About

Why I like Julia

I’ve always been drawn to Julia Heartilly because of the quiet yet profound impact she had on Final Fantasy VIII. Her story with Laguna resonates with me deeply, not just because of the love they shared but because of the tragedy that came with it. Their bond, though never fully realized, is so beautifully encapsulated in her music, especially "Eyes on Me." Julia’s ability to express the unspoken through her piano is something I’ve always admired. There’s a bittersweet quality to her character—her shyness, her dreams, and her tragic separation from Laguna. The way her love for him remains part of her identity, even if it’s never fully returned or acknowledged in the way she hoped, is so raw and human.

Her story, wrapped in melody and emotion, is a tale of longing, fate, and missed chances. I’ve always felt that her music speaks directly to the soul, capturing feelings of hope, sadness, and memories that linger through time. I created this shrine for Julia because her character represents something I hold dear—the beauty of unfulfilled love, the quiet strength of her passion, and the legacy she leaves through her music. She may not have gotten to sing to Laguna, but her music will forever echo through the hearts of those who hear it.

The Problem with Rinoa

While Final Fantasy VIII is filled with rich, emotional characters, I never really connected with Rinoa the way I did with Julia. Rinoa’s role in Squall’s journey is undeniably important, but her character often felt more dramatic and forceful compared to the quiet, introspective depth that Julia carries. Julia’s story with Laguna, despite being tragic, has a sense of purity and gentleness to it that I find much more relatable and moving. There’s something about Julia’s music and her quiet love for Laguna that resonates deeply with me, while Rinoa’s more outspoken, sometimes impulsive nature didn’t resonate in the same way.

I think it’s the understated nature of Julia’s character that appeals to me—her music says everything, even when words fail. She didn’t need to be the loudest or most prominent character in the story; she left an emotional imprint through her piano and her quiet tragedy. On the other hand, Rinoa’s more central role in the narrative felt, at times, more conventional, and I couldn't always connect with her personality or motivations in the same way.

I’m drawn to the quieter, more melancholic parts of the story, and Julia's legacy is something that continues to stand out to me, even above other characters like Rinoa.

Just to be clear, I don’t hate Rinoa. In fact, I do like some of her actions throughout the story. Her willingness to challenge authority, her courage in reaching out to Squall emotionally, and the way she fights for what she believes in are all admirable traits. She plays a crucial role in helping Squall open up and grow as a character, and I respect that. My feelings are more about personal connection—Rinoa’s bold, expressive nature just didn’t speak to me as strongly as the quiet strength and emotional subtlety that Julia represents. But I can definitely appreciate Rinoa’s role and the heart she brings to the story.

Eyes on me, its content and design is © 2020-2025 Christina. The game Final Fantasy VIII is © 1999 Square-Enix. Please do not steal or copy anything.