There is a unique joy in the pacing of these storylines. Because they are "extra" or supplementary, they are allowed to develop organically. They aren't forced to hit specific plot beats to keep the ratings up. This allows for the "slow burn," a dynamic where the romance simmers gently over seasons.
If you removed it, would a reader miss it? If yes, keep it. If no, it was never truly alive. little teeny sex extra quality
Main romantic storylines often follow a predictable "will-they-won't-they" arc that can span several seasons or hundreds of pages. Because they carry the burden of the plot, they are often bogged down by forced misunderstandings and "big" obstacles. There is a unique joy in the pacing of these storylines