For years, fans of the After franchise have fallen in love not only with the story of Hardin Scott and Tessa Young, but also with the undeniable chemistry between the two actors who brought them to life—Hero Fiennes-Tiffin and Josephine Langford. Affectionately nicknamed “Herophine” by the fandom, their dynamic has taken on a life of its own, existing not only on the big screen but also in the countless interviews, press tours, and behind-the-scenes moments that have made audiences swoon. Even now, long after filming has wrapped on the saga, every small interaction between them continues to spark excitement, proving that some bonds transcend the scripts they were built on.
One of the most touching examples came during a lighthearted interview when the pair was asked, “What’s the thing about each other that annoys you the most?” It was a playful question designed to get a cheeky laugh, but Josephine’s answer caught everyone off guard. Without hesitation, she looked at Hero and said, “That we don’t get to work together anymore.” The response was not just sweet—it was disarming in its honesty. Instead of searching for a flaw or teasing about quirks, she chose to highlight the sadness of no longer sharing the daily rhythm of acting alongside him. Fans watching melted instantly.
Hero, ever the joker with a warm heart, laughed in response. “You’re doing it again… look at your answer!” he said, shaking his head with amusement. The way he called her out was less about correcting her and more about acknowledging how typically “Josephine” that response was—genuine, tender, and focused on the bigger picture of their connection. What could have been a throwaway moment turned into something far more telling: a reminder of the respect and fondness these two share, even when the cameras aren’t rolling.
Herophine moments like this one work because they blur the lines between fiction and reality. On screen, Hero and Josephine created one of the most intense love stories of the young adult genre, portraying the fiery ups and downs of Hardin and Tessa’s relationship with heartbreaking authenticity. Off screen, their real-life rapport is different—gentler, teasing, and anchored by mutual admiration. That contrast makes their interactions even more captivating. Fans can see the way Hero looks at Josephine when she speaks, or the way Josephine laughs at Hero’s quick wit, and they feel reassured that the chemistry they fell in love with wasn’t manufactured. It’s rooted in a genuine bond built across years of working side by side.
Press tours for the After films became a breeding ground for these Herophine gems. Whether it was Hero finishing Josephine’s sentences, Josephine giving Hero a sly smile after he told a joke, or the two of them exchanging inside glances during interviews, fans picked up on every detail. Social media exploded with GIFs, edits, and fan posts celebrating even the smallest gestures. Entire threads on Twitter were dedicated to compiling their moments, while TikTok montages went viral, set to romantic songs that echoed the themes of the films themselves.
What makes these interactions resonate so strongly is the sincerity behind them. Neither Hero nor Josephine has ever seemed like they were playing into a showmance for publicity. On the contrary, their bond feels understated and real—two people who respect each other deeply, who understand the unique pressure of carrying a global franchise on their shoulders, and who find comfort in knowing that the other has walked the same road. When Josephine said that the most annoying thing was not working together anymore, she gave voice to what many fans were feeling too: sadness that this chapter of Herophine is over, even as their story as individuals continues.
This kind of connection also highlights how rare authentic screen partnerships can be. Hollywood is full of co-stars who deliver on-screen magic but fade into polite distance once the cameras are off. Herophine is different. Their relationship—whether teasing in interviews, praising each other’s dedication, or simply sharing comfortable silence—feels like an extension of the trust they built playing Hardin and Tessa. That trust is what allowed them to portray such raw emotions on screen, and it is what continues to shine through in unscripted moments.
Fans often describe their bond as “bittersweet.” Sweet, because every glance, every laugh, and every playful jab is proof of how much they value each other. Bitter, because with After Everything marking the official close of the series, the opportunities to see Herophine together are becoming rarer. The fandom clings to every snippet of interaction, knowing that these little moments may be among the last we get to witness. Yet the beauty of those interactions lies in their permanence—captured on video, immortalized in fan edits, and etched into the hearts of millions.
