It's never been a question as to if Tifa loves Cloud and even less of a question whether or not Cloud loves Tifa. First and foremost FFVII is Cloud's story and Cloud's story begins and ends with Tifa. He was obsessed with her as a child--and anyone who uses "dim love" or "crush" is understating. He watched her/followed her/stole panties... I mean, obsessed. And his reason for joining SOLDIER? Not a mystery, he tells us: To impress Tifa.
And I'm sorry, this may not be as "nice" as some people are putting it, but there are a canon couples in this compilation, and no they don't need a press release to announce them. All you need is common sense and the willingness to acknowledge something--even if you may not like it.
If anyone can give me a legitimate instance where Cloud shows/tells romantic feelings toward Aerith I will be astonished and amazed, because I've played the game (those that argue LTD without doing so really need to stfu in my opinion) read the novellas, watched the movies and it's not rocket science. Yes, he grieves over Aerith's death. Uh, duh. He held himself responsible for her protection...he would have grieved Barret for cripe's sake. And can you imagine his reaction had that been Tifa?? O.o But that's not relevant. What is relevant is that nowhere in all of compilation does Cloud show us--the player, viewer, fan--that he has any other love interest than Tifa.
I read mention of how he responds to Aerith in ACC...and how is his reaction loving? He doesn't even face her and when she touches his Geostigma, he flinches away. He is ashamed of his weakness, and his failures and having failed her. Yes, all true. But as reactions go, his scream at Zack's death--mere months before Aerith's-- shows a lot more emotional attachment than "She'll never laugh again..." Which isn't to say it's not moving and emotional, because it is. It's just not romantic.
A person can infer/project their wishes onto the actions, sure. And in singular instances, that may even work. However, when we take it apart, examine it and study the whole of compilation the picture is crystal frikkin' clear.
Yes, Virginia, there is a canon couple.