It's supposed to be 2 different bars. You can only see the romance one if you choose the 4th option when meeting Aeran for the first time (you are friends and you are partners). Otherwise the romance bar stays hidden.
When Aeran is introduced in Episode 1, you have to select the option:
#4. You are friends and you are partners. You can’t imagine this life without him at your side. Though nothing romantic has happened between you, you can’t help but wonder…
This is the only chance you have in the game to flag his romance.
If you are playing on an old save (from before Patch 2.6., which required all players to restart their playthroughs), then his romance bar will not show up.
I think it's more for that, I will need to load or see your publish about the patch , thank you so much for the help.
Note: I really love the writing style and the introduction to this world, in every suspense moment I thought I was living it myself is fantastic as how to know to handle suspense and surprises, you have an excellent job between your hands. (If I'm incorrect with something is because I'm not native of english, I'm learning about the language)