Opinions on romance subplot

So, my current WIP has the main character being thrust into a conflict between groups A, B, and C. Groups A and B are born with a special magic gift, but differ on how to use it. Group C wants to kill both the other two off and any child born with the gift, and their families because it can run in bloodlines. The main character has the gift, and joins group A, but his only friend through childhood who he had always believed he would end up marrying joins group C, causing him all kinds of turmoil when they meet in battle multiple times. He also has to deal with feelings of attraction to a female from group B who is working with him to try to unite A and B, though he knows its only an attraction of lust to her. What I'm wondering is, is it better to leave him devastated with the death of his childhood love and having had a one night stand with the other girl (To perform an ancient magic ritual), or to have one of the male characters who is also from group A, and that he works with and forms an almost brotherly bond with, to have him help console the main character and the two end up in a relationship together. Which would make for a better read? knowing that Im planning the main character to lead a trilogy, and all of this happens within the first story? Thanks!

 

I think ill try the writing a scene with each character to test the feel. And the main character only does the one night stand because of the sex, the female from the other side is only doing it because of a ritual. She just didn't make it a known fact.