The romance should be woven into the main plot, not just a side-show.
Whether it’s a classic novel, a summer blockbuster, or a binge-worthy TV series, are the emotional engines that drive our favorite narratives. While a plot provides the "what," romance provides the "why." It raises the stakes, making us care deeply about whether a hero succeeds or a world is saved because of the person waiting for them on the other side. The Universal Appeal of Romance puberty+sexual+education+for+boys+and+girls+1991
Patience is the name of the game here. By stretching out the "will they/won't they" dynamic, writers build an almost unbearable level of anticipation for the audience. The romance should be woven into the main