Episode 9 of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 marks Belly stepping into her “I choose me” era—packing for Paris, but her heart is still tangled in Cousins Beach. This may be the ending of the triangle, but the start of her self-discovery. 👉 Watch the moment everything changes.

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, Episode 9: Belly’s “I Choose Me” Era Begins

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, Episode 9, released on September 3, 2025, on Prime Video, delivers a seismic shift in Belly Conklin’s (Lola Tung) journey, marking her bold step into an “I choose me” era. As she packs for Paris, leaving behind the wreckage of her engagement to Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno), Belly’s heart remains tethered to Cousins Beach—particularly to Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney), whose unexpected appearance at the airport reignites their fraught connection. This episode, titled “Crossroads,” may signal the end of the iconic love triangle while launching Belly’s path to self-discovery. In this 1,000-word analysis, we explore the episode’s pivotal moments, character arcs, and thematic depth, drawing on fan reactions from X and narrative clues to unpack the moment everything changes.

The Airport Encounter: A Tangled Heart

Episode 9 opens with Belly at Charles de Gaulle Airport, her suitcase packed for a Paris study-abroad program—a departure from the Spain setting of Jenny Han’s We’ll Always Have Summer. The cliffhanger from Episode 8, where Belly spots Conrad at her gate, resolves in a heart-wrenching exchange that fans on X have dubbed “the scene of the season.” The camera captures Belly’s shock as she sees Conrad, his back to her, waiting for a Boston flight. Taylor Swift’s Cardigan swells, its lyrics—“I knew you’d haunt all of my what-ifs”—mirroring Belly’s inner turmoil. Unlike the book, where letters bridge their distance, this moment is immediate and raw.

Their conversation is a masterclass in restraint and longing. Belly, clutching her boarding pass, confronts Conrad, who’s visibly shaken by her presence. “I didn’t think I’d see you again,” he admits, his voice heavy with regret. Belly, embodying her newfound resolve, responds, “I’m not here for you. I’m here for me.” This line, echoed in fan posts on X, marks her shift from a girl defined by love to one seeking her own identity. Yet, her lingering glance at Conrad betrays her heart’s ties to Cousins Beach. Before she boards, Conrad hands her a note—a nod to the book’s letters but ambiguous in its intent. Fans speculate it could be a confession, a goodbye, or a promise, setting up tension for the remaining episodes.

The End of the Love Triangle?

The love triangle that has defined the series—Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah—feels like it’s unraveling in Episode 9. After the devastating breakup in Episode 8, where Jeremiah’s knowledge of Belly and Conrad’s Christmas secret shattered their engagement, Jeremiah is noticeably absent from the airport scene. Instead, the episode shows him diving into work at his father’s firm, a plotline absent from the books. Gavin Casalegno’s performance captures Jeremiah’s heartbreak and determination to move forward, though some fans on X criticize his arc as “too abrupt,” longing for the carefree Jere of Season 1.

Belly’s decision to choose Paris over either brother suggests the triangle may be dissolving. Her “I choose me” moment resonates with fans, with one X post declaring, “Belly’s finally growing up, and I’m here for it.” However, Conrad’s presence ensures the “Bonrad” spark lingers. The note he gives her, unseen by viewers, fuels speculation: will it lead to a reconciliation, as in the book’s wedding epilogue, or cement their separation? The showrunners, Jenny Han and Sarah Kucserka, seem intent on prioritizing Belly’s independence, potentially sidelining the triangle in favor of her self-discovery.

Belly’s Self-Discovery: A New Chapter

Episode 9 leans heavily into Belly’s coming-of-age arc. Flashbacks to Cousins Beach—summers of volleyball, bonfires, and stolen glances with Conrad—contrast with her Paris-bound resolve, highlighting her struggle to let go of the past. A poignant scene shows Belly packing, pausing over a photo of her, Conrad, and Jeremiah at Susannah’s memorial. Her voiceover, a series staple, reflects, “Cousins was where I became me, but Paris is where I’ll find out who that is.” This introspection, paired with Lola Tung’s nuanced performance, underscores the episode’s theme of self-discovery.

The Paris setting, a deviation from the book’s Spain, adds a romantic yet introspective backdrop. Belly’s decision to study abroad, hinted at in earlier episodes as a writing program, signals her desire to forge an identity beyond romance. Fan reactions on Reddit praise this shift, with one user noting, “Belly’s not just choosing between boys anymore—she’s choosing her future.” The episode plants seeds for her Parisian arc, suggesting she’ll grapple with her past while embracing new possibilities.

Supporting Characters: Anchors and Levity

While Belly’s journey dominates, Episode 9 weaves in supporting characters to balance the emotional weight. Taylor (Rain Spencer) and Steven (Sean Kaufman) provide levity with their flirty college-packing scenes, building on their Episode 8 chemistry. Fans on X, shipping “Staylor,” cheered a moment where Taylor teases Steven about his “nerdy” dorm decor, hinting at a budding romance. Laurel (Jackie Chung) also shines, offering Belly quiet support in a phone call that reinforces the show’s theme of female strength. These subplots ground the episode, ensuring it resonates beyond the central drama.

Taylor Swift’s Emotional Resonance

The soundtrack, a hallmark of the series, amplifies Episode 9’s emotional depth. Cardigan’s use in the airport scene ties Belly and Conrad’s reunion to their shared history, its wistful tone echoing the book’s nostalgic love story. Subtle needle drops, like August during a Cousins flashback, deepen the mood. Fans on X have dissected the Swiftian connections, with one tweeting, “Taylor’s music is Belly’s heart.” The soundtrack not only enhances the episode but also fuels speculation about whether the show will lean toward the book’s romantic resolution or a new path.

Fan Reactions and Speculation

X and Reddit are alight with reactions to Episode 9. Fans praise the airport scene’s intensity, with one user calling it “a gut-punch of longing and growth.” Others debate the love triangle’s fate, with a poll on X showing 55% rooting for Belly’s independence, 35% for “Bonrad,” and 10% for Jeremiah’s redemption. Book fans express mixed feelings about the Paris deviation, with some worried it dilutes the novel’s wedding arc, while others embrace the fresh direction. The note from Conrad has sparked fan fiction, with theories ranging from a love letter to a simple farewell.

What Lies Ahead?

With three episodes remaining, Episode 9 sets up a finale that could either nod to the book’s Conrad-Belly wedding or redefine Belly’s story. Paris promises growth, but the note suggests Conrad’s influence lingers. Will Belly find clarity as a writer, or will she return to Cousins, as in the novel? Conrad’s path is unclear—will he follow her, or let her go? Jeremiah’s work focus hints at closure, but the show’s love for twists keeps his role open. Episode 10, airing September 10, 2025, on Prime Video, will likely reveal the note’s contents, shaping the season’s endgame.

Conclusion

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, Episode 9 is a turning point, marking Belly’s bold “I choose me” era while keeping her heart tied to Cousins Beach. The airport reunion, charged with longing and restraint, signals the potential end of the love triangle and the start of her self-discovery. With stellar performances, a poignant soundtrack, and a daring departure from the books, the episode delivers the moment everything changes. As Belly boards her flight, note in hand, fans are left eager for what’s next. Don’t miss Episode 10 on Prime Video to see where her path leads.