If you’re a book fan, you already know the truth. In Jenny Han’s trilogy, Belly and Conrad end up together in the final pages. It’s the ending that had us all crying into our pillows (in a good way). But here’s the thing: the TV show is a whole different beast, and it’s not done yet. The series is still unfolding, so buckle up for more drama.
So, for the book-readers: Conrad wins. For the show-watchers? We’re still on the rollercoaster, and the conductor is laughing maniacally. Let’s break down why this answer is both simple and infuriatingly complicated.
Why Conrad? A Love Story Wrapped in a Hoodie
Conrad is the brooding, mysterious older brother who looks at Belly like she’s the sun and the moon. He’s the one who remembers every tiny detail about her, from her favorite candy to her biggest fears. He’s the slow burn. While Jeremiah is the fun, golden-retriever energy that’s impossible to resist, Conrad is the quiet fire that never quite goes out.
But let’s be real: Conrad also makes a lot of mistakes. He’s moody, he pushes her away, and he has the emotional availability of a locked diary. Yet, Belly chooses him because she sees the boy underneath the walls. And honestly? That kind of love is messy, but it’s also the kind that lasts.
The Jeremiah Complication: The Fun One Who Gets His Heart Broken
Oh, Jeremiah. The sweet, loyal, golden boy who also wants Belly. He’s the summer fling that feels like forever, the one who dances with you in the rain and makes you laugh until your stomach hurts. He’s a genuine catch, and in any other story, he’d be the hero. But in this story, he’s the second brother who doesn’t get the girl in the end.
In the books, Jeremiah and Belly have a real relationship—it’s serious, it’s painful, and it ends in heartbreak. Jeremiah finds out the truth about Conrad’s feelings, and it destroys the trust between them. By the time the final book rolls around, Belly realizes that her heart was always leaning toward Conrad. Sorry, Jere stans—I know that stings.
Belly and Conrad's Story From Seasons 1 + 2 | The Summer I Turned
