Momo Ayase and Ken “Okarun” Takakura’s bond in Dandadan defies nearly every convention of traditional shonen romance. Most battle manga treat love as background noise, but this series puts romantic development front and center. Momo and Okarun's connection grows through supernatural chaos, creating something genuinely special in anime storytelling.
Yes, Momo and Okarun do confess their love for each other in Dandadan, though they haven't officially started dating yet. Okarun declares his feelings in Chapter 159 of the manga, while Momo asks him to confess again once she's cured from her miniature condition. Their relationship grows past the usual confession-then-finish trope common in many shonen series.
Momo and Okarun's relationship begins through an unlikely bet about the existence of supernatural phenomena. When they first cross paths, romance isn't on either of their minds. Their connection grows naturally from their shared status as outcasts and mutual interest in the paranormal.

It’s the organic evolution of their emotions that sets Dandadan apart from the usual shonen romance formula. Both characters bring emotional baggage and inexperience to their relationship. Momo has dated before but never experienced genuine love. Okarun lacks social confidence and has never had a real friend, let alone a romantic interest.
The series presents both protagonists as equals in matters of the heart. Momo's social experience gives her slight advantages, but she remains just as awkward and uncertain as Okarun when it comes to love. This balance prevents the tired trope of one character constantly teaching the other about relationships.
Their mutual lack of experience leads to genuine moments of weakness and personal development. In Dandadan, both characters take missteps and learn from them. Momo tends to get defensive when she feels vulnerable, while Okarun struggles with jealousy and his own social insecurities.
Character Growth Through Love in Dandadan

The romantic subplot in Dandadan performs as a catalyst for individual development. Okarun transforms from a timid outcast into someone inclined to fight for those he cares about. His feelings for Momo give him the boldness he never knew he had.
Similarly, Momo learns to face her own emotional walls. Her growing attachment to Okarun propels her to examine her past relationships and determine what a genuine connection feels like. The series shows how love can illuminate positive change while also stressing the challenges that come with ardent emotions.
Both characters struggle with jealousy when other probable romantic interests appear. Momo becomes possessive in Dandadan when Aira Shiratori shows attraction to Okarun, while Okarun tussles with his own insecurities. These variances feel genuine rather than fabricated for drama. The series also handles romantic competitions thoughtfully.
Current Status of Their Relationship in the Manga and the Anime

As of the latest manga chapters, Momo and Okarun have sincerely accepted their romantic sentiments for each other. While they haven't officially begun dating, their relationship has unwound far beyond camaraderie. The series continues to evolve its bond alongside its supernatural plotlines.
The Dandadan anime adaptation wraps up the early stages of Momo and Okarun's relationship. Season 1 concentrates on their initial meeting and growing friendship. Season 2, which premiered in 2025, is continuing to expand its romantic suspense.
Anime-only viewers will need to wait several seasons to see Okarun's major confession scene. The manga now has over 200 chapters, while each anime season adapts around 30-35 chapters. This pacing provides thorough character development but demands patience from fans eager to see romantic payoff.
The series bypasses common romance traps by keeping focus on both characters' development. Neither Momo nor Okarun lives solely to complete the other; they each have personal travels that intersect meaningfully.
In conclusion, Momo and Okarun's romance in Dandadan imposes a new standard for shonen relationships. Their mutual confession draws just the beginning of their love story, not the end. The series prohibits following conventional romance formulas, instead building something influential and lasting.