For followers hoping latest sightings meant a reconciliation was underway, Chase Stokes’ newest social media exercise has sparked the alternative response.

The actor ignited recent breakup hypothesis after sharing cryptic Instagram Tales that hinted his relationship with Kelsea Ballerini could also be formally over.

With emotional statements, unfollows, and timing that raised eyebrows, the posts despatched the web into overdrive about what actually occurred between the previous couple.

Stokes stunned followers when he took to Instagram on November 20 to share two posts that instantly set off alarms about his relationship with Ballerini.

Earlier experiences confirmed in September that the pair had ended their almost three-year romance, although reconciliation rumors resurfaced after they had been seen holding arms earlier this month.

The message Stokes posted left little room for interpretation. “Don’t imagine the media. I’m blocked, I did nothing flawed,” he wrote. Each he and Ballerini now not comply with one another on Instagram, including gasoline to rising hypothesis. He adopted the assertion with one other message: “Sorry I attempted.”

A second Story made the implication even clearer when he wrote, “I’m sorry for many who believed in us.” He closed the be aware with, “It’s what it’s. Onwards and upwards.”

Neither Stokes nor Ballerini has publicly commented, although her emotionally charged CMA efficiency of “I Sit in Parks” the night time earlier than added its personal layer of intrigue.

Simply days earlier than his cryptic Instagram Tales, Stokes jumped into the feedback part of considered one of Ballerini’s TikTok video selling her new EP, “Mount Nice.”

Within the clip, she teased a brand new tune, and the feedback shortly crammed with mentions of each Stokes and his ex-girlfriend and former “Outer Banks” costar, Madelyn Cline.

The actor didn’t maintain again as he defended Ballerini, writing, “These feedback are f-cking bizarre. Develop up.”

His response appeared directed at followers citing previous relationships and stirring drama in her remark part.

The EP itself consists of tracks the place Ballerini explores uncooked feelings like insecurity and jealousy, particularly concerning a accomplice’s ex, themes followers instantly related again to the on-and-off couple.

Stoke and Ballerini’s breakup turned public in September when a rep for Ballerini confirmed the pair had parted methods. A supply on the time described the cut up merely, telling PEOPLE, “They’re two adults who gave it their all and tried to do every little thing they may to make it work, however finally couldn’t. It occurs.”

Nonetheless, hopes for a reunion rose once more when the duo was noticed collectively in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on November 7. An onlooker described the outing, saying they had been seen “holding arms on the desk and speaking intently.” The witness added, “After they obtained up, they walked collectively hand in hand in direction of Previous City. They seemed very cute.”

The candy second urged a doable rekindling till Stokes’ latest posts solid doubt on the place they stand now.

Ballerini and Stokes had been first seen collectively on January 9, 2023, on the Georgia vs. TCU sport in California.

A couple of days later, Stokes fueled relationship rumors by sharing a photograph of them cuddled up on the stadium, prompting Ballerini to remark, “go vols.”

When DeuxMoi hypothesis adopted, she addressed it on TikTok, saying, “However what is occurring you guys? What? What? No. Let’s not do that, ?”

Their outings continued once they had been noticed holding arms throughout a Nashville date night time later that month. Shortly after, Stokes informed PEOPLE they’d “simply been spending a while collectively,” including, “Kelsea is a stunning, pretty lady. She’s nice. We’re having a superb time.”

In the meantime, Ballerini shared a TikTok from her mattress, revealing his tattooed arm. Stokes publicly supported her on Valentine’s Day, writing, “SO pleased with you, your coronary heart & your lovely soul. Congrats kels.”