while stories are technically fictional and can be quite unrealistic, imaginary, etc., they can also have a message and the ability to hurt and offend.
first of all, if you’re one of those people that use the excuse of “iF yOu DoN’t LiKe It, DoN’t ReAd It” for virtually everything, sit back. it’s not always about simply not liking a story. sometimes stories will be straight-up problematic and/or inappropriate. there are just some lines you shouldn’t cross, even in literature. for instance, on what planet is glorifying and romanticizing bullies, gangsters, kidnappers, rapists, stalkers and other similar characters acceptable? it isn’t “cute”, much less “romantic”, and not even close to okay. as someone who’s been through bullying and assault, i’d be damned if i read a story where the offender was a love interest or generally presented in any glorified/romanticized way. you can’t just proceed with writing about that in this manner and think it’s acceptable just because it’s fiction.
you also don’t just throw in a “hot”, “sexy” criminal and use their damned looks to excuse or diminish the impact and consequences of their behavior. THEIR APPEARANCE DOESN’T MATTER! they’re a sick bastard that deserves to be locked in a cell and/or get help, “hot” or not, and not someone who becomes your mc’s soulmate and eventually baby daddy or anything of the sort. just ask yourself if you’d still be willing to romanticize an identical character that’s visually less appealing. i’m certain your answer would be no, so you shouldn’t make differences based on looks alone.
back to stories, your story has the potential to hurt and offend. not only that, keep in mind that episode is pretty much populated by gullible minors who are vulnerable to such messages (even if you’re a teenager yourself who believes they’re not that impressionable – you might be smart and educated, but you’re still susceptible to some degree). let’s teach them that serious topics like these shouldn’t be glorified or taken lightly.
keep in mind that just because something isn’t offensive or problematic to you doesn’t mean it won’t be to someone else, especially someone who’s been through such hardships.
also, all stories need realistic elements to an extent. otherwise the story makes no sense and is unreadable. stop using the excuse that stories are “pure fiction”.
