I think my struggle lies a lot with not wanting to explicitly state that the two characters are romantically attracted to each other and my attempt to show that more subtly through interactions and dialogue. Basically, trying to find the balance in show don't tell. ((albeit I'll likely be posting the story under GL, so that might be telling enough for some regarding the romance aspect of the story, or at least cause some to forcibly read into the relationship even if my writing falls short.))
So, I can confidently say, unfortunately, that there is a lot of authorial bias present. Although I'm not quite certain what would need to be tweaked in order to try to break my own suspension of disbelief. Although I can say that the main plot of the story wouldn't be able to wrap up properly if the characters weren't seen as showing some interest, either romantic or platonic, in each other.
I did try to add a few small bits to at least drive in a sense of closeness between the characters.
So, this is pretty close to the relationship, at least from the protagonist's side. And I might just be struggling with rationalizing it and saying yes this is actual romantic interest, as well as trying to decipher the other character's feelings as she initially responds more to the protagonist mostly out of loneliness and its hard for me to say if the readers will be able to tell if she ever left that mindset, or at least pick up the signs of romantic attraction from her side as well. Honestly, my uncertainty is ultimately, is this story romantic enough to be tagged as romance? or should I stick with fantasy even though its a bit more general and risk the story from missing out on the audience I think will be more likely to enjoy it.
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Thank you to the folks who responded.
I think I'll go ahead and try my luck with the project and come back to the forums to seek criticism/advice after the fact, instead of trying to explain things in the vaguest way possible. Especially given how intangible the topic can be.
((although if anyone has anything further to add feel free to do so))