DWTS: Is There Really Something Between Janel Parrish and Val Chmerkovskiy?

Janel Parrish and Val Chmerkovskiy

Adam Taylor/ABC/Getty

10/21/2014 AT 03:30 PM EDT

It may happen every year, but that won't stop Dancing with the Stars from attempting to drum up romance rumors on the ABC reality show.

This time, it's between Janel Parrish and Val Chmerkovskiy – who danced around the possibility of a romantic connection during Monday's telecast. Though PEOPLE confirmed the duo are just friends, the show continued to tease the notion that they may have feelings for each other.

"What is my relationship with Janel? Is there an attraction between us two?" Chmerkovskiy told the camera. "I don't know. I think nature just made things work that way. She's my partner, she's my friend, I want to see her do well."

"I adore Val," said Parrish, who was filmed arguing with her partner over the way he addressed her in the rehearsal hall. "The tricky part is not bringing any of those feelings ? whatever they may be for each other ? into rehearsal."

The show certainly found a way to capitalize on Parrish's newly single status. Last week, Parrish's boyfriend, actor Payson Lewis, announced via Instagram that they called it quits.

"All good things must come to an end," he wrote. "Thank you for the happiest year and a half of my life. I will always love you @janelparrish and I wish you nothing but the best. Forever #teamjanel."

On Monday, Chmerkovskiy did his best to suggest that he and Parrish were becoming more than just dance partners. The two, who spent the previous week apart as part of the show's switch-up week, earned a score of 33 out of a possible 40 Monday with their sexy samba.

"Whatever feelings I have for Janel, it can't be phrased in a bite," he said. "I'm sorry, America. Stay tuned!"