More than a married couple, but not lovers

Story:
The plot offers an interesting mix of comedy, romance, and drama. The idea of two students having to simulate a "marriage" but having no romantic feelings for each other leads to many humorous but also emotional moments. The development of the relationship between the main characters is exciting, as they are torn between reality and simulation.

Characters:
The character development is well done. Jiro undergoes a clear personal development as he increasingly comes to terms with his feelings. Akari also changes noticeably – from a rather distant and self-confident character to someone who has to face her emotions. Their mutual rapprochement is believable and portrayed with many small, emotional nuances.

Emotions:
The anime skillfully plays with emotions and offers a balanced mix of lightness and depth. The humorous scenes lighten the atmosphere, but there are also many touching moments that make you think – especially about the nature of relationships, closeness, and affection. The series manages to convey honest feelings and insecurities in a pleasant, undramatized way.

Ending:
The ending was a bit disappointing for me, as it was left very open. While it leaves room for individual interpretation, after the characters' emotional development, I would have preferred a visually complete conclusion. The animation remains appealing throughout, with warm colors and lovingly crafted scenes that well support the romantic mood. Emotional or quiet moments, in particular, were portrayed with atmosphere and rich detail.

Social Criticism:
The anime subtly addresses societal expectations of relationships and partnerships. The construct of a forced "marriage" highlights how strongly external constraints can influence personal development and feelings. The series questions what constitutes a real relationship and invites you to reflect on the difference between duty, play, and genuine emotions.

✨
Conclusion
For me, More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers was a pleasant and entertaining anime that scores points with an original idea and likable characters. The characters' emotional development was relatable and often made me empathize with them. Unfortunately, the open ending leaves a somewhat unsatisfying feeling, as it doesn't quite wrap up the previous developments. Nevertheless, the series offers many beautiful and honest moments that invite you to smile, reflect, and share in the excitement. I would have liked more clarity about the story's outcome—but the anime remains a charming and modern romance story with a lot of potential.