Characters and a plot. Characters must have motivations. Plot must have conflict and stakes.
That is all. There is no writing in stone that says you MUST HAVE romance. In fact, if you're trying to find a place to "fit in" a love interest, it's probably best for your story that you don't. That's like trying to "fit in" vampires/angels/zombies/demons/wizards just because they're popular right now.
Haha thanks. I thought i'd ask at least. No harm in asking I learn new things every day