Before the first meeting, you need to establish why these two characters need each other (even if they don't know it).
What is missing in their lives? (e.g., Character A is hyper-organized but lonely; Character B is chaotic but lives authentically). Before the first meeting, you need to establish
An event forces them into each other's orbit. Before the first meeting
High friction, high payoff. Focus on mutual respect growing from rivalry. Character A is hyper-organized but lonely
A past trauma or a hidden lie comes to light.
Underneath the surface level, they should care about the same fundamental truths (justice, family, freedom).
Falling in love without a basis of shared experiences or conversation. It feels unearned.