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Sep 19, 12:13 PM
#1
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Nov 2018
243
After finishing season 2 with the appearance of this new girl, I'm curious as to why people hype up the writing of this series when it comes to its romance. It doesn't do anything great and follows a lot of formulas many harem anime do where the MC slowly wins the hearts of many girls while having his eyes on one love interest. It even does the generic trope of having Momo coincidentally catching Okarun in weird situations with other girls, solely to add unnecessary drama. I honestly feel like this anime would be better if Okarun and Momo were developing without outside noise creating problems in their relationship because it honestly feels like Jiji is the only "love rival" that actually isn't fighting with Okarun over Momo or creating problems for them.

I like Dandadan, but not specifically for its romance, so I'm curious as to why people act like this is one of the best romance shounens of all time.
Sep 19, 12:24 PM
#2
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Jul 2021
8
I think its because it does so in a way thats not completely perverted on a one sided kind of way. its not that its doing something we've never seen before. I think its just that Okarun and Momo are actually fun to watch on screen. Their dynamic obviously isnt pushing some mold, but it's just done in a way that's fun and pleasing to watch unfold.
Sep 19, 12:32 PM
#3
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Apr 2023
452
Because Shonen fan have never seen any kind of decent romance in shonen, so they think this much is peak 😹
Sep 19, 12:43 PM
#4
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Dec 2022
2493
some of the dudes hyping it up are battle shōnen fanboys and lovers. they'll see peak stuff like Oregairu and BGS and say "ew, romance. yucky yuck". and see stuff like Fairy Tail and Black Clover along with Dandadan and say
"UOHHHHHH, peak romance!!!!"
lol, it's hilarious af.
CheliosXSep 19, 1:51 PM
Sep 19, 12:49 PM
#5
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Nov 2018
243
AssassinKillua15 said:
I think its because it does so in a way thats not completely perverted on a one sided kind of way. its not that its doing something we've never seen before. I think its just that Okarun and Momo are actually fun to watch on screen. Their dynamic obviously isnt pushing some mold, but it's just done in a way that's fun and pleasing to watch unfold.

I agree there, but many shounen do that. I'm just curious as to what makes Okarun and Momo’s writing so special. Unless people just think they're cute together, which is fine.
Sep 19, 12:56 PM
#6
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Mar 2025
13
CheliosX said:
some of the dudes hyping it up are shōnen fanboys and lovers. they'll see peak stuff like Oregairu and BGS and say "ew, romance. yucky yuck". and see stuff like Fairy Tail and Black Clover along with Dandadan and say "I
UOHHHHHH, peak romance!!!!"
lol, it's hilarious af.

i fw bgs but there is no way it's a good romance, although it's a good sci-fi mystery anime.
Sep 19, 12:57 PM
#7
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Dec 2022
2493
Yazant said:
CheliosX said:
some of the dudes hyping it up are shōnen fanboys and lovers. they'll see peak stuff like Oregairu and BGS and say "ew, romance. yucky yuck". and see stuff like Fairy Tail and Black Clover along with Dandadan and say "I
UOHHHHHH, peak romance!!!!"
lol, it's hilarious af.

i fw bgs but there is no way it's a good romance, although it's a good sci-fi mystery anime.

that's to you ig. when it comes to. romance in BGS, i consider it peak. ofc, were diff so no ish.
Sep 19, 1:00 PM
#8

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Sep 2018
14329
It has a lot of solid scenes in character relationships despite the pseudoharem setup. Love rivals are a norm of shounen and shoujo.
Sep 19, 1:05 PM
#9
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Apr 2020
76
I like love triangles and drama so I like these situations. It depends on what you like personally
Sep 19, 1:06 PM
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Jul 2021
8
Reply to Hickykissy
Because Shonen fan have never seen any kind of decent romance in shonen, so they think this much is peak 😹
@Hickykissy yea. I mean I enjoy watching them onscreen. Not because I think its peak or the best romance ever..its just fun to watch them. Shonen hasn't done much romance in general lol. And the ones that do don't focus on it. DanDaDan is one of the few Shonen that focuses on romance.
Sep 19, 1:26 PM
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May 2024
45
Royalty459 said:
After finishing season 2 with the appearance of this new girl, I'm curious as to why people hype up the writing of this series when it comes to its romance. It doesn't do anything great and follows a lot of formulas many harem anime do where the MC slowly wins the hearts of many girls while having his eyes on one love interest. It even does the generic trope of having Momo coincidentally catching Okarun in weird situations with other girls, solely to add unnecessary drama. I honestly feel like this anime would be better if Okarun and Momo were developing without outside noise creating problems in their relationship because it honestly feels like Jiji is the only "love rival" that actually isn't fighting with Okarun over Momo or creating problems for them.

I like Dandadan, but not specifically for its romance, so I'm curious as to why people act like this is one of the best romance shounens of all time.

When I think of DanDaDan I think about anything but romance
Sep 19, 1:28 PM

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Sep 2016
21393
Rewatch S1E5 to find out.
No, this isn't my signature.
Sep 19, 1:32 PM
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Jul 2021
8
Royalty459 said:
AssassinKillua15 said:
I think its because it does so in a way thats not completely perverted on a one sided kind of way. its not that its doing something we've never seen before. I think its just that Okarun and Momo are actually fun to watch on screen. Their dynamic obviously isnt pushing some mold, but it's just done in a way that's fun and pleasing to watch unfold.

I agree there, but many shounen do that. I'm just curious as to what makes Okarun and Momo’s writing so special. Unless people just think they're cute together, which is fine.

There are Shonen that have romance, but none that have it as the core focus in the way DanDaDan does. It's a core part of Dan's story and not just a background thing that exists like with most other Shonen. That's probably why.
Sep 19, 1:40 PM

Online
Apr 2021
721
Reply to AssassinKillua15
Royalty459 said:
AssassinKillua15 said:
I think its because it does so in a way thats not completely perverted on a one sided kind of way. its not that its doing something we've never seen before. I think its just that Okarun and Momo are actually fun to watch on screen. Their dynamic obviously isnt pushing some mold, but it's just done in a way that's fun and pleasing to watch unfold.

I agree there, but many shounen do that. I'm just curious as to what makes Okarun and Momo’s writing so special. Unless people just think they're cute together, which is fine.

There are Shonen that have romance, but none that have it as the core focus in the way DanDaDan does. It's a core part of Dan's story and not just a background thing that exists like with most other Shonen. That's probably why.
@AssassinKillua15

shounen is a demographic not a genre, kaoru no hana that is airing right now is a shounen. There are a lot of shounen that focuses in romance. But i do follow what you are trying to say.
Sep 19, 1:44 PM

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May 2025
158
I think it does the romance it has quite well. I watch a lot of romance anime and you can certainly do much worse in that department. But of course Dandadan is like 95% humour and action, the romance moves very slowly, so in a way I'm also surprised people praise that aspect of it. Especially in the second season there are so many characters now that the relationship between Momo und Ukarun is barely present anymore it seems.
Sep 19, 2:17 PM
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May 2023
68
It’s not that this show is the peak of romance anime, it just handles a slower burn romance better than other shows in the same genre. Look at Naruto or Bleach. DandaDan cares a lot more about the romance and the connection between the love interests than those do, and it’s delivered in a grounded relatable way (again, very unlike couples in other battle shonens)
Sep 19, 2:40 PM
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Mar 2024
60
its literally peak, dont discuss
Sep 19, 2:43 PM
Queer Villain

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Jul 2013
193
most of the ppl I know who find the romance in DDD hits different are women, queer ppl, & queer women, not average the "battle shounen" enjoyers y'all are talking about.

1) it's not the main focus of the series,
2) it's wholesome & lighthearted,
3) it's a slowburn that prioritises their friendship & doesn't reduce momo's agency,
4) it's not a harem, it's just a comedy.
5) relax. let it flow.
cranky because your taste sucks, aren't you?
Sep 19, 2:57 PM

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Apr 2012
44
assignedgengar said:
1) it's not the main focus of the series,
2) it's wholesome & lighthearted,
3) it's a slowburn that prioritises their friendship & doesn't reduce momo's agency,
4) it's not a harem, it's just a comedy.
5) relax. let it flow.


Yeah, that's it. Despite the harem-looking surface, it's really just a plain wholesome romance between two characters that spend time together and constantly interact cutely, like how Momo will nonchalantly touch Okarun, or how they will show tension about saying goodbye for the day without adding more words. It's just mad cute lol. Although I wonder if these interactions aren't perhaps reduced in the anime? (actually haven't watched it myself, I was browsing the forums for curiosity)

edit:
like, wasn't there a chapter in which it was shown that they alternated each day the role of who should say "see you tomorrow" or something like that?
SuperunknownSep 19, 3:03 PM
Sep 19, 3:13 PM

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Oct 2014
199
Its not a harem…
Its a love triangle at most (and boy aint even looking at anyone but momo)

All battle shonens, the romance takes a backseat. You pretty much have the MC end up with their love interest post time skip after the end of the manga/anime (look at naruto,bleach,demon slayer,MHA)

This show has romance/romcom elements tied in to all your typical battle shonen, which is a breath of fresh air. Pretty much you have your major arc, then during the break we have our SOL/romcom moments.
Sep 19, 3:25 PM
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Apr 2015
203
if you can't figure out which relationships are gonna develop from here on out I think you will be very shocked by how well things develop from here. this is a drama. the action doesn't progress the story, the character's personalities do. it's why Evil Eye vs Ken is the best fight so far. the action was fine, but Ken proved how he's beyond cheap basic fights tropes.
Sep 19, 3:27 PM
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Aug 2020
628
I love how clumsy and natural their romance are, not forcing anything. It feels grounded and not rushed unlike many today authors that push romance so fast and characters feels so robotic that every romance feels same and i feel empty watching that development. Its kinda rare to get natural romance.
Sep 19, 4:50 PM

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Mar 2014
25
Considering shoujo has like a billion love triangles and that there is competition for momo too, it’s not too far off from what I expect. At least Okarun is clearly not into the other girls unlike most Shounen mcs
Sep 19, 5:47 PM
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Nov 2016
4017
I enjoyed this season, but the romance in this anime isn't that good. Some romance scenes with Momo and Okarun are cute, though, but that's about it, because afterwards they shoehorn Jiji in the middle of it, and he starts acting like an annoying fuckwit with his godawful comedy, and I get annoyed because that mofo reminds me of Zenitsu when he starts acting like a fuckwit, and I hate Zenitsu.

The romance genre isn't my cup of tea either, but I can enjoy it if it's done properly. The best romance I've watched is in Steins;Gate, that anime is not even about romance, but dear god, the romance in Steins;Gate is better than every other anime I've watched.
Sep 19, 6:18 PM
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Nov 2018
243
chaps28 said:
It’s not that this show is the peak of romance anime, it just handles a slower burn romance better than other shows in the same genre. Look at Naruto or Bleach. DandaDan cares a lot more about the romance and the connection between the love interests than those do, and it’s delivered in a grounded relatable way (again, very unlike couples in other battle shonens)

Comparing it to Naruto and Bleach isn't really fair because romance was never the focus for those. If Dandadan is considered a romcom, then you should compare it to those instead. If we did that, then Dandadan doesn't do anything great.
Sep 19, 6:24 PM
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Nov 2018
243
kisip123 said:
Its not a harem…
Its a love triangle at most (and boy aint even looking at anyone but momo)

All battle shonens, the romance takes a backseat. You pretty much have the MC end up with their love interest post time skip after the end of the manga/anime (look at naruto,bleach,demon slayer,MHA)

This show has romance/romcom elements tied in to all your typical battle shonen, which is a breath of fresh air. Pretty much you have your major arc, then during the break we have our SOL/romcom moments.

Okarun has a harem of women, which is basically the same thing imo. Just because he likes Momo doesn't mean the anime can't be a harem because there's many times when the MC only has eyes for one girl, but still is constantly approached by other women. SAO is an example and I'm pretty sure even Rent-A-GF does this as well.
Sep 19, 6:35 PM

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Apr 2022
7813
yeah as a fan of the series, its romance is super clichéd and tatsu is still dragging drama out in the manga, which i've gotten tired of.
Sep 19, 7:48 PM
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Oct 2018
12
As a non shonen fan, I think the romance is great. And it basically boils down to how real their relationship and interactions feel. Many anime, including romance ones, have what feels like forced or scripted romance (if that makes sense lol). While in DanDaDan every interaction between Okarun and Momo feels real and genuine, like it flows naturally. Id even say DaDaDan has some of the best romance out there.

Im not saying DanDaDan has the best romance out there, but it certainly stands out from basically every shonen and it even beats many romance dedicated anime.
Sep 19, 8:18 PM
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Nov 2019
388
Probably because the series actually focuses on Romance as one of its main appeals which is rare for a battle action shonen. Not a hard bar at all if I’m being honest but one thing I can really like and appreciate is that the relationship between Momo and Okarun is NOT one sided and both of them reciprocate or show signs of them being interested romantically. The Aira and Okarun romance sucks ass even if it’s mainly used as a gag. Jiji and Momo is also one sided but obviously that’s not gonna really happen in the series again/endgame ship nor is it the main romance in the show so I guess I can give a pass. For battle action shonen standards (which is more or less the most popular type of anime and manga content), it’s has one of the better romances. That’s why people praise it so much.
Sep 19, 8:28 PM
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Nov 2020
42
Royalty459 said:
After finishing season 2 with the appearance of this new girl, I'm curious as to why people hype up the writing of this series when it comes to its romance. It doesn't do anything great and follows a lot of formulas many harem anime do where the MC slowly wins the hearts of many girls while having his eyes on one love interest. It even does the generic trope of having Momo coincidentally catching Okarun in weird situations with other girls, solely to add unnecessary drama. I honestly feel like this anime would be better if Okarun and Momo were developing without outside noise creating problems in their relationship because it honestly feels like Jiji is the only "love rival" that actually isn't fighting with Okarun over Momo or creating problems for them.

I like Dandadan, but not specifically for its romance, so I'm curious as to why people act like this is one of the best romance shounens of all time.

Don’t fall in love bro stay ignorant
Sep 19, 8:39 PM
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Oct 2020
153
I love how people are blowing this way out of proportion, like usual. It’s just the way the “romance” is handled, realistic, second-guessing, subdued, and tastefully handled, unlike the comments on this post. 🤭
Sep 19, 11:19 PM
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Sep 2021
1266
because anime fans are mostly mindless sheep who have to pretend that their new favorite show is somehow different and much better than the rest, because they're also insecure losers
Sep 20, 12:02 AM
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Jan 2020
59
bait to bait ROM viewers 😅🤣
Sep 20, 3:46 AM
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Feb 2018
752
You are just glueing yourself to two moments while ignoring all the many moments of actual development between the 2 main characters.
Sep 20, 4:09 AM

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Dec 2021
641
Dandadan's strongest suit is using tropes in a way that distinguishes itself. I would go as far as to say it's one of the best romance shounens to spite thou.
Sep 20, 8:13 AM
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May 2025
70
Remember how awkward you were as a teenager in love and you can see it with Momo and Okarun. It feels natural, realistic and cute. Teens have difficulties expressing their feelings so they tend to do it through body language, touch and actions. Teens with low self esteem don’t dare to express their feelings due to the fear of rejection (that we all have). I loved Dan Da Dan for Momo and Okarun, more than I do for the sci-fi and the spiritual. Those characters are fun, they are wholesome and they keep growing as the manga progresses.
Sep 20, 9:50 AM

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May 2025
158
EmiPyon said:
bait to bait ROM viewers 😅🤣

Worked for me 😄
Sep 20, 4:28 PM

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Oct 2014
199
Royalty459 said:
kisip123 said:
Its not a harem…
Its a love triangle at most (and boy aint even looking at anyone but momo)

All battle shonens, the romance takes a backseat. You pretty much have the MC end up with their love interest post time skip after the end of the manga/anime (look at naruto,bleach,demon slayer,MHA)

This show has romance/romcom elements tied in to all your typical battle shonen, which is a breath of fresh air. Pretty much you have your major arc, then during the break we have our SOL/romcom moments.

Okarun has a harem of women, which is basically the same thing imo. Just because he likes Momo doesn't mean the anime can't be a harem because there's many times when the MC only has eyes for one girl, but still is constantly approached by other women. SAO is an example and I'm pretty sure even Rent-A-GF does this as well.

Just because there are a lot of female characters doesnt mean its a harem.

Like i said only Momo and Aira are interested in him

Vamola situation is a misunderstanding


Rin is also not interested


Cant even compare it to SAO as they are all interested in Kirito which is not the same thing
Sep 20, 4:33 PM
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Jun 2017
5383
I just love how cute and innocent their relationship is plus we get to see both perspectives rather than just the boy's. I haven't read the manga so I hope they end up together.
Sep 20, 7:44 PM
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May 2023
68
Royalty459 said:
chaps28 said:
It’s not that this show is the peak of romance anime, it just handles a slower burn romance better than other shows in the same genre. Look at Naruto or Bleach. DandaDan cares a lot more about the romance and the connection between the love interests than those do, and it’s delivered in a grounded relatable way (again, very unlike couples in other battle shonens)

Comparing it to Naruto and Bleach isn't really fair because romance was never the focus for those. If Dandadan is considered a romcom, then you should compare it to those instead. If we did that, then Dandadan doesn't do anything great.

Sure, if we move the argument to fix yours…. It is a battle shonen. I’m not saying something Naruto or bleach were flawed because of how they handled romance or that DandaDan using it makes it better than the others.

I am saying that compared to other major battle shonen, the romance is much more a core part of the show, where it’s more of an afterthought, if mentioned at all, in the big 3. That’s something that makes DandaDan stand out in its genre.

But it’s not a romance anime because the main plots points of the show are action and fantasy/sci-fi
Yesterday, 2:32 PM

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Apr 2012
44
ryzxgum said:
its romance is super clichéd and tatsu is still dragging drama out in the manga, which i've gotten tired of.

I don't really see this? It's slow yes (it's not the main focus after all) but
Yesterday, 8:23 PM

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Apr 2022
7813
Reply to Superunknown
ryzxgum said:
its romance is super clichéd and tatsu is still dragging drama out in the manga, which i've gotten tired of.

I don't really see this? It's slow yes (it's not the main focus after all) but
@Superunknown and then separated them again, another arc in a row. to make matters worse, jiji is still in the picture on momo's team and aira on okarun's so you know there's more drama incoming which i'm dreading to have to sit through.

kaguya-sama focuses a lot more on romance, yet the progress is just as slow and still very entertaining since there's no lame drama and interference.
Yesterday, 9:48 PM

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Aug 2025
114
I think it is a good "romance" because Okarun and Momo have actual chemistry and actually get along. They are both likable characters whose conflicts come from their flaws and is resolved by their desire to be better and more understanding. Pardon my French, but it would be so easy to write Momo as a bitch, but she is not. She goes out of her way to understand Okarun and apologize to him when she has wronged or ignored him. Okarun on the other hand values his friendship with Momo and tries to get stronger for her sake as well as his own.

Writing likable characters who try their best and who have their own moments to shine with each other without being overshadowed is part of what makes Dandadan such a enjoyable series for its intended demographic. Shounen aren't known for writing their female characters well, or any characters in general.

The series has largely treated its characters as decent people who may make mistakes, and while I do agree that the writing of this suffers in some respects with additional characters, the core characterization of these two characters are still the same.

Now regardless, I would think it is strange if one of the main things you watch Dandadan for is not at the very least Momo and Okarun's relationship/chemistry, romance or not. @Royalty459 It is literally one of the bedrocks of the show, if not THE bedrock. There is simply too much focus on who they are as characters and how they relate to one another that forms the show's core pillar.
PeripheralVisionYesterday, 9:51 PM
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Today, 5:55 AM

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Oct 2019
623
I wouldn't say Dandadan is good because of just its romance; it's good because it has a broad appeal. It has moments of romance development, it has moments of tear-jerking drama, it has moments of genuine humor with great pop culture reference (like KIMI GA SUKI DA TO SAKEBITAI), so that any kind of audience can still enjoy it.
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Today, 6:06 AM
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Sep 2022
12
Why Do People Say Dandadan Has Good Romance?
It feels natural. Doesn't felt forced.

Each episode their relationship progresses based on their mood, lives, and story. It didn't felt like the writer is forcing Momo and Okarun to be together.
Today, 6:08 AM
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Sep 2022
12
Reply to CheliosX
some of the dudes hyping it up are battle shōnen fanboys and lovers. they'll see peak stuff like Oregairu and BGS and say "ew, romance. yucky yuck". and see stuff like Fairy Tail and Black Clover along with Dandadan and say
"UOHHHHHH, peak romance!!!!"
lol, it's hilarious af.
@CheliosX

Based on my Favorites, I feel like called out lmao. And I should reply.

"UOHHHHHH, peak what a good romance!!!!"

Either way, I'm just messing with you. Have a good day!
9 hours ago
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Dec 2022
2493
KeepCalmAndMal said:
@CheliosX

Based on my Favorites, I feel like called out lmao. And I should reply.

"UOHHHHHH, peak what a good romance!!!!"

Either way, I'm just messing with you. Have a good day!

lol, for sure, mane.

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