If there’s one character in recent teen drama history who has worn her heart on her sleeve as boldly as her signature red lipstick, it’s Gigi Rivera .
Let’s break down the major romantic eras of Gigi Rivera. Every great romantic tragedy starts with a boy who “doesn’t know what he wants.” For Gigi, that was Marco Delgado . If there’s one character in recent teen drama
While Gigi is often celebrated for her fierce loyalty, sharp wit, and take-no-prisoners attitude, her high school romantic journey is arguably the most relatable—and gut-wrenching—part of her arc. From the agony of the "almost" to the euphoria of the unexpected, Gigi’s love life proves that in high school, the most dramatic storylines don’t happen in the classroom; they happen in the four-inch space between two locker doors. While Gigi is often celebrated for her fierce
Jax was all bad decisions and softer feelings. Their relationship was chaotic, electric, and completely unsustainable. They had late-night drives, spray-painted murals on abandoned lots, and a secret relationship that her parents would have hated. Whether you’re Team Marco (toxic)
It was perfect. Gigi Rivera’s romantic storylines matter because they feel real. She didn’t find her person in the first episode. She got her heart bruised, made questionable choices, and learned that love isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about being seen.
Marco was her childhood best friend, her study partner, and the person who knew she was allergic to artificial strawberry flavoring. To everyone at Northwood High, they were a foregone conclusion. But Marco spent the first half of the season pining for the unattainable head cheerleader, leaving Gigi in the ultimate friend zone.
Whether you’re Team Marco (toxic), Team Jax (chaotic), or Team Ava (healing), one thing is clear: Gigi’s high school relationships weren’t just filler arcs. They were the messy, beautiful, embarrassing, and essential process of figuring out who she was—by figuring out who she wasn’t.