More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers S01E01

In the first episode of More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers, viewers are introduced to the unique setting of a high school where students are required to participate in a "marriage practical." In this simulation, students must live as a married couple with a classmate for a set period. Their relationships are graded on their ability to cooperate, compromise, and navigate life as a pair.

The story follows Jirō Yakuin, a shy and introverted student who is in love with his childhood friend, Shiori Sakurazaka. However, to his disappointment, Jirō is not paired with Shiori for the "marriage practical." Instead, he ends up with Akari Watanabe, a popular, outgoing, and seemingly superficial girl who also has eyes for someone else. Akari's crush is Minami Tenjin, a boy she is determined to end up with.

Initially, both Jirō and Akari are upset about the pairing, but they agree to cooperate in order to achieve high scores in the program. They make a pact: if they manage to get top scores, they will be allowed to switch partners and reunite with their respective crushes. Despite their initial awkwardness and differences, they must learn to live together in this simulated marriage while pretending to be a loving couple.

Throughout the episode, we see humorous and heartwarming interactions as Jirō and Akari try to understand each other's personalities. Their awkwardness and contrasting traits form the basis of the show’s comedy and romantic tension, setting the stage for the rest of the series.

Themes:

Forced cohabitation
Love triangle
Romantic comedy
High school life