20 Anime Where the Straight Couple Is Clearly the Beard

Anime often presents complicated relationships where characters appear to be straight due to societal pressures or misleading storytelling, but this hides their true feelings. These stories frequently involve a character in a seemingly heterosexual relationship that actually conceals their real sexual orientation or emphasizes a deeper connection with someone of the same sex – a bond that’s central to the show’s emotional impact. This creates dramatic tension because viewers can see the fake nature of the straight relationship compared to the powerful, underlying connection. This collection focuses on series where the heterosexual romance is a disguise for the characters’ true feelings.

‘Netsuzou Trap -NTR-‘ (2017)

Yuma and Hotaru have been friends since childhood, and while they each have boyfriends, they’re also secretly attracted to each other. They use their relationships with men as a way to hide their feelings and avoid judgment. The story explores the difference between these superficial connections and the strong, passionate bond they share with each other. Essentially, their boyfriends provide a safe cover for them to navigate their hidden desires.

‘Citrus’ (2018)

Yuzu Aihara is shocked to learn that her new stepsister, Mei, is the same girl who kissed her. Mei is betrothed to a teacher in a strategic marriage meant to protect their family’s school, but this relationship is a facade she uses to hide her true feelings. Throughout the series, Yuzu tries to help Mei overcome her emotional barriers and prove that their connection is more important than fulfilling her family obligations.

‘No. 6’ (2011)

Shion enjoys a comfortable life until he starts hiding a runaway named Nezumi, which dramatically alters how he sees the world. Safu, a childhood friend who is in love with Shion, represents a safe and conventional future for him. However, the story portrays Safu as a connection to Shion’s past as his feelings completely shift towards Nezumi. Safu eventually understands that she can’t compete with the deep connection between the two young men.

‘Cardcaptor Sakura’ (1998–2000)

Okay, so looking back at the series, Touya had a sweet little middle school romance with Kaho Mizuki, but she eventually left to study overseas. It’s later revealed she wasn’t heartbroken, but actually knew Touya wasn’t meant to be with her long-term. She saw he was destined for Yukito, and essentially stepped aside to let that happen. Mizuki was, in a way, a stepping stone – someone who understood her purpose was to guide Touya towards his true love. It’s a surprisingly mature take on unrequited love, honestly.

‘Seraph of the End’ (2015)

Throughout the series, Shinoa Hiiragi clearly falls in love with Yuuichiro Hyakuya, but he doesn’t notice her feelings. Yuuichiro is completely focused on rescuing his childhood friend, Mikaela, and that’s his main drive. The story presents Shinoa’s romantic interest as a typical subplot, while the real emotional core lies in the heartbreaking separation of Yuu and Mika. Many fans see Shinoa’s feelings as a side story that takes attention away from the strong bond between the two male characters.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury’ (2022–2023)

When Suletta Mercury starts at Asticassia School of Technology, she unexpectedly becomes engaged to Miorine Rembran. Several male students challenge Suletta to duels, hoping to win Miorine’s hand and uphold traditional marriage expectations. These challenges create conflict in the story, as these characters try to force Suletta and Miorine to conform to societal norms. However, the story continually emphasizes that the connection between Suletta and Miorine is genuine and stands apart from the surrounding political games.

‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’ (1997)

Anthy Himemiya is a student at Ohtori Academy who is promised in marriage to the winner of the school’s duels. The series often shows her in relationships with male duelists and her brother Akio, but these connections are shown to be controlling and put on for show. These forced, traditional pairings actually mask the abuse Anthy is experiencing and hint at the possibility of her finding freedom with Utena. The show challenges the typical ‘prince saves princess’ narrative, exposing how these roles are constructed and not natural.

‘Black Butler’ (2008–2009)

Ciel Phantomhive is engaged to his cousin, Elizabeth Midford, who dreams of a simple, ordinary life with him. However, Ciel is only going through the motions of the engagement to maintain his public image as an Earl, as his true self is bound to his demon butler, Sebastian. Elizabeth often helps Ciel appear more human by encouraging him to attend social gatherings he’d rather avoid. This engagement keeps him connected to a society he’s largely turned his back on because of his secret, dark agreement.

‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion’ (2006–2007)

Shirley Fenette embodies the ordinary high school experience Lelouch desires but is unable to attain. Her feelings for him suggest a normal future, which sharply contrasts with his complicated relationship and ongoing conflict with Suzaku Kururugi. The story uses Shirley to show Lelouch’s more human side, despite his dedication to his mission and his complex bond with Suzaku. Ultimately, she represents the life Lelouch gives up in pursuit of his revolution.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Historia Reiss ends up marrying a farmer who used to bully her, and later becomes pregnant. This marriage isn’t based on love, but rather a practical arrangement designed to shield her from immediately inheriting the Beast Titan. It stands in stark contrast to the deep and heartbreaking connection she shared with Ymir. The marriage is simply a way to keep her safe, not a source of happiness or romantic fulfillment.

‘Samurai Flamenco’ (2013–2014)

Mari Maya is a popular idol and magical girl who relentlessly pursues Masayoshi Hazama, though mostly to boost her public image. Masayoshi isn’t interested in a romantic relationship with her, as he’s emotionally invested in his close friend, a police officer named Goto. Their potential romance is presented as shallow and a playful take on typical story conventions, while the genuine connection lies in the strong bond between the two male characters.

‘Yuri!!! on Ice’ (2016)

Commentators and the media frequently discuss Victor Nikiforov’s past relationships with women, portraying him as someone who casually dates. However, the show suggests these relationships weren’t meaningful to him, contrasting them with the deep connection and artistic fulfillment he finds with Yuuri Katsuki. By hinting at a past with women, the series emphasizes how genuinely committed and different his relationship with Yuuri is.

‘Banana Fish’ (2018)

Ash Lynx is a captivating gang leader who can easily charm people, and he isn’t afraid to use that to get what he needs. While many women are attracted to him, he keeps them at arm’s length, often using their attention to his benefit. He only shows his vulnerable side to Eiji Okumura, who becomes his guiding force and greatest weakness. The story deliberately avoids portraying a simple romantic relationship for Ash, instead focusing on his intense need for Eiji’s presence and support.

‘Love and Lies’ (2017)

To address declining birth rates, the government pairs citizens with marriage partners at age sixteen. Yukari Nejima is matched with Lilina Sanada, but this arrangement leads to a tangled situation involving his feelings for Misaki and the involvement of his close friend, Yusuke Nisaka. The story subtly suggests that Nisaka has romantic feelings for Nejima and is using the government-arranged marriage system to hide his true emotions. These mandated marriages create a facade that obscures the genuine affections of everyone involved, adding layers of complexity to their relationships.

‘The Case Study of Vanitas’ (2021)

Vanitas often declares his love for Jeanne and relentlessly pursues her, but his actions seem insincere and staged. This over-the-top display of affection hides the deep, complex bond he actually shares with Noé Archiviste. Jeanne is initially puzzled by his advances, and the whole relationship appears to be a way for Vanitas to avoid confronting his difficult past. His dramatic flirting suggests he’s trying to conceal his true intentions from others.

‘Devilman Crybaby’ (2018)

Miki Makimura is Akira Fudo’s childhood friend and the person he cares for, representing everything he fights to protect. Ryo Asuka is in love with Akira and, driven by jealousy, causes the world’s destruction hoping to win him over. Miki serves as Akira’s conscience, but also stands in the way of Ryo’s obsessive desire to be with him. The story’s tragic events happen because Ryo can’t cope with Akira’s feelings for someone else.

‘Sk8 the Infinity’ (2021)

The anime centers around the competitive yet collaborative relationship between two skateboarders, Langa and Reki. Female characters primarily fill supporting roles and aren’t presented as potential love interests. The antagonist, Adam, is engaged to be married to someone involved in politics, but he completely neglects her, becoming fixated on Langa. This engagement serves only to create a respectable public facade for Adam.

‘Free!’ (2013)

Gou Matsuoka manages the swim team and often notices how good-looking the male swimmers are. Although she’s the main female character, she doesn’t develop a romantic relationship with any of them. The story focuses on the feelings and rivalry between Haruka and his teammates, and Gou mainly serves as a way for the audience to experience the story, rather than being a romantic interest herself.

‘Sarazanmai’ (2019)

Enta Jinnai is in love with his best friend, Kazuki Yasaka, but it’s painful to watch Kazuki focus all his attention on a female idol. To cheer up his actual younger brother, Kazuki pretends to be his brother and messages the idol. This creates a complicated situation filled with lies about who everyone is, and it twists the typical idea of a romantic relationship. The ‘straight’ relationships in the story feel fake or based on wishful thinking, especially when compared to the real, complicated connection between the two boys.

‘Given’ (2019)

At first, Ritsuka Uenoyama struggles to understand his feelings for Mafuyu, assuming he’s straight like most people around him. The story hints that, in their world, everyone is generally presumed to be heterosexual unless shown otherwise. The lack of prominent female love interests helps keep the focus on the boys as they explore who they are and what they feel for each other. This initial assumption of straightness is something they need to confront and move past in order to accept their true feelings.

Tell us which anime couples you think were just for show in the comments.

2026-01-01 04:17