This trope was just renamed, but the example sounds more like it's Designated Love Interest. I'm not familiar enough with the work to be sure. If you are, please feel free to re-add this under the appropriate name. Thanks.
Satellite Love Interest: From a certain perspective, both of Paul's girlfriends, as he spends little screen time with either and the result of his romantic conflict seems to be predetermined by fate.
Speaking words of fandom: let it squee, let it squee.
This trope was just renamed, but the example sounds more like it's Designated Love Interest. I'm not familiar enough with the work to be sure. If you are, please feel free to re-add this under the appropriate name. Thanks.
- Satellite Love Interest: From a certain perspective, both of Paul's girlfriends, as he spends little screen time with either and the result of his romantic conflict seems to be predetermined by fate.
Speaking words of fandom: let it squee, let it squee.