Heartstopper recap guide: All episodes explained and questions answered

Heartstopper episode 5 recap: “Friend”

Tao hears that Nick is going on a date with Imogen and struggles with the decision to tell Charlie or not. Things get even more awkward for Tao when Charlie tells the group that he wants to invite Nick to his birthday party.

At school, Nick is about to tell Imogen he doesn’t want to go on the date with her, but she starts crying and tells him that her dog died the night prior. Nick feels horrible, of course, and he decides not to cancel the date. She seems so happy and he doesn’t want to make her even more sad.

Charlie tells Nick that his birthday is coming up and invites him bowling with his friends, and Nick immediately agrees. Of course, it’s on the same day as his date with Imogen, so Nick has to figure out something soon.

While Nick is sitting with Harry and his friends, Harry starts to picking on Charlie and Tao. This makes Nick defensive, but Tao is able to easily tell off Harry and he walks off with Charlie. Feeling embarrassed, Charlie tells Tao not to even respond when Harry bullies them.

At home, Nick struggles with his decision between Imogen and Charlie’s birthday. He seeks advice from his mom, who tells him he shouldn’t date anyone just because he feels bad. She also notes that the right girl will come along eventually, which makes Nick feel uncomfortable.

Does Nick go to Charlie’s birthday party in Heartstopper?

Nick shows up at Charlie’s birthday and even brings him a gift. He gets to officially meet the friend group, which actually goes pretty well. While everyone’s bowling, Tao ambushes Charlie in the bathroom and tells him that Nick has a date with a girl. Meanwhile, Nick goes to get more snacks and overhears Tao and Charlie arguing about him.

Nick hugs Charlie when they leave the bathroom and later tells him he heard what they were saying. He explains what happened with Imogen and says he’s going to come clean with her. He also tries to be friendly with Tao by sitting next to him, but Tao gives him a warning about not messing with Charlie.

Charlie opens up Nick’s present which is an adorable framed photo of the two from their snow day. Nick tells Charlie that he really likes him, which takes Charlie by surprise but he says it back. They share a kiss in public which is a huge deal, though it doesn’t seem like anyone sees them.

The next day, Nick meets up with Imogen and tells her he doesn’t like her romantically. He tells her he’s been feeling like he isn’t being his true self, to which she understands. At school, Harry asks how the date went and Imogen says they decided they’re better off as friends.