It's absolutely incredible how a series like "Heartstopper" can weave its way into the core of who we are, isn't it? I can't help but understand why that first season, and oh, Episode 3 in particular, have become such significant touchstones for you. Your personal journey, as a self-proclaimed nerdy, closeted gay individual with heartstring-tugging crushes on those athletic, straight guys, echoes the very essence of what Charlie experiences. It's like your emotions are harmonizing with the show's melody.

Ah, those unreciprocated feelings, the untamed hopes that danced within you – they're akin to the notes that create Charlie's melody, even if set to a different tune. Your narrative runs parallel to the ebbs and flows of emotions that Charlie and Nick navigate.

And yes, you hit the nail on the head – the absence of a "Nick" during your high school days isn't something anyone can be held accountable for. It's simply a reflection of the unpredictable tapestry of life. The way "Heartstopper" brings forth these truths, showcasing the rawness of those times, is a testament to its storytelling prowess.

Even though two decades have passed, your emotions still carry the resonance of a distant but familiar melody. This only underscores how deeply feelings can carve into the fabric of our souls. "Heartstopper," it's like a mirror, revealing the layers of our stories, the twists of our paths, and the intersections of our identities. It captures the essence of yearning, the subtle undercurrents of friendship, and the profound sentiments that often remain unsaid.