You are onto something here! I was one of the bummed out people but I'm also one of the enjoyers.
I'm going into analyst mode here, I think people being bummed out is totally respectable, they gave us this beautiful couple and then kinda snatched it from our hands in such a heartbreaking way, I think a lot of people (me included) wanted to see them working as a couple the rest of the series because having the main pair becoming canon in such a short time is not common, you usually get them in the end and barely see them acting as a couple, just as two characters that hold romantic feelings for each other, pining without action ya know? so having Rayllum become canon in the middle of the third season out of seven was just nice and that happiness kinda got away in their separation.
On the other hand, I think it's a really nice turn of events, or maybe I say this because I like to look at the positive but look what we are getting. I'm a completely sucker for pairs that get separated for years but are loyal and still love the other person, is such a good trope and we could see how even after two years apart these two little shites still love each other like crazy, how beautiful is that? is such a proof of how strong their bond is and how no matter what, their bond is unbreakable, and they only stayed together for two months!! (three now).
Their "breakup" (or whatever you want to call this mess lmao) is totally making them better, it's making them notice how important they are in each other's life, to apreciate the other and stuff like this. To evolve as a person you will have to make mistakes, just like in relationships, sometimes you have to mess up to learn. Rayla made a big mistake leaving and she's noticing, it teached her what to really value (I risked losing the best thing I ever had: you). With Callum you can see how he regrets his behaviour from before and the level of maturity he reaches, and the way he acts with her is just so... special? like he was great in S3 but losing her and getting her back just made his behaviour toward her even more endearing adding that little protective insanity to the soup. (Plus bonus points, getting so pro about magic as a coping mechanism).
The whole thing about S5 is them rebuilding trust and friendship, like sure they love each other as friends and lovers but her departure traumatized them both and it needs healing. In S5 you see how they are developing a new way of trust and working together, a thing they both needed but mostly Rayla, and this kind of development is thanks to their not breakup. And holy shit, as the original post intended, they don't look like they aren't together at all, like you said "together but not together" which just shows how damn beautiful their relationship is seriously!!!
More bonus points, we getting a confirmation in the Chasing Shadows short about how Rayla considers Callum her home is so beautiful god damn it!! she noticing this and choosing to come back to him instead continuing the mission is so so important for her development as well like!!
In a summary, It's damn sad that they suffered these two years but it will be a good thing in the long way!
stormborns
prguitarman
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snowghoul
germansingergirl
titsay
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