To the non-maikos it’s always: mai and zuko boring. mai and zuko no passion. maiko only based on logistics. people only like maiko bc it’s canon.
To me it’s: mai and zuko share a cultural background which helps them empathize with each other. mai and zuko have a deep understanding about how the other was raised. mai and zuko take comfort in each other because of that. mai and zuko fit like puzzle pieces. mai calm and is his peace. zuko passionate and brings out her inner fire. mai and zuko are each others safe spaces. mai and zuko both made mistakes during the war and need to grow from it. mai and zuko have Fire nation roots and therefore have experiences that help them envision a better nation. mai and zuko team.
Its the best description of antimaiko i have ever seen