So it is not "drama for drama" sake, but bad (unclear) storytelling ? As it should be obvious that Elena is staying away from MC at first (Layla called/implied dibs ) ? Also Nyx changed story so many times, the version I played/remembered Layla was first, Elena came later ( and was not even an option at the time). So, game (should)play out as Layla came first, you get to hang out with Elena because of Layla, like her and now have a choice to break Laylas hearth to continue to Elena. If that is not clear Nyx needs to rework that part of story (again!)...
What does it matter if you hang out with Elena because Layla is the one who invites the MC ?
There is no romance going on at that point, why would Layla being interested in the MC stop the MC (player) to keep it friendly with her and instead go for Elena ?
The MC has feelings/interest for the girls we decide to.
Also Elena isn't staying away from the MC, you get the choice to spend time with Elena alone, like helping her with the cheer training at her home.
By the time the training camp happens you had time to spend time with Elena, you can reject Layla up to this point without breaking her heart and still be good friends with her...
No, it is drama for drama's sake.
If Nyx wanted to she could have given the choice to go for Elena at various points in the story, but she locks her behind Layla for drama.
She gives you the choice to go for Elena only at the worst possible time, not like when you were at the beach with Elena and she makes it pretty clear she is interested in the MC, it's obviously done for drama.