More Then Married Couple, But Not Lovers

 

More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers (Fuufu Ijou, Koibito Miman.) is a Japanese romantic comedy manga series written and illustrated by Yuki Kanamaru. It follows Jirō Yakuin, a high school student who is forced into a marriage training program with Akari Watanabe, a girl he doesn’t get along with. To switch partners and be with their respective crushes, they must act like a perfect married couple and rank among the top pairs in their class.

You're referring to the manga and anime series "More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers" (Japanese: 夫婦以上、恋人未満。, Hepburn: Fūfu Ijō, Koibito Miman.). Here's a summary of the story:

Premise

In a high school where students are paired up to live together as a "married couple" as part of a mandatory school assignment, Jirō Yakuin, a shy and unassuming student, is unfortunately paired with Akari Watanabe, a popular and outgoing gyaru (a type of Japanese fashion subculture). Both have crushes on other people, and they're far from compatible.

Plot:

Jirō is in love with his childhood friend, Shiori Sakurazaka, while Akari has a crush on the popular Minami Tenjin. The "couple training" program evaluates couples based on their "couple points," which they earn through various activities and displays of affection.

Since the best way to switch partners is to reach the top of the ranking, Jirō and Akari agree to act like the perfect couple to earn enough points to eventually switch partners and pursue their respective crushes. They aim to fulfill the requirements for a high rating while avoiding any real romantic feelings for each other.

As they pretend to be a loving couple, they find themselves growing closer and facing various challenges together. They learn to rely on each other, and their fake relationship gradually blurs the line between pretense and genuine affection.

Key Elements:

•  Forced Proximity: The "couple training" program forces Jirō and Akari to live together and act like a married couple, creating ample opportunities for comedic and romantic situations.

•  Fake Relationship: The story is driven by the dynamics of a fake relationship that gradually evolves into something more genuine.

•  Romance and Comedy: The series is a blend of romantic comedy, with humorous interactions and heartfelt moments.

•  Character Development: Jirō and Akari both undergo significant character development as they learn more about themselves and each other.

•  Love Triangle(s): The crushes on Shiori and Minami create complications and contribute to the romantic tension.

•  School Life: The story is set in a high school environment, featuring typical school activities and events.

Themes:

•  The Nature of Love: The series explores different types of love and relationships, questioning what it means to be a couple.

•  Self-Discovery: Jirō and Akari both discover new aspects of themselves as they navigate their fake relationship.

•  Communication and Trust: The story highlights the importance of communication and trust in relationships.

Overall:

"More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers" is a lighthearted and engaging romantic comedy that explores the dynamics of a fake relationship and the complexities of love. It's a fun and heartwarming story with relatable characters and plenty of comedic moments.