Pretend Newlyweds by Nikubou: A Delightful and Refreshing Romance Manga
Pretend Newlyweds by Nikubou is a heartwarming and entertaining romance manga that tells the story of two strangers who pretend to be a married couple to satisfy their own interests. The manga, which was serialized in 2019 and completed in 2020, has garnered a lot of positive attention from fans and critics alike. In this article, we will delve into the plot, characters, themes, and overall appeal of this delightful and refreshing manga.
Plot Summary
The story of Pretend Newlyweds revolves around two main characters, Haruka and Aki. Haruka is a young woman who has just moved to Tokyo to start a new life. She is a bit of a free spirit and has no qualms about living her life on her own terms. On the other hand, Aki is a successful businessman who is under immense pressure to get married to his family and colleagues. However, he has no interest in getting married and wants to focus on his career.
The two meet by chance when Haruka saves Aki from a group of drunk men who were harassing him. Grateful for her help, Aki offers to buy her dinner, and during the course of the evening, they come up with a plan to pretend to be a married couple to satisfy their own interests. Haruka needs a place to stay, and Aki needs to get his colleagues off his back about getting married. The two agree to keep up the charade until it is no longer necessary.
As they continue to pretend to be a married couple, Haruka and Aki begin to develop feelings for each other. However, they both know that their relationship is built on a lie and that it cannot last forever. The manga follows their journey as they navigate their way through their fake marriage and the complications that arise from it.
Characters
Haruka is a lovable and quirky character who is easy to root for. She is independent and carefree but also has a vulnerable side that she keeps hidden from others. Her character arc is focused on finding her place in the world and discovering what she truly wants out of life.
Aki, on the other hand, is a more reserved character who is focused on his career. He is initially skeptical of Haruka’s carefree attitude but is ultimately drawn to her free-spirited nature. His character arc revolves around finding a balance between his work and personal life and learning to let go of his rigid ways.
Other characters include Aki’s family and colleagues, who are all pressuring him to get married. They provide the main source of conflict in the story and add to the overall tension of the manga.
Themes
Pretend Newlyweds explores several themes, including the importance of honesty, the pressure to conform to societal norms, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. The manga emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not living life according to others’ expectations. It also highlights the challenges that come with pretending to be someone you’re not and the toll that it can take on a person’s mental and emotional well-being.
Another prominent theme in the manga is the power of human connection. Haruka and Aki’s fake marriage brings them closer together and allows them to form a deep and meaningful bond. The manga shows how even the most unlikely of relationships can blossom into something beautiful when two people are honest and vulnerable with each other.
Overall Appeal
Pretend Newlyweds has a lot of appeals for fans of romance manga. It has a charming and lighthearted tone that makes it easy to read and enjoy. The manga’s artwork is also a standout feature, with clean lines and expressive character designs that perfectly capture the story’s emotion and humor.
One of the biggest draws of the manga is the relationship between Haruka and Aki. Their chemistry is palpable, and the slow-burn romance between them is satisfying and heartwarming. The manga also features a healthy dose of humor, with plenty of comedic moments sprinkled throughout the story.
Another aspect of Pretend Newlyweds that adds to its appeal is its relatability. Many readers can identify with the pressure to conform to societal norms and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. The manga addresses these issues in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a worthwhile read for anyone looking for a fun and engaging romance story.
In conclusion, Pretend Newlyweds by Nikubou is a delightful and refreshing romance manga that tells the story of two strangers who pretend to be married couples to satisfy their own interests. The manga’s relatable themes, lovable characters, and satisfying romance make it a must-read for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a heartwarming and entertaining story, be sure to give Pretend Newlyweds a read.
