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Misplaced, moving to the correct tab
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* NoSenseOfPersonalSpace: Not as severe as most examples, but Marcille's main way of showing affection is to glomp people. This is particularly apparent with Izutsumi once they grow close, but she'll readily hug all team members in an emotional moment.
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* In ''Manga/DeliciousInDungeon'', the elven girl Marcille fulfills several roles an actual love interest would in other works, but the story remains firmly unshaken in keeping her and the human knight Laios as just great partners who mean a lot to each other, but they are just that, and only friends otherwise. Throughout the series it is shown Marcille has been influenced by Laios in several ways, with the unintended consequences of unknowingly giving the final push to her dream of [[spoiler:making all species have the same lifespan]]; Laios himself, who never makes a single comment about any other female in the entire series, casually said to himself in a flashback prior to their adventures that he wishes to make Marcille smile more, noting she should always be happy. [[spoiler:It is also worth saying that a succubus targeting Laios takes Marcille's shape, though he [[NoSell shrugs it off]] until she [[AdmiringTheAbomination shifts into a monster.]]]] In the end, [[spoiler:Marcille and Laios spend the rest of his life together, him as King and her as one of his closest advisors, the closest they could be without becoming lovers]].
* NoSenseOfPersonalSpace: Not as severe as most examples, but Marcille's main way of showing affection is to glomp people. This is particularly apparent with Izutsumi once they grow close, but she'll readily hug all team members in an emotional moment.
* NoSenseOfPersonalSpace: Not as severe as most examples, but Marcille's main way of showing affection is to glomp people. This is particularly apparent with Izutsumi once they grow close, but she'll readily hug all team members in an emotional moment.
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Trope was cut/disambiguated due to cleanup
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** Doumeki can potentially be considered this to Watanuki. Early on it was determined the two of them would have some sort of connection and practically everyone around them in-story was ShipTeasing them (and so were the fans). They also wind up doing a number of HeroicSacrifices for each other, Doumeki especially. But at no point does Doumeki ever explicitly express any romantic interest to Watanuki, and Watanuki never fully gets over his distaste for Doumeki. Also, for the first half of the series Watanuki's intensely crushing on his classmate Himawari, and then spends the rest of the series pining after his boss Yuuko [[spoiler: for the next 100 years after she dies]], and ultimately Doumeki's married to someone else [[spoiler: aka Kohane Tsuyuri... a girl who ''also'' was implied to be in love with Watanuki.]]
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** Doumeki can potentially be considered this to Watanuki. Early on it was determined the two of them would have some sort of connection and practically everyone around them in-story was ShipTeasing them (and so were the fans). They also wind up doing a number of HeroicSacrifices {{Heroic Sacrifice}}s for each other, Doumeki especially. But at no point does Doumeki ever explicitly express any romantic interest to Watanuki, and Watanuki never fully gets over his distaste for Doumeki. Also, for the first half of the series Watanuki's intensely crushing on his classmate Himawari, and then spends the rest of the series pining after his boss Yuuko [[spoiler: for the next 100 years after she dies]], and ultimately Doumeki's married to someone else [[spoiler: aka Kohane Tsuyuri... a girl who ''also'' was implied to be in love with Watanuki.]]
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* ''Literature/KonoSuba'': Aqua is this to Kazuma. Despite being the first girl he meets on his adventure, setting her up as the MagicalGirlfriend, Aqua is the only one in Kazuma's party who doesn't fall in love with him. As for Kazuma, he states quite clearly that he just can't find anything about Aqua attractive, even when he was actually trying to. They eventually become [[PlatonicLifePartners as close as]] [[LikeBrotherAndSister two people can be without being in love]].
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* ''Literature/KonoSuba'': Aqua is this to Kazuma. Kazuma and Aqua. Despite being the first girl he meets on his adventure, adventure and setting her up as the MagicalGirlfriend, Aqua is the only one in Kazuma's party who doesn't fall in love with him. As for Kazuma, he states quite clearly that he just can't find anything about Aqua attractive, even when he was actually trying to. They eventually become [[PlatonicLifePartners as close as]] [[LikeBrotherAndSister two people can be without being in love]].
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** Lacie seems like the standard deceased love interest/lover when it comes to her relationship with [[spoiler:Jack]]; he was charmed by her when she met him by chance, he spent eight entire years looking for her after they were separated and soon after he found her, he lost her again when she was thrown into the Abyss, which is his motivation for [[spoiler:wanting to bring the world down into the Abyss]]. However, Lacie had realized [[spoiler:Jack]]'s obsession with her isn't based on romantic feelings. Near the end of the manga, it's finally confirmed [[spoiler:Jack]] isn't in love with Lacie [[spoiler:and actually ''hates'' her because he sees her as the source of his dependency and identity issues. However, that very hatred lets Jack know who he is, which is why he ''has'' to be by Lacie's side to not forget himself.]]
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** Lacie seems like the standard deceased love interest/lover when it comes to her relationship [[spoiler:Jack]] is insanely obsessed with [[spoiler:Jack]]; he was charmed by her when she met him by chance, he Lacie, having spent eight entire years looking for her after they were separated and soon knowing her for only one day. Soon after he found her, he lost her again when she was thrown into the Abyss, which is his motivation for [[spoiler:wanting to bring the world down into the Abyss]]. However, At first, it's easy to assume [[spoiler:Jack]] is madly in love with Lacie, but there were some hints that wasn't the case such as [[spoiler:Jack]] not showing any reaction when Lacie had realized [[spoiler:Jack]]'s obsession gave him the chance to become intimate with her isn't based on romantic feelings. Near her. [[spoiler:Near the end of the manga, it's finally confirmed [[spoiler:Jack]] isn't in love with Lacie [[spoiler:and actually revealed Jack really ''hates'' her Lacie because he sees her as the source of his dependency and identity issues. However, that very hatred lets Jack know who issues, but he is, which is why he ''has'' clings to be by Lacie's side his obsession with her as a desperate way to not forget himself.face his inner emptiness.]]
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* Elsie from ''Manga/TheWorldGodOnlyKnows'' is introduced as a typical MagicalGirlfriend and soon moves in with Keima under the ruse of being his long lost half-sister. They work together to capture evil spirits that are possessing girls in the real world and Elsie gets to spend more time with Keima than any of his conquest targets and official haremettes. However, their relationship always remains sibling-like and they never show any serious romantic interest in each other. [[spoiler:And thanks to a CosmicRetcon at the end of the manga, they are real blood-related siblings now.]]
* Despite Anzu being the closest to an actual LoveInterest for Yugi of ''Anime/YuGiOh'', Yugi himself also cares a lot about [[SuperpoweredAlterEgo Atem]] and [[BadassNormal Jonouchi]], and both of them are his [[HeterosexualLifePartner heterosexual life partners]], if not almost more than her. Jonouchi will love [[BigBrotherInstinct his sister]] and [[HeterosexualLifePartner his best friend]] more than any girl or guy who enters his life.
* Despite Anzu being the closest to an actual LoveInterest for Yugi of ''Anime/YuGiOh'', Yugi himself also cares a lot about [[SuperpoweredAlterEgo Atem]] and [[BadassNormal Jonouchi]], and both of them are his [[HeterosexualLifePartner heterosexual life partners]], if not almost more than her. Jonouchi will love [[BigBrotherInstinct his sister]] and [[HeterosexualLifePartner his best friend]] more than any girl or guy who enters his life.
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* In ''Manga/TheWorldGodOnlyKnows'', the demon girl Elsie from ''Manga/TheWorldGodOnlyKnows'' is introduced as a typical MagicalGirlfriend and soon moves in with Keima under the ruse of being his long lost half-sister. They work together to capture evil spirits that are possessing girls in the real world and Elsie gets to spend more time with Keima than any of his conquest targets and official haremettes. However, their relationship always remains never becomes romantic and they develop an [[LikeBrotherAndSister actual sibling-like and they never show any serious romantic interest in each other. [[spoiler:And thanks dynamic instead]]. [[spoiler:Thanks to a CosmicRetcon at the end of the manga, they are become real blood-related siblings now.siblings.]]
* ''Anime/YuGiOh'':
** Despite Anzu being the closest to an actual LoveInterest forYugi of ''Anime/YuGiOh'', Yugi, Yugi himself also cares a lot about [[SuperpoweredAlterEgo Atem]] and [[BadassNormal Jonouchi]], and both of them are his [[HeterosexualLifePartner heterosexual life partners]], if not almost more than her. Jonouchi will love [[BigBrotherInstinct his sister]] and [[HeterosexualLifePartner his best friend]] more than any girl or guy who enters his life.
* ''Anime/YuGiOh'':
** Despite Anzu being the closest to an actual LoveInterest for
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Examples Are Not Arguable. The Negima example looks too arguable to be kept in the page. Asuna was already a borderline example since the romantic aspect is teased in all versions, so it being acknowledged in at least one makes her not count. Tenchi also didn't look very well defined.
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* In the ''Franchise/{{Negima}}'' franchise, the female lead Asuna is treated as something between a CoolBigSis and a potential love interest for the male protagonist Negi, but how far the romantic aspect goes varies depending on the [[AlternateContinuity continuity]]. The [[Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi original manga]] goes back and forth with their abundant ShipTease, but the anime adaptations (especially ''Anime/NegimaSecondSeason'') do keep their relationship strictly platonic. [[spoiler:In the sequel series ''Manga/UQHolder'' they seem to maintain this platonic relationship.... But after the [[BigBad Lifemaker]] is defeated, they are shown with a son]].
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%%* Tenchi and Kiyone of ''AnimeTenchiMuyo'' often drift into this kind of relationship, notable because she's one of the few regular female characters ''not'' infatuated with him. Kiyone does drop that she might be interested in ''Anime/TenchiInTokyo'' to Ryoko and Mihoshi, saying that Tenchi could use a more serious, down-to-earth girl like Kiyone (and really, [[ButtMonkey it's hard to blame her]]). Though given the context of the scene, and that Kiyone puts her job with the Space Police above everything else, she could have been saying it just to [[{{Troll}} push Ryoko's buttons]].
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* In the ''Franchise/{{Negima}}'' franchise, the female lead Asuna is treated as something between a CoolBigSis and a potential love interest for the male protagonist Negi, but how far the romantic aspect goes varies depending on the [[AlternateContinuity continuity]]. The [[Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi original manga]] goes back and forth with their abundant ShipTease, but the anime adaptations (especially ''Anime/NegimaSecondSeason'') do keep their relationship strictly platonic.
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* In the ''Franchise/{{Negima}}'' franchise, the female lead Asuna is treated as something between a CoolBigSis and a potential love interest for the male protagonist Negi, but how far the romantic aspect goes varies depending on the [[AlternateContinuity continuity]]. The [[Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi original manga]] goes back and forth with their abundant ShipTease, but the anime adaptations (especially ''Anime/NegimaSecondSeason'') do keep their relationship strictly platonic. [[spoiler:In the sequel series ''Manga/UQHolder'' they seem to maintain this platonic relationship.... But after the [[BigBad Lifemaker]] is defeated, they are shown with a son]].
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* ''Anime/LittleWitchAcademia2017'': Andrew is this to Akko. At first glance, he appears to fufil the typical shoujo love interest role, being a good looking, rich young man who starts off as being aloof and standoffish towards Akko, before developing a fondness for her over time as the two become closer and she starts to break his barriers. Akko also finds him to be handsome when she first meets him in episode 6 and has a subtle blush when her friends tease her about her having feelings for him at the end of episode 10. Despite this and the two having some slight ShipTease with each other, both of them deny having romantic feelings for each other and their bond remains strictly platonic for the entirity of the series. [[WordOfGod Yoh Yoshinari]] has only further clarified this in [[https://twitter.com/nataflare/status/879391041274523648 one interview]], describing their relationship as being akin to a "playful guy-guy relationship".
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* ''Anime/LittleWitchAcademia2017'': Andrew is this to Akko. At first glance, he appears to fufil fulfill the typical shoujo love interest role, being a good looking, good-looking, rich young man who starts off as being aloof and standoffish towards Akko, before developing a fondness for her over time as the two become closer and she starts to break his barriers. Akko also finds him to be handsome when she first meets him in episode 6 and has a subtle blush when her friends tease her about her having feelings for him at the end of episode 10. Despite this and the two having some slight ShipTease with each other, both of them deny having romantic feelings for each other and their bond remains strictly platonic for the entirity entirety of the series. [[WordOfGod Yoh Yoshinari]] has only further clarified this in [[https://twitter.com/nataflare/status/879391041274523648 one interview]], describing their relationship as being akin to a "playful guy-guy relationship".
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* ''LightNovel/Gamers2015'' has Keita Amano and Aguri Sakurano, whose example lines up pretty much exactly with the way it’s described in the "Deconstructed” part of the Playing With page. They repeatedly demonstrate how important the other is to them, eat out at a restaurant together on a regular basis, and have a much more playful VitriolicBestBuds dynamic than he does with his SitcomArchnemesis Chiaki. Ironically, their friendship was founded on a mutual RomanticWingman support for each other’s respective love lives, yet that same friendship is itself one of the greatest sources of strain on their relationships. It eventually gets to the point that [[spoiler:Tasuku temporarily breaks up with Aguri because he wants to be as close to her as Keita is, and both of Keita’s actual love interests view Aguri as their biggest rival to his heart more than each other]].
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* ''LightNovel/Gamers2015'' ''Literature/Gamers2015'' has Keita Amano and Aguri Sakurano, whose example lines up pretty much exactly with the way it’s described in the "Deconstructed” part of the Playing With page. They repeatedly demonstrate how important the other is to them, eat out at a restaurant together on a regular basis, and have a much more playful VitriolicBestBuds dynamic than he does with his SitcomArchnemesis Chiaki. Ironically, their friendship was founded on a mutual RomanticWingman support for each other’s respective love lives, yet that same friendship is itself one of the greatest sources of strain on their relationships. It eventually gets to the point that [[spoiler:Tasuku temporarily breaks up with Aguri because he wants to be as close to her as Keita is, and both of Keita’s actual love interests view Aguri as their biggest rival to his heart more than each other]].
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* ''LightNovel/KonoSuba'': Aqua is this to Kazuma. Despite being the first girl he meets on his adventure, setting her up as the MagicalGirlfriend, Aqua is the only one in Kazuma's party who doesn't fall in love with him. As for Kazuma, he states quite clearly that he just can't find anything about Aqua attractive, even when he was actually trying to. They eventually become [[PlatonicLifePartners as close as]] [[LikeBrotherAndSister two people can be without being in love]].
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* ''LightNovel/KonoSuba'': ''Literature/KonoSuba'': Aqua is this to Kazuma. Despite being the first girl he meets on his adventure, setting her up as the MagicalGirlfriend, Aqua is the only one in Kazuma's party who doesn't fall in love with him. As for Kazuma, he states quite clearly that he just can't find anything about Aqua attractive, even when he was actually trying to. They eventually become [[PlatonicLifePartners as close as]] [[LikeBrotherAndSister two people can be without being in love]].
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** Ichigo rushes to Soul Society to save Rukia. Regardless, they're not each other's Love Interests, but are instead PlatonicLifePartners. [[spoiler: He ultimately [[HighschoolSweethearts marries Orihime]] and she [[ChildhoodFriendRomance marries Renji]], but they remain best friends ''and'' it's implied [[BabiesEverAfter their children will be close friends as well]], possibly [[BelligerentSexualTension even be in love with each other.]]]]
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** Ichigo rushes to Soul Society to save Rukia. Regardless, they're not each other's Love Interests, love interests, but are instead PlatonicLifePartners. [[spoiler: He [[spoiler:He ultimately [[HighschoolSweethearts marries Orihime]] and she [[ChildhoodFriendRomance marries Renji]], but they remain best friends ''and'' it's implied [[BabiesEverAfter their children will be close friends as well]], possibly [[BelligerentSexualTension even be in love with each other.well.]]]]
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Commenting out this example due to unclear context, as per here
.
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* Tenchi and Kiyone of ''Anime/TenchiMuyo'' often drift into this kind of relationship, notable because she's one of the few regular female characters ''not'' infatuated with him. Kiyone does drop that she might be interested in ''Anime/TenchiInTokyo'' to Ryoko and Mihoshi, saying that Tenchi could use a more serious, down-to-earth girl like Kiyone (and really, [[ButtMonkey it's hard to blame her]]). Though given the context of the scene, and that Kiyone puts her job with the Space Police above everything else, she could have been saying it just to [[{{Troll}} push Ryoko's buttons]].
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The Chick is disambiguated.
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* ''Anime/VoltesV'': [[TheChick Megumi]] doesn't fall in love with anybody, not even with [[TheHero Kenichi]] or [[TheLancer Ippei]] (whom she got a little bit of [[ShipTease teases]] with), they all strictly kept their relationship as JustFriends (and professional team members). This contrasts with her fellow heroines in the ''Anime/RobotRomanceTrilogy'' ([[Anime/CombattlerV Chizuru ended up tying the knots with Hyouma in the end of the series]], [[Anime/{{Daimos}} Kazuya's relationship with Erika is basically one of the main purposes of their story.]])
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* ''Anime/VoltesV'': [[TheChick Megumi]] Megumi doesn't fall in love with anybody, not even with [[TheHero Kenichi]] or [[TheLancer Ippei]] (whom she got a little bit of [[ShipTease teases]] with), they all strictly kept their relationship as JustFriends (and professional team members). This contrasts with her fellow heroines in the ''Anime/RobotRomanceTrilogy'' ([[Anime/CombattlerV Chizuru ended up tying the knots with Hyouma in the end of the series]], [[Anime/{{Daimos}} Kazuya's relationship with Erika is basically one of the main purposes of their story.]])
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* Despite [[TheChick Anzu]] being the closest to an actual LoveInterest for Yugi of ''Anime/YuGiOh'', Yugi himself also cares a lot about [[SuperpoweredAlterEgo Atem]] and [[BadassNormal Jonouchi]], and both of them are his [[HeterosexualLifePartner heterosexual life partners]], if not almost more than her. Jonouchi will love [[BigBrotherInstinct his sister]] and [[HeterosexualLifePartner his best friend]] more than any girl or guy who enters his life.
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* Despite [[TheChick Anzu]] Anzu being the closest to an actual LoveInterest for Yugi of ''Anime/YuGiOh'', Yugi himself also cares a lot about [[SuperpoweredAlterEgo Atem]] and [[BadassNormal Jonouchi]], and both of them are his [[HeterosexualLifePartner heterosexual life partners]], if not almost more than her. Jonouchi will love [[BigBrotherInstinct his sister]] and [[HeterosexualLifePartner his best friend]] more than any girl or guy who enters his life.
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** Alice and Oz. They first meet when Alice saves Oz from a dangerous Chain, and forms a contract with him via a [[AMagicContractComesWithAKiss kiss]]. Oz adores Alice to no end, calling her "his sun" and taking his devotion to {{Yandere}} levels early on. In fact, [[spoiler:it was Alice who gave Oz life and a conscience of his own through love and care back when he was her stuffed rabbit]]. Their closeness leads many people to believe they are in love, but eventually WordOfGod confirms their relationship isn't of a romantic nature.
** Lacie seems like the standard deceased love interest/lover when it comes to her relationship with [[spoiler:Jack]]; he was charmed by her when she met him by chance, he spent 8 entire years looking for her after they were separated and soon after he found her, he lost her again when she was thrown into the Abyss, which is his motivation for [[spoiler:wanting to bring the world down into the Abyss]]. However, it was noted by Lacie herself that what [[spoiler:Jack]] feels for her isn't love; he wanted to always be by her side but never sought to become her lover. It's eventually revealed [[spoiler:Jack]]'s feelings for Lacie are far more complex than they seem; [[spoiler:Jack was indeed fascinated by Lacie at first, but over the 8 years it took him to find her, Jack grew to ''hate'' Lacie for tying him down with the desire to see her again. However, that very hatred makes Jack feel alive and lets him know who he is, which is why he ''has'' to be by Lacie's side.]]
** Lacie seems like the standard deceased love interest/lover when it comes to her relationship with [[spoiler:Jack]]; he was charmed by her when she met him by chance, he spent 8 entire years looking for her after they were separated and soon after he found her, he lost her again when she was thrown into the Abyss, which is his motivation for [[spoiler:wanting to bring the world down into the Abyss]]. However, it was noted by Lacie herself that what [[spoiler:Jack]] feels for her isn't love; he wanted to always be by her side but never sought to become her lover. It's eventually revealed [[spoiler:Jack]]'s feelings for Lacie are far more complex than they seem; [[spoiler:Jack was indeed fascinated by Lacie at first, but over the 8 years it took him to find her, Jack grew to ''hate'' Lacie for tying him down with the desire to see her again. However, that very hatred makes Jack feel alive and lets him know who he is, which is why he ''has'' to be by Lacie's side.]]
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** Alice Oz and Oz.Alice. They first meet when Alice saves Oz from a dangerous Chain, and forms a contract with him via a [[AMagicContractComesWithAKiss kiss]]. Oz adores calls Alice to no end, calling her "his sun" and taking his devotion she calls him "her {{property|oflove}}", showing how much they mean to {{Yandere}} levels early on. In fact, [[spoiler:it each other. [[spoiler:Turns out Oz was Alice who gave Oz life originally Alice's stuffed rabbit and gained a conscience will of his own through love because Alice loved him so much.]] They share a very loving and care back when he was her stuffed rabbit]]. Their closeness leads many people to believe they are in love, special bond, but eventually WordOfGod [[WordOfGod the author]] confirms their relationship isn't of a romantic nature.
** Lacie seems like the standard deceased love interest/lover when it comes to her relationship with [[spoiler:Jack]]; he was charmed by her when she met him by chance, he spent8 eight entire years looking for her after they were separated and soon after he found her, he lost her again when she was thrown into the Abyss, which is his motivation for [[spoiler:wanting to bring the world down into the Abyss]]. However, it was noted by Lacie herself that what [[spoiler:Jack]] feels for her isn't love; he wanted to always be by her side but never sought to become her lover. It's eventually revealed had realized [[spoiler:Jack]]'s feelings for obsession with her isn't based on romantic feelings. Near the end of the manga, it's finally confirmed [[spoiler:Jack]] isn't in love with Lacie are far more complex than they seem; [[spoiler:Jack was indeed fascinated by Lacie at first, but over [[spoiler:and actually ''hates'' her because he sees her as the 8 years it took him to find her, Jack grew to ''hate'' Lacie for tying him down with the desire to see her again. source of his dependency and identity issues. However, that very hatred makes lets Jack feel alive and lets him know who he is, which is why he ''has'' to be by Lacie's side.side to not forget himself.]]
** Lacie seems like the standard deceased love interest/lover when it comes to her relationship with [[spoiler:Jack]]; he was charmed by her when she met him by chance, he spent
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Complicated example. Added more context to clarify
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* In ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'', Asuna is Negi's partner and the girl closest to him out of all the students in his class, and at least half of them are in love with him. Despite getting a lot of ShipTease, their relationship remains familial for the most part and never turns to serious romance. This is definitely settled near the end of the manga when Negi tells Asuna who is the girl he likes ''that'' way and Asuna's reaction confirms it's not her (not that she cares, she in fact tries to get Negi to confess to the other girl right away). It should be noted that Negi also admits that while he isn't in love with her, Asuna will always be his most important person. [[spoiler:Interestingly, the finale of the sequel series ''Manga/UQHolder'' shows that Negi had a child with her.... And most of his other closest companions]].
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* In ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'', the ''Franchise/{{Negima}}'' franchise, the female lead Asuna is Negi's partner treated as something between a CoolBigSis and the girl closest to him out of all the students in his class, and at least half of them are in a potential love interest for the male protagonist Negi, but how far the romantic aspect goes varies depending on the [[AlternateContinuity continuity]]. The [[Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi original manga]] goes back and forth with him. Despite getting a lot of their abundant ShipTease, but the anime adaptations (especially ''Anime/NegimaSecondSeason'') do keep their relationship remains familial for the most part and never turns to serious romance. This is definitely settled near the end of the manga when Negi tells Asuna who is the girl he likes ''that'' way and Asuna's reaction confirms it's not her (not that she cares, she in fact tries to get Negi to confess to the other girl right away). It should be noted that Negi also admits that while he isn't in love with her, Asuna will always be his most important person. [[spoiler:Interestingly, the finale of the sequel series ''Manga/UQHolder'' shows that Negi had a child with her.... And most of his other closest companions]].strictly platonic.
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* ''Anime/LittleWitchAcademia2017'': Andrew is this to Akko. At first glance, he appears to fufil the typical shoujo love interest role, being a good looking, rich young man who starts off as being aloof and standoffish towards Akko, before developing a fondness for her over time as the two become closer and she starts to break his barriers. Akko also finds him to be handsome when she first meets him in episode 6 and has a subtle blush when her friends tease her about her having feelings for him at the end of episode 10. Despite this and the two having some slight ShipTease with each other, both of them deny having romantic feelings for each other and their bond remains strictly platonic for the entirity of the series. [[WordOfGod Yoh Yoshinari]] has only further clarified this in [[https://twitter.com/nataflare/status/879391041274523648 one interview]], describing their relationship as being akin to a "playful guy-guy relationship".
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Gonna need to demonstrate how their relationship is akin to that of love interests.
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* ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'': TheRival Bakugo to TheHero Midoriya. Bakugo is a source of inspiration to Midoriya, and more than one arc revolved around Midoriya trying to [[BadassInDistress save or protect Bakugo]]. Both characters' personal arcs are intimately intertwined and advance together with the plot of the manga.
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{{Not Love Interest}}s in Manga & Anime.
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{{Not Love Interest}}s in Manga & Anime.
manga and anime.
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{{Not Love Interest}}s in Manga & Anime.
----
* ''Manga/XxxHolic'':
** Doumeki can potentially be considered this to Watanuki. Early on it was determined the two of them would have some sort of connection and practically everyone around them in-story was ShipTeasing them (and so were the fans). They also wind up doing a number of HeroicSacrifices for each other, Doumeki especially. But at no point does Doumeki ever explicitly express any romantic interest to Watanuki, and Watanuki never fully gets over his distaste for Doumeki. Also, for the first half of the series Watanuki's intensely crushing on his classmate Himawari, and then spends the rest of the series pining after his boss Yuuko [[spoiler: for the next 100 years after she dies]], and ultimately Doumeki's married to someone else [[spoiler: aka Kohane Tsuyuri... a girl who ''also'' was implied to be in love with Watanuki.]]
** Yuuko is also this to Watanuki. They form a close mentor-student/mother-son relationship, one that evolves in strength and importance over time. [[spoiler:When Yuuko dies, Watanuki is so affected by it that he makes the decision to take over and be made unable to leave the shop so he can wait for Yuuko to return someday.]] However, there's nothing that explicitly indicates that they love each other romantically.
* ''Anime/TheAnthemOfTheHeart'' devotes the most screentime to Takumi and Jun's relationship, but while Takumi admits to caring about and feeling concern for Jun, as well as being grateful that she inspired him to say things he couldn't bring himself to say, he doesn't love her romantically . [[spoiler: Jun, for her part, is in love with him but accepts that he's in love with someone else]].
* In the ''Manga/Area88'' manga, Shin and Mickey have this dynamic. The two men are frequently in each other's company and confide in each other. Mickey protects Shin on several occasions, and when he hears that Shin has been shot down, he immediately rushes off to find him. Shin's relationship with Mickey seems much deeper than his relationship with his girlfriend, Ryoko.
* Abe is this to Mihashi from ''Manga/BigWindup''. Mihashi's two main cares are sports and Abe's approval. One of the {{Signature Scene}}s of the series involves them holding hands and they have a close friendship.
* In ''Manga/BlackCat'', [[PosthumousCharacter Saya]] is [[CelibateHero Train]]'s Not-Love Interest. Her function in the plot is similar to that of a [[TheLostLenore traditional dead lover / love interest]]; in fact, Train's affection for her is enough to cause [[StalkerWithACrush Creed]] to "[[MurderTheHypotenuse take drastic measures]]". But it's later revealed, perfectly and seriously, that Train never contemplated any romantic involvement with her.
* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'':
** Ichigo rushes to Soul Society to save Rukia. Regardless, they're not each other's Love Interests, but are instead PlatonicLifePartners. [[spoiler: He ultimately [[HighschoolSweethearts marries Orihime]] and she [[ChildhoodFriendRomance marries Renji]], but they remain best friends ''and'' it's implied [[BabiesEverAfter their children will be close friends as well]], possibly [[BelligerentSexualTension even be in love with each other.]]]]
** Momo Hinamori is this for Toushiro Hitsugaya. Side materials imply that they're LikeBrotherAndSister since they were raised together, but since Momo was the first person aside of their caretaker to not fear Hitsugaya for his powers, Hitsugaya has sworn to protect her at any costs ever since they were children, and this DeclarationOfProtection is one of the strongest drives for their relationship.
* ''Manga/CountCain'':
** This is [[BattleButler Riff]] and [[BrokenBird Cain]]'s relationship. Cain has a number of {{Love Interest}}s over the course of the series -- and they all have a noticeable impact on him -- but Riff is the person with whom all his trust and strongest feelings lie. And Cain is the only significant person in Riff's ''entire life.'' [[spoiler:It's played around with quite a bit towards series end, though The GrandFinale managed to play the trope straight once more]].
** Cassian is this to Jezebel, though the latter only acknowledges Cassian as being the "one who saved him'' [[spoiler:moments before dying in his arms]].
* In ''Manga/DeathNote'', L is this for Light. [[FoeRomanceSubtext L evokes feelings in Light that he feels for no one else. L is the most important person in Light's life]] [[spoiler: even after he is dead. And in the anime L is the only person on Light's mind ''when he's dying''.]] Light has two canon love interests, Misa and Takada, [[UnwittingPawn who he cares nothing for]], and neither are as important to Light [[TragicBromance or to the plot]] as Light's [[TheRival rivalry with L.]]
* ''Manga/Eyeshield21'': At the beginning of the series [[TeamMom Anezaki]] [[MamaBear Mamori]] joined the football club for the sake of Sena, her childhood friend and Not-Love Interest. More specifically, she joined to protect him from the bullying of the football club’s captain, [[MagnificentBastard Hiruma]] [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Yoichi]]. Initially, Sena is all Mamori cared about, getting worried over his injuries and yelling at Hiruma for picking on him. However, as the series progressed, Mamori started [[ShipTease spending more time with]] and [[AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther getting closer to]]...the aforementioned [[BelligerentSexualTension Hiruma Yoichi]]. It got to such a point that at the end of the manga, although Sena is still a dear friend to her, Mamori completely intends for her and Hiruma to play seriously and defeat him, since he's on a rival team now. So while Sena remains the Not-Love Interest and important to Mamori, it's [[ShipTease hinted]] that [[OfficialCouple at the end of the day]], sticking by Hiruma is higher on her priority list.
* ''Manga/{{Gals}}'' has Ran and Otohata. They come across each other when Ran tries to steal Otohata's bag, and their first meeting is framed like a MeetCute moment. They cross paths several times afterwards, and Otohata often serves as Ran's {{savvy guy|EnergeticGirl}}, frequently calming her down when she gets too worked up. Even though Otohata admits having a crush on her at one point, and Ran's boyfriend Tatsuki frequently feels [[InsecureLoveInterest threatened by their continued interactions]], their relationship never becomes romantic.
* ''LightNovel/Gamers2015'' has Keita Amano and Aguri Sakurano, whose example lines up pretty much exactly with the way it’s described in the "Deconstructed” part of the Playing With page. They repeatedly demonstrate how important the other is to them, eat out at a restaurant together on a regular basis, and have a much more playful VitriolicBestBuds dynamic than he does with his SitcomArchnemesis Chiaki. Ironically, their friendship was founded on a mutual RomanticWingman support for each other’s respective love lives, yet that same friendship is itself one of the greatest sources of strain on their relationships. It eventually gets to the point that [[spoiler:Tasuku temporarily breaks up with Aguri because he wants to be as close to her as Keita is, and both of Keita’s actual love interests view Aguri as their biggest rival to his heart more than each other]].
* ''Manga/HellsParadiseJigokuraku'':
** Gabimaru and Sagiri. Sent as a pair to the [[DeathWorld highly dangerous]] [[IslandOfMystery Kotaku Island]] in search for the elixir of life, the two develop respect for each other's strength/resolve, and care for one another's well-being. However, Gabimaru is HappilyMarried to someone else (in fact, his entire motivation throughout the plot is to be reunited with his wife), and while Yuzuriha often teases Sagiri over her closeness with Gabimaru, she denies any romantic attraction towards him, and [[spoiler:even manages to get along with his wife, Yui, when the journey is over]].
** Shion and Nurugai. Shion is the mentor of Tenza, whom Nurugai falls in love with, and takes Tenza's place as her guardian after he dies. He is similarly dedicated to ensure Nurugai's safety, and even promises [[spoiler:to leave the Yamada Asaemon clan [[DeclarationOfProtection in order to better keep her safe]], and promises to help her find her now scattered tribe.]] Unlike with Tenza, however, Nurugai never expresses any romantic desire for Shion, and a later chapter shows that their relationship is more like a [[ParentalSubstitute father and daughter]] than a romantic couple.
* ''Manga/HunterXHunter'':
** Gon is this for Killua. He cares for Gon even more than his family barring one exception, becomes {{Tsundere}} whenever Gon compliments him and calls him his best friend, constantly puts his wellbeing and desires first over himself and was ready to die by Gon's side than live without him. Hisoka even says that Gon is Killua's "most beloved" and the one he "spent the most time with" when [[spoiler:talking about how Nanika's victims include the wisher's loved ones who fit the mentioned criteria.]] That said, they are only [[HeterosexualLifePartners extremely close friends]] and he shows the same devotion for his sibling Alluka.
** Meruem and Komugi over the course of the Chimera Ant Arc. At first, he's dismissive of her before gradually respecting her as she beats him in Gungi over and over, eventually learning to care for her that he begs for Pitou to protect and even save her when she's injured. [[spoiler:When Meruem learns that he's dying, [[AintTooProudToBeg he has no qualms kneeling before Palm to ask for her help in finding Komugi]] so he can spend his dying moments playing Gungi with her. Komugi decides to stay with him and die alongside him [[TogetherInDeath and both died holding each other's hands]].]] Despite this, there's no confirmation if what they feel for each other is romantic or not.
* ''Franchise/KagerouProject'': Shintaro and Ene start with a dynamic that would imply a romantic relationship will develop (she's his sole companion as a {{Hikikomori}}, and -- {{Troll}}ing aside -- is [[ManicPixieDreamGirl constantly trying to get him outside and participating in things]]), but when Ene's backstory as [[spoiler:Takane Enomoto]] is revealed, it turns out that she was in love (and still has feelings for) [[spoiler:Haruka Kokonose -- a.k.a. Konoha]], while Shintaro is revealed to have a mutual ShesNotMyGirlfriend dynamic with [[spoiler:Ayano Tateyama]], but [[EveryoneCanSeeIt no one believes them when they say it]].
* ''Anime/KillLaKill'': Senketsu is this to Ryuko. As her father's last creation, they end up sharing a bond akin to nagging parent and child. Yet Senketsu is always there to reassure and work with Ryuko.
* ''LightNovel/KonoSuba'': Aqua is this to Kazuma. Despite being the first girl he meets on his adventure, setting her up as the MagicalGirlfriend, Aqua is the only one in Kazuma's party who doesn't fall in love with him. As for Kazuma, he states quite clearly that he just can't find anything about Aqua attractive, even when he was actually trying to. They eventually become [[PlatonicLifePartners as close as]] [[LikeBrotherAndSister two people can be without being in love]].
* Hatori is Ayumu's not love interest in ''Manga/Life2002''. They spend a lot of time together, Hatori is Ayumu's LivingEmotionalCrutch, Hatori is always there for Ayumu, and they spend a lot of time holding hands.
* Akemi and Yotsuya in ''Manga/MaisonIkkoku''. Not only are they partners in crime in tormenting Yusaku, but there is frequent touchy-feeliness between the two during their regular booze parties. Akemi has on one occasion coldly declined to join the other tenants in spying on the mysterious Yotsuya, suggesting that she has feelings towards him, or at least a respect for his privacy, given that her own background contains a few skeletons. A romance between the two was never meant to be, however, since it would undermine the mysterious aspects of Yotsuya's character. And besides, Akemi ended up marrying her boss aka the Master of Cha-Cha Maru.
* ''Manga/MakenKi'': Himegami is the manga's {{deuteragonist}} and lead female character. But, despite the early chapters making it seem she would become part of Takeru's harem, she plainly states that she has no romantic feelings for him when Minerva asks about it (chapter 12). However, she accidentally lost her FirstKiss when she [[SuggestiveCollision fell on top of him]] in chapter 1 and it happened again during chapter 5[[note]]This time, ''he'' fell on top of ''her''[[/note]]. She eventually gave him his first ''real'' kiss at the end of the same chapter, [[SmoochOfVictory as thanks]] for defending her, but they remained friends throughout the manga.
* ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam00'': Despite several characters making jokes and comments about it, Setsuna and Marina genuinely seem to not have any romantic interest in each other. Their connection comes more from the fact that they are from neighboring countries and are both searching (in very different ways) for answers to the same questions. When outright asked if they were dating, they both deadpanned "We are not a couple" in unison, without any of the embarrassment or blushing [[SheIsNotMyGirlfriend this kind of situation]] usually entails. If anything, their relationship is more akin to that between a mother and child -- and it's not helped by how Marina looks ''scarily'' like a younger version of Setsuna's MissingMom. In the manga version of the epilogue, they actually do get married, though the author claims it's a [[PlatonicLifePartners platonic partnership]] and is more symbolic of their finding understanding in each other.
* ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'': TheRival Bakugo to TheHero Midoriya. Bakugo is a source of inspiration to Midoriya, and more than one arc revolved around Midoriya trying to [[BadassInDistress save or protect Bakugo]]. Both characters' personal arcs are intimately intertwined and advance together with the plot of the manga.
* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'':
** Naruto is somewhat attached to Sasuke, even after he leaves Konoha to join Orochimaru, then goes rogue and basically becomes an international criminal. Before then, the show devotes not insignificant amounts of time to the two rivaling each other at becoming better ninja; both is (partly) the other's inspiration. However, Sasuke is not as much Naruto's friend as Naruto would like him to be.
** Sakura plays this trope straight (and in romantic sense) for Naruto, to a point where even Naruto replies his father's MistakenForRomance with "[[BlatantLies Kinda]]." The {{canon}} movie ''Anime/TheLastNarutoTheMovie'' revealed that [[LovingAShadow Naruto's attraction to her was driven in great part because of his aforementioned rivalry with Sasuke]] -- which was implied back in Chapter 3. [[WordOfGod Kishimoto has also stated in several post-series interviews]] that Naruto and Sakura's close friendship was nothing more than a [[TrollingCreator deliberate]] RedHerring for the true OfficialCouple, [[spoiler:Naruto and Hinata]], and further explained that [[LikeBrotherAndSister Sakura]] was ''never'' intended to be Naruto's main love interest to begin with, while [[spoiler:Hinata]] ''always'' was, since the early stages of the manga.
** Hinata becomes the most important person for Neji after his HeelFaceTurn, as one of his most important -- if not ''the'' most important -- priorities is to take care of her and always look after her as a brother figure. They exaggerated this so much in ''Manga/RockLeesSpringtimeOfYouth'', that Neji practically worships Hinata there. [[HilarityEnsues He even spazzes and has fits of despair when he finds out she actually shits like a normal human being.]]
** PlayedWith and deconstructed in regards to Kakashi and Obito. Obito fulfills all the requirements of a platonic LostLenore to Kakashi. Everything that makes Kakashi who he is in the present storyline is an extension or product of his relationship with Obito and his grief over Obito's death. Suffice to say, Obito, dead or alive, is the most important person in Kakashi's life. The deconstruction is the fact that this ''isn't'' a good thing -- while Obito's "presence" in Kakashi's life made him a better person who valued his comrades, it also served as fodder for Kakashi's raging guilt complex and self-loathing. Prior to Team 7, Kakashi could barely count as a functioning individual, and was dangerously close to the DespairEventHorizon. That's where the PlayedWith part comes in, as Team 7 is what finally manages to open Kakashi up. [[spoiler:They ultimately pave the way for Kakashi to finally move on from Obito, especially after Obito turns out to be one of the main villains]].
* In ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'', Asuna is Negi's partner and the girl closest to him out of all the students in his class, and at least half of them are in love with him. Despite getting a lot of ShipTease, their relationship remains familial for the most part and never turns to serious romance. This is definitely settled near the end of the manga when Negi tells Asuna who is the girl he likes ''that'' way and Asuna's reaction confirms it's not her (not that she cares, she in fact tries to get Negi to confess to the other girl right away). It should be noted that Negi also admits that while he isn't in love with her, Asuna will always be his most important person. [[spoiler:Interestingly, the finale of the sequel series ''Manga/UQHolder'' shows that Negi had a child with her.... And most of his other closest companions]].
* ''Manga/PandoraHearts'':
** Alice and Oz. They first meet when Alice saves Oz from a dangerous Chain, and forms a contract with him via a [[AMagicContractComesWithAKiss kiss]]. Oz adores Alice to no end, calling her "his sun" and taking his devotion to {{Yandere}} levels early on. In fact, [[spoiler:it was Alice who gave Oz life and a conscience of his own through love and care back when he was her stuffed rabbit]]. Their closeness leads many people to believe they are in love, but eventually WordOfGod confirms their relationship isn't of a romantic nature.
** Lacie seems like the standard deceased love interest/lover when it comes to her relationship with [[spoiler:Jack]]; he was charmed by her when she met him by chance, he spent 8 entire years looking for her after they were separated and soon after he found her, he lost her again when she was thrown into the Abyss, which is his motivation for [[spoiler:wanting to bring the world down into the Abyss]]. However, it was noted by Lacie herself that what [[spoiler:Jack]] feels for her isn't love; he wanted to always be by her side but never sought to become her lover. It's eventually revealed [[spoiler:Jack]]'s feelings for Lacie are far more complex than they seem; [[spoiler:Jack was indeed fascinated by Lacie at first, but over the 8 years it took him to find her, Jack grew to ''hate'' Lacie for tying him down with the desire to see her again. However, that very hatred makes Jack feel alive and lets him know who he is, which is why he ''has'' to be by Lacie's side.]]
* ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica'': Madoka and Homura. [[spoiler:Homura is willing to [[GroundhogDayLoop rewind time again and again]] all to save Madoka]].
* ''Manga/TheQuintessentialQuintuplets'': Amongst the five Nakano sisters, Itsuki is the only one who doesn't seem to develop romantic feelings for male lead Fuutarou, unlike the other four, developing more of a VitriolicBestBuds dynamic with him. [[spoiler:At least until the final chapters, she wonders if she might have fallen for him after all, [[BelatedLoveEpiphany but by then he's already made his choice]].]]
* In the TV series of ''Roleplay/RecordOfLodossWar'', Spark becomes highly commited to his mission to save Neese, as he's the leader of the group. It's even made fun of by Leaf and Raina, who put quite an effort into [[ShipperOnDeck getting them together]]. In the end it seems he only manages to rescue her with ThePowerOfLove, but once she is freed from the dark magic and awakens in his arms, she just hugs him in thank and there's never any indication that Spark wasn't just trying to protect a good friend.
** Orson and Shiris are very close, and Orson ultimately [[DyingMomentOfAwesome goes out like a champ]] to save her. But their relationship isn't necessarily romantic, just very intimate, in the technical sense.
** ''Anime/RuneSoldierLouie'' is set in [[TheVerse the same verse]] as ''Record of Lodoss War''. At first Melissa is dismayed by being ordered by her god, Mylee, to serve [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass Louie]] as her "valliant champion", as he is the complete opposite of what she always hoped for. Regardless, she gradually helps him to overcome some of his worst traits and comes to appreciate his genuinely good nature and desire to help people in need. She eventually stops being embarrased by having to serve him and even stands up for him, when others call him a useless idiot. Despite all this, they never show any actual romantic interest in each other.
* [[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} Mokuzu]] to [[SugarAndIcePersonality Nagisa]] from ''Manga/SatouKashiNoDanganWaUchinukenai''. Mokuzu outright insists she's a [[Literature/TheLittleMermaid mermaid who must befriend someone within a set period or she will turn to sea-foam]]. The two hold hands in splash pages and Mokuzu only attends a "[[NotADate date]]" with a boy to spend time with Nagisa.
* With ''Manga/SnowWhiteAndSevenDwarfs'' obviously being based off of the fairy tale of the same name and [[TheHero Takeru]] being something of a KnightInShiningArmor to Shirayuki, the series is occasionally mislabeled under romance--but given that Takeru is a 16-year-old teenage boy and Shirayuki is a little girl, there's zero romantic context between them, needless to say.
* Maka and Soul from ''Manga/SoulEater''. They're inseparable partners, their connection is really deep, they share a lot of intimate moments and they even live together. ShipTease aside, their relationship always remains that of very close VitriolicBestBuds and WordOfGod states he intends to keep it that way.
* Reina is this to Kumiko in ''Literature/SoundEuphonium''. Reina is a mysterious, aloof peer from Kumiko's middle school. Over the course of the first several episodes they become close friends with [[HomoeroticSubtext heavy overtones]] of something romantic. Despite this nothing concrete has been confirmed and [[spoiler:Kumiko and Shuuichi become the OfficialCouple]]... However, due to differences in focus and adaptation, [[spoiler:his]] role is be reduced until the final film and Season 2 ends with an emotional outburst from Kumiko to [[spoiler:Asuka]]. Any prominent changes to close relationships are to be seen, of course, considering that it's [[BaitAndSwitchLesbians KyoAni]].
* Yui in ''Manga/StrawberryOneHundredPercent''. Though considered one of the four main heroines in the series, Yui is never considered a love interest nor does she ever show Manaka any affection outside of their sibling-type relationship, although she acts at times like an overprotective big sister.
* In ''Manga/TegamiBachiLetterBee'', Lag found his first companion, and eventual bodyguard, in Niche, whom he rescued from a freakshow. She, in turn, is very dedicated towards him and acts like a ClingyJealousGirl whenever he gets too close to someone else. However, their relationship never turns into romance, as Lag's ''true'' LoveInterest is Sylvette.
* Tenchi and Kiyone of ''Anime/TenchiMuyo'' often drift into this kind of relationship, notable because she's one of the few regular female characters ''not'' infatuated with him. Kiyone does drop that she might be interested in ''Anime/TenchiInTokyo'' to Ryoko and Mihoshi, saying that Tenchi could use a more serious, down-to-earth girl like Kiyone (and really, [[ButtMonkey it's hard to blame her]]). Though given the context of the scene, and that Kiyone puts her job with the Space Police above everything else, she could have been saying it just to [[{{Troll}} push Ryoko's buttons]].
* ''Anime/TigerAndBunny'': Barnaby shows up in Kotetsu's life at a critical point in the latter's career and fits into so many "love interest stereotypes" (a TroubledButCute[=/=]{{Tsundere}}[=/=]BrokenBird [[DefrostingIceKing Defrosting]] SugarAndIce King who [[ReplacementGoldfish bears some suspicious parallels]] [[RomancingTheWidow to the widower hero's]] [[TheLostLenore late wife]] and was [[spoiler:[[MadDictatorsHandsomeSon mentored by]] the show's BigBad]]) that the writer/artist for the manga adaptation has even joked about him being the show's 'heroine'. The creators' fondness for [[ShipTease teasing their "wonderful relationship"]] doesn't help.
* Komatsu of ''Manga/{{Toriko}}'' is one of the most crucial people in Toriko's life, being the one chef that becomes talented enough to cook and prepare the former's Life's Full Course Meal. While physically weaker than Toriko and needing to be saved by him on multiple occasions, Komatsu also plays a very big emotional role for Toriko as well, to the point where his presence or encouragement can make or break certain situations. The process of making Komatsu Toriko's personal chef is even framed like an important milestone for a Gourmet Hunter, not unlike choosing a life partner (and there ''has'' been a prominent Hunter/Chef pair that was married too).
* ''Anime/VoltesV'': [[TheChick Megumi]] doesn't fall in love with anybody, not even with [[TheHero Kenichi]] or [[TheLancer Ippei]] (whom she got a little bit of [[ShipTease teases]] with), they all strictly kept their relationship as JustFriends (and professional team members). This contrasts with her fellow heroines in the ''Anime/RobotRomanceTrilogy'' ([[Anime/CombattlerV Chizuru ended up tying the knots with Hyouma in the end of the series]], [[Anime/{{Daimos}} Kazuya's relationship with Erika is basically one of the main purposes of their story.]])
* Elsie from ''Manga/TheWorldGodOnlyKnows'' is introduced as a typical MagicalGirlfriend and soon moves in with Keima under the ruse of being his long lost half-sister. They work together to capture evil spirits that are possessing girls in the real world and Elsie gets to spend more time with Keima than any of his conquest targets and official haremettes. However, their relationship always remains sibling-like and they never show any serious romantic interest in each other. [[spoiler:And thanks to a CosmicRetcon at the end of the manga, they are real blood-related siblings now.]]
* Despite [[TheChick Anzu]] being the closest to an actual LoveInterest for Yugi of ''Anime/YuGiOh'', Yugi himself also cares a lot about [[SuperpoweredAlterEgo Atem]] and [[BadassNormal Jonouchi]], and both of them are his [[HeterosexualLifePartner heterosexual life partners]], if not almost more than her. Jonouchi will love [[BigBrotherInstinct his sister]] and [[HeterosexualLifePartner his best friend]] more than any girl or guy who enters his life.
** Kaiba only cares about his [[MoralityPet little brother]] and Atem, as Atem's existence 'fills him with an enthusiasm like no other' (for duelling). Exaggerated in ''Anime/YuGiOhTheDarkSideOfDimensions'' -- while his actions could be seen as someone distraught over losing a lover, Kaiba is obsessed with Atem because they're ''rivals''. The ending could even be interpreted as [[spoiler: Kaiba leaving the human realm for the Egyptian afterlife.]]
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* ''Manga/XxxHolic'':
** Doumeki can potentially be considered this to Watanuki. Early on it was determined the two of them would have some sort of connection and practically everyone around them in-story was ShipTeasing them (and so were the fans). They also wind up doing a number of HeroicSacrifices for each other, Doumeki especially. But at no point does Doumeki ever explicitly express any romantic interest to Watanuki, and Watanuki never fully gets over his distaste for Doumeki. Also, for the first half of the series Watanuki's intensely crushing on his classmate Himawari, and then spends the rest of the series pining after his boss Yuuko [[spoiler: for the next 100 years after she dies]], and ultimately Doumeki's married to someone else [[spoiler: aka Kohane Tsuyuri... a girl who ''also'' was implied to be in love with Watanuki.]]
** Yuuko is also this to Watanuki. They form a close mentor-student/mother-son relationship, one that evolves in strength and importance over time. [[spoiler:When Yuuko dies, Watanuki is so affected by it that he makes the decision to take over and be made unable to leave the shop so he can wait for Yuuko to return someday.]] However, there's nothing that explicitly indicates that they love each other romantically.
* ''Anime/TheAnthemOfTheHeart'' devotes the most screentime to Takumi and Jun's relationship, but while Takumi admits to caring about and feeling concern for Jun, as well as being grateful that she inspired him to say things he couldn't bring himself to say, he doesn't love her romantically . [[spoiler: Jun, for her part, is in love with him but accepts that he's in love with someone else]].
* In the ''Manga/Area88'' manga, Shin and Mickey have this dynamic. The two men are frequently in each other's company and confide in each other. Mickey protects Shin on several occasions, and when he hears that Shin has been shot down, he immediately rushes off to find him. Shin's relationship with Mickey seems much deeper than his relationship with his girlfriend, Ryoko.
* Abe is this to Mihashi from ''Manga/BigWindup''. Mihashi's two main cares are sports and Abe's approval. One of the {{Signature Scene}}s of the series involves them holding hands and they have a close friendship.
* In ''Manga/BlackCat'', [[PosthumousCharacter Saya]] is [[CelibateHero Train]]'s Not-Love Interest. Her function in the plot is similar to that of a [[TheLostLenore traditional dead lover / love interest]]; in fact, Train's affection for her is enough to cause [[StalkerWithACrush Creed]] to "[[MurderTheHypotenuse take drastic measures]]". But it's later revealed, perfectly and seriously, that Train never contemplated any romantic involvement with her.
* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'':
** Ichigo rushes to Soul Society to save Rukia. Regardless, they're not each other's Love Interests, but are instead PlatonicLifePartners. [[spoiler: He ultimately [[HighschoolSweethearts marries Orihime]] and she [[ChildhoodFriendRomance marries Renji]], but they remain best friends ''and'' it's implied [[BabiesEverAfter their children will be close friends as well]], possibly [[BelligerentSexualTension even be in love with each other.]]]]
** Momo Hinamori is this for Toushiro Hitsugaya. Side materials imply that they're LikeBrotherAndSister since they were raised together, but since Momo was the first person aside of their caretaker to not fear Hitsugaya for his powers, Hitsugaya has sworn to protect her at any costs ever since they were children, and this DeclarationOfProtection is one of the strongest drives for their relationship.
* ''Manga/CountCain'':
** This is [[BattleButler Riff]] and [[BrokenBird Cain]]'s relationship. Cain has a number of {{Love Interest}}s over the course of the series -- and they all have a noticeable impact on him -- but Riff is the person with whom all his trust and strongest feelings lie. And Cain is the only significant person in Riff's ''entire life.'' [[spoiler:It's played around with quite a bit towards series end, though The GrandFinale managed to play the trope straight once more]].
** Cassian is this to Jezebel, though the latter only acknowledges Cassian as being the "one who saved him'' [[spoiler:moments before dying in his arms]].
* In ''Manga/DeathNote'', L is this for Light. [[FoeRomanceSubtext L evokes feelings in Light that he feels for no one else. L is the most important person in Light's life]] [[spoiler: even after he is dead. And in the anime L is the only person on Light's mind ''when he's dying''.]] Light has two canon love interests, Misa and Takada, [[UnwittingPawn who he cares nothing for]], and neither are as important to Light [[TragicBromance or to the plot]] as Light's [[TheRival rivalry with L.]]
* ''Manga/Eyeshield21'': At the beginning of the series [[TeamMom Anezaki]] [[MamaBear Mamori]] joined the football club for the sake of Sena, her childhood friend and Not-Love Interest. More specifically, she joined to protect him from the bullying of the football club’s captain, [[MagnificentBastard Hiruma]] [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Yoichi]]. Initially, Sena is all Mamori cared about, getting worried over his injuries and yelling at Hiruma for picking on him. However, as the series progressed, Mamori started [[ShipTease spending more time with]] and [[AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther getting closer to]]...the aforementioned [[BelligerentSexualTension Hiruma Yoichi]]. It got to such a point that at the end of the manga, although Sena is still a dear friend to her, Mamori completely intends for her and Hiruma to play seriously and defeat him, since he's on a rival team now. So while Sena remains the Not-Love Interest and important to Mamori, it's [[ShipTease hinted]] that [[OfficialCouple at the end of the day]], sticking by Hiruma is higher on her priority list.
* ''Manga/{{Gals}}'' has Ran and Otohata. They come across each other when Ran tries to steal Otohata's bag, and their first meeting is framed like a MeetCute moment. They cross paths several times afterwards, and Otohata often serves as Ran's {{savvy guy|EnergeticGirl}}, frequently calming her down when she gets too worked up. Even though Otohata admits having a crush on her at one point, and Ran's boyfriend Tatsuki frequently feels [[InsecureLoveInterest threatened by their continued interactions]], their relationship never becomes romantic.
* ''LightNovel/Gamers2015'' has Keita Amano and Aguri Sakurano, whose example lines up pretty much exactly with the way it’s described in the "Deconstructed” part of the Playing With page. They repeatedly demonstrate how important the other is to them, eat out at a restaurant together on a regular basis, and have a much more playful VitriolicBestBuds dynamic than he does with his SitcomArchnemesis Chiaki. Ironically, their friendship was founded on a mutual RomanticWingman support for each other’s respective love lives, yet that same friendship is itself one of the greatest sources of strain on their relationships. It eventually gets to the point that [[spoiler:Tasuku temporarily breaks up with Aguri because he wants to be as close to her as Keita is, and both of Keita’s actual love interests view Aguri as their biggest rival to his heart more than each other]].
* ''Manga/HellsParadiseJigokuraku'':
** Gabimaru and Sagiri. Sent as a pair to the [[DeathWorld highly dangerous]] [[IslandOfMystery Kotaku Island]] in search for the elixir of life, the two develop respect for each other's strength/resolve, and care for one another's well-being. However, Gabimaru is HappilyMarried to someone else (in fact, his entire motivation throughout the plot is to be reunited with his wife), and while Yuzuriha often teases Sagiri over her closeness with Gabimaru, she denies any romantic attraction towards him, and [[spoiler:even manages to get along with his wife, Yui, when the journey is over]].
** Shion and Nurugai. Shion is the mentor of Tenza, whom Nurugai falls in love with, and takes Tenza's place as her guardian after he dies. He is similarly dedicated to ensure Nurugai's safety, and even promises [[spoiler:to leave the Yamada Asaemon clan [[DeclarationOfProtection in order to better keep her safe]], and promises to help her find her now scattered tribe.]] Unlike with Tenza, however, Nurugai never expresses any romantic desire for Shion, and a later chapter shows that their relationship is more like a [[ParentalSubstitute father and daughter]] than a romantic couple.
* ''Manga/HunterXHunter'':
** Gon is this for Killua. He cares for Gon even more than his family barring one exception, becomes {{Tsundere}} whenever Gon compliments him and calls him his best friend, constantly puts his wellbeing and desires first over himself and was ready to die by Gon's side than live without him. Hisoka even says that Gon is Killua's "most beloved" and the one he "spent the most time with" when [[spoiler:talking about how Nanika's victims include the wisher's loved ones who fit the mentioned criteria.]] That said, they are only [[HeterosexualLifePartners extremely close friends]] and he shows the same devotion for his sibling Alluka.
** Meruem and Komugi over the course of the Chimera Ant Arc. At first, he's dismissive of her before gradually respecting her as she beats him in Gungi over and over, eventually learning to care for her that he begs for Pitou to protect and even save her when she's injured. [[spoiler:When Meruem learns that he's dying, [[AintTooProudToBeg he has no qualms kneeling before Palm to ask for her help in finding Komugi]] so he can spend his dying moments playing Gungi with her. Komugi decides to stay with him and die alongside him [[TogetherInDeath and both died holding each other's hands]].]] Despite this, there's no confirmation if what they feel for each other is romantic or not.
* ''Franchise/KagerouProject'': Shintaro and Ene start with a dynamic that would imply a romantic relationship will develop (she's his sole companion as a {{Hikikomori}}, and -- {{Troll}}ing aside -- is [[ManicPixieDreamGirl constantly trying to get him outside and participating in things]]), but when Ene's backstory as [[spoiler:Takane Enomoto]] is revealed, it turns out that she was in love (and still has feelings for) [[spoiler:Haruka Kokonose -- a.k.a. Konoha]], while Shintaro is revealed to have a mutual ShesNotMyGirlfriend dynamic with [[spoiler:Ayano Tateyama]], but [[EveryoneCanSeeIt no one believes them when they say it]].
* ''Anime/KillLaKill'': Senketsu is this to Ryuko. As her father's last creation, they end up sharing a bond akin to nagging parent and child. Yet Senketsu is always there to reassure and work with Ryuko.
* ''LightNovel/KonoSuba'': Aqua is this to Kazuma. Despite being the first girl he meets on his adventure, setting her up as the MagicalGirlfriend, Aqua is the only one in Kazuma's party who doesn't fall in love with him. As for Kazuma, he states quite clearly that he just can't find anything about Aqua attractive, even when he was actually trying to. They eventually become [[PlatonicLifePartners as close as]] [[LikeBrotherAndSister two people can be without being in love]].
* Hatori is Ayumu's not love interest in ''Manga/Life2002''. They spend a lot of time together, Hatori is Ayumu's LivingEmotionalCrutch, Hatori is always there for Ayumu, and they spend a lot of time holding hands.
* Akemi and Yotsuya in ''Manga/MaisonIkkoku''. Not only are they partners in crime in tormenting Yusaku, but there is frequent touchy-feeliness between the two during their regular booze parties. Akemi has on one occasion coldly declined to join the other tenants in spying on the mysterious Yotsuya, suggesting that she has feelings towards him, or at least a respect for his privacy, given that her own background contains a few skeletons. A romance between the two was never meant to be, however, since it would undermine the mysterious aspects of Yotsuya's character. And besides, Akemi ended up marrying her boss aka the Master of Cha-Cha Maru.
* ''Manga/MakenKi'': Himegami is the manga's {{deuteragonist}} and lead female character. But, despite the early chapters making it seem she would become part of Takeru's harem, she plainly states that she has no romantic feelings for him when Minerva asks about it (chapter 12). However, she accidentally lost her FirstKiss when she [[SuggestiveCollision fell on top of him]] in chapter 1 and it happened again during chapter 5[[note]]This time, ''he'' fell on top of ''her''[[/note]]. She eventually gave him his first ''real'' kiss at the end of the same chapter, [[SmoochOfVictory as thanks]] for defending her, but they remained friends throughout the manga.
* ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam00'': Despite several characters making jokes and comments about it, Setsuna and Marina genuinely seem to not have any romantic interest in each other. Their connection comes more from the fact that they are from neighboring countries and are both searching (in very different ways) for answers to the same questions. When outright asked if they were dating, they both deadpanned "We are not a couple" in unison, without any of the embarrassment or blushing [[SheIsNotMyGirlfriend this kind of situation]] usually entails. If anything, their relationship is more akin to that between a mother and child -- and it's not helped by how Marina looks ''scarily'' like a younger version of Setsuna's MissingMom. In the manga version of the epilogue, they actually do get married, though the author claims it's a [[PlatonicLifePartners platonic partnership]] and is more symbolic of their finding understanding in each other.
* ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'': TheRival Bakugo to TheHero Midoriya. Bakugo is a source of inspiration to Midoriya, and more than one arc revolved around Midoriya trying to [[BadassInDistress save or protect Bakugo]]. Both characters' personal arcs are intimately intertwined and advance together with the plot of the manga.
* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'':
** Naruto is somewhat attached to Sasuke, even after he leaves Konoha to join Orochimaru, then goes rogue and basically becomes an international criminal. Before then, the show devotes not insignificant amounts of time to the two rivaling each other at becoming better ninja; both is (partly) the other's inspiration. However, Sasuke is not as much Naruto's friend as Naruto would like him to be.
** Sakura plays this trope straight (and in romantic sense) for Naruto, to a point where even Naruto replies his father's MistakenForRomance with "[[BlatantLies Kinda]]." The {{canon}} movie ''Anime/TheLastNarutoTheMovie'' revealed that [[LovingAShadow Naruto's attraction to her was driven in great part because of his aforementioned rivalry with Sasuke]] -- which was implied back in Chapter 3. [[WordOfGod Kishimoto has also stated in several post-series interviews]] that Naruto and Sakura's close friendship was nothing more than a [[TrollingCreator deliberate]] RedHerring for the true OfficialCouple, [[spoiler:Naruto and Hinata]], and further explained that [[LikeBrotherAndSister Sakura]] was ''never'' intended to be Naruto's main love interest to begin with, while [[spoiler:Hinata]] ''always'' was, since the early stages of the manga.
** Hinata becomes the most important person for Neji after his HeelFaceTurn, as one of his most important -- if not ''the'' most important -- priorities is to take care of her and always look after her as a brother figure. They exaggerated this so much in ''Manga/RockLeesSpringtimeOfYouth'', that Neji practically worships Hinata there. [[HilarityEnsues He even spazzes and has fits of despair when he finds out she actually shits like a normal human being.]]
** PlayedWith and deconstructed in regards to Kakashi and Obito. Obito fulfills all the requirements of a platonic LostLenore to Kakashi. Everything that makes Kakashi who he is in the present storyline is an extension or product of his relationship with Obito and his grief over Obito's death. Suffice to say, Obito, dead or alive, is the most important person in Kakashi's life. The deconstruction is the fact that this ''isn't'' a good thing -- while Obito's "presence" in Kakashi's life made him a better person who valued his comrades, it also served as fodder for Kakashi's raging guilt complex and self-loathing. Prior to Team 7, Kakashi could barely count as a functioning individual, and was dangerously close to the DespairEventHorizon. That's where the PlayedWith part comes in, as Team 7 is what finally manages to open Kakashi up. [[spoiler:They ultimately pave the way for Kakashi to finally move on from Obito, especially after Obito turns out to be one of the main villains]].
* In ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'', Asuna is Negi's partner and the girl closest to him out of all the students in his class, and at least half of them are in love with him. Despite getting a lot of ShipTease, their relationship remains familial for the most part and never turns to serious romance. This is definitely settled near the end of the manga when Negi tells Asuna who is the girl he likes ''that'' way and Asuna's reaction confirms it's not her (not that she cares, she in fact tries to get Negi to confess to the other girl right away). It should be noted that Negi also admits that while he isn't in love with her, Asuna will always be his most important person. [[spoiler:Interestingly, the finale of the sequel series ''Manga/UQHolder'' shows that Negi had a child with her.... And most of his other closest companions]].
* ''Manga/PandoraHearts'':
** Alice and Oz. They first meet when Alice saves Oz from a dangerous Chain, and forms a contract with him via a [[AMagicContractComesWithAKiss kiss]]. Oz adores Alice to no end, calling her "his sun" and taking his devotion to {{Yandere}} levels early on. In fact, [[spoiler:it was Alice who gave Oz life and a conscience of his own through love and care back when he was her stuffed rabbit]]. Their closeness leads many people to believe they are in love, but eventually WordOfGod confirms their relationship isn't of a romantic nature.
** Lacie seems like the standard deceased love interest/lover when it comes to her relationship with [[spoiler:Jack]]; he was charmed by her when she met him by chance, he spent 8 entire years looking for her after they were separated and soon after he found her, he lost her again when she was thrown into the Abyss, which is his motivation for [[spoiler:wanting to bring the world down into the Abyss]]. However, it was noted by Lacie herself that what [[spoiler:Jack]] feels for her isn't love; he wanted to always be by her side but never sought to become her lover. It's eventually revealed [[spoiler:Jack]]'s feelings for Lacie are far more complex than they seem; [[spoiler:Jack was indeed fascinated by Lacie at first, but over the 8 years it took him to find her, Jack grew to ''hate'' Lacie for tying him down with the desire to see her again. However, that very hatred makes Jack feel alive and lets him know who he is, which is why he ''has'' to be by Lacie's side.]]
* ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica'': Madoka and Homura. [[spoiler:Homura is willing to [[GroundhogDayLoop rewind time again and again]] all to save Madoka]].
* ''Manga/TheQuintessentialQuintuplets'': Amongst the five Nakano sisters, Itsuki is the only one who doesn't seem to develop romantic feelings for male lead Fuutarou, unlike the other four, developing more of a VitriolicBestBuds dynamic with him. [[spoiler:At least until the final chapters, she wonders if she might have fallen for him after all, [[BelatedLoveEpiphany but by then he's already made his choice]].]]
* In the TV series of ''Roleplay/RecordOfLodossWar'', Spark becomes highly commited to his mission to save Neese, as he's the leader of the group. It's even made fun of by Leaf and Raina, who put quite an effort into [[ShipperOnDeck getting them together]]. In the end it seems he only manages to rescue her with ThePowerOfLove, but once she is freed from the dark magic and awakens in his arms, she just hugs him in thank and there's never any indication that Spark wasn't just trying to protect a good friend.
** Orson and Shiris are very close, and Orson ultimately [[DyingMomentOfAwesome goes out like a champ]] to save her. But their relationship isn't necessarily romantic, just very intimate, in the technical sense.
** ''Anime/RuneSoldierLouie'' is set in [[TheVerse the same verse]] as ''Record of Lodoss War''. At first Melissa is dismayed by being ordered by her god, Mylee, to serve [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass Louie]] as her "valliant champion", as he is the complete opposite of what she always hoped for. Regardless, she gradually helps him to overcome some of his worst traits and comes to appreciate his genuinely good nature and desire to help people in need. She eventually stops being embarrased by having to serve him and even stands up for him, when others call him a useless idiot. Despite all this, they never show any actual romantic interest in each other.
* [[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} Mokuzu]] to [[SugarAndIcePersonality Nagisa]] from ''Manga/SatouKashiNoDanganWaUchinukenai''. Mokuzu outright insists she's a [[Literature/TheLittleMermaid mermaid who must befriend someone within a set period or she will turn to sea-foam]]. The two hold hands in splash pages and Mokuzu only attends a "[[NotADate date]]" with a boy to spend time with Nagisa.
* With ''Manga/SnowWhiteAndSevenDwarfs'' obviously being based off of the fairy tale of the same name and [[TheHero Takeru]] being something of a KnightInShiningArmor to Shirayuki, the series is occasionally mislabeled under romance--but given that Takeru is a 16-year-old teenage boy and Shirayuki is a little girl, there's zero romantic context between them, needless to say.
* Maka and Soul from ''Manga/SoulEater''. They're inseparable partners, their connection is really deep, they share a lot of intimate moments and they even live together. ShipTease aside, their relationship always remains that of very close VitriolicBestBuds and WordOfGod states he intends to keep it that way.
* Reina is this to Kumiko in ''Literature/SoundEuphonium''. Reina is a mysterious, aloof peer from Kumiko's middle school. Over the course of the first several episodes they become close friends with [[HomoeroticSubtext heavy overtones]] of something romantic. Despite this nothing concrete has been confirmed and [[spoiler:Kumiko and Shuuichi become the OfficialCouple]]... However, due to differences in focus and adaptation, [[spoiler:his]] role is be reduced until the final film and Season 2 ends with an emotional outburst from Kumiko to [[spoiler:Asuka]]. Any prominent changes to close relationships are to be seen, of course, considering that it's [[BaitAndSwitchLesbians KyoAni]].
* Yui in ''Manga/StrawberryOneHundredPercent''. Though considered one of the four main heroines in the series, Yui is never considered a love interest nor does she ever show Manaka any affection outside of their sibling-type relationship, although she acts at times like an overprotective big sister.
* In ''Manga/TegamiBachiLetterBee'', Lag found his first companion, and eventual bodyguard, in Niche, whom he rescued from a freakshow. She, in turn, is very dedicated towards him and acts like a ClingyJealousGirl whenever he gets too close to someone else. However, their relationship never turns into romance, as Lag's ''true'' LoveInterest is Sylvette.
* Tenchi and Kiyone of ''Anime/TenchiMuyo'' often drift into this kind of relationship, notable because she's one of the few regular female characters ''not'' infatuated with him. Kiyone does drop that she might be interested in ''Anime/TenchiInTokyo'' to Ryoko and Mihoshi, saying that Tenchi could use a more serious, down-to-earth girl like Kiyone (and really, [[ButtMonkey it's hard to blame her]]). Though given the context of the scene, and that Kiyone puts her job with the Space Police above everything else, she could have been saying it just to [[{{Troll}} push Ryoko's buttons]].
* ''Anime/TigerAndBunny'': Barnaby shows up in Kotetsu's life at a critical point in the latter's career and fits into so many "love interest stereotypes" (a TroubledButCute[=/=]{{Tsundere}}[=/=]BrokenBird [[DefrostingIceKing Defrosting]] SugarAndIce King who [[ReplacementGoldfish bears some suspicious parallels]] [[RomancingTheWidow to the widower hero's]] [[TheLostLenore late wife]] and was [[spoiler:[[MadDictatorsHandsomeSon mentored by]] the show's BigBad]]) that the writer/artist for the manga adaptation has even joked about him being the show's 'heroine'. The creators' fondness for [[ShipTease teasing their "wonderful relationship"]] doesn't help.
* Komatsu of ''Manga/{{Toriko}}'' is one of the most crucial people in Toriko's life, being the one chef that becomes talented enough to cook and prepare the former's Life's Full Course Meal. While physically weaker than Toriko and needing to be saved by him on multiple occasions, Komatsu also plays a very big emotional role for Toriko as well, to the point where his presence or encouragement can make or break certain situations. The process of making Komatsu Toriko's personal chef is even framed like an important milestone for a Gourmet Hunter, not unlike choosing a life partner (and there ''has'' been a prominent Hunter/Chef pair that was married too).
* ''Anime/VoltesV'': [[TheChick Megumi]] doesn't fall in love with anybody, not even with [[TheHero Kenichi]] or [[TheLancer Ippei]] (whom she got a little bit of [[ShipTease teases]] with), they all strictly kept their relationship as JustFriends (and professional team members). This contrasts with her fellow heroines in the ''Anime/RobotRomanceTrilogy'' ([[Anime/CombattlerV Chizuru ended up tying the knots with Hyouma in the end of the series]], [[Anime/{{Daimos}} Kazuya's relationship with Erika is basically one of the main purposes of their story.]])
* Elsie from ''Manga/TheWorldGodOnlyKnows'' is introduced as a typical MagicalGirlfriend and soon moves in with Keima under the ruse of being his long lost half-sister. They work together to capture evil spirits that are possessing girls in the real world and Elsie gets to spend more time with Keima than any of his conquest targets and official haremettes. However, their relationship always remains sibling-like and they never show any serious romantic interest in each other. [[spoiler:And thanks to a CosmicRetcon at the end of the manga, they are real blood-related siblings now.]]
* Despite [[TheChick Anzu]] being the closest to an actual LoveInterest for Yugi of ''Anime/YuGiOh'', Yugi himself also cares a lot about [[SuperpoweredAlterEgo Atem]] and [[BadassNormal Jonouchi]], and both of them are his [[HeterosexualLifePartner heterosexual life partners]], if not almost more than her. Jonouchi will love [[BigBrotherInstinct his sister]] and [[HeterosexualLifePartner his best friend]] more than any girl or guy who enters his life.
** Kaiba only cares about his [[MoralityPet little brother]] and Atem, as Atem's existence 'fills him with an enthusiasm like no other' (for duelling). Exaggerated in ''Anime/YuGiOhTheDarkSideOfDimensions'' -- while his actions could be seen as someone distraught over losing a lover, Kaiba is obsessed with Atem because they're ''rivals''. The ending could even be interpreted as [[spoiler: Kaiba leaving the human realm for the Egyptian afterlife.]]
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