I'm stumped on this. Ideally, a romantic relationship, is about what you describe, barring the sex aspect. It's about being best friends, first.

Mutual admiration, respect, fondness, acceptance, affectionate gestures(hand holding/saying I love you).

I'd say, don't let others expectations, define what you have.

Playing, advocate here...are these questions, perhaps ill equipped to ask, the right question? I know you are on the younger side of the adult/late teen spectrum, so perhaps those asking, lack the ability to use tact?

My question, is there chemistry? In the sense, that a 'romantic' relationship, involves chemical attraction. What you have is, pure, and a wonderful thing, to have. And perhaps, it's striking a nerve, because, that's not what either of you desire? I'm not sure, and I don't want to offend, nor really pry. Just trying to say, that I don't feel they need to push their own preconceived ideas on you and your friend.

Why can't what you have, also be a true love? It's honest and pure.