That said, at least two of them have agreed on the fact that, of all things, my romance subplot could use to be more romance-y, which I am finding difficult
This is interesting, because I can see where they're coming from, but I actually liked that; they were steady together in a way suggesting a longer relationship, true, but that's what works for me.

and a drunk-hibiscus plant (white in the morning, pink at night).
Oh that's so cool!