The highly anticipated second batch of Stranger Things 5 episodes has finally hit Netflix, arriving like the ultimate Christmas gift for fans. Following the jaw-dropping finale of Volume 1, viewers were left with countless questions—most notably about Nancy and Jonathan’s future together. Would Jonathan finally muster the courage to propose, or would their relationship face yet another hurdle?

In Volume 1, Nancy and Jonathan’s relationship was far from smooth. Jealousy, unresolved tension, and the ongoing competition with Steve created friction between them. On top of that, Nancy had far bigger concerns than her love life; her world and family were on the brink of collapse, and romance had to take a backseat.

Despite all this, Jonathan secretly obtained an engagement ring with Murray’s help, hoping to propose to Nancy at the perfect moment. We watched him nervously fidget with the ring, waiting for the right opportunity—but did he ever get the chance? Volume 2 finally answers that question.

Spoiler Alert: Did Nancy and Jonathan Break Up?

Unfortunately, the news isn’t what fans might have hoped for. In Stranger Things 5 Volume 2, Nancy and Jonathan come to a difficult realization: their relationship, while filled with love, has too many unresolved issues to continue. The chaos surrounding Vecna and the looming threat of merging worlds only add to their challenges. Ultimately, they decide to break up.

During a critical moment at Hawkins Lab, Nancy fires at the exotic matter in the Upside Down, causing a meltdown that traps her and Jonathan in a room. Facing what they believe could be their end, they open up completely, confessing truths they had long kept hidden.

From disagreements over personal preferences — like music taste, reading habits, and college plans — to misunderstandings from past seasons, Nancy and Jonathan lay it all out. Oddly enough, this honesty brings them closer emotionally, even as they realize that engagement and marriage wouldn’t solve their deeper issues.

Jonathan admits that he initially believed proposing would fix everything, but he now understands it wouldn’t. He literally asks Nancy if she will not marry him, and the couple shares a heartfelt “I love you.” When Jonathan tosses the engagement ring aside, it bounces off the floor — and in a symbolic moment, the melting stops. While the exact reason for this is left unexplained, it marks a moment of clarity, truth, and survival for both characters.

Duffer Brothers have also confirmed that Nancy and Jonathan have broken up. In an interview with PEOPLE, Matt Duffer said,

“That’s a breakup. They are broken up. It’s hard to recall when exactly that idea came, but I think us — and the writers — all felt that Nancy needed to end up on her own and be independent and have an opportunity to find herself. I mean, how many people wind up with their girlfriend or boyfriend that they met in high school? It’s a trauma bond.”

What About Steve?

Naturally, fans wonder: Does Nancy and Jonathan’s breakup mean she’ll end up with Steve? The answer is no—at least for now. Nancy clarifies that her need for space and her breakup isn’t about Steve. As of Volume 2’s finale, she and Steve are not a couple, and there’s little indication they will be.

Nancy’s focus remains firmly on herself and her ambitions. Ever since Stranger Things 4, she has dreamed of attending Emerson College in Boston to pursue journalism. While Hawkins kept her grounded due to the quarantine, her desire to explore the world and chase her career goals has not faded.

Jonathan and Steve have been significant parts of her journey, but Nancy’s story is far from over. She isn’t ready to commit to either man permanently—especially given that Steve envisions a future with six children, family vacations, and a traditional life, which doesn’t align with Nancy’s adventurous and independent spirit.

In Stranger Things 5 Volume 2, Nancy and Jonathan do not get engaged and have broken up.

Whether they’ll reunite or fully go their separate ways will likely be revealed in the series finale, dropping on Netflix on New Year’s Eve. For now, Nancy is prioritizing her own dreams, adventures, and independence—something fans can fully support.

This isn’t the only relationship arc addressed in Volume 2, as the long-debated fate of Byler is finally revealed as well.