I think a year of sleeping in a pod and not experiencing the trials and errors one often does as a teenager going through the hormonal rush kind of gives Sora uncertainty about his feelings towards Kairi. I personally feel he has strong feelings (possibly romantic) for her, but because of his immaturity in the romance department due to the year of sleep may cause him to fumble while he understands himself in that aspect.
Sora has done a lot of growing in some areas (he's strong, fast, and intelligent in some ways), but he has a lot of growing up to do in the romance department.
Oh, and as for the hesitant hug to Kairi versus the bowing and crying for Riku, I believe that was because he *knew* Kairi was safe, at least when he last left him. He didn't know a thing about Riku... he didn't know if Riku was safe, or even alive. He felt it in his heart that Riku was alive, but he didn't actually see it for his own eyes.
Although, granted, rabid yaoi fangirls believe it's because the two dudes are in love lol. To each their own, eh?
Anywho, personally I think Sora and Kairi will eventually get together. Final Fantasy ideas are involved in the game, yes, but Disney is always a sucker for a happy ending (not that I believe Kingdom Hearts nor Sora's story will end with 3).
I think for the poll to work, Nomura shouldn't have said that their story is already finished...... I'm just sayin....
When did Nomura say that...? You mean he said Kingdom Hearts' story will end with 3, or the Sora/Kairi romance is planned to actually come into play (more than innocent 'I think I like you's') in KH3...? Or that it's more beating-around-the-bush because the plot has already been created and such. Curious for clarification