Okay, let's talk about More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers. Or, as I like to call it, "That Anime Where They're Pretending But..." You know the one.
It's a rom-com setup gold mine, right? Forced proximity! Awkward situations! Suppressed feelings! We've seen it all before.
The Pretend Game
High school students forced into a "practical marriage" program? Sounds like a recipe for disaster... and hilarious misunderstandings.
Jiro, our introverted protagonist, is paired with Akari, the popular gyaru. Their personalities clash like oil and water.
Their goal? Achieve a high enough score to swap partners. Because, of course, they both have *other* crushes.
My Unpopular Opinion Incoming...
Here's where I might lose some of you. Buckle up.
I'm not entirely convinced about the whole "true love" thing in this series. I know, I know, blasphemy!
Everyone's rooting for Jiro and Akari. The narrative pushes them together. But are they *actually* right for each other?
The Crush Conundrum
Let's be honest, Jiro's crush on Shiori feels... underdeveloped.
We see glimpses of her sweetness, but it's mostly Jiro's idealized version. Is that really a solid foundation for a relationship?
And Akari's feelings for Minami? It's like a default setting. The popular guy is always the object of affection, isn't he?
Thinking Outside the Box (or Marriage Certificate)
Maybe, just maybe, the real story isn't about finding *the one*.
Perhaps it's about self-discovery. Growing as individuals through unexpected circumstances.
Maybe it's about learning to appreciate the person right in front of you, even if they aren't your "ideal" type.
The Value of Pretend
The pretend marriage forces Jiro and Akari to communicate.
They learn about each other's strengths and weaknesses. They support each other (sometimes grudgingly).
Isn't that what a good relationship is all about? Even a platonic one?
More Than Just Romance?
Hear me out. What if the point *isn't* the romance at all?
What if the series is actually a commentary on societal expectations around relationships?
The pressure to find a partner, to conform to specific relationship dynamics... Maybe More Than a Married Couple is subtly poking fun at all of that.
Embrace the Ambiguity
Look, I'm not saying Jiro and Akari *shouldn't* end up together.
If they do, great! I'll happily cheer them on (while secretly thinking they could also be amazing best friends).
But I think there's something beautiful in the ambiguity. In questioning what we expect from romantic narratives.
Final Thoughts (Prepare for More Unpopular Opinions)
Maybe the "not lovers" part of the title is just as important as the "more than a married couple" part.
Perhaps the most valuable relationships aren't always the romantic ones. What a concept!
So, next time you're watching More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers, ask yourself: What do *I* want for these characters? And does it have to be romance?
And hey, even if you completely disagree with me, that's okay too. We can still enjoy the awkward shenanigans and the undeniable chemistry. (Even if I think it could be great platonic chemistry!)
