Momo Ayase and Okarun's Relationship Explained

Key points

• Momo and Okarun's friendship evolves as they bond with spirits and aliens, spending most of their time together.
• The conflict strengthens their relationship, showcasing their honesty and mutual priority.
• Romantic undertones begin to emerge between Momo and Okarun, hinting at potential future feelings.

Dandan features the two main characters of Momo Ayase and Okarun, two teenagers who believe in spirits and aliens and face them together. Their relationship is not without numerous obstacles, as the two are different in many ways, but also quite similar.

The two main characters of Dandan they are the heart and soul of the series, and their relationship is one of the most important aspects of the plot. As the two begin to spend more and more time together, meeting almost every day, their relationship develops significantly to form an incredibly strong bond.

This feature includes spoilers for
Dandan
anime, as well as the manga.

Momo Ayase and Okarun's first meeting

They clash… a lot

When Momo Ayase and Okarun meet for the first time Dandanthey seem to come from two completely different worlds. Okarun is an introverted otaku who doesn't have many friends, while Momo is incredibly popular and well-liked by most students. It comes as a surprise when he approaches her to talk about aliens, to which she wants to talk about spirits. The two then begin a journey to discover the truth about their interests, and soon spend most of their time together going on adventures.

But Miss Ayase was the only one who stood up for me. —Okarun

The beginning of their friendship is not without obstacles, of course, despite Okarun sharing a name with Momo's favorite actor. There are many misunderstandings between the two, with Okarun often thinking that Momo actually doesn't like him and wants to avoid him when they are at school. However, since fans also see Momo's perspective, she expresses that she enjoys spending time with him and talking about spirits and aliens. While some may think that even at the beginning of their relationship, Okarun must have had romantic feelings for Momo, it's clear that he just wanted a friend to spend time with. However, this changes over time as they get to know each other.

How much has their relationship developed?

Their friendship becomes indestructible

Momo and Okarun's friendship quickly blossoms in the anime thanks to their passionate shared interests. It's clear that both Momo and Okarun want to be together as frequently as possible, which is especially visible in episode 5 of season 1, “The Haunted Past”. Throughout the school day, viewers will notice both Momo and Okarun in agony as they are unable to spend time together and talk about their interests. However, when they finally meet, a fight breaks out.

Miss Ayase has so many friends, so I think I'm just a friend candidate. —Okarun

Even though they argued, it can be interpreted that this action is actually the two of them getting closer and more comfortable with each other. Arguing actually shows that they are not afraid to be honest with each other and that they can express their true selves to each other. The two almost always reconcile afterwards too, with Momo apologizing for making Okarun feel like she was embarrassed to be seen with him.

Momo is also incredibly protective of Okarun, especially after Aira teases him for being flustered by her. The same goes for Okarun, who defends Momo after bad rumors spread about her in Season 1 Episode 6, “The Final Showdown.” Although the two don't express it often, it's obvious that they prioritize each other above all else and will defend them when necessary.

Romantic undertones and support

Is there something more to their relationship?

In the first season of Dandanfans can easily deduce that Momo and Okarun have formed a strong friendship in just a few episodes. However, many may wonder if it is possible that there is also a romantic undertone. In season 1, episode 6, “The Final Showdown”, after Okarun defends Momo from the rumors, he begins to recognize how cute she is. One of Okarun's classmates points this out and eventually acknowledges this fact, suggesting some underlying feelings on Okarun's part.

Miss Ayase is…pretty? I never even considered it. I was just happy to have found my first friend. —Okarun

Even though there are fewer hints of romance from Momo, there are still plenty of moments Dandan this shows his deep care for Okarun, which may eventually develop into something stronger. If the anime chooses to follow the manga's path, the two will eventually express their romantic feelings for each other after avoiding it for a while. Their actions, in this moment, are what clearly show their care for each other, as one would do anything to protect the other.

Dandan is now available to stream on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu.