This is true for alot of media tbh. For me though this story would be better if it was a coming of age story where he realises he wasn't actually in love just lust and then fell in love with someone else.
Its weird how they only have a 3yr age gap but it does still feels slightly pedoy
Probably gonna go with the classic "wait until he's older" ending timeskip like these types of age difference romances tend to do now'a days.
Those usually involve larger age gaps, I feel. 3 years is the widest margin used for 'Romeo and Juliet' laws that allow some age difference between people coming of age and in established relationships. I ended up researching it a bit for some other stories with potentially questionable age gaps. Ergo, depending on where this is, this is potentially considered legally acceptable.
It's not the 3 Years as such but WHEN those 3 Years are. One is nearly an adult (graduates in less than 2 years) and the other is still a kid (still an 8th grader).
Yeah, this is the part that kind of gets a little iffy, I'll admit. But still, mental maturity feels like it lines up better, not that that necessarily clears all questionableness from the situation.
Edit: Actually... looks like some jurisdictions allow for as much as 4 years age gap. Like Colorado and my own home state of Maryland, in terms of US states. I actually see Hawaii and Maine allow for as much as 5 years age difference. I hadn't realized some places allowed that big of a margin. To be fair, these laws do have a specific application on very specific activities within a romantic relationship, so presumably it doesn't matter so long as the couple doesn't engage in that activity (
sex). But still, it feels like a reasonable guideline on age gaps in relationships that involve at least one minor by law. (not that I'm young enough to be concerned with it, but still useful for lawyering about them in stories, I suppose)
None of this stuff matters once both parties are of-age, though. Age gaps stop mattering as much at that point, unless the individuals are bothered by them. But if either or both are under age, I feel like 'Romeo and Juliet' laws can help inform about what should be considered acceptable, at least by law. It means Chris Hansen can't do shit, even if you're disgusted.