This is a long debate, spoilers ahead if you have not played the remake yet. After playing the FF7 Remake (I just finished section 7 when Jessie died………sniff…………sniff), I am convinced Cloud is interested in Aerith more than Tifa. And here is why:
1: If Cloud is thinking about Tifa since he left the village, his reaction would be a lot emotional when he first reunites with her after such long absences, at least warmer than the reaction he is acting in the remake when all he interested in is Gil.
2: Cloud definitely had a like for Jessie, he never pushed her away on her advances, instead of giving out an I don't care about anything attitude, he helped Jessie with the parents visiting missions and happily doing the stealing for her. Later Jessie gave him a kiss which he also accepted, as an ex-soldier if he doesn't want it he can simply pull away. Had Jessie not died, I am sure it will be either Aerith and Jessie fighting over him rather than Tifa.
3: When Cloud first met Aerith when Aerith gave him the yellow flower, he mentioned in the pub wondering what's the story of that girl is all about. I don't recall he mentions Tifa when he is not on the job. And when he meets her for the second time, he immediately becomes her bodyguard and even lied to Aerith by saying he doesn't recall who he gave the flower to. For someone who doesn't give a crap about anything, he certainly lied in that instance, why? Because he doesn't want Aerith to think he gave the flower she gave to him to another girl. He wouldn't be doing that if he is not interested in Aerith.
4: At the train graveyard, when Aerith said "we have a bodyguard don't forget, mine", he didn't pull her away in front of Tifa when Aerith was holding his arm, if he had any love interests for Tifa, I am sure he would at least tried to pull away.
5: Finally, when Aerith put on that Red Dress at the Don Coreno mansion. He lost his speech totally all of a sudden and even said sorry after.
So what do you think?
Which camp are you in?
what percent of your income do set aside to spend on your comic-con costume each year?