Chapter 18

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

## Summary

Shiori is in deep thought and Minami notices. Shiori shares that "her friend" finally kissed the guy she has a crush on. However, they're not going out and now she can't look him in the eye. She says that "her friend" isn't sure how the guy feels about her although she thinks that he likes her back. She's unsure whether or not to confess her feelings for him because she's scared. Minami tells her that "her friend" probably can't tell the guy how she feels because she probably hopes that he feels the same way. Nevertheless, Minami says that if "her friend" thinks there's a chance, she should just go for it instead of wasting her time waiting for her chance and then missing it like he did. He adds that he just wants to help "her friend" out so that she doesn't have any regrets like him. He then advises her to tell the guy that she didn't dislike the kiss and that she should have more confidence in herself.

At school, Shiori is helping Mei pick out some clothes online. Shiori isn't confident with her choice so she tells Mei that she should just pick something that she likes. However, Mei tells Shiori that she's the one who is going to see her wear it, so Shiori should pick her clothes. She's planning on wearing them the next time they go to the movies. A while later, Shū, Mei's assigned husband, finds her to inform her that he'd be out late that night because he has a job interview at the coffee shop Minami works in. He also tells Shiori that Minami might also be out late since they're planning on having dinner together after the interview. With this, Shū suggests that the two of them hang out and get some alone time.

That evening, Keiichiro, Shū and Minami are eating dinner together. Keiichiro shares his concerns for his brother, Sadaharu, hoping that his younger brother finds happiness. He laments about how average looking he and Sadaharu are and asks if Minami's brother is also good looking. Minami tells him that his brother looks average, which offends Keiichiro that a good-looking guy would call themselves "average" in looks. Shū finds out that Keiichiro is Sadaharu's brother and realizes that Sadaharu is the guy who hangs out with Jirō. He's reminded of how well Jirō and Akari are doing with the marriage practical and expresses his envy. He was so certain that nothing was going on between Jirō and Akari and yet they placed 13th on the monthly ranking. Shū becomes annoyed that even though he met Akari first, Jirō is doing better than him.

Somewhere else, Jirō and Sadaharu are also eating dinner together. Sadaharu is jealous at how Jirō is in a flirtatious relationship with his wife. He gets livid when he remembers that the two have already "accidentally" kissed and decides to steal a kiss from Jirō as well to make up for his suffering of never having a girlfriend. When Jirō looks out of the window of the restaurant, he sees Shiori looking directly at them and then walking away.

He runs outside and tries to explain to Shiori any misunderstanding that might have occurred because of what she saw and apologizes. Shiori thinks that Jirō is apologizing for what happened in the infirmary and says that she should be the one who should apologize. They both realize that they weren't talking about the same thing. Shiori sees Jirō sweating after running after her and wipes his sweat. Jirō is happy that she isn't acting awkwardly towards him and that he can finally talk to her normally.

Jirō sees that she's carrying groceries and offers to help and walk her back to the apartment complex. As they're walking home, Jirō can't help but imagine that this would be their life together if she became her wife. As if reading his mind, Shiori almost says the same thing before stopping herself. She thanks him for helping her out now and broaches the subject of their kiss. She takes Minami's advice and tells him that she didn't dislike their kiss that day. After a short awkward silence, Jirō changes the subject, and they head home together.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

Shiori Sakurazaka
Mei Hamano
Minami Tenjin
Shū Terafune
Keiichiro Kamo
Minami's Brothermentioned
Sadaharu Kamo
Jirō Yakuin
Akari Watanabe fantasy

## Chapter Notes

* Shiori confides in Minami about her "friend" who kissed the guy she has a crush on. She asks if "her friend" should tell the guy that she likes him.
* Minami tells her that "her friend" should confess her feelings if she thinks that there's a chance between her and her friend instead of waiting for and then missing her chance. He advises her friend to tell the guy that she didn't dislike the kiss.
* Shū helps Mei spend more time with Shiori.
* Shū, Minami, and Keiichiro hang out after Shū's interview where Shū expresses his dislike for Jirō for doing well with Akari, his crush.
* Jirō and Shiori no longer act awkwardly towards each other and finally go back to normal. They walk back to their apartment complex together. She takes Minami's advice and tells Jirō that she didn't dislike their kiss.