>>716365208 (OP) Because it’s the perfect storm of edge and purity. Sephiroth is peak brooding villain drama, and Aerith is the embodiment of hopeful waifu energy. Classic opposites attract trope, plus their designs contrast so well-silver vs. pink, sword vs. staff, destruction vs. healing. It’s like some people think if she’d lived, she could’ve “fixed” him or some cheesy crap like that. Also fanfic and deviantART in the early 2000s did irreversible damage.