The Summer I Turned Pretty might just be the biggest hit of this summer, and Season 3 has fans buzzing about the romantic entanglements of its characters.

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One of the biggest questions circulating online is: who will Steven Conklin end up with? Is it Taylor, his complicated ex, or Denise, the intriguing new addition to his life?

Watch out, there may be spoilers ahead.

1. Steven and Taylor: A Complicated History

In Season 3, Steven Conklin's relationship with Taylor Jewel is emotionally charged. Their history is filled with unresolved feelings, and despite their breakup, Steven’s lingering attachment to Taylor creates tension and emotional depth throughout the season.

Key moments, like his near-fatal car accident and his protective instincts toward Taylor, highlight that he still cares deeply for her.

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2. Enter Denise: A New Connection

Denise is introduced as Steven’s co-worker, and their interactions are marked by intellectual chemistry and mutual respect. The show hints at a potential new romance between them, showing that Steven can form meaningful connections outside of his past.

Actor Sean Kaufman himself has acknowledged that Steven’s storyline with Denise introduces a “fresh dynamic” to his character. “I remember shooting episode 7 and I was like, ‘Oh my god, there’s so many feelings [involved] for so many people,’” the actor told People. “And to try to balance them and also figure out where Steven is at with all this—and not judging him for it—is definitely an interesting one.”

3. The Love Triangle: Steven, Taylor, and Denise

The love triangle doesn't fail to keep fans guessing.

Taylor represents Steven’s emotional past and unresolved feelings, embodying the nostalgia, passion, and intensity of first love. Every interaction with Taylor carries the weight of history, reminding both Steven and the audience of their deep connection.

Denise, on the other hand, symbolizes growth, stability, and a new start. Her presence in Steven’s life introduces intellectual and emotional balance, showing him that relationships can be supportive, respectful, and less tumultuous than the rollercoaster of high school romance.

Fans can clearly see the tension in his choices, making each scene charged with anticipation as viewers speculate who he will ultimately choose.

4. Opinion: Steven Will Likely End Up With Taylor

Based on how Season 3 develops, my opinion is that Steven is more likely to end up with Taylor.

From the show's narrative focus on their shared history, the emotional weight of their interactions, and key plot moments—like the car accident—that pull Steven back toward Taylor, I can't help but feel they would be endgame.

Denise is compelling and presents a mature alternative, but the show's storytelling emphasizes nostalgia, unresolved love, and Steven’s tendency to follow his heart. The writers also seem to be building toward a “reunion with the past” narrative for Steven.

5. The Books vs. The Show: Diverging Paths

In the books, Steven’s romantic storylines are minimal, but the show expands on them. So, unfortunately, we can't look to the books for guidance on this outcome.

6. What Lies Ahead for Steven

While the show keeps the final choice ambiguous, everything in Season 3 points to Steven’s heart being tied to Taylor.

However, Denise remains a credible alternative, suggesting that if the story wanted a “growth and maturity” ending, it could go that route.

Fans will have to watch closely to see whether Steven chooses the comfort of the past or the promise of the future.