shipper
n.a fan who wants two characters in a story to be in a romantic relationship. You use this when you are talking about books, movies, or TV shows.
n.a person who supports or advocates for a romantic relationship between two fictional characters or real-life celebrities. Informal in register; derived from the word 'relationship'.
“Many shippers want the two lead actors to date in real life.”
“The show's writers often tease shippers by putting the two rival characters in tense, emotional scenes together.”
“Online communities often divide into factions of rival shippers, each producing fan art and fiction to justify why their preferred pairing is the most narratively satisfying.”
Commonly used in the context of 'fandom' culture on social media.
While 'shipper' is the noun for the person, the action is usually expressed by the verb 'ship' followed directly by the couple.
“That leads to higher transit costs for shippers of all kinds of products and slower deliveries.”