ELEMENT: Trial Relationship
A trope usually found in romance storylines (but can be elsewhere as well) where the involved parties agree to enter into a trial relationship to test the waters with each other before actually considering themselves to be in the relationship they are seeking.
Mild spoilers below.
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1. Coloque Sua Cabeça no Meu Ombro
Thai Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
After confessing that they both have feeling for each other, when Prapaa asks Pai to be his girlfriend, she says she's not sure. Worried that they are not compatible, she proposes a trial dating period with a point system.
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2. Duas Pessoas Que Não Podem se Apaixonar
Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
A platonic rendition of this trope, aroaces Sakuko and Satoru decide to see if they can become a family without the romantic feelings that are normally associated with that relationship. Satoru isn't convinced it's possible, so they enter into a trial arrangement while living together.
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3. Erro Semântico
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
After seeing Sang Woo confused about what is entailed in liking someone and dating, Jae Young proposes a trial run to make him consider the proposal. He also demonstrates a "preview" of what actions are included in a dating relationship.
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4. Teoria do Amor
Thai Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
Disbelieving of Khai's sincerity and ability to stay committed, Third enters into a sort of unspoken trial dating relationship with him where they avoided putting labels on it or letting others know, but still acted very much like boyfriends.
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5. Sete Dias: De Segunda a Quinta
Japanese Movie - 2015
Toji wants to believe in love but doesn't believe himself capable of it after his first heartbreak. As such, he has a rule where he will date the first person who asks him out on Monday for a week to see if he can catch feelings. Yuzuru is in much the same boat and decides to take him up on the offer.
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6. Sete dias: sexta-feira - domingo
Japanese Movie - 2015
Toji wants to believe in love but doesn't believe himself capable of it after his first heartbreak. As such, he has a rule where he will date the first person who asks him out on Monday for a week to see if he can catch feelings. Yuzuru is in much the same boat and decides to take him up on the offer.
Sequel to "Seven Days: Monday-Thursday"
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7. Ai Long Nai
Thai Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Nhai becomes ashamed of catching feelings for his new friend Ai. He doesn't want to ruin their friendship and he's never had feelings for a guy before. But after an accidental night together, the two enter into a trial relationship to see if they can make it work.
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8. Zenryoku de, Aishite Ii Kana?
Japanese Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
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9. Love Mate
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
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10. Stand-In Love
Filipino Special - 2023, 1 episode
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11. Ha Rak Duai Jai Thoe
Thai Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
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12. 25 Ji, Akasaka de
Japanese Drama - 2024, 10 episodes