Among the love stories that have conquered hearts in anime and manga, there is one trope that has earned a special place: when the seemingly ‘ordinary’ protagonist ends up with the most popular and stunning gyaru girl. Series like DAN DA DAN and My Dress-Up Darling have given us unforgettable couples like Momo Ayase and Okarun, or Marin Kitagawa and Wakana Gojo, who show that sometimes the most sincere and charming love is born between polar opposites. These types of stories have made us laugh, sigh and, above all, want more of these romances between characters who find love in their geeky quirks and hobbies.
DAN DA DAN and My Dress-Up Darling: Why do we love the pairing of the popular girl with the shy guy?
Why do we love so much to see the ‘ordinary guy’ next to the ‘most popular girl’? It’s simple: these stories celebrate love in its truest form. They show us that looks or popularity are not the only things that matter in a relationship. Instead, what really counts is finding someone with whom you share interests and being yourself without filters. Marin Kitagawa in My Dress-Up Darling, for example, accepts Wakana Gojo’s world of cosplay and design with a smile, while Momo Ayase and Okarun in DAN DA DAN join forces to explore supernatural themes, forming a special bond in the process.
This trope has delighted fans because it doesn’t follow conventional romantic paths; it breaks away from stereotypes and shows a love that is forged in acceptance and respect. The gyaru becomes the unconditional and cheerful support of the reserved boy, while he, in his simplicity, admires and appreciates her as she is. It’s a dynamic that shows the power of genuine connection, where both characters can be honest and vulnerable.
Fans are clamouring for more stories along these lines: the ‘normal’ guy who wins the love of the dream girl, and together they discover how wonderful the difference is. Because, after all, who doesn’t want to see more love stories where it’s all about being yourself, whether it’s through cosplay, supernatural monsters or some other nerdy pastime?
Recently, a fan posted a fanart on his X (Twitter) account, imagining his favourite characters from DAN DA DAN and My Dress-Up Darling, in couple scenes that capture the essence of this type of romance. His art, full of tenderness and complicity, generated a lot of buzz in the community, with fans commenting on phrases like ‘Someone needs to make a list of all the anime and manga that feature this trope…’. The post managed to put into words what many feel: fans want to see more stories like this, characters with their own personalities, skills and hobbies that define them and make them interesting.
Another fan: ‘I agree that more are needed, but there are enough coming out already’ – pointing out that the demand for romance stories between the popular girl and the geek boy is booming. These types of relationships continue to gain popularity and expand across various series. Examples such as Hajimete no Gal, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, Akari and Jirou’s adorable dynamic in More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers, and the protagonists’ connection in Horimiya show that this trope has a special charm and a lot to offer.
And the list goes on! These unexpected romances remind us that genuine love often appears in the least expected places and people, which keeps fans craving more stories that celebrate the authentic connections between such endearing characters.
What distinguishes characters like Gojo and Okarun is that, although they are ‘normal’ in appearance, they possess unique talents and hobbies that make them special. While Gojo is known for his ability to create Hina dolls and cosplay with Marin, Okarun shows his interest in supernatural and alien themes with Momo. This trope has proven successful because, far from creating implausible stories, it presents relationships between genuine people who support and respect each other’s differences.
With DAN DA DAN still airing on Netflix, fans are excited to follow this story that explores the romance between the gyaru and the shy boy in the context of the supernatural, as Momo Ayase and Okarun continue to win hearts with their adventures.
On the other hand, My Dress-Up Darling also maintains its popularity, with a confirmed second season promising more sweet and funny moments between Marin and Gojo. These types of stories, where couples defy the conventions of typical relationships, continue to grow in popularity, and fans couldn’t be happier to see love being found in the least expected places. No doubt the success of these anime opens the door for more series to emerge that celebrate unexpected romances between real and endearing characters.
