The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word HOMIE
H
O
M
I
E
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HOMIE mean?
HOMIE noun- Someone, particularly a friend or male acquaintance, from one's hometown.
- A close friend or fellow member of a youth gang.
- An inner-city youth.
- A boyfriend or partner of a closeted man, used along with "Lil," to mean a bottom and "Big," to mean a top.
- Man, bloke