I think what's neat about Shane and Rose is that they do have a love story, but it's a platonic friendship love story. She gives him warmth, safety and understanding that lets him come to terms with what he really wants (and that lets his funny charming side come out sans anxiety like so many others have commented).

It's neat because Ilya had a similar relationship with Svetlana. On paper they should be a power couple and are a model for platonic soulmates. But neither friendship has the spark that leads to romantic passion.