Heartstopper season 3 ending, explained: Nick and Charlie's love grows

Heartstopper season 3 premiered on Oct. 3, just in time for fans to dive into the lovable teen drama series during the coziest time of the year for binge-watching. But the subject matter featured in the new season might not be as cozy as some fans were expecting. The coming-of-age story continues to grow up with its characters, and these are the most mature stories yet.

In Heartstopper season 3, Charlie sinks deeper into his struggles with his mental health and eating disorder, which causes his boyfriend Nick (and his sister Tori) a great deal of stress. Charlie's tough time coincides with the young couple's relationship going to the next level. After telling each other "I love you," Nick and Charlie explore the physical aspect of their love.

But where do Nick and Charlie end up following a season full of important life lessons and growing close together rather than further apart? Here's what happens for the adorable duo in the Heartstopper season 3 finale and what could be next for them in a potential season 4!

Warning: Spoilers ahead from the Heartstopper season 3 finale.

Nick and Charlie are stronger than ever in Heartstopper season 3

The first half of Heartstopper season 3 does an incredible job of taking care with Charlie's mental health and eating disorder. With help from Nick, Charlie's able to be honest with his parents about what he's going through, and he enters a treatment facility. Along with his eating disorder, Charlie is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. He works on treatment with his therapist.

When Charlie returns home, he eases back into his life with Nick, his family, and his loving group of friends. It's around this time, as Charlie begins to feel like himself again, that he begins thinking about going to the next step with Nick and having sex. Nick, too, often finds himself distracted with thoughts about having sex with Charlie, but he follows Charlie's lead.

In episode 7, Nick and Charlie are able to find some time alone and do much more than kiss. Still working to overcome some of his anxiety around his body, Charlie keeps his shirt on. Their first sexual encounter leads to many more, as well as their desire to have a sleepover at Nick's house. They finally get their wish in the season 3 finale after the summer fête.

Charlie feels comfortable enough with Nick to take his shirt off, and Nick tells him that he loves him and that he's "so f--king hot," a line straight out of the Volume 5 book. The episode ends with a montage of Nick and Charlie in bed together, implying that they have done more than just "touching" this time around. After an intense season, it's a heartwarming moment of levity.

Even though Nick and Charlie end season 3 in peaceful and very lovey-dovey place, the questions surrounding Nick's future at university still hangs in the air. Although he originally wanted to attend a school in his hometown in Kent to remain closer to Charlie, during his tour with the girls, he took a liking to a university in Leeds at least four hours away from Charlie. Elle and Tara push him to do what's best for him rather than stressing and planning too far into the future.

If (or, more likely, when) Heartstopper earns a season 4 renewal, the season would answer these questions about where Nick will go to university and how it will impact his relationship with Charlie. The sixth and final volume of Alice Oseman's book series has yet to be released, so no one knows how the story ends just yet. New challenges are on the way, but in true Heartstopper fashion, we can also count on a happy ending.

If you or someone you know have concerns about an eating disorder and need to reach out for resources, call the ANAD Helpline at (888)-375-7767 or online at ANAD.org. You can also reach out to theNational Alliance for Eating Disorders at (866) 662-1235.

Watch Heartstopper only on Netflix.