These ideas take popular tropes and apply them to specific modern or imaginative settings.
: Star-crossed lovers are kept apart by external forces like family feuds, different social classes, or societal expectations.
: A central character is torn between two different love interests, exploring the "who will they choose?" conflict.
: Two people pretend to be a couple for an external reason—such as making an ex jealous or satisfying meddling parents—only for the fictional feelings to become real.
: Former partners or high school sweethearts reunite years later to resolve past misunderstandings and try again.
These are tried-and-true storylines that focus on how the couple first interacts and overcomes initial barriers.