Daydream

Aurora opens the door and interrupts Henry and Halle’s kiss. After she leaves, Henry assures Halle that she doesn’t have to feel embarrassed because everyone already thinks they’re hooking up. He leaves the room and tells his friends not to say anything to Halle because he doesn’t want to embarrass her. During the party later, Henry texts his friend Jaiden for advice about Halle. Jaiden assures Henry all he has to do is communicate with Halle and everything will be fine. Henry feels better afterward.

Henry and Halle cuddle and talk that night. Halle admits how overwhelmed she feels about her family. She tells him about Thanksgiving and explains how anxious she feels about spring vacation, a trip she always plans for her and Will’s families. Henry reassures her, silently realizing how lucky he is to have supportive parents.

Henry can’t focus on his Thornton essay because he’s hanging out with friends. He thinks about Halle, worrying that he isn’t navigating their relationship correctly. He keeps trying to focus on his essay but can’t concentrate. Finally, he calls Halle for help and she offers to come over.

Halle comes over with snacks. Everyone is still in the den and Henry feels even more overwhelmed. Noticing his mood, Halle suggests they go upstairs. She gets him settled with tea, snacks, and Tylenol and he falls asleep. When he wakes up, Halle is gone.

Halle and Henry meet up at the library. Beforehand, Halle feels nervous because Henry’s friends have been worried about him. She knows he’s been tired and overwhelmed but worries about being there for him in the right way.

Henry shows up late to the library. He admits he didn’t want to come because he’s been feeling so low. He and Halle talk openly about their feelings.

Halle and Henry meet up at the sports building and walk across campus together. They talk about their hobbies and how they got interested in reading and hockey. Halle then waits for Henry while he goes in for a meeting with Coach. Halle reminds Henry to be open with him about how he’s been feeling.

Henry tells Halle about the meeting afterward. He didn’t end up telling Coach he needs more support. Henry’s team has lost several games and Halle is worried they’ll lose again and Coach will hold him responsible. They chat a bit more before heading to class.

Halle lies on her floor listening to a sad song, remembering her grandmother and crying. She should be studying for exams, seeing Henry, helping Gigi, baking for book club, cleaning, or checking in with her friends, but she can’t get herself to do anything. Henry comes over and finds her. Halle opens up about how overwhelmed she feels and how tired she is of being the responsible one for everyone in her life. Henry apologizes for his role in this and insists that they have to be partners in their relationship. He encourages her to say no to more people so she has time for herself. Henry bakes Halle’s cookies while she writes. Afterward, they kiss and have oral sex in the kitchen.

Halle goes to the arena lobby to get some writing done. She likes being with Henry but knows she needs to focus too. Shortly thereafter, Henry shows up before going into the arena. They chat for a while and Halle notices people watching when they kiss.

Halle finds Henry painting at his house. They hang out for a while before Henry asks to paint Halle’s stomach. Halle is aroused by the experience.

Henry isn’t stressed about finals like his other friends. However, he’s glad when they all agree to study together instead of going out partying. After everyone disperses, Henry retreats to his room to work on Halle’s Christmas present. Then he realizes he missed six calls from Halle, who left her charger at his house. He rushes the charger to her house because she’s writing a scene she doesn’t want to lose if the computer dies. When she finishes, she tells him how the story is developing.

Halle meets up with Henry outside the English building. The December air feels good and she’s feeling positive about everything she’s going to accomplish over their upcoming winter break. She was feeling sad about missing her family but tells Henry she’s going to use the time to finish her novel.

That night, Henry comes over to pick up Halle for their date. In the car, they chat about Halle’s shift at Enchanted and her novel. The conversation turns to romantic relationships and love. Finally, they arrive at the Byrd & Bolton art gallery where Henry surprises Halle by revealing that one of his paintings is on display. Halle is moved by the image of Henry’s moms and thrilled to see his work for the first time.

The hockey house hosts a Christmas party. Everyone arrives in costume. Henry is moved by how beautiful Halle looks. Throughout the night, he’s delighted that everyone wants to talk to Halle more than him. Finally, the friends decide to play a party game.

Halle is nervous about her upcoming outing with Henry. He’s taking her away for the night because she has to work over the holidays, but she doesn’t know what to pack. Henry won’t answer her questions because he wants to surprise her.

Henry takes Halle to a fancy Malibu hotel where their friends are throwing a surprise Friendsmas. In their room, Halle and Henry exchange gifts. Henry’s gifts include a necklace with an H charm and a digitized version of her grandmother’s recipes, including drawings for each dish. Halle is so moved she almost cries.

Halle gives Henry his gifts which include noise-canceling headphones and lingerie that she’s wearing. She undresses to show him the lacy garments. They tell each other that they’re each other’s best friends and then have sex. Afterward, Halle tells Henry she’s glad he was the first person she slept with.