The most heated debate on social media has taken over the halls of Rosary. We’ve all watched or read “The Summer I Turned Pretty” series, and Royals are divided over their loyalty to Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah. 

Even though the ending of the upcoming season three has already been decided in the trilogy’s final novel (Belly marries Conrad), Team Jeremiah fans are begging Jenny Han, the writer of the books and script, to change Belly’s future. However, there’s no need—Conrad is supreme. Here’s why. 

1. Conrad admits his mistakes. 

Conrad demonstrates exceptional maturity in season two, specifically in episode seven. Even though he abruptly broke up with Belly on the night of her prom, he regrets it a few months later and makes sure to tell her that. Belly forgives him since his mother, Susannah, was dying at the time, and Conrad was extremely stressed trying to balance his family, a relationship, and college.

Conrad apologizes to Belly anyway. While his behavior is justified, the fact that he still feels bad for not being fully invested in the relationship speaks volumes about his character. 

2. Conrad remembers little things about Belly

In episode eight of season two, Jeremiah buys Swedish Fish for Belly, and Conrad selects Sour Patch Kids. Conrad informs Jeremiah, “She thinks Swedish Fish taste like candles.” Even though Conrad and Belly aren’t together anymore at this point, Conrad still cares enough to get Belly her favorite candy.

Vanessa Malagon ‘26 agrees and expresses her support for Team Conrad because “although he is reserved and quiet, he is very attentive to detail when it comes to Belly.” Sometimes, quiet people (Conrad) are the most observant and can truly appreciate others (Belly).  

On the other hand, Bella Vallejo ‘26 endorses Jeremiah: “Other than him looking like an absolute Greek god, he has always been there for Belly. He has always seen how beautiful she is, unlike Conrad.”

I beg to differ. Please see below.

3. Conrad looked out for Belly long before she had her glow-up. 

He won Belly her precious stuffed polar bear, Junior Mint, at the boardwalk ring toss when she was 12. Even though he may not have had feelings for her then, he still decided to bring her a gift.

Jeremiah only pays close attention to Belly when she has her glow-up, saying in season two episode five, “From the first moment I saw her last summer, I was done for. She’s always been just Belly. A girl I’ve known my whole life, my friend.” Prior to the summer Belly turned pretty, Jeremiah never went out of his way to be extra nice to her—Susannah had to beg him to keep Belly company when she was sick at home. However, Conrad chose to made the effort with Junior Mint. 

4. Jeremiah is NOT always there for Belly. 

Jeremiah loudly cheers for her volleyball game, but that’s all he does. He ignores Belly for months while Conrad and Belly talk on the phone for hours every night. When Belly is cold, Conrad offers his jacket without a second thought. He also buys her favorite muffins in season one. Conrad shows up for Belly in little ways that are more meaningful than Jeremiah’s single showy gesture. 

5. Jeremiah never says he loves Belly. Conrad does.

Before Belly and Conrad start dating, Conrad pleads with Jeremiah to not be mad at them, mentioning, “…my chest physically hurts to not be able to tell her that I’m in love with her” (season two episode five). The feeling is mutual; in episode one of season two, Steven, Belly’s brother, angrily yells that Belly dating Conrad also ruined Steven’s relationship with the boys. Belly snaps that she was “out of [her] mind in love.” Note that Belly never says she loves Jeremiah, even in the books. 

Not only does Conrad explain how he feels, but he also shows his emotions. After Belly friendzones him in episode eight of season two, he leaves the motel, collapses against a wall, and breaks down while “exile” plays in the background. Conrad does not cry often, but he makes an exception for Belly.

As of the end of season two, Jeremiah has never revealed to anyone if he loves Belly. In the books, Jeremiah tells her he loves her for the first time OVER TEXT when she is considering ending their relationship. Sorry, Team Jeremiah. The boy isn’t helping his case.

6. Belly and Conrad have MULTIPLE scenes with Taylor Swift songs. 

Considering the astronomical number of Swifties at Rosary, it is safe to say the more Taylor Swift, the better. Bonrad scenes have been honored with SEVEN Taylor Swift tracks: “False God,” “This Love,” “Last Kiss,” “Invisible String,” “Sweet Nothing,” “Snow on The Beach,” and “exile.” Jeremiah only has one—“Delicate.” It’s clear who’s the favorite. 

I fear for the sanity of all the Jelly fans. I am not-so-patiently waiting for season three so I can happily cry through Belly and Conrad’s wedding scene and watch the heartbroken tears from everyone on Team Jeremiah.