Dandadan's Okarun and Momo Romance Just Got Complicated — And Fans Are Here For It
If you've been reading Dandadan, you know the romance between Ken "Okarun" Takakura and Momo Ayase has been one of the most refreshingly chaotic love stories in modern shonen manga. But just when it looked like the two were finally on the road to getting together, creator Yukinobu Tatsu threw a curveball — and honestly? It's the best thing that could have happened to the story.
The Dandadan love triangle is here, and it's bringing the kind of messy, real-feeling conflict that makes manga romances actually worth caring about.
What's Happening in Dandadan Chapters 232-233?
During a group date at the aquarium, with Okarun slowly drifting out of Momo's company and spending time with Aira Shiratori instead, Aira strongly suggests the two should start dating. While this cliffhanger is left unresolved as the Dragon Knights interrupt in chapter #232, it injects some much-needed conflict into Okarun and Momo's will-they-won't-they dynamic.
To put it plainly: Okarun and Momo are supposed to be drifting toward each other — but Aira Shiratori just stepped in and complicated everything.
The aquarium scene is deceptively casual. A group outing, some distance between Okarun and Momo, Aira filling that space — and then the suggestion that they should just be together. It's a quiet disruption, but in a series that has always operated on emotional subtext, it lands like a punch.
Who Is Aira Shiratori — And Why Does She Matter?
Aira is part of Momo's found family, which makes the potential love triangle both more interesting and more emotionally complicated. This isn't some random new character introduced purely to cause drama. Aira exists within the group dynamic — which means any romantic development between her and Okarun would affect everyone.
What makes this work narratively is that Aira genuinely seems to like Okarun, not as a plot device, but as a person. And Okarun, who's not exactly socially sharp, doesn't appear to fully register what's happening — which is very Okarun of him.
Why Momo's Amnesia Changed Everything
Creator Yukinobu Tatsu seemed to have Okarun and Momo speeding toward reconciliation following Momo's amnesia after her restoration in Chapter #209 — until recent events unfolded.
The amnesia arc was one of the most emotionally taxing stretches of Dandadan. Momo lost her memories of Okarun, and the series spent considerable time rebuilding that connection. When it started to seem like they were finally getting back on track, the aquarium chapters pivoted hard.
This is smart storytelling. A romance that gets everything handed to it too easily loses its tension. The Dandadan manga romance arc needed friction — and the Aira development provides it organically, without resorting to manufactured misunderstandings or contrived drama.
Okarun and Momo: Are They Still Endgame?
Yes — But the Journey Just Got More Interesting
In Dandadan, Okarun and Momo are still very likely intended for an endgame romantic scenario. But "endgame" doesn't mean "easy." The best shonen romances earn their resolution, and Dandadan has always understood that.
Here's what makes the Okarun-Momo dynamic work:
- Mutual affection that neither will directly say out loud — classic shonen will-they-won't-they energy
- Shared trauma and supernatural experiences that bond them beyond typical romance
- Momo's amnesia arc that reset their dynamic and forced emotional vulnerability
- Okarun's awkwardness that's endearing rather than frustrating
The Aira situation doesn't threaten the endgame. It deepens it.
Dandadan Romance Timeline: How We Got Here
| Chapter Range | Key Romance Moment |
|---|---|
| Early chapters | Okarun and Momo meet, develop mutual respect |
| Mid-series | Romantic tension builds through supernatural battles |
| Chapter ~209 | Momo loses memory of Okarun after restoration |
| Post-209 | Slow rebuild of their connection |
| Chapter 232-233 | Aira suggests dating Okarun; Dragon Knights interrupt |
What Makes Dandadan's Romance Different From Other Shonen
Most shonen series treat romance as a side dish. Dandadan treats it as a main course disguised as a side dish — meaning it's always present, always moving, but never so heavy that it overwhelms the supernatural action.
What sets Dandadan's romance apart from similar manga:
- It's built on genuine weirdness and shared experience, not just looks or proximity
- The characters are emotionally complex in ways that feel true to how teenagers actually think
- Conflict arrives naturally from character decisions, not authorial manipulation
- The supernatural elements create unique emotional metaphors (Momo's amnesia isn't just plot — it means something about memory and love)
Fan Response to the Aira Love Triangle
The Dandadan fandom had strong feelings about the aquarium chapters. Broadly, reactions split into two camps:
Team "This is great drama": Fans who've been reading long enough to know the series earns its emotional beats are largely excited. A love triangle with actual stakes — not just a jealousy subplot — is exactly what the Okarun-Momo arc needed.
Team "Please just let them be happy": Fans who've lived through the amnesia arc and are emotionally exhausted. Completely valid. Watching Momo almost lose Okarun once was tough enough.
Both reactions are understandable. But from a craft perspective, the Aira development is the right creative choice.
What to Expect Next in Dandadan
- The Dragon Knights interruption in Chapter 232 will likely dominate the next few chapters
- The Aira situation will simmer in the background, raising emotional tension
- Okarun will eventually have to make some kind of choice — even if unspoken
- Momo's feelings will likely come to a head in a high-stakes supernatural moment (because that's how Dandadan does it)
FAQ — Dandadan Okarun and Momo Romance
Q: Do Okarun and Momo end up together in Dandadan? While the manga is still ongoing, all narrative evidence points to Okarun and Momo as the intended endgame pairing. The love triangle is a hurdle, not a detour.
Q: Who is Aira Shiratori in Dandadan? Aira is part of Momo's found family and a recurring character who has now suggested starting a relationship with Okarun in chapters 232-233.
Q: Why did Momo lose her memory in Dandadan? Momo's amnesia resulted from her restoration around Chapter 209. It erased her memories of Okarun and became a major emotional obstacle for the couple.
Q: Is Dandadan manga ongoing in 2026? Yes, Dandadan by Yukinobu Tatsu continues to be serialized and remains one of the hottest manga titles in the US market.
Q: Where can I read Dandadan manga legally? You can read Dandadan legally on Viz Media's Shonen Jump platform.