The Never Have I Ever season 1 ending throws Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) into the middle of a love triangle with her interest in both Paxton Hall-Yoshida (Darren Barnet) and Ben Gross (Jaren Lewison). After having her eyes set on Paxton all season, Devi shares a passionate kiss with her long-time arch-nemesis, Ben, in the final moments of the first installment. Written by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, Never Have I Ever follows Devi's struggles as she tries to transform her social life while dealing with an enormous amount of grief. During her journey of realization, she finds a surprising confidant.

Based on Kaling's upbringing as a first-generation Indian American, Never Have I Ever serves as a coming-of-age tale about a teen looking to reinvent her image during her sophomore year of high school. Besides getting invited to cool parties, Devi has dreams of finally acquiring a boyfriend. Instead of any boy, she has her sights on the resident heartthrob, Paxton. He initially agrees to a physical relationship but when she chickens out, they end up becoming friends. Though reputation gets in the way, Paxton finally realizes that Devi is something special and admits to their potential as a real couple. Unfortunately, his realization may have come too late.

Related: What To Expect From Never Have I Ever Season 2

Whereas Paxton is a bit hot and cold when it comes to his encounters with Devi, Ben makes it a point to be a thorn in her side. The two have been academic rivals since a young age and they constantly try to one-up each other. When Devi starts to transform her social status, Ben recognizes that there is more going on with her than most realize. When the rumors about Devi and Paxton run rampant, Ben sees right through them. It's Ben, not Paxton, who reunites Devi with her best friends and makes sure she gets to the beach in time to spread her father's ashes. He even stays to make sure she was okay, causing Devi to realize that he truly cares. For that, she's overcome with emotion and kisses him.

Devi & Ben's Relationship Evolved Throughout Season 1

Netflix

Devi and Ben's kiss in the Never Have I Ever season 1 finale may not come to a complete surprise to some viewers. The two teased each other a lot but when the situation became serious, they were there for one another. Ben confides in Devi about feeling lonely since his parents are always away. Devi, on the other hand, turns to Ben by moving into his house after the big fight with her mom.  They are also both very good at hiding behind a facade. Ben hides his loneliness while Devi tries to cover up her grief from the loss of her father. As more of the truth comes out, their relationship evolves from rivals to friends before taking a romantic turn.

Ben uncovers his feelings for Devi shortly before his birthday party. He tries to kiss her twice and when she doesn't reciprocate, he brushes it off as being drunk. Their bond continues to grow deeper but it takes Devi a little more time to come to terms with her feelings toward Ben since she's still focusing on Paxton. Now that they opened up to each other and shared a special moment, Devi might not look at Paxton the same. There's someone right in front of her who accepts her for who she truly is. Of course, it seems more plausible that Never Have I Ever will dive into a Devi-Paxton-Ben love triangle for season 2.

Next: Never Have I Ever Ending Explained: What’s Next For Every Character