I understand she says "atai" but it really ruins the atmosphere reading "eye" in these particular doujins.

Agreed.

Most translators decided to drop the eye thing a long time ago. For a good reason, as proved by this scene.

Duly noted. Thanks for the feedback.

Besides, atai isn't even a homophone. Or was there some other reason?

Lick_King said:
Besides, atai isn't even a homophone. Or was there some other reason?

Childish way of saying "I", which was most easily represented as "eye". Nothing more.