I would like to make a deep analysis on Eren's feelings for Mikasa after chapter 123.
Before I start though I would like to clarify one thing which antis or non shippers have been using in reference to the eremika moment.
To quote them 'Eren wanted to know mikasa's answer to check her Ackerman bond. He wanted to know if she was a slave to that bond and only with him coz of that. '
Here's your answer folks.
Eren learned about Ackerman bond when he went to Liberio which was after his talk with Mikasa so no he did not know about the bond. He wanted to know her real feelings.
Please don't say he saw through paths because Eren isn't a God who knew basically every single thing.
Ok moving on to the eremika moment.
This question right here didn't have any hidden motive it was simple out of curiosity thing which have always been in back of his mind. We see Eren crying before that watching that innocent family there. He knows what he is about to do in future to innocent families like them. And then the very next moment he is approached by the person who has always been his 'family'. Maybe seeing them triggered his emotions.
This panel right here should be proof enough for sensible readers that this scene is supposed to be having romantic overtone. Her blush, the desperation in his eyes and they both seem to be tearing up here especially Eren. I haven't seen him this vulnerable in a long time.
The last time we saw his face like this was in chapter 102.
Oh look it's coz of Mikasa again. Wow what a surprise I didn't expect that.
Eren showed his vulnerability, his softness right at this moment begging for Mikasa to answer truthfully. Even though he might have known her answer before due to paths but he was still hopeful.
I can't believe I am going to say this but Mikasa messed up. She did what she always do when put in a spot like this. Use the f word. Eren have never been this straight forward with her, she was caught off guard. Yes Mikasa is a badass and strong girl but you must remember she is also an awkward and shy person. She was afraid if she said the L word, Eren might not feel the same and it would get weird between them so she chose the safest option. Most people would have done the same if they were in her position.
Look at his face my poor soft boy. He wanted her to show the beauty in this cruel world. Mikasa's character always revolves around it. He wanted her love. He wanted her to show that beautiful emotion to him.
Note to the readers: Eren still was with his squad and he appeared lost in previous panels so he was still confused whether he wanted to go along with his plan or perhaps take a different route. He wanted Mikasa to show him that route somehow. He wanted to know if he had something or someone waiting for him with that pure feeling which he felt.
This scene cackled me cos they got interrupted by that old man and then the whole squad. Maybe he wanted to dig deeper and force the confession out of her. He wasn't done talking to her. I wonder what would have happened if they didn't get interrupted.
This scene is funny and sad at the same time. Eren is probably upset as he lost the last chance of love and now he have to move forward with his original plan. Meanwhile Mikasa is still blushing and wondering what he actually wanted to hear. And look at the rest of them giving eremika suspicious looks. They figured by their body language that something is off with them. Lol it's like straight out of a shojo novel. But I am not complaining. And my boy Eren decides to have fun for the last time with his friends. He probably also decided to get drunk coz of Mikasa's kinda rejection.
And is that jealousy I sense on his face? His two best friends be chilling while he is having inner battle. He is probably like my heart just got broken Mikasa won't tell me the truth, here I am a mess but you are smiling like you don't care about our moment outside.
This is the most precious panel in this chapter. Eren is a heavyweight drinker according to isayama so he is still fine but others passed out. Still our baby boy chose to lie beside his best friend and the woman he love.
Those ema feels are real man.
Please read my reblog below to see the continuation as I have passed the ten image limit lol.