A combination of tension building, unresolved cliffhanger, apparent reset. Rinse and repeat.
This technique was used among other authors by <PERSON> to delay plot reveals.
In practice:
1. Tension building.
Use the slower parts of the plot to show the reader the growing underlying affection between the two characters and their general yearning for love.
The goal is to make it obvious that both characters are willing to take a step further despite all obstacles.
This could be done, for instance: * basic dialogue in which the two get to know each other better, perhaps resuming a previous unfinished conversation on personal topics. * simple gestures that were mentioned earlier in the story and that bear significance for one but not necessarily for the other. E.g. 627
a particular salute, or refraining from wearing some item, or not eating meat. * mention of the other character during their absence when talking to other characters, thus displaying that they are 'in their thoughts'. It could also be in near disparaging terms, but any publicity is good publicity.
2. Unresolved cliffhanger
You have primed the reader to expect a step forward in the romantic subplot, and you begin moving in that direction, but interrupt it abruptly to present instead a major plot point shadowing the subplot.
The twist in the main plot should be sufficient to prompt your reader to temporarily set aside the romantic subplot in order to follow this new unexpected circumstance.
Obvious examples are: * characters get interrupted before they can declare their reciprocal affection * the love interest does not show up at the meeting because of the plot twist
3. Apparent reset
The plot point is resolved, the reader is ready to resume the subplot, but you instead reset it. You can justify it with the fact that the moment has been spoiled, that due to the plot point the situation is slightly different, or simply that they need time again to get in touch.
You can also show the confusion from both the MC and the love interest as: * case 1: they expect the subplot to resume, but encounter a wall, thus need to start again from the beginning * case 2: they keep wondering how they could have been so insane to be on the verge of committing such a silly thing
Of course the reset is apparent as their memories are not erased, giving you more material to dwell on for the next cycle. 425