User blog comment:SerialSniper14/Plot predictions and tid-bits/@comment-1454424-20100206164337

Kubo stated that he didn't have any intention of making it a love story when he was asked if he was going to make Ichigo and Rukia a couple. In subsequent interviews he also stated that his story does have romantic elements to it.

Therefore, dismissing Orihime's feelings off-hand is foolish and a misinterpretation of what Kubo actually said. There is a difference between having a love story and a story with romance in it. In a love story, the focus is mainly on the relationship. Clearly Kubo doesn't want to write multiple chapters just exploring the romantic feelings between two characters. However, that is not to say he won't explore it at all.

So yes, there is romance in Bleach, its just not the focus of Bleach.