When did Tao ask Elle to be his girlfriend?

When Tao glimpsed the pamphlet of Lambert Art School in Elle's possession, it wasn't just a piece of paper he saw. It was a window into Elle's dreams, aspirations, and the future she envisioned for herself. The pamphlet was a symbol of her passion for art and her desire to pursue it professionally. So, when Tao asked Elle to be his girlfriend right after seeing the pamphlet, it wasn't a mere coincidence. It was a gesture of support, an acknowledgment of her dreams, and a commitment to be by her side as she chases them. In essence, Tao was saying, "I see you, I understand your dreams, and I want to be a part of your journey."

Now, let's take an unexpected detour. Remember the 2016 film "La La Land"? At its core, it's a story about two dreamers - Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a passionate jazz musician. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of Los Angeles, a city of dreams and heartbreaks. As they chase their individual aspirations, their relationship undergoes trials, tribulations, and transformations.

Drawing a parallel between Tao's question to Elle and the relationship dynamics in "La La Land" offers a fresh perspective. Just like Mia and Sebastian, Tao and Elle are on the brink of pivotal moments in their lives. They are young, full of dreams, and at crossroads where decisions can shape their futures. By asking Elle to be his girlfriend, Tao is essentially expressing his willingness to dance through the challenges, much like the mesmerizing dance sequences in "La La Land."

However, there's a stark contrast between the two narratives. While Mia and Sebastian's love story is tinged with the melancholy of sacrifices and the harsh realities of pursuing dreams in a competitive world, Tao's gesture towards Elle is filled with hope and optimism. He's not asking her to choose between love and her passion. Instead, he's offering his hand in partnership, ready to face the music together, whatever it may be.

In "La La Land," the city of Los Angeles is as much a character as Mia and Sebastian. It's a place where dreams are both made and shattered. On the other hand, the Lambert Art School pamphlet in "Heartstopper" represents a world of possibilities for Elle. It's not a place but a promise of what could be. And Tao, by acknowledging it and expressing his desire to be with Elle, is showing that he's ready to be a part of that promise.

In both narratives, there's a dance - sometimes literal, sometimes metaphorical. It's the dance of love, dreams, aspirations, and the choices we make. While "La La Land" beautifully portrays the bittersweet nature of dreams and love, Tao's question to Elle in "Heartstopper" is a testament to the power of understanding, support, and companionship. It's a reminder that sometimes, all we need is someone who sees our dreams, acknowledges them, and says, "I'm with you, every step of the way."