for so long i was disappointed that they didn't give gaara the romantic ending he deserved BUT THEN I FOUND OUT
there is a gaara light novel centred around his love life and although kishimoto doesn't write them, they are canon-adjacent and he provides illustrations for them so i'd like to think he approves :3
so happy this exists and i literally cannot wait to read it... perhaps ill update as i do
***UPDATE***
so... I FINISHED IT and i thoroughly enjoyed it. technically gaara doesn't explicitly express romantic feelings towards his arranged marriage partner or anyone else in the novel, BUT it was fun seeing him try to navigate what is essentially his first date with the advice from his elder sister.
it was super action packed and there was a big plot-twist that made everything come together in the end. there's also some kankuro-being-epic action which i appreciate mucho.
also, shikamaru appearance!
i liked the comedy and getting a deeper dive into everyone's dynamics.
10/10 DO RECOMMEND