Speaking of liking and “liking”, has anyone brought up that Aerith’s line to Cloud in the church scene contrasts this excerpt from Tifa chapter on Trace of Two Pasts?
She'd discovered that Cloud-the quiet neighbor who had always seemed as unreachable as the stars--was just a normal boy like any other. She'd come to understand that she did like him. And it was that special kind of "like" the one that ties up your heart, making you yearn to be with that person for the rest of your days.
Yeah, Nojima describes what kind of "like" (which is "suki" in Japanese) that is romantic (which is "koi" in Japanese).
The same sentiment of "yearn to be with that person for the rest of your days" can also be used to describe what kind of feelings Aerith have for Zack when she confessed "I'd like to spend more time with you." (in JP it's "I wanna be together with you more often"). In FFVII 10th Ultimania CC story playback, it says:
When Zack is called for duty, Aerith writes down 23 tiny wishes on a piece of paper and gives it to him.
The note was filled with her earnest desire to be together with Zack.
So, I wonder what makes Aerith say to Cloud that her liking is different "liking" since she wrote No Promises to Keep song in Gold Saucer that she also performed on stage with lyrics: "take my hand so we can be together ever more." This song is her feelings for Cloud, right? And the instrumental BGM is being played during their dreamlike date in Sector 5 slum.
Could it be... she thinks of her feelings for Cloud of wanting to be together ever more with him, but it turns out the date make her realize it's not like what she thought of?