Responses
Yeah I'd hope Ed will tell her about the deal with Merilda and about at least where he is in terms of emotional availability (at least show he wants to involve her in the discussion). I think Janica should at least know that much to make a decision on the kiss.
I'm definitely Team Janica, and I think there were some moments where Ed actually reciprocates her feelings/chemistry a bit, but he's not emotionally available enough yet!!!!!
Homeboy has literally said that he wants to keep a certain distance from people, at least until he graduate (aka when the world isn't in immediate danger). He also won't be able to have a proper romantic relationship until he fully opens up about his REAL past. The closest he's gotten to that is when he cryptically told Lortel about his war PTSD... But then again, Janica was there when Krepin talked about "Ed" not being the real Ed mid-battle, so she must have an inkling too, right?
Anyway, my hope is that Ed either tells Janica the full truth FIRST. before kissing her, or else just doesn't do it at all. Otherwise, the guilt would probably drive him nuts, and he's already been through too much lately! :(