[AlchemistCamp]

Strange. I don't think "lover" sounds illicit in any way, though maybe it suggests youth and romanticism.

[lolinder]

Definition 4a in Webster is "paramour", which is "an illicit or secret lover". It isn't the primary definition for sure, but in this context that's the vibe it gives off.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lover