@STKVictor That is the perfect way to put it. They never acted like a couple, they just did things a couple would do without any of the emotions. Shinako definitively used Rikuo as a convenience. Even Rikuo started feeling that way when he said he can't taste the food Shinako makes for him that one time because she felt like it was her duty to do so. I honestly don't know how to feel about Shinako..she pissed me off sometimes but I feel sorry for her sometimes..
It was for the good. I used to ship them both together but it's finally clear now. They truly are a bird of feathers. Both waiting for the other to make a move. Tho i do feel a bit sad
Finally! They realize that they aren't in relationship, just a facsimile of such... no romance or physicality, nothing by which an outsider looking in casually could say, "look at that couple, how nice!"