The question of why the heck Gojo and Marin aren’t dating gets answered - it’s Gojo by the way - and then Marin gets brought low by the Dreaded Manga Cold (tm). Then it’s time to enter the world of crossplay and Gojo might finally get it through his head that the person most holding him back… is himself.
Whatever the opposite of death by a thousand cuts is, it is probably this volume of manga, which does not feature an especially mind-blowing ‘wow!’ moment (and shockingly little fanservice for the series), but rather builds to its perfection by artfully doing so much with what it has built up to.
The weakest bit is the wrap-up of the whole karaoke group visit where Gojo is put on the spot and vehemently denies, because Gojo, that he’s dating Marin. Of course, the problem isn’t the denial, it’s the vehemence, since it’s not because he doesn’t want to. No, Gojo’s brutally bad self-esteem thinks that he’s not on Marin’s level, even though they’re such perfect partners.
When combined with Marin’s misinterpretation of his words and her incredible (and atypical) bashfulness around her feelings, it’s not especially surprising that the two of them are glacial at acknowledging things between them. Even Marin’s later, uh, attempts at bento are merely closer to the mark than on it.
Of course, Gojo gets to save the day (sort of) and prove his devotion, if not his affection, so no worries about the ending, just enjoy the ride or something. The story does make the typical wait for people to get their act together far more fun than I usually find these scenarios. Probably because the character work has been so strong - these people are acting very true to themselves at all times.
In fact, I am going to put it to the reading audience: this may be the best ‘taking care of somebody with a cold’ story that I have ever read and I have read, charitably, a ton of these. My Dress-Up Darling has always had good art, but the way it draws poor Marin as this super-deformed waif during this chapter is both funny and adorable.
There are a surprising number of laughs in this section, from what Gojo discovers in her laundry (not what you think) to her ridiculous crying jag when Gojo is looking after her. Of course, Gojo just has to be awkward again about making sure people don’t misinterpret his relationship, but karma gets him for that one.
The back half involves a new series that feels like the yuri version of Ouran High School Host Club and the revelation that the upcoming school festival that will be featuring a male in female clothing and vice-versa pageant. It’s on point from the start: this new series-in-the-series is hilariously reflective of the current status of the actual manga and people not admitting feelings or just missing the vibes. It also features a whole new challenge for our duo.
What it really pays off, however, is showing Gojo that nobody thinks he’s a weirdo except for, well, him (and that one girl from his past who wrecked him for years after). The whole class learns that he’s the brains behind Marin’s costume and they are all supporting his ability.
It’s a ton of fun to involve the class more and the way they react when it turns out Marin’s trying to do the shopping is a riot. There’s an unbridled sense of joy in Gojo throughout that’s really nice to see. He’s come such a long way and it’s very evident here. He can just be himself and have worth, what a concept.
Everything here doesn’t wow, but it doesn’t have to. It all just works in these quiet moments and it keeps the story moving and being adorable. Gojo and Marin bond over this new series for the competition. Marin keeps showing up and eating supper with Gojo and his grandfather like they’re all family, which is super adorable (the panel of the two men laughing at something Marin said is just joyous). It just gets it right way more often than not.
5 stars - sometimes you can make a very good mountain from enough delightful molehills and that’s what this volume does. It’s not as flashy as Marin, but it’s as dependable as Gojo, so, much like the story, it works just as well.