Initially, Fiyero is Glinda’s trophy boyfriend. He flirts with Elphaba out of curiosity, not desire. But something shifts during the Lion Cub scene. While Glinda squeals about shoes, Elphaba fights for justice. Fiyero, who has spent his life feeling nothing, suddenly feels admiration . He tells her, "You’re beautiful." She assumes he is mocking her green skin. He isn't.
Their relationship arc in Act I is a classic enemies-to-lovers trope. They start as roommates who loathe one another. However, the iconic song "Popular" is essentially a romantic montage of Galinda trying to "fix" Elphaba, bringing them physically and emotionally closer. Sexy Wicked Melanie