While Ekko did harbor romantic feelings for Jinx in the past, his current perception of her has significantly changed due to her transformation and embrace of a destructive persona.
Ekko's Past Affection for Jinx
Ekko, a brilliant inventor from Zaun, had a distinct connection with Jinx during their childhood. This history is explicitly acknowledged in his interactions within the game. When taunting Jinx, Ekko has a specific voice line where he states that he had a crush on her. However, he clarifies that these feelings dissipated once she began "talking to the gun," a clear reference to her descent into instability and her dangerous obsession with explosives and chaos.
This indicates:
- A genuine past crush: Ekko's feelings for Jinx were real and acknowledged by him.
- A defining turning point: Jinx's mental state and actions, particularly her embrace of violence and instability, caused a fundamental shift in Ekko's feelings.
The Evolution of Their Relationship
The bond between Ekko and Jinx is a tragic one, evolving from shared childhood experiences into a fraught dynamic where Ekko often attempts to reason with or halt Jinx's destructive path, largely out of concern for the person she once was.
Jinx's Perspective
Jinx's "Fractured Arcane" skin includes several voice lines that are directed at or reference Ekko. These interactions highlight that despite her current state, she retains an awareness of him and their shared past, even if her understanding of their relationship is warped by her chaotic mind. These lines suggest a complicated, lingering connection that contrasts sharply with Ekko's disillusioned view of her current self.
The 'Timebomb' Dynamic
The complex and often explosive relationship between Ekko and Jinx is frequently referred to by the community as "Timebomb." This term captures the essence of their shared history and the dangerous volatility that now defines their interactions, reflecting both the potential for a powerful connection and the inherent destructive forces at play. For more context on this dynamic, you can explore community discussions surrounding their relationship: Timebomb - Shipping Wiki
Key Insights into Their Connection
The relationship between Ekko and Jinx is a poignant example of how diverging paths can fundamentally alter bonds that once seemed unbreakable.
| Character | Past Feelings Towards Other | Current Relationship State |
|---|---|---|
| Ekko | Had a genuine crush on Jinx | Disappointed and concerned by her instability; still wishes to save her from herself, but the romantic feelings are gone. |
| Jinx | Unclear, but shared a childhood bond | Acknowledges Ekko; interactions are often laced with her characteristic unpredictability and disregard for their past. |
Their story is a cornerstone of the Zaun lore, illustrating the tragic consequences of personal transformation and the struggles of those left behind.
