As The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 races toward its finale, Episode 9, aired in August 2025, delivered a whirlwind of emotions that left fans reeling. The episode saw Steven Conklin and Taylor Jewel officially reignite their romance, sealing it with a heartfelt commitment to date, while Isabel “Belly” Conklin stunned viewers by boarding a plane without a single word to Conrad Fisher, her first love. This dramatic twist, set against the backdrop of Cousins Beach’s sun-soaked drama, has intensified the love triangle with Jeremiah Fisher and set social media ablaze with speculation. With only two episodes left in the 11-episode season, the question looms: where will these tangled hearts lead next?

The episode opened with Steven and Taylor, whose on-again, off-again chemistry has been a fan favorite, finally taking a bold step. After seasons of playful banter and near-misses, the two shared a tender moment at the beach house, confessing their feelings. Steven, played by Sean Kaufman, admitted he’d been holding back out of fear, while Taylor, portrayed by Rain Spencer, declared she was “all in.” Their decision to officially date sent fans into a frenzy, with TikTok posts gushing, “Steven and Taylor are endgame!” and Instagram comments like, “Finally, a win for Team Staylor!” But will their new romance survive the chaos of Cousins Beach?

Meanwhile, Belly’s storyline took a gut-wrenching turn. Engaged to Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) and navigating her junior year of college, Belly, played by Lola Tung, faced mounting tension with Conrad (Christopher Briney). Episode 9 saw her grappling with lingering feelings after a heated confrontation, only to make a shocking choice: she boarded a plane—destination unknown—without speaking to Conrad. The silent departure, underscored by Taylor Swift’s “Exile” in the soundtrack, left fans stunned. One Twitter user wrote, “Belly leaving Conrad without a word? My heart can’t take this!” Another speculated, “Is she running from her feelings or choosing Jere for good?” The move raises a pivotal question: is Belly closing the door on Conrad forever, or setting the stage for a dramatic reunion?

The episode’s intensity reflects Season 3’s focus on maturity and tough choices, as confirmed by creator Jenny Han. With 11 episodes—the longest season yet—the narrative has leaned into complex emotions, amplified by time jumps showing the characters on the brink of adulthood. Belly’s engagement to Jeremiah seemed solid, but Conrad’s return, stirring unresolved pain, has fractured her resolve. Fans are divided, with some rooting for “Bonrad” (Belly and Conrad) and others cheering “Jelly” (Belly and Jeremiah). A viral TikTok poll asked, “Who’s Belly’s soulmate?” with 52% favoring Conrad, but the silent exit suggests she’s wrestling with her heart.

Social media is buzzing with theories about the final episodes. “Belly’s on that plane to find herself, not choose a boy!” one fan posted, while another predicted, “Conrad’s gonna chase her—mark my words!” The Steven-Taylor romance adds a lighter note, but even their storyline hints at trouble, with Taylor’s upcoming internship potentially pulling her away. Will their newfound love withstand distance, or is more heartbreak looming? The season’s emotional stakes, paired with its Gen Z soundtrack featuring Olivia Rodrigo and Gracie Abrams, have kept viewers hooked.

The cliffhanger leaves open endless possibilities. Belly’s flight could signal a break from both brothers, a recommitment to Jeremiah, or a journey to confront her past with Conrad. Han’s adaptation of her novel We’ll Always Have Summer has diverged in key ways, keeping even book fans guessing. As one Reddit user noted, “This season’s twists are wild—Belly’s not following the book anymore!” With Episode 10 set to drop soon, the drama is far from over. Will Belly’s silence break Conrad’s heart for good, or spark a chase across continents? And can Steven and Taylor hold onto their summer love?

For now, The Summer I Turned Pretty has fans on edge, dissecting every glance and unspoken word. The show’s blend of romance, heartbreak, and coming-of-age angst continues to captivate, leaving one question burning: how will this tangled summer end?