Chapter 2

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

## Summary

Akari wakes Jirō up who fell asleep in the living room. She reminds him of their agreement to act as a real couple so they can be with the ones they liked.

Jirō is at school hanging out with his friend. His mind, however, is troubled by his situation with Akari and the Marriage Practical. They bump into Akari and he informs her that their teacher is asking for them to go to the staff room after school to discuss something related to the Practical. Unfortunately, Akari refuses to go because she is going to karaoke with Minami after school.

When Akari leaves, Jirō's friend expresses his envy at being paired with the most popular gyaru in class, but he brushes it off. Jirō is still thinking about his kiss with Akari and how he feels awkward after the incident while Akari treats it like nothing happened.

Jirō meets with his teacher after school. She expresses concern over him and Akari whose points had no increase even after a week of being together. She reminds him that the practical is part of the school's course and passing it is necessary for them to graduate.

After their talk, Jirō is unable to go home due to the rain. While he's waiting for the rain to stop, his imagination runs wild with what Akari was doing with Minami at the karaoke bar. His thoughts are interrupted by Shiori who had just finished attending a committee meeting. She, too, was stuck at school because she forgot to bring her umbrella. Jirō tries to make conversation, but Shiori reminds him to call her by her first name and not her surname which is what he was doing because it made her feel lonely.

A moment later, Minami arrives to pick up Shiori who was waiting for him. He thanks Jirō for keeping her company. Meanwhile, Akari is nearby watching the whole interaction. After the two leave, she approaches Jirō with an umbrella on hand. She and Jirō walk home together. She starts to nag him for not bringing an umbrella and for not being able to talk properly to Shiori. All Jirō can do is apologize since he is in low spirits. Seeing Jirō dejected, Akari pinches his cheeks and reminds him of their agreement to do their best in earning an A rank.

When they arrive at home, Akari cooks them some omelette rice. She starts being sweet towards Jirō and this immediately earns them a point. Jirō decides to also help raise their points by spoon-feeding Akari. Akari refuses to cooperate, but after Jirō's complaining, she relents and eats the food. Jirō is surprised by Akari's reaction. Before he can process what happened, his phone rings and he answers it right away. On the other line is his friend who he thanks for "saving" him. Both he and Akari wonder why they feel so jittery when they know it's all make-believe.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

Jirō Yakuin
Shiori Sakurazaka
Akari Watanabe
Unnamed Classmate
Marin Hashimoto debut /
virtual character

Homeroom Teacherdebut
Minami Tenjin
## Chapter Notes

* Jirō's teacher expresses concern about him and Akari when the two failed to earn any points after a week of being together.
* The two earn their first point after Akari cooks for Jirō and acts sweetly towards him.
* Jirō decides to earn more points by spoon-feeding Akari. Akari is initially uncooperative, but she ultimately eats the food. This interaction makes both Akari and Jirō feel butterflies.