ll kill you.

[car keys jangling]

Come on.

[Nick breathes heavily, groans softly]

[door opens, closes]

Nick, open the door. [knocking]

[Nick retching]

[David scoffs softly]

[Nick groans] I’m fine. No, you’re not. Let me in.

Charlie, it’s not nice, okay? You don’t wanna be in here.

Yes, I do.

I don’t care. Let me help you.

[yells] I don’t need your help!

[breathes heavily]

Nick, let me in.

[Nick sighs]

[groans, grunts]

[toilet flushing]

[Nick] Sorry.

[Charlie] What happened?

[pensive music playing]

[sighs] I don’t know. I just…

I got really drunk.

[breathes shakily] The lads kept giving me loads of shots, and… and I saw that guy flirting with you, and I just…

I went crazy. [sighs]

[Charlie] But why?

You know nothing would ever happen.

[Nick inhales, exhales deeply]

[Charlie] Let’s talk about it tomorrow.

[exhales slowly] I love knowing that we have tomorrow.

[Charlie sighs]

[music fades]

[sizzling in distance]

[cookware clattering]

I thought you’d wanna sleep in. You were so pissed last night.

[Nick] Yeah. [sighs] I threw up again, like, half an hour ago.

Not a great sign for the match today. Hmm.

[Nick] The pancakes are a “sorry” for last night.

You didn’t have to do that.

Well, I am, ’cause I was a mess.

I’ve never seen you like that.

It was funny at first, but then it wasn’t.

I’m worried about you.

[Nick sighs]

I’m all good.

Right, I think these are nearly done.

I don’t think I can do pancakes today.

Are you not feeling good, or… I don’t know.

Is that why you keep forgetting your lunch at school?

No, I…

I don’t know. I’m…

I’m gonna go shower.

Charlie, you can talk to me, you know. Why can’t you talk to me?

About what?

Whatever it is that’s making you feel so anxious. I wanna support you.

Okay, you don’t need to use your therapy speak on me. It’s fine.

I’m going home. No, wait, I…

When you actually wanna talk to me, I’ll be there. Okay?

Can you just please eat something when you get home?

[Charlie scoffs]

[melancholy music playing]

[smoke alarm beeping]

[Nick] Oh shit.

[door closes]

[pan hissing]

Thought you were at Nick’s? Yeah, I was.

[Tori] Toast?

[boy 1] Come on!

[girl 1] Go, go!

[indistinct shouting, chattering]

[boy 2] Go on, Nick! Go on, Nick!

[spectators cheering]

[whistle blows]

[boy 1] Yeah.

[Nick breathes heavily]

[Singh] Well done, Nick!

[boy 3] Nice one.

[Nick exhales, sniffs, sighs]

[Geoff] I know you know it’s normal to have bad days and bad weeks, but excess stress can certainly trigger them.

Have you been dealing with any additional stress lately?

[rugby players chattering]

[whistle blows]

[boy 3] On the wing!

[Nick grunts]

[boy 4] Foul!

[boy 5] Dickhead!

I thought after all this, I’d at least know how to help people.

[uneasy music playing]

What’s the point of it otherwise?

Are you referring to your head boy duties or something else?

[Charlie sighs]

[Nick breathing heavily]

[boy 6] Come on.

I’m so worried about Nick.

[uneasy music building]

[rugby players shouting indistinctly]

[Nick grunting]

[boy 6 grunts]

[boy 7] He started it!

[Nick grunts]

[boy 6 grunts]

[Nick groans]

[boys shouting]

[boy 8] Are you all right?

[boy 9] Someone get a teacher, man.

Look at me.

[heartbeat pounding]

[boy 9] You okay?

[woman over PA] Dr. Walters, please come to ward 24. Thank you.

That’s Dr. Walters to ward 24.

[door opens]

Oh!

Silly boy.

Hey, Mum. Hi, Sarah.

Silly, silly boy.

Yeah, I probably shouldn’t have…

No, probably not.

[pensive music playing]

[Nick sighs]

[Sarah sighs]

Here.

You look like a wounded soldier.

Nice of Charlie to wait at the hospital.

Yeah.

Oh dear. What’s happened?

Uh, we had an argument.

Which was my fault.

You haven’t really been yourself lately.

I don’t know. I…

I thought I was a good boyfriend.

Turns out I can’t even do that.

[Sarah] Hey. Hey, come on.

[faucet running]

[door unlocking]

[Charlie] Hi. Hi.

[Henry whining]

Hi. [Nick] Say hi.

[Charlie] Hiya.

Hello, Nellie.

Does it hurt?

Yeah, it hurts a bit.

It’s not too bad.

Doing anything today?

Not really. Um…

Do you wanna come in?

Do you wanna come round mine?

My family are out, and I’ve got a surprise for you.

[Nick chuckles softly] [Nellie whines, pants]

[Charlie chuckles]

♪ I spent a while ♪

♪ Looking up at the moon ♪

♪ I’ll try to light ♪

♪ All the candles above me ♪

♪ Don’t wanna hide anymore ♪

[Charlie chuckles]

♪ From the light of the truth… ♪

[Nellie barks]

[Nick] Oh!

Ha-ha! ♪ And it’s not your fault ♪

♪ She looks like I do… ♪

[Nick gasps]

Oi.

[Charlie laughing]

[Nick] Wait. Okay. Okay! No! No, no, no. Don’t!

[Charlie] Oh! [chuckles]

[Charlie] I’m gonna get you… No, no, no! Ah!

I’ll get you back. No, no, no! Oh-oh!

[Nick] Oh, yes!

No! Ah!

[Nick] Okay.

[Charlie] Hey, Nick. Nick, no!

[both grunting playfully]

[both giggling]

[chuckling] No. Wait, wait. Stop, stop.

[Charlie giggling]

Ow!

[Nick] Stop!

[both laughing]

[Nick] Oh.

Oh wow.

Oh. Whoo. Ah.

The idea was a get-well-soon gift, but we could sit in there all day while you’re feeling rough.

I got carried away with the construction.

[Nick] This is adorable.

[both chuckle]

Go on, then.

[door closes]

[gentle music playing]

Come on.

[Charlie] I’m coming, I’m coming.

[Nick chuckles]

I got you something. Early Christmas present.

What?

It’s your last year of school.

I thought you could record some memories, and then you can take them to Leeds and put them on your wall or something.

Let’s give it a go.

[Charlie chuckles] Actually, wait, one more.

Down here. Okay. Okay.

Ready? Yeah.

Smile.

[chuckles]

[chuckles softly]

Thank you.

Probably could’ve waited until Christmas. Mm, I thought you needed cheering up.

[Nick, softly] Mm. [sighs]

Do you remember the first time we had sex?

I remember that in extremely graphic detail.

[chuckles] Do you remember what you said to me just before?

You said that.

I’m the only one you can talk to.

That you felt lost.

You know a couple of weeks back when I had that dream about you dying?

Yeah.

It wasn’t just you dying. It was how you died.

It was my fault.

Did you murder me in cold blood? No, I…

[uneasy music playing]

I missed the signs.

It all happened again, the stuff from last year, but…

You didn’t get help, and you didn’t get better, and…

And when you were gone…

Everything went blurry.

You know, it was… it was just me on my own in a house, and… there was nothing.

I was nothing.

It wasn’t your fault when I relapsed in January.

[Nick] It was. No, it wasn’t.

If I can’t protect you, who even am I?

If you don’t need me anymore…

I do need you.

I need you because you’re you.

And I love you.

See, now I feel like a dick.

[Charlie] Why?

‘Cause you shared a feeling?

[Nick chuckles]

Do you need me?

Yeah.

Yeah. So much.

[romantic music playing]

Can we have sex?

[Charlie chuckles softly]

[Nick breathing heavily]

[Nick gasping]

And I know this is the third time we’ve “broken up,” but I’m only using quotation marks because is it really a break-up if we haven’t literally said, “Let’s break up”?

We’re just temporarily not speaking.

And we both know we’ll get over it in a couple of weeks, so I’m not worried.

[sighs heavily] I’m not worried!

I believe you. You’re looking at each other.

I can sense… No, you don’t sound worried at all.

[boys jeering]

[Charlie] Oi! What do you think you’re doing?

[boy 1] We were just mucking around. Yeah, it’s just banter.

It didn’t look like banter. It looked like bullying.

Leave.

If I see you picking on anyone else again, I’ll get you suspended.

You can’t suspend us.

[Charlie] Try me.

[boy 2 scoffs]

You okay?

Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine.

Those boys aren’t gonna pick on you again, okay?

[sighs] They might.

[Charlie] What’s your name? Alfie.

Hi, Alfie. I’m Charlie.

I know.

If they pick on you again, come talk to me. I’ll sort them out. Okay?

Okay.

[pensive music playing]

I know I can’t, like, cure the world of homophobia, but there’s probably so many kids in the younger years who just think they’re completely alone.

If they had somewhere to talk to people like them, maybe they wouldn’t grow up hating themselves.

Well, you’re more than welcome to use my classroom.

It doesn’t even matter. Mr. Lange already said no.

I remember the first time you appeared in my classroom.

You were so quiet, and, you know, I’m really not supposed to let people have their lunch in here.

I’ve been lectured about it by the deputy head many times, and every time I got told off, I thought about you and your lunchbox and your sad little face, and I thought, “Well, he needs this, and I can help.”

And now look at you.

[chuckles softly]

[Mr. Ajayi] I’m very proud of you.

As your teacher, I’d say you should respect Mr. Lange’s decision.

But, as a fellow homosexual, I’d say, historically, us queers have never asked for permission to exist.

[intriguing music plays]

[Mr. Ajayi] Do with that what you will.

[Nick] Uh… Hello.

I’m just here for the… the part-time position.

[man] Oh.

You like animals?

Yeah. Yeah. I, I, I have two dogs, so…

And you wanna spend time with more dogs because… what?

I thought it might… help me build character. [chuckles softly]

I don’t really do much outside of school.

Um, I’m going to uni this year, so…

My partner told me to try something new.

[man] Oh, did she?

Well, aren’t you Mr. Self-Improvement.

I guess I have to hire you.

Fill that in for me, please.

[indie music playing]

♪ You left your heart in the jungle… ♪

Just joking.

♪ Ripped off of your red bicycle ♪

♪ I didn’t know you then… ♪

[Nick] There you go, buddy.

[chuckling]

♪ I gave up everything I learned ♪

♪ Just to follow you down… ♪

Biscuit.

[Biscuit snorts softly]

♪ There is no map for this ♪

♪ When the wheels come off I’ll be your spare ♪

♪ When the world turns on you I will be there… ♪

You know, you don’t have to pick me up after every shift.

[chuckling] I like picking you up.

Plus, I wanna see the email in person. All right.

There you go.

[Charlie] You did it!

[Nick] Mm-hmm. I’m so proud of you.

[both grunting, groaning happily]

[Charlie] I think if I post about it on one of the Truham meme pages, lots of people will see it, but Mr. Lange definitely won’t.

But I need to do it in a way that won’t attract bigoted comments.

Who’s even running the meme page at the moment? Christian and Otis?

Uh, yeah. Yeah, I think so.

[Charlie] I’ll text them.

Right, I’m heading out.

Wait. I need more. It’s our anniversary.

[Nick] Hmm.

Is that really a two-year-anniversary kiss?

Mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah!

[Charlie chuckling]

How was that, darling? Not enough, but it’ll do till tonight.

[Nick] Something to look forward to. Meet me in the park at six?

I will be there.

Nick.

I love you.

[gentle music playing]

[door closes]

[cell phone dings, buzzes]

[music fades]

[Charlie sighs]

[sighs] [cell phone buzzes]

[cell phone beeps]

[barking in distance]

[door opens]

[man] How’d you meet her, then?

Who?

Only the girlfriend you talk about nonstop every shift.

We met in school.

What’s she like?

He’s, uh…

He’s a guy, actually.

Oh. Right.

Hmm. Pardon me.

I… I’m not of the woke generation.

I wouldn’t have assumed. You know, you don’t seem gay at all.

I’m bi.

Oh. Well, yeah. Sure.

Mm.

Well, what’s he like?

He’s…

He’s amazing.

Very strong.

[clears throat] Probably too good for me, actually.

Probably. But you’re good at picking up dog shit, aren’t ya?

Great. Thanks, Kenneth.

I’m just saying, someone’s gotta scoop up the dog shit, or the world descends into chaos.

[chuckles]

[door closes]

[Nick] Charlie.

I’m so sorry.

I wasn’t thinking, and, um…

You know, I just… I got in my head about letting everybody down, and I just…

[Charlie] It’s okay.

It’s just some snacks and a blanket. It’s not a huge deal.

It is.

It’s fine, Nick, it’s… Probably too old for this cringy stuff now, anyway.

No. No, we’re not. This is…

No, this is lovely.

My job is shit.

I know. I… I should probably just quit.

No, it’s been good for you, hasn’t it? It’s…

I don’t want you to… Charlie, you’re freezing. Come on.

When you’re in Leeds, I don’t want you to spend your time worrying about me.

Don’t think about that now. I want you to be okay without me.

[Nick sighs]

Have you eaten?

No.

[Nick] Should we go home and eat there?

Yours or mine?

[gentle music playing]

I don’t mind.

[Nick exhales sharply]

You’re so cold. [chuckles]

[Nick rubbing Charlie’s hands]

Let’s warm you up.

[Charlie chuckles softly] [chuckles]

[sighs] No one’s coming.

Look, just… just give it a minute.

[Charlie sighs]

[knocking on door]

[Tao sighs]

Don’t look so disappointed.

We were in the middle of… Lads, chill.

I’m… I’m part of the team.

So, the rumors about you two dating are true?

Yes. Yes, Tao, they are true.

[hits table] Called it.

[Charlie] You didn’t. We’ve been telling you for ages.

If I say I called it, I did. [knocking]

That’s not how it works.

Hello.

Hey! Hey. Come in. Come in.

[soft rock music playing]

[Charlie] Everyone, this is Alfie.

Hey, Alfie.

[Tao] Come sit down, Alfie.

Do you want a cupcake?

[Alfie] Yes, please.

[Tao] I chose that one.

[door opens]

[Tao] It’s that one.

[Nick] It’s a fancy cupcake.

[Charlie] Hi.

[Tao] Please, come sit.

[Nick] Hello.

[Isaac] Hey, guys.

Come in. Good to see you.

[Charlie] I really want this to be a safe space for all of you, but really mostly just to have fun.

We’re gonna watch some queer TV shows, some queer films.

Next week, Mr. Ajayi is gonna be talking about Keith Haring.

I want us to raise awareness and money for queer communities around the world.

I know we’re one small group of people, but I believe we can make a difference.

[cheering, whooping]

[Isaac] Bravo!

[boy] Yeah!

This one is Tao’s, and that one’s Elle’s?

Speaking of, I think they’ve broken up again.

The vibe is seriously uncomfortable.

[Elle] When did we all become coffee addicts?

[Charlie] I think they’re both just very strong-willed.

Sometimes that causes clashes.

And they’re way past the honeymoon phase as well, so…

Boys, are we seriously avoiding talking about the obvious?

Most teen relationships don’t last.

Maybe they’ll break up for good this time.

So tell me about Hannah.

She said that she really liked me, but that the distance was too much.

And I was like, “Mm… Okay, well, you’re only in Birmingham.” So…

I’m glad I didn’t get into Oxford. Me and Darce don’t have this problem.

It’s not just the couples. It’s all of us. We’re all gonna be in different places.

But Pride, next month, you’re all coming, yes?

Yes! Obviously.

Good. I’ll be there.

[Darcy] It’ll probably be the last time we hang out as a group.

And then we’ll never speak to each other again.

[Imogen] Oh…

[Darcy] Mm.

Oh, I’m joking. [chuckling] I’m joking.

Obviously, we’re all gonna keep talking.

[Imogen] That makes me sad.

[Elle] In 30 years, we’re gonna be middle-aged, causing a scene at a drag brunch while Isaac’s sat in a corner reading.

[chuckling] Hopefully, I will have written my own book by then.

[Charlie] Mm.

[Elle] Mm!

Nick always thinks about the future. It’s like he’s there in his mind already, trying to stop a mistake that hasn’t happened yet.

[Sahar giggling]

But… I don’t know what the mistake is.

[group chattering in background]

I never used to think about the future at all.

It’s because you were too busy surviving.

[pensive music plays]

[all singing] ♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

[Sarah laughing]

♪ Happy birthday, dear Sarah ♪

Precarious.

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

Oh, that looks yummy!

[chuckling, cheering]

[Charlie] Oh my God, you were so cute.

[Nick] “Were”? I’m not cute anymore?

[Charlie] Yeah, not as cute as this. I mean, I’d protect him with my life.

[Nick chuckles]

Yeah.

Right, I should, um, I should go and say hi to some people.

I’ll go to the loo and come find you. Okay.

Hey.

Cheese.

[indistinct chattering in background]

50 is the new 30. All uphill from here.

[Sarah chuckles]

[woman] It feels like you truly blossomed after you got rid of that silly man.

Well, I did what I could, as did he.

No, you did everything, and he’s an arsehole.

Sorry. One sec.

[Sarah] Uh…

I thought Dad was your hero.

[scoffs]

Heroes and villains. That’s the way your brain works, isn’t it?

[uneasy music playing]

[sighs, in French] You need to be tougher, Nicholas.

Do you understand? Tougher.

[sighs, in English] I thought you were practicing your French, Nicholas.

[sighs] It’s disappointing.

We’d be able to talk more, wouldn’t we?

[Stéphane sighs]

[indistinct background chatter]

[Sarah laughing]

You okay?

[Nick] Uh, yeah. [clears throat]

[Charlie] You sure?

Mm. I’m fine.

Come on.

Do you think Tao and Elle will break up for good this time?

It’s possible, I guess.

Happens.

Everyone thinks teenage relationships don’t last.

I guess they usually don’t.

Well, I guess I’m an optimist, then.

♪ So I’m gonna keep you in love with me ♪

♪ For a while ♪

♪ I’m gonna keep you in love with me ♪

♪ For a while ♪

[dance music pumping in distance]

You all right, mate? Hey.

[indistinct chattering]

[girl] Yeah, I mean, I’m really excited.

[cheering]

Welcome to my humble abode, boys. [laughs]

Oi, go get hammered before the exams start, yeah?

You see those two? They are proper romantic, man.

Charlie!

[Charlie] Hey.

[boys] Charlie!

[Charlie] Hey.

Yeah, yeah, I’m good.

[boy 2] Yeah.

[girl 2] I mean…

[Tara] I just got really tired.

Oh, hey, Nick. Come and join us. Hey.

[groans]

[Elle] How’ve you been?

Yeah, not too bad. Here, have some.

Yeah, that’s it. That’s it! Harder, harder!

Go, go, go, go, go!

[all cheering]

…about, um, about going traveling next year.

Like, it would be good.

It would be expensive, but I think it could work, maybe.

What… what are you doing, or are you gonna think about it?

Sorry, I wasn’t listening.

[Darcy chuckles]

Nick, next year, uni. [chuckles]

I know I should be really happy for him, but… I just feel really sad.

There, there. You’re Nick and Charlie. You’re gonna be okay.

[Tara] We basically grow up being brainwashed into thinking there’s only one possible future.

Going to uni, finding a career, settling down.

No-one teaches you that there are so many other options, especially if you’re queer.

That’s why I asked Darcy to go Interrailing with me next year.

Just focus on being human and feeling alive.

I want that feeling. It’s just, me and Tao…

People in good relationships don’t keep breaking up and getting back together.

Well, you clearly don’t wanna break up.

I can’t revolve my life around someone else.

It would only make us resent each other eventually, and then it would kill the love that’s there.

[Tara] True.

[electronic music playing]

[boys chanting playfully]

[Sahar] Lights are getting on my nerves. I’m gonna find Nick.

[Sahar] Want us to come? No, it’s all right.

[Tao] I haven’t seen Nick in a while.

[boy laughing]

[boys chanting playfully]

[electronic music continues]

[boy retching]

[boys] Urgh! [laughing]

[Elle] Yeah.

[Isaac] Shall we go outside for a bit?

[Charlie] I think he might be upstairs. Okay.

[music thumping in distance]

Hey.

Did you wanna go?

[exhales sharply] Yeah. Yeah, I guess.

O… only if you want to.

It is a bit boring, isn’t it? So… [chuckles] Yeah.

Hey. Um…

Are you angry at me about something?

What? N… no.

Why do you think that?

You’ve avoided me tonight.

I’m sorry, I…

I just wanted you to have a good night, and…

You know, you, you probably wanna talk to your friends about uni.

It’s only, like, four months away now, so…

Sure. Um…

It’s gonna be really hard when you’re not here.

[scoffs] No, you’re… you’re gonna be great.

You don’t need me hanging around. It’s still gonna be really hard.

What if everything just blows up, like Tao and Elle?

[hesitates] I mean, I guess that’s possible.

I know you’ve been struggling this year.

You’ve been really anxious about a lot of things, about yourself.

Yeah, sorry, I know that’s probably annoying for you.

It’s not annoying. It’s just… upsetting.

‘Cause… [sighs] …I try and talk to you about it, and you just shut down.

And I thought we were good at that.

And I think that the reason you do that is… is because of me.

Maybe it is a good idea for us to have some space, you know?

You’re going off to uni, and you’ll be living your best life, and then maybe if you don’t have to worry about me so much, then…

Then you’ll be happier.

I want you to be happy.

So we should break up, then?

[Nick sighs]

For some space? That’s…

[sighs] That’s basically what you’re saying, isn’t it?

If… if that’s what you want. No, I’m asking if that’s what you want.

I want you to be happy. I’m only happy when I’m with you.

I don’t think that’s how it should be.

[sniffles] I get it. What?

No, it’s fine. I don’t want to break up.

I think you’d be better off without me too.

I didn’t say that, Nick. I…

[Nick] I’m sorry. I… I’m just trying to help.

[Nick] It’s okay. I love you.

[Nick] It’s okay.

You don’t have to worry about me.

I’m sorry for making you cry.

[door opens]

[Charlie sighs]

[sighs]

[electronic music playing in distance]

[car door unlocks]

[breathing heavily]

[sighs]

[uneasy music playing]

[Nick breathing shakily]

[music turns darker]

[pensive music playing]

[sighs]

[both chuckling]

[sighs, sniffles]

[exhales shakily]

[music fades]

[uneasy music playing]

I know this is difficult, but, Charlie, you’ve got to eat.

Please.

[Julio] Come on, hmm?

Just a little bite.

Charlie, we’re gonna do a refocusing exercise.

I want you to tell me five things that you see in front of you.

[flatly] Door.

Desk.

Laptop.

Mug.

Photo.

[tapping keyboard]

[sighs]

[sighs heavily]

[rhythmic knocking on door]

[rapid knocking]

[persistent, loud knocking]

Go away!

[Tao] Charlie!

[sighs]

[Tao] We’re coming in, okay?

What?

You can’t just lie there and expect everything to be okay.

[Isaac] Let’s just take a minute, okay, before you say something crazy.

[exhales deeply]

We’re here to look after you.

Getting you out of the house, or just hanging out here and bringing you food and comfort movies.

Tori said you hadn’t been eating.

Which is understandable. We don’t blame you.

But it’s not great, so we’re gonna make you some pasta.

Aren’t you two broken up right now?

We’ve organized a temporary truce, and anyway, three, two…

Go! Tao!

Come on. Get up. [Charlie] Tao!

[Tao] Get some pasta with some chili oil. Okay, I’m up, I’m up.

[Tao] Cheese. Basil. I hate all of you.

[Elle] We love you too.

[sweeping music playing]

[Colette playing on TV] But some bit of luck, some commonplace little miracle, which, like a glittering link, will mend again the necklace of my days.

[music ends with flourish]

[snoring]

We’ll see you on Saturday?

I don’t know.

That wasn’t a question.

It might do you good to get out of the house.

But it’s Pride, isn’t it? It’s… it’s a whole thing.

And I don’t really feel like celebrating the magical wonders of gay love right now.

And he might be there.

Charlie, I know you’re hurting, but I need you to come and march with me on Saturday because I’m fucking scared.

The world hates me right now.

The government is taking away my rights and everything we fought for.

If I was a few years younger, I wouldn’t even have been able to take hormone blockers legally

’cause they banned them.

People don’t want me using public bathrooms or existing at all.

I just wanna be myself.

To be free.

[pensive music playing]

To be happy.

[breathes shakily]

I know you know all of this, and it’s okay if you come and cry about Nick all day.

But…

I’m terrified all the time, and I just really need my best friends with me to march at Pride, okay?

[Elle] Mm.

[upbeat music playing]

[group chanting, cheering]

[woman] Woo-hoo!

Yeah!

[whooping, cheering, whistling]

Oh my God!

Whoo!

Oh, it’s James! Hello!

[James] Hi, everyone.

[Imogen] Oh, James! Happy Pride!

Happy Pride. Hi, are you okay?

[Tao] Hey.

[Isaac] Hi. Oh, you look amazing.

[James] Nice to see you. See you later.

[Isaac] Bye.

[Imogen laughs]

♪ You make me feel… ♪

[Elle] What do we want?

[crowd] Trans rights!

[Elle] When do we want it?

[crowd] Now!

[Elle] What do we want?

[crowd] Trans rights!

[Elle] When do we want it?

[crowd] Now!