If you’re anything like me—who spent the entirety of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdown hunkered down re-watching Normal People on a loop—then you’re probably pretty excited at the current romance rumour circulating on TikTok which speculates that none other than Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones (aka, the protagonists of the show) are now in fact dating. I know, it’s exciting stuff.

While of course there’s a a good chance that the two actors are simply just besties, it’s far more fun to imagine that they’ve actually fallen in love and are now going to become the industry’s next power couple.

So, let’s dive into the evidence—starting at the very beginning, when Mescal was still dating (and subsequently engaged to) singer Phoebe Bridgers.

Mescal and Bridgers crossed paths for the first time in 2020 after a cheeky Twitter exchange and subsequent livestream convo. The chemistry between the two was evident from the start, leading to speculation that they started dating towards the end of the year.

https://twitter.com/phoebe_bridgers/status/1260054999142293509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1260146523331051520%7Ctwgr%5Eb3c9f1f2d4d75e0c8b05266e69f447e3debff9ac%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buzzfeednews.com%2Farticle%2Fstephaniesoteriou%2Fpaul-mescal-has-broken-his-silence-on-the-grief-of-his-and

They made their red carpet debut in 2021, and the following year, they announced their engagement, devastating all gen Zers who were either Mescal- or Connell’s chain-obsessed. I won’t lie, they were a hella cute couple.

Sadly, their love was not meant to be, because pretty shortly after the engagement news broke, it was reported that the couple had called it quits. Bridgers ventured towards a much taller future, opting to date American comedian Mr Bo Burnham next. Naturally, neither myself nor any of my friends could see how Burnham was superior to our Irish prince in any way.

So, how did the rumours first begin regarding Mescal and Edgar-Jones’ lustful tryst? Well, the pair have always been close. Not only did they have incredible on-screen chemistry, the duo have been spotted hanging out outside of work dozens of times over the years, and have consistently championed one another with their other projects.

@swiftie44ever

#greenscreensticker #greenscreen when i saw paul’s story it made me so happy. going quite bozos at work. MY PARENTS. #normalpeople #paulmescal #daisyedgarjones #paulmescalanddaisyjones

♬ original sound - Pete

@graciemescal

2022 and 2023 🥺#daisyedgarjones #daisyedgarjonesedit #paulmescal #paulmescaledit #normalpeople #normalpeopleedit #mariannesheridan #mariannesheridanedit #connellwaldron #connellwaldronedit #marianneconnell

♬ sonido original - JuanluFN ★

@graciemescal

paul dedicating the award to daisy is the cutest thing ever ♥️🏆 #paulmescal #daisyedgarjones #normalpeople #bafta #mariannesheridan #connellwaldron #connellandmarianne #foryou #fypage

♬ original sound - graciemescal

Mescal and Edgar-Jones have clearly bonded a lot more since their first meeting, so it makes sense that whenever they’re seen together, netizens become convinced that they’re officially dating. Edgar-Jones is currently single, and Mescal is potentially leaning on her following his breakup with Bridgers. Either way, these two are goals—whatever it is they actually are to each other.

no thoughts just paul mescal and daisy edgar-jones pic.twitter.com/G1Uk04ZRym

— emma stone's manager (@emmarstones) August 26, 2023

The last thing I had to include is an adorable video of Mescal frolicking at London festival All Points East on Sunday 27 August 2023. Running into a mosh pit during girl in red’s set, Mescal seemed to be absolutely loving life. Please enjoy the following cuteness:

https://www.tiktok.com/@tiiarna/video/7272694182978932000?lang=en