Maybe its because I'm only half paying attention to this but isn't this just a het story? A het story where a guy dresses up as a girl just to get the woman he likes to love him. Tbh thats actually kinda sad. If you have to much that much about yourself just to get a lover that's not sweet. That's actually toxic and sad to see.

Maybe its because I'm only half paying attention to this but isn't this just a het story? A het story where a guy dresses up as a girl just to get the woman he likes to love him. Tbh thats actually kinda sad. If you have to much that much about yourself just to get a lover that's not sweet. That's actually toxic and sad to see.

That really sort of depends on how you're willing to read the characters!

Broadly, there's two kinds of analysis: "Watsonian" analysis or commentary is based on the the logic that exists within the world of the narrative itself. "Doylist" analysis or commentary is based on the work as an 'object' that exists in the real world, and therefore allows incorporation of things like authorial intent, real-life circumstances/references, and so on.

If we look at the series from a Watsonian perspective, nothing that Kouyou has done suggests that he is anything other than a cis male who thinks that in order to get close to the girl he is interested in, he must also present as a girl based on the unique nature of their history together and his perceived understanding of her sexuality. It's a twisted kind of logic, perhaps, but going by strictly what is said within the narrative, that's what we're working with. In this reading, the saving grace for the story, to the extent it can even be called one, is that Kouyou has at least been up-front and honest with Ao rather than trying to hide his identity behind a constructed one; there is no ambiguity over who Momiji is, as far as Ao is concerned.

If we look at the series from a Doylist perspective, however... it seems immediately obvious that something is going on with Kouyou's gender. Put simply, cishet boys do not consider presenting as a girl in order to win over their love interests. Particularly, they do not consider doing that in public places and do not consider doing that when it involves getting other people (especially family) involved. Cishet boys are not likely to start presenting in a more androgynous/feminine way at school, even considering (evidently seriously) wearing false eyelashes (even though Kouyou immediately walks it back). That Kouyou was willing to do these things at all says something even if exactly what remains to be clear.

As readers, we can look at these behaviors from a more detached perspective and see them as indications of some sort of queerness, even if the characters aren't labeling it as such in-universe. We can look at aspects of the series like the panel composition - Kouyou/Momiji looking in the mirror while en femme and only seeing a boy in drag looking back stands out as a prime example - or parts of the script - like Momiji's insistence on using her chosen name while with Ao or declaring that she's trying earnestly to be a girl - and immediately identify them as indicating some sort of queerness.

Now, to address your question properly: is this series just "a guy dress[ing] up as a girl"? I don't know!

I don't think so, personally, but I also think it's up to the individual to decide which perspective they're more inclined to give credence to. If you're specifically looking for in-universe declarations/acknowledgement of queerness - i.e., Kouyou/Momiji explicitly saying that she's trans/nb/etc, then it's possible that this series will always just be "a guy dress[ing] up as a girl". If you're willing to remove yourself from the work a bit, however, then maybe it never was.

last edited at Sep 28, 2026 5:11PM

Maybe its because I'm only half paying attention to this but isn't this just a het story? A het story where a guy dresses up as a girl just to get the woman he likes to love him. Tbh thats actually kinda sad. If you have to much that much about yourself just to get a lover that's not sweet. That's actually toxic and sad to see.

That really sort of depends on how you're willing to read the characters!

Broadly, there's two kinds of analysis: "Watsonian" analysis or commentary is based on the the logic that exists within the world of the narrative itself. "Doylist" analysis or commentary is based on the work as an 'object' that exists in the real world, and therefore allows incorporation of things like authorial intent, real-life circumstances/references, and so on.

If we look at the series from a Watsonian perspective, nothing that Kouyou has done suggests that he is anything other than a cis male who thinks that in order to get close to the girl he is interested in, he must also present as a girl based on the unique nature of their history together and his perceived understanding of her sexuality. It's a twisted kind of logic, perhaps, but going by strictly what is said within the narrative, that's what we're working with. In this reading, the saving grace for the story, to the extent it can even be called one, is that Kouyou has at least been up-front and honest with Ao rather than trying to hide his identity behind a constructed one; there is no ambiguity over who Momiji is, as far as Ao is concerned.

If we look at the series from a Doylist perspective, however... it seems immediately obvious that something is going on with Kouyou's gender. Put simply, cishet boys do not consider presenting as a girl in order to win over their love interests. Particularly, they do not consider doing that in public places and do not consider doing that when it involves getting other people (especially family) involved. Cishet boys are not likely to start presenting in a more androgynous/feminine way at school, even considering (evidently seriously) wearing false eyelashes (even though Kouyou immediately walks it back). That Kouyou was willing to do these things at all says something even if exactly what remains to be clear.

As readers, we can look at these behaviors from a more detached perspective and see them as indications of some sort of queerness, even if the characters aren't labeling it as such in-universe. We can look at aspects of the series like the panel composition - Kouyou/Momiji looking in the mirror while en femme and only seeing a boy in drag looking back stands out as a prime example - or parts of the script - like Momiji's insistence on using her chosen name while with Ao or declaring that she's trying earnestly to be a girl - and immediately identify them as indicating some sort of queerness.

Now, to address your question properly: is this series just "a guy dress[ing] up as a girl"? I don't know!

I don't think so, personally, but I also think it's up to the individual to decide which perspective they're more inclined to give credence to. If you're specifically looking for in-universe declarations/acknowledgement of queerness - i.e., Kouyou/Momiji explicitly saying that she's trans/nb/etc, then it's possible that this series will always just be "a guy dress[ing] up as a girl". If you're willing to remove yourself from the work a bit, however, then maybe it never was.

On the flip side can't you also state he just likes crossdressing? That labeling him as trans just because he likes female clothing and dresses can be seen as an insult to both him and actua trans people? There's many instances in real life and in media/fiction where straight men crossdress. Could you not argue him only wanting to be a girl is for her sake and if she told him she loved him as a guy he'd give up crossdressing in an instant?

On the flip side can't you also state he just likes crossdressing? That labeling him as trans just because he likes female clothing and dresses can be seen as an insult to both him and actua[l] trans people? There's many instances in real life and in media/fiction where straight men crossdress. Could you not argue him only wanting to be a girl is for her sake and if she told him she loved him as a guy he'd give up crossdressing in an instant?

Sure, you could! That's why I deliberately tried to avoid explicitly labeling Kouyou/Momiji's gender identity when possible.

My reading is certainly that there's something going on with Kouyou/Momiji's gender. There's a 'bar' or 'threshold' in my head where, once a character crosses it, it becomes difficult for me to think of that character as purely cisgender. Kouyou/Momiji has certainly crossed that threshold for me, so my reading points towards some form of queerness. That reading is, of course, influenced by my own experiences as a trans woman as well as my exposure to various queer media, including queer Japanese media. Other people who have different lived experiences - or who have been exposed to different media - are likely to draw their own conclusions, or to approach similar conclusions but from different directions.

For what it's worth, I don't at all think it's "an insult" to theorize that Kouyou/Momiji might be trans. I'm genuinely curious, why would it be? I think maybe your argument might be rooted in the idea that, lacking explicit evidence, preferencing one theory over another may come across as biased in some way? I don't necessarily subscribe to that line of thinking, but as I said I'm just one person. Different people can look at the same evidence as still come to different conclusions, and that's okay.

At the end of the day, we are all just theorizing. This is still an ongoing series and as such it's very possible - probable, even - that more 'evidence' will be revealed as the narrative deepens.

oh man that was a twist ending let me check the comments
...
oh we arguing about gender? damn. I think that we should just consider Momij/Kouyou genderfluid until further notice, but that's just my opinion.

last edited at Oct 4, 2026 10:02PM

oh man that was a twist ending let me check the comments
...
oh we arguing about gender? damn. I think that we should just consider Momij/Kouyou genderfluid until further notice, but that's just my opinion.

To be fair no other comments had been published since the new chapter was posted. (Unless some shit got mega-deleted).

I wish new girl the best. Not especially liking the portrayals of "lesbians" so far (quotes are there solely for the MC who's status is. in narrative superposition rn) but its at least nice to see someone straightf- a girl be shown as straightforwardly- shit a narratively-confirmed girl be attracted to another girl in this versus MC's "yeah i guess thats it" feelings on the subject. I will take a good ol "problematic" lesbian pervert any day, I'd reckon jacket-sniffers count.

I wish new girl the best. Not especially liking the portrayals of "lesbians" so far (quotes are there solely for the MC who's status is. in narrative superposition rn) but its at least nice to see someone straightf- a girl be shown as straightforwardly- shit a narratively-confirmed girl be attracted to another girl in this versus MC's "yeah i guess thats it" feelings on the subject. I will take a good ol "problematic" lesbian pervert any day, I'd reckon jacket-sniffers count.

i do reckon that the good ol psycho lesbo will at least keep me entertained enough to ignore controversy.

edit:
https://dynasty-scans.com/chapters/momiji_and_kouyou_ch06#20
psycho lesbo looks so cute and fulfilled I'm crine

last edited at Oct 4, 2026 11:21PM

Glad we got sexy moment! Boob pressing and all that

Eh, I'm starting to see why people called this slop earlier on. "Hey, let's do this at school", "Oh no, quick hide in the locker with me!", etc. plus the pointless (and imho very male-gazey) assay at titillating the viewer is kind of spoiling the mood. (Related, this is shounen, yes?)

Every manga has some bad chapters, so let's hope we didn't run dry on goodness just yet.

Maybe its because I'm only half paying attention to this but isn't this just a het story? A het story where a guy dresses up as a girl just to get the woman he likes to love him. Tbh thats actually kinda sad. If you have to much that much about yourself just to get a lover that's not sweet. That's actually toxic and sad to see.

That really sort of depends on how you're willing to read the characters!

Broadly, there's two kinds of analysis: "Watsonian" analysis or commentary is based on the the logic that exists within the world of the narrative itself. "Doylist" analysis or commentary is based on the work as an 'object' that exists in the real world, and therefore allows incorporation of things like authorial intent, real-life circumstances/references, and so on.

If we look at the series from a Watsonian perspective, nothing that Kouyou has done suggests that he is anything other than a cis male who thinks that in order to get close to the girl he is interested in, he must also present as a girl based on the unique nature of their history together and his perceived understanding of her sexuality. It's a twisted kind of logic, perhaps, but going by strictly what is said within the narrative, that's what we're working with. In this reading, the saving grace for the story, to the extent it can even be called one, is that Kouyou has at least been up-front and honest with Ao rather than trying to hide his identity behind a constructed one; there is no ambiguity over who Momiji is, as far as Ao is concerned.

If we look at the series from a Doylist perspective, however... it seems immediately obvious that something is going on with Kouyou's gender. Put simply, cishet boys do not consider presenting as a girl in order to win over their love interests. Particularly, they do not consider doing that in public places and do not consider doing that when it involves getting other people (especially family) involved. Cishet boys are not likely to start presenting in a more androgynous/feminine way at school, even considering (evidently seriously) wearing false eyelashes (even though Kouyou immediately walks it back). That Kouyou was willing to do these things at all says something even if exactly what remains to be clear.

As readers, we can look at these behaviors from a more detached perspective and see them as indications of some sort of queerness, even if the characters aren't labeling it as such in-universe. We can look at aspects of the series like the panel composition - Kouyou/Momiji looking in the mirror while en femme and only seeing a boy in drag looking back stands out as a prime example - or parts of the script - like Momiji's insistence on using her chosen name while with Ao or declaring that she's trying earnestly to be a girl - and immediately identify them as indicating some sort of queerness.

Now, to address your question properly: is this series just "a guy dress[ing] up as a girl"? I don't know!

I don't think so, personally, but I also think it's up to the individual to decide which perspective they're more inclined to give credence to. If you're specifically looking for in-universe declarations/acknowledgement of queerness - i.e., Kouyou/Momiji explicitly saying that she's trans/nb/etc, then it's possible that this series will always just be "a guy dress[ing] up as a girl". If you're willing to remove yourself from the work a bit, however, then maybe it never was.

On the flip side can't you also state he just likes crossdressing? That labeling him as trans just because he likes female clothing and dresses can be seen as an insult to both him and actua trans people? There's many instances in real life and in media/fiction where straight men crossdress. Could you not argue him only wanting to be a girl is for her sake and if she told him she loved him as a guy he'd give up crossdressing in an instant?

do you understand that every trans person started as a "cis" person who had to figure out what they want and why they want it? it's inherently an awkward process

On the flip side can't you also state he just likes crossdressing? That labeling him as trans just because he likes female clothing and dresses can be seen as an insult to both him and actua trans people? There's many instances in real life and in media/fiction where straight men crossdress. Could you not argue him only wanting to be a girl is for her sake and if she told him she loved him as a guy he'd give up crossdressing in an instant?

It's possible that they just love crossdressing, but at this level it would be a pretty important thing to them that I don't think they would just drop if she didn't like it. Also, things like insisting they are a girl, not just dressed as one, makes me think it's at least genderfluid, if not trans.

That really sort of depends on how you're willing to read the characters!

Broadly, there's two kinds of analysis: "Watsonian" analysis or commentary is based on the the logic that exists within the world of the narrative itself. "Doylist" analysis or commentary is based on the work as an 'object' that exists in the real world, and therefore allows incorporation of things like authorial intent, real-life circumstances/references, and so on.

Strictly speaking, you don't need to rely on Doylist logic here. Doylist logic would be that the Author probably wants to write a story about characters still figuring out their gender and orientation, and more may be revealed by the end of the story. Watsonian logic would be that based on specific acts, words, and even thoughts, it seems like being a girl is very important to Momiji, and we may wonder if a fully Cishet boy would go to such lengths for a crush. Momiji's ideal is to become even cuter, and for Ao to fall even more in love with Momiji. So it seems Koyou/Momiji would be happy if the relationship continued with them dating as a girl even more.

oh man that was a twist ending let me check the comments
...
oh we arguing about gender? damn. I think that we should just consider Momij/Kouyou genderfluid until further notice, but that's just my opinion.

Makes sense to me. Gender lines aren't drawn sharply in this series. It all works without getting strict on labels. Lines may be drawn later for themes but right now it's pretty free. There's no reason to ruminate on what-ifs negatively.

Watsonian logic is clearly where I land. Empathy to Momiji's wants that are shown, and any conflict implied in what is not shown.

Momiji/Kouyou is a welcome surprise. So cute that she wanted to show this side of herself at school, and I like the suspense and think "She's doing all this to get a girl? Really? That far? Does your prior masc lifestyle meaning nothing to you but fitting in? Sad mood." The mild drama is comfy.

That twist though... I guess with how gay the female cast is it's not like the pervert lesbian counts as bad rep. I'm hooked to see how Ao reacts. Somehow I don't think the awkward and invasive angles will be glossed over.

Maybe the series won't be 10/10 kino, but by now I'm trusting it to bounce off some of these landmine topics without getting mean-spirited. I suppose that means it's refreshing and wherever the author goes will probably be fine.

last edited at Oct 6, 2026 2:24AM

With how many people praised "Sorry, but I'm not into women" (the manga about a girl constantly spiking people's drinks with a love potion) and this one keeps getting bashed over the gender "hurdle" I sincerely think people are only looking at this one to cause arguments because it could have any trans rep at all.

Mfs down to do ANYTHING for the coochie lmfaoooo. Im here for it tho this shit looks interesting lmao

oh man that was a twist ending let me check the comments
...
oh we arguing about gender? damn. I think that we should just consider Momij/Kouyou genderfluid until further notice, but that's just my opinion.

Makes sense to me. Gender lines aren't drawn sharply in this series. It all works without getting strict on labels. Lines may be drawn later for themes but right now it's pretty free. There's no reason to ruminate on what-ifs negatively.

Watsonian logic is clearly where I land. Empathy to Momiji's wants that are shown, and any conflict implied in what is not shown.

Momiji/Kouyou is a welcome surprise. So cute that she wanted to show this side of herself at school, and I like the suspense and think "She's doing all this to get a girl? Really? That far? Does your prior masc lifestyle meaning nothing to you but fitting in? Sad mood." The mild drama is comfy.

That twist though... I guess with how gay the female cast is it's not like the pervert lesbian counts as bad rep. I'm hooked to see how Ao reacts. Somehow I don't think the awkward and invasive angles will be glossed over.

Maybe the series won't be 10/10 kino, but by now I'm trusting it to bounce off some of these landmine topics without getting mean-spirited. I suppose that means it's refreshing and wherever the author goes will probably be fine.

i think this describes the divide pretty well. Is it more likely that koyou is going to these lengths just to be with a girl, or that momiji was- whether she knew it or not- already waiting to discard her masculinity?

... well, THAT wasn't on any radar or bingo sheet I could have imagined...

With how many people praised "Sorry, but I'm not into women" (the manga about a girl constantly spiking people's drinks with a love potion) and this one keeps getting bashed over the gender "hurdle" I sincerely think people are only looking at this one to cause arguments because it could have any trans rep at all.

I think the context and presentation matter. For example, if you put Bugs Bunny into an even remotely serious series, he'd be a horrible, violent, character, but in the context of his cartoons the things he does are generally fine or even heroic.

It's the same thing here. Neither of these series is particularlly serious, but "Sorry, But I'm Not Into Women" is more over the topic and comedic, so it's allowed to do more over the top things.

Now I'm all for in-depth discussion, and reading into the themes of works to gain a deeper understanding. However, there comes a point when people read into things that just don't have any real textual or external basis for.

Let's face it: this manga is not actually interested in portraying any nuanced struggles with gender identity, nor is it interested in being a story with a transgender character coming to terms with their identity. It's all fluff and padding for drama; the series has to go on one way or another, and it's a decent way to keep readers engaged (just like the plot twist at the end of the latest chapter, which is typical of manga).

If I had to make a real point, it would be that you should lower your expectations. I can see the ending coming from a mile away, just like plenty of other cross-dressing romance manga: the boy will remain a boy, stop crossdressing, and the girl will admit her feelings for him. Everything else is just leading up to this.

We already know the mangaka doesnt take lesbianism seriously given the core premise is about a man who crossdresses for the sake of trying to make the girl he likes fall for him; it's such an obvious setup that it truly feels like a "losing chess to a dog" situation.

Let's face it: this manga is not actually interested in portraying any nuanced struggles with gender identity, nor is it interested in being a story with a transgender character coming to terms with their identity. It's all fluff and padding for drama; the series has to go on one way or another, and it's a decent way to keep readers engaged (just like the plot twist at the end of the latest chapter, which is typical of manga).

We already know the mangaka doesnt take lesbianism seriously given the core premise is about a man who crossdresses for the sake of trying to make the girl he likes fall for him; it's such an obvious setup that it truly feels like a "losing chess to a dog" situation.

Exactly. The Watsonian / Doylist separation is nice and all, but it overlooks something important : in the end, what's not in the text isn't in the text. There's not even subtext to touch many of the things suggested in those comments. There's a very thin line between trying to read the meta-narrative and trying to excuse simplistic writing.

And frankly, both the gender identity aspect and the lesbianism aspects of this story are handled so carelessly that even if those themes are brought in at some point, it doesn't make this a thoughtful story about them. Or they might just not be brought in at all and end up as a cishet romcom with crossdressing aspect that ends on a non-conclusive note.

Yeah, these kind of manga tend to generate a lot of projecting/wishful thinking that it frankly doesn't deserve. The good news is that there are manga that actually deal with gender identity and non-conformity seriously. Maybe not many, but we don't need to settle for this kind of manga anymore.

Yeah, these kind of manga tend to generate a lot of projecting/wishful thinking that it frankly doesn't deserve. The good news is that there are manga that actually deal with gender identity and non-conformity seriously. Maybe not many, but we don't need to settle for this kind of manga anymore.

Please name them, most I personally know are either already done autobiographical ones, short oneshots or bad.

Momiji is at least interesting.

last edited at Oct 8, 2026 5:18PM

Yeah, these kind of manga tend to generate a lot of projecting/wishful thinking that it frankly doesn't deserve. The good news is that there are manga that actually deal with gender identity and non-conformity seriously. Maybe not many, but we don't need to settle for this kind of manga anymore.

Please name them, most I personally know are either already done autobiographical ones, short oneshots or bad.

Momiji is at least interesting.

Top of my head is Shimanami Tasogare, Love Me for Who I Am, and Senpai wa Otokonoko.