May I ask that you cite the source (an Ultimania guide interview, etc) where Nomura allegedly claimed the sharing the sharing of the Paopu Fruit has no romantic connotations attached to it. This has been brought up before and has been debunked as a rumor. The Japanese VAs of both Riku and Kairi in the KHII Ultimania Guide state that the scene was supposed to be romantic and according to their account, Nomura had created an alternate scene without the Paopu sharing because he didn't know to what extent he was ready to display Sora and Kairi's feelings. https://phoenix-downer.tumblr.com/post/183166367788/kingdom-hearts-3-ultimania-interview-with-the