forum How to write romantic tension?

Started September 15, 2020 by @wwWolfgirl

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I want two characters to like each other but not do anything. Like Jenny and Jethro on NCIS season 2

Basically, you'll want to start with a friendship first. Now take that, and have your characters play jump rope with the line between friends and something more. They shouldn't acknowledge it. Anytime one of them crosses that line, the other should try and steer the ship back into friendship territory. Give them lots of little moments that will drive your readers crazy, such as:

-Lots of eye contact and then looking away.
-They are always next to each other or partnered up in some way but they never address it.
-Always agreeing with the other person.
-Doing things that could easily be considered a date (like getting coffee, going to a movie, etc.) but it isn't because nothing happened.
-When they're hanging out with groups of people, they always end up off by themselves in some corner, talking.
-Whenever they get physically close, one or both of them pulls away and kind of changes the subject or laughs it off.
-They tell each other almost everything, and know each other's secrets.
-Other characters crack jokes about their relationship and one or both overreacts.
-Finding subtle ways to touch the other person (but not in a creepy or sexual way!).
-What normally wouldn't embarrass them suddenly is cause for full on blushing and acting weird in front of the other person.
-Character that is normally articulate gets tongue-tied.