Tbh many of the fans figured they already were a couple, they just didn't say so outright. Quietly dating instead of loudly. There was tons of subtext, unlike with Julian and Miles.

Garak with Ziyal meant he was bi, though he could have just been trying to be kind because of her youth and situation as a mixed race woman with few prospects.

Bashir was also bi, as he was clearly interested in women as well, what with all the flirting he does.

They actually connected to literary works even earlier in the show. Jefferson (the future Mad Hatter) and Regina visited Wonderland in Season 1 episode 17. Wonderland is a literary world, but it fits easier into the fairytale stories than Frankenstein does. Jefferson's hat has doors leading to many locations in this episode, including Oz, which Jefferson mentions visiting in the same episode as Frankenstein is introduced (he snagged a crystal ball from there, but not the silver shoes, as they were already gone).

It was still eye-opening to have a horror story be actually featured, though. It meant that not only were children's stories and fairy tales available, but ANY classic, and that was exciting.

Also, Nurse Ratchet had been watching over Belle in the padded room since episode 12, and that was pretty spooky. I didn't recognize her because I don't do horror but other people did and pointed it out. Brr!!