Otayuri is a relationship about GROWTH. It doesn’t matter whether their relationship remains platonic or turns romantic, it is about G R O W T H.
It’s about Yuri growing into himself and making friends, realising that Otabek is actually not his only friend (though probably the first that genuinely asked to be so), most likely Otabek being there for when Yuri is upset about his body changing and more. It’s about how he continues on in the figure skating seniors division (maybe even the Olympics since he’s soon turning 16!!).
It’s about Otabek peaking in figure skating and getting to know again someone he admired during his childhood. We know he already has many mischievous friends but it’ll be a different kind of friendship that I am sure he will love very much that helps him grow into himself as he eases into adulthood.
Now if between the growth there is crushing, pining, realisation of romantic feelings, or more, then it will depend. Hell part of their entire growth could be a relationship, successful or not! They are both focused on their careers and I cannot see Yuri thinking about dating until he’s 17-20, let’s be honest. There’s also many other things -cough- I feel need to happen before they enter a relationship -cough- because we both know they have -cough- ansgty things going on.
This has probably been discussed when the fandom was more alive, but I just want us all to value their relationship whether it’s platonic or romantic. They are different to Victor and Yuuri in that their feelings are most likely not THERE YET if it ends up being romantic. Maybe a tightly closed flower bud, waiting for the right time to slowly open before it blooms.
Just my take on their relationship when I think of them as a writer (if I may call myself that lmao). Anyway, I am sure the Yuri!!! on ICE writers will satisfy our needs of any kind of relationship between Otabek and Yuri <3