Chapter 7

This is the first chapter of the second volume and the seventh chapter overall of the More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers manga series written by Yūki Kanamaru.

## Summary

Akari discusses their practical rankings during Gym class. They also talk about how cool Minami is and how the other students only want to watch him. They tease Akari, asking her if she wants to watch Minami play like how the other girls are doing.

Sachi shares the news that Minami doesn't want to change his partner for the practical. She then explains that changing partners would be beneficial for the students because your points get added up every time you switch partners.

Natsumi then expresses concern about how Minami and Shiori might end up together if they didn't switch partners. Akari assures them that it's okay and that it will only be for another month anyway.

Elsewhere, Jirō is with Sadaharu, sulking because he just found out that Shiori will still be paired with the perfect Minami, who he has no chance against.

After class, Jirō runs into Shiori. She notices that Jirō looks upset and asks if it's because of their Marriage Practical. She asks if he and Akari were having trouble again, but he assures her that that isn't the case. Jirō then asks her if she's planning on staying together with Minami all throughout the practical.

Meanwhile, Akari is at the gym's storage room, putting away the gym equipment they used during class. Minami reaches out and calls to her which startles her. Because of that, the box on the top shelf wobbles and is about to fall. Minami shields her with his body, but luckily, the box doesn't fall.

Akari thanks him and musters up the courage to ask if he plans on staying together with Shiori for the practical until the end. Minami answers that if that is what Shiori wants, then he's fine with it too since they get along pretty well with each other. Hearing his answer, Akari starts to cry and Minami notices. She tells him that dust just got in her eye. He comes closer to inspect it. Just outside, Sadaharu sees the whole interaction. He sees Minami with his arms around her with their heads close.

Meanwhile, Shiori tells Jirō that the decision to change partners isn't something she can decide on her own. She adds that if ever Jirō also gets an A-rank but trails on and doesn't finish her sentence. She excuses herself so she can change for their next class. However, Jirō stops her and declares that he will get an A-rank. Before he can finish what he was about to say, they are interrupted by Sadaharu who is running towards him.

Sadaharu tells him that there's bad news, but Jirō ignores him and tells him to go away. Sadaharu ignores this and says that he saw Akari and Minami doing something. Before he could finish saying what it was, Akari and Minami overhear and ask what he was talking about. With the two pairs facing each other, Sadaharu thinks about how awkward the situation is and wonders what he should do to prevent any drama.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

Akari Watanabe
Sachi Takamiya
Natsumi Ōhashi
Ryōmentioned
Unnamed Classmate
Jirō Yakuin
Minami Tenjin
Shiori Sakurazaka
## Chapter Notes

* The name of Akari's other friend is revealed to be Sachi.
* Akari and Jirō discuss the recent end-of-month practical evaluation with their respective friends.
* Shiori and Minami are the only couple in A-Rank who have not switched partners.
* Shiori tells Jirō that she and Minami chose to stay together, but subtly hints to Jirō about the possibility of becoming his partner if he were to achieve A-Rank.
* Akari learns from Minami that he has no plans to switch partners as long as Shiori is okay with staying as his partner.
* Akari and Minami's interaction at the gymnasium storage room is seen by Jirō's friend.
* Jirō's friend mistakenly thinks that Akari and Minami had kissed. He tries to tell Jirō about it but he gets interrupted.