For years, the most recognizable pair in Hollywood have been Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. The on-screen chemistry between these two young actors led to a friendship that lasted into adulthood. Although their relationship was often mocked and parodied, it was undeniable that the pair had real feelings for each other and were devoted to each other. Unfortunately, since their break-up in 2016, it seems like their once great friendship has been damaged beyond repair. But is this really the case? Is Pattinson still as friendly as ever with Stewart, or has their relationship become toxic? Let’s take a closer look.

Toxic Friendship or Genuine Love?

When the break-up of the ‘RoKStew’ couple became public in early 2016, the internet had a field day. Although there were many doubting Thomases, the fact remains that no one knows for sure if this was art imitating life, or if these two young stars fell out of love. What is clear, however, is that the end of their relationship wasn’t handled professionally or respectfully, which only served to add fuel to the fire. In the weeks following their split, Robert Pattinson was interviewed countless times by the media, and it was mostly focused on his relationship with Stewart. Even now, a full year later, they remain polarizing figures who continue to attract attention and controversy.

It’s fair to say that since their split, Robert Pattinson has been more inclined to keep a low profile. In fact, he’s rarely been seen in public since, and when he has, it hasn’t been for a film set or an event, but rather for a quiet dinner or a movie. Similarly, Kristen Stewart has been more inclined to stay out of the spotlight as well, although she did make a few rare public appearance as a solo artist, like at the 2018 Grammys where she performed alongside Taylor Swift.

Now, it’s been almost a year since Robsten’s ‘break-up story’ made headlines, and although they’ve gone out on occasion, they haven’t really been seen in public together since then. Additionally, since the end of their relationship, Robert Pattinson has remained single, while Kristen Stewart has started a new romance with French actor Diogo Morgado. In light of all this, it’s clear that while Robsten might want to stay friends, it’s highly unlikely that this is something they can sustain. Eventually, the enmity between these two will no doubt manifest itself in some way, shape, or form.

Has Their Relationship Changed?

Since their breakup, Robert Pattinson has remained mostly committed to his acting career. At the same time, he’s continued to support Stewart with her films, most recently lending her his jacket in the latest installment of her ‘Candy’ franchise. This is in addition to appearing in several of her movies as a friend, which she has referred to as an ‘intimate partner’. In other words, although they might not be ‘together’, he’s still a big part of her life and she continues to consider him a friend.

As for Kristen Stewart, she’s been working hard to establish herself as a leading lady, while also continuing to explore her creative side. In addition to starring in several acclaimed films, like ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ and ‘Personal Shopper’, she’s also lent her talents to several music videos, like the aforementioned ‘Walk On Water’ by Ariana Grande, as well as Lady Gaga’s ‘Million Reasons’ and Shawn Mendes’s ‘There’s Nothing Left’, among others.

Since their breakup, it’s been obvious that Robsten’s on-screen chemistry has cooled significantly. In fact, in an attempt to reinvent herself, Stewart dropped her longtime nickname ‘RoKStew’ and started referring to herself as ‘KStew’. This, however, didn’t really catch on, and she continues to be better known as ‘Kristen Stewart’ or ‘KStew’ to her fans. Even now, as she begins to venture out on her own, she’s still protective of her brand and has mostly kept her personal life very private. For her, this is clearly a case of putting her career first and letting her relationship with Pattinson settle a while longer.

For his part, despite their past and the pressures of their storied celebrity, Robsten still has a soft spot for Stewart. In fact, he continues to defend and stand by her, even now that they aren’t together. On more than one occasion, he’s referred to her as “the best friend I never had”, adding, “I love her to death.” But perhaps the most endearing gesture came a few months after their breakup, when he surprised Stewart on her birthday by presenting her with a bouquet of flowers. This, however, could be a one-off, isolated incident… or it could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship again.