One grade apart is usually fine (a junior and a senior). Two grades is the gray area. Three grades (senior/freshman) requires serious justification and caution.
Have the older character hesitate. Have friends say, "This is weird, right?" Acknowledging the age gap within the narrative removes the "glamour" and adds realism. ass sex teens ags 13
And for the writers? Let’s retire the trope where the "wise older teen" saves the innocent younger one. Give us age-appropriate love stories that are just as steamy, just as dramatic, and a hell of a lot healthier. One grade apart is usually fine (a junior and a senior)
Romance is about feeling seen and safe. A healthy relationship doesn't require a driver's license to work. Have the older character hesitate
A 16-year-old and an 18-year-old who are both in the same AP English class and have the same part-time job? That feels organic. A 17-year-old waiting outside a middle school for their 14-year-old partner? That feels predatory. Context is everything.