The following contains spoilers for My Dress-Up Darling Episode 12, "My Dress-Up Darling," now streaming on Funimation and Crunchyroll.
When My Dress-Up Darling last left off with Marin and Gojo's cosplaying adventures, it was quite a steamy note with the most tension the main couple has faced thus far. Many fans have noticed that the charm of this show comes with an even balance between fan service and wholesomeness. The Season 1 finale, in contrast to the charged penultimate episode, displays that balance. Yet there seems to be no mention at all of what happened previously. Instead, Episode 12 kicks off with a phone call from Marin's father encouraging her to improve her studies.
She naturally asks Gojo for help, and while they are studying she reveals that she earns money as a model and is saving up to buy a DSLR, inspired by Juju and her sister. To take a break from studying, Gojo and Marin watch a scary movie together. Gojo is fascinated by the special effects while Marin is absolutely terrified, which showcases her weakness. In general, this episode reflects on Marin's growing reliance on Gojo, something fans haven't really seen from the normally headstrong cosplayer.
This continues while they pick up some homework that Marin forgot at school, as she falls into the pool after teasing Gojo to get in with her. He is forced to save her and learns that she can't swim, showing more of her weakness and growing vulnerability with him. This moment is fleeting, however, as Marin grows determined to bring Gojo to a festival.
At the festival, Gojo is enamored by how beautiful Marin looks in a yukata, almost as if she's one of the dolls he loves so much. After buying a plethora of snacks in very Marin fashion, they enjoy the fireworks show together. Gojo, reflecting on how incredible it is to see them up close instead of watching from the isolation of his room, realizes how much his life has changed this year. He stares at Marin, who catches his gaze. They exchange a yearning glance until she shows her blue-stained tongue from the shaved ice she was eating, breaking the romantic atmosphere.
After the fireworks show, Marin reveals her feet are full of blisters from the traditional shoes she was wearing. Gojo offers to give her a piggyback ride, and they recall how much fun they've had together this summer. Marin exclaims that she'll be more careful next year and Gojo blushes at the thought of their adventures continuing.
In the Season 1 finale's post-credits scene, Marin calls Gojo on the phone and reveals that she watched the sequel to the horror movie by herself; now she is scared to be in her apartment alone. She begs him to stay on the phone with her, and as they both lay in their respective beds they reflect on how much more they want to do this summer -- even though the new school term begins the next day. Gojo starts to fall asleep as they reflect on how much fun they've had together this year.
When Gojo is fast asleep, Marin finally tells him out loud that she loves him -- though he can't hear it -- then points out the silliness of it all. She hangs up with an unrequited "see you later" straight to the camera, seemingly a fourth wall break to the audience. This is the cherry on top for Episode 12 and Season 1 of My Dress-Up Darling as a whole -- and with it, a hopeful promise that a Season 2 can be expected sooner than later.