Chapter 66

This is the sixty-sixth chapter overall of the More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers manga series written by Yūki Kanamaru.

## Summary

Akari invites Jirō to the Christmas market Sachi and Natsumi suggested that they go to. She passionately tries to convince him to go, but Jirō keeps quiet while staring at the Christmas market flier. Feeling awkward about Jirō's silence, Akari tries to backtrack, saying that he must be too busy studying, so they didn't need to go. However, Jirō tells her that they should go together.

At the market, Akari thanks Jirō for coming with her to the Christmas market. She again mentioned that she knew he needed to study and that she was wondering if she would be a burden by inviting him. However, he assures her that she saved him from all the stress he's been feeling lately and that he's been studying hard so that he could accompany her to the market.

As the two start going around the market, Sachi and Natsumi watch them from afar, worried that Akari might need a little push in her plan to confess her feelings for Jirō. However, they see that she is doing just fine and realize that she doesn't need their help.

While Akari and Jirō are looking around at different shops, Akari sees a pair of earrings and tells the vendor that she will be buying them. Before she can pay for the earrings, Jirō pays for them instead, saying that it is a thank-you for all she has done and to consider it his Christmas present for her. Akari puts on the earrings in the powder room and thinks about how happy she is and that she should tell him how she feels.

After Akari comes out of the powder room, Jirō checks when the light show will start. Workers mistake the two for a couple and tell them to hurry up as the light show will start in three minutes. Jirō grabs Akari's hand and guides her towards the Christmas tree.

Jirō starts to say something, but Akari, unable to hear him over the music, asks Jirō for the name of the song that is playing. Still holding her hand, Jirō answers that it's *Ave Maria*, and that they listened to the song during their first year together. Akari chuckles, saying that she must have forgotten but that she won't forget it this time.

Jirō steals a glance at Akari and decides to confess his feelings. He calls her name, but before he can say anything else, they are distracted by the bubbles surrounding them. Undeterred, Jirō starts speaking once again. However, Akari is unable to hear anything and protests. Determined to say what he needs to say, Jirō hugs her tightly and tells her that he loves her.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

Jirō Yakuin
Akari Watanabe
Natsumi Ōhashi
Sachi Takamiya
Ryōmentioned
## Chapter Notes

* Akari invites Jirō to the Christmas Market Sachi and Natsumi suggested previously and Jirō agrees to go with her.
* Sachi and Natsumi watch the two from afar, worried that Akari might need a little push in her plan to confess her feelings for Jirō. However, seeing how well the date is going, the two friends decide to just let them be.
* Jirō buys Akari a pair of earrings that the latter was eyeing and tells her that it's his Christmas gift to her much to her joy.
* Jirō and Akari rush towards the main event of the evening―the lighting of the Christmas tree.
* Despite the many distractions and loud music surrounding them, Jirō finally tells Akari that he loves her.