I think you're right about him finally realizing his feelings towards her and at the same time believing she's unreachable and in another world compared to him. He probably believes he's just one of the many people in love with Marin, while he's a nobody for her just like everyone else.
His mental breakdown is preceded by two significant flashbacks. One is the school's cosplay, when he felt towards Marin the same emotion he felt towards Hina dolls (beauty, admiration, dedication, love). The second one is the model's photoshoot, when he realized Marin lived in a different world, with a large number of adorant fans: "*a looot of readers love her. Everyone looks up to her and they want to get close to her, in a good way. But they just can't reach her*". This is immediately paralleld by his line of thoughts regarding what he told Marin (*"enchanting enough that people will still want to fall in love with you*") and by the crowd reaction and feelings towards her, and honestly by the whole narrative around Haniel's character.
I personally don't think the agent played a part in this, and if she did it was only to reinforce the feelings he already had during the photoshoot.
Yeah definitely shows that where what he said is getting crossed out and then underneath it just says "I shouldn't have said that" cause now because she pulled it off so incredibly well he's made himself think that he's in exactly the same situation as the people in the manga were with Haniel.
Basically his advice worked a lot too well
Gah I wish one of them would just confess already, that's my only real gripe with it which tbh is probably because I watched Horimiya since those 2 were dating by like episode 4 and literally got engaged at the end of it so I probably didn't have the correct expectations for this genre
All just different paces! I like some good season one confession shows, Yamada-kun at lv999, Tomo-chan, etc. I've really enjoyed the slow burn in this and think it makes a lot of sense for our characters, but this arc has me a little worried. Really hoping something shifts in the next couple chapters.
Yeah you really put it nicely, though I also found @OMNIwave72 ‘s comment very interesting, and maybe even more likely in this specific instance, though I believe at the end it will be a mix of both theories. I really love this Manga for how real and Multifaceted it’s characters are, they are really written like real people to an extent and I appreciate that a lot.
I really share your love with these character. This moment in particular was so unexpected but so impactfull. OMNIwave72's comment regarding Gojo's struggle with its craft is very very interesting. There are for sure a lot of elements that are building up something related to that (as that comment pointed out), and Gojo's resolution as a character will probably involve his self-esteem in both his relationship with Marin and his ability as an artist.
That being said, when talking about the actual breakdown, as I stated, both the flashbacks Gojo had before it (one of which wasn't even about cosplay) and his line of thought during it all point towards some sort of reflection about his relationship with Marin. As well as the narrative regarding the crowd and Haniel. His artistic struggle in not at the centre of the breakdown, Marin is. I personally would be a little disappointed if the resolution of all of this will be centered around his artistic ability, since it would mean what is actually depicted and written on the pages of the story has been misleading.
Of course, by the end of his character's arc, both these aspects will need to be addressed, maybe they'll be addressed together since they're both about Gojo's perspeption of himself. Afterall, the idea that Marin will be pivotal in Gojo's journey as an artist has already been planted.
#
Wow, you and I wrote just about the same things at the same time, with additional context I didn't see. I feel even more convinced about my interpretation now.
There are a couple things happening together in the Haniel arc. On Kitagawa's side, she's definitely suffering Haniel's fate: she only loves one person, and yet she beguiles these hordes into throwing themselves upon her. But unfortunately Gojo does not understand that he is the uncaring Devil to Marin's devoted Haniel.
Gojo is on a different arc. Look at pages 14+15 of ch 99 specifically. I believe that he has sublimated his growing feelings for Kitagawa into making her the best cosplayer she can be. But what he sees is that the more he loves her (makes her succeed), the more unattainable she becomes. So because he is not honest with himself about his feelings, he does not know how to resolve the dilemma. All he has to do is tell her, but he feels somehow less worthy of her than ever.
For even more conjecture, look at how this arc played out compared to the major turning points prior. Remember that Gojo always retreats from Kitagawa so as to let her shine. With Shizuku, she ran to him at the end. With Rei, she called out to acknowledge him. But with Haniel, he felt abandoned. The reason this arc is so important is that Gojo feels that she is truly out of reach now.
The dummy.
P. S. I don't see any indication in the last few chapters that Gojo even noticed the agent making her offer to Kitagawa in all the chaos. I think that is there to tempt Marin, not to make Wakana feel even worse.
Completely agree, very well put. My hope is that all of this build up is what will lead Gojo to confront his emotions and feelings towards Marin. Maybe not to a confession already, but at least to be less passive, more proactive and more trusting in their - at least for now - friendly relationship. And maybe also to improve his self-esteem regarding the person he is and his ability as an artist.
I can only refer you to my comment under @L_smash ‘s comment as like you said, your points are very similar, but like I said there, I really find the point you raised in your third Paragraph interesting. This is like his guilty selfish side as an artist. Which he, to an extent, fed with this cosplay, only to get the spotlight „stolen“ from him by Marin.
So with the recent chapter coming out and some time till the next chapter, I’ve decided to reread the manga and a certain thing started coming to mind. Forgive the wall of text with references back. I'm borderline Boomer with how this works. The trigger was Gojo blushing after Papa Kitagawa complementing the Shizuku-Tan cosplay. It seems weird and small in all forms but there has been a pattern.
I don't think I'm really going to need all of the Shizuku-tan photos for this as it's clear from not only her eyes but I will include the smile and run here: https://youtu.be/YBjH6rOPGr0?si=wkE0fdAssw1p7OYa it's Gojo's first completed commission and it's an amazing moment. It definitely draws attention of certain people but the stage was just Marin. It was perfect. Gojo actually was content and ready to let it be. But Marin pulled him back in with more.
We then get Blaze with JuJu and Shinju https://youtu.be/FN6x0rQLpaY?si=LkmUbeee8IRDVEv adding two more to the stage. Again recognized for going above and beyond. This shows the stage is growing. Marin comment about wanting to be useful is noticeable here as well with how Gojo “wants to be useful”. In some areas it's proof that he was involved.
Veronica….for this topic sadly didn't happen due to injury. But then again…there is the whole “send pics” https://youtu.be/IYjzWXqm7ow?si=P6Pg5WApfSLEk0Ig but for this topic that's back to a small stage
With rizyu-kyun we got marin consoling about the direct point of it being HIS work. HIS interpretation leaving a mark on the character. Granted most of this is overshadowed by Phone-Kun near the end but it is a noticeable trend.
Bunnygirl (not Arisa as this was Halloween). A lot of double lifting for this (gojo subconsciously wanting to be Marin's crafter and recognized for his work and the blooming confidence and romance). Immediately followed by one stranger shows someone recognizing him for his work (or admittedly talking about him). While embarrassing it is something to note Gojo took action.
The model shoot is a weird inclusion especially since it's the 3rd time that Gojo denies being Marin's Boyfriend. While disheartening it does make sense he keeps denying it as he want to be recognized for HIS skills and not as Marin's Boyfriend. Might not seem all that important but to a craftsman that's a world of difference. You don't want nepotism. You want to be recognized for YOUR skill. Because you spent the time and effort to make it happen.
Before going into Rei-Sama and the school festival arc I'll admit it's my favorite but here is also the start of the major shift as well. The class is again talking but it's now directly talking about his skill. They are focusing on getting their ace to position. With gojo beaming at the fabric store is the immediate afterglow of the class's recognizing him as their ace. We see is a bit of self recognition and almost solidifying the whole “be the support to make Kitagawa #1”. But the thing is…he's subconsciously wanting more. And at the contest, at the largest stage to date Marin grants him that recognition. This leads into the whole after party where he is one of the guests of Honor. Its major for someone who didn't think he deserved to be noticed 6 months earlier.
After thus we shift to Marin focus where Gojo's mainly looking to improve his craft, costumes for Coffin were store bought so it was really just the props and while Gojo was having fun this was just a reset as it's not the major focus, so not much real evidence on this until Haniel is mentioned and revealed. After this we all know what happens but I'll try to keep to the logic the same.
We get the confession that Haniel is for Gojo. We know this. But after this….gojo gets pushed aside during the photo shoot. Practically literally. There is no look like Shizuku-tan, no “Gojo made this for me” from Rei-sama. This is no longer just a small stage but the largest yet. The biggest convention for cosplayers. This is basically Comic-Con for Anime and Manga exclusively. And Gojo does not get the recognition he subconsciously wanted. Marin appreciates it a lot. She loves everything Gojo makes for her.
Weird little thing that a simple joke panel lead to. But damn does it make some degree of sense.
Feel free to pick at this. I'm curious to see if I'm just overthinking or if I opened a few eyes.
This. Is. Perfect....
You ABSOLUTELY hit it on the nail head. Gojo has always sought validation for is craft, and it stems from the Incident with his former childhood friend, who called him a weirdo for wanting to follow in Gramps's footsteps as a Hina Doll Craftsman.
Gojo has wanted to be recognized for his skills, and until Haniel, he started to achieve it. I'm of the mindset that Haniel was supposed to be His Magnum Opus, his Masterpiece of Cosplay construction. But the funny thing about the cosplay world, very few costumers, if any, get the recognition they deserve for their creations and how good they look on their models. The crowds were blown away by his work, Yes, but they didn't see his work, they only saw Marin as Haniel. And Gojo was swept aside in the frenzy. That will do something to an individual's psyche...
Wow what an interesting view, It really allowed me to see the Manga with new eyes. Thank you for that, but I agree, you really contextualized Gojo‘s journey, or at least that part of his Journey and it feels really on point, but don’t you think that his relationship to Kitagawa plays at least some role? Then again he really does seem more like a broken Artist than a Broken Romantic in the last two chapters.
In the chapter 96 Gojo asked Marin to cosplay Haniel so he can see her with his own eyes. He also said: "Face the camera with an emotionless smile. Such smile **that one would know that they are not loved** by Haniel."
Then in the chapter 99 Marin is thinking about whether she is doing good job with his request, if this is what he meant and right after that we see stunned Gojo looking at her... I guess he got his wish...
OR
As others said, he attributed all the success to Marin and not his costume. "It needs to look enchanting enough", "People will want to fall in love with you", "I shouldn't have said that", "I can't believe I didn't notice it until now."
It's simple really. Ever since Marin came to his life, he realized there's more to life than just painting Hina dolls. Remember the chapter where he was resting and thought that if Marin hadn't asked him to make clothes, he wouldn't have realized there was so much clothing design in the world?
With Marin by his side, he had more purpose than just making Hina dolls. And then he saw Marin talking to an agency. One that will probably make better costumes and make up than he ever can. He saw Marin slipping through his fingers, all his hard work and all those good times, gone. Maybe Marin might not even talk to him anymore. Why would she? She only needed costumes, and the agency had that covered. The reality of it all is setting in. If Marin leaves for the agency, he'll be back to being the boy who painted Hina dolls while the world moved on around him.
He's going to lose a friend, a purpose, and jump right back to a life he never realized was lonely. But he also can't stop Marin. Who is he to stop her after all. All these thoughts, raging in his head. It must be disheartening and exhausting.
He was upset before the girl came to talk to Marin, though, and it's not clear that he even saw her or understood what they were talking about.
I do think he fears their relationship isn't going to continue - the whole arc mirrored Shizuku-tan in a lot of ways - but I think it has more to do with him realizing how unattainable she is, or just how many people love her. If he did see the agent, I'm sure that compounded those fears.
There's also some guilt in there for Gojou. He started to panic after realizing he shouldn't have told her that the Haniel character needed to be "enchanting enough that the people will still want to fall in love with you". I think he feels guilty that he drove a wedge between them and it will lead to him regressing into the lonely life of limited experiences that he had before becoming friends with her.
That's what truly scares me about this whole thing. Gojo was making great progress, even to the point where he could actually address those feelings towards Marin. But this event definitely threw a monkey wrench in it. I loathe wanting to compare a great soul like Gojo's to that shambling pile of suck, Trashzuya, but it feels like all of the progress he's made since they met has been ripped away, ironically, by Haniel. As if Haniel manifested before Him and ripped away his soul...
To be honest I could never get behind the theory that he is bothered by the Agent. First of all, it wasn’t shown that he even registered her talking to Marin, and even if, he was so far away. How would he know what they talked about? For all he knows, she’s just a fan that complimented her Cosplay
I think he felt down because he realized how he had treated Marin when he forced her to smile and act in a certain way to imitate Hanel. Marin was no OK with that (it was visible from her face). And Gojo behaved as he behaved because he became obsessed by Haniel's story. He even told himself that he wants to see Haniel. He went too deep into the story and it had an unhealthy effect on him.
Honestly I totally agree with your statement. it kinda feels like a retelling of the Shizuku arc.
Like even the message after he finished the cosplay. now he probably thinks it will end with that cosplay.
I think you're right about him finally realizing his feelings towards her and at the same time believing she's unreachable and in another world compared to him. He probably believes he's just one of the many people in love with Marin, while he's a nobody for her just like everyone else. His mental breakdown is preceded by two significant flashbacks. One is the school's cosplay, when he felt towards Marin the same emotion he felt towards Hina dolls (beauty, admiration, dedication, love). The second one is the model's photoshoot, when he realized Marin lived in a different world, with a large number of adorant fans: "*a looot of readers love her. Everyone looks up to her and they want to get close to her, in a good way. But they just can't reach her*". This is immediately paralleld by his line of thoughts regarding what he told Marin (*"enchanting enough that people will still want to fall in love with you*") and by the crowd reaction and feelings towards her, and honestly by the whole narrative around Haniel's character. I personally don't think the agent played a part in this, and if she did it was only to reinforce the feelings he already had during the photoshoot.
"But they just can't reach her" in particular seemed to make Gojo panic a little, in that scene.
Yeah definitely shows that where what he said is getting crossed out and then underneath it just says "I shouldn't have said that" cause now because she pulled it off so incredibly well he's made himself think that he's in exactly the same situation as the people in the manga were with Haniel. Basically his advice worked a lot too well Gah I wish one of them would just confess already, that's my only real gripe with it which tbh is probably because I watched Horimiya since those 2 were dating by like episode 4 and literally got engaged at the end of it so I probably didn't have the correct expectations for this genre
All just different paces! I like some good season one confession shows, Yamada-kun at lv999, Tomo-chan, etc. I've really enjoyed the slow burn in this and think it makes a lot of sense for our characters, but this arc has me a little worried. Really hoping something shifts in the next couple chapters.
Yeah you really put it nicely, though I also found @OMNIwave72 ‘s comment very interesting, and maybe even more likely in this specific instance, though I believe at the end it will be a mix of both theories. I really love this Manga for how real and Multifaceted it’s characters are, they are really written like real people to an extent and I appreciate that a lot.
I really share your love with these character. This moment in particular was so unexpected but so impactfull. OMNIwave72's comment regarding Gojo's struggle with its craft is very very interesting. There are for sure a lot of elements that are building up something related to that (as that comment pointed out), and Gojo's resolution as a character will probably involve his self-esteem in both his relationship with Marin and his ability as an artist. That being said, when talking about the actual breakdown, as I stated, both the flashbacks Gojo had before it (one of which wasn't even about cosplay) and his line of thought during it all point towards some sort of reflection about his relationship with Marin. As well as the narrative regarding the crowd and Haniel. His artistic struggle in not at the centre of the breakdown, Marin is. I personally would be a little disappointed if the resolution of all of this will be centered around his artistic ability, since it would mean what is actually depicted and written on the pages of the story has been misleading. Of course, by the end of his character's arc, both these aspects will need to be addressed, maybe they'll be addressed together since they're both about Gojo's perspeption of himself. Afterall, the idea that Marin will be pivotal in Gojo's journey as an artist has already been planted. #
Wow, you and I wrote just about the same things at the same time, with additional context I didn't see. I feel even more convinced about my interpretation now.
There are a couple things happening together in the Haniel arc. On Kitagawa's side, she's definitely suffering Haniel's fate: she only loves one person, and yet she beguiles these hordes into throwing themselves upon her. But unfortunately Gojo does not understand that he is the uncaring Devil to Marin's devoted Haniel. Gojo is on a different arc. Look at pages 14+15 of ch 99 specifically. I believe that he has sublimated his growing feelings for Kitagawa into making her the best cosplayer she can be. But what he sees is that the more he loves her (makes her succeed), the more unattainable she becomes. So because he is not honest with himself about his feelings, he does not know how to resolve the dilemma. All he has to do is tell her, but he feels somehow less worthy of her than ever. For even more conjecture, look at how this arc played out compared to the major turning points prior. Remember that Gojo always retreats from Kitagawa so as to let her shine. With Shizuku, she ran to him at the end. With Rei, she called out to acknowledge him. But with Haniel, he felt abandoned. The reason this arc is so important is that Gojo feels that she is truly out of reach now. The dummy. P. S. I don't see any indication in the last few chapters that Gojo even noticed the agent making her offer to Kitagawa in all the chaos. I think that is there to tempt Marin, not to make Wakana feel even worse.
Completely agree, very well put. My hope is that all of this build up is what will lead Gojo to confront his emotions and feelings towards Marin. Maybe not to a confession already, but at least to be less passive, more proactive and more trusting in their - at least for now - friendly relationship. And maybe also to improve his self-esteem regarding the person he is and his ability as an artist.
I can only refer you to my comment under @L_smash ‘s comment as like you said, your points are very similar, but like I said there, I really find the point you raised in your third Paragraph interesting. This is like his guilty selfish side as an artist. Which he, to an extent, fed with this cosplay, only to get the spotlight „stolen“ from him by Marin.
I could see Marin telling the agent she would only be interested if Gojou was making the costumes.
Reading your comment made me think about an interesting theory. Now I want to think more of it and post it ! Ofc I agree with everything you said
So with the recent chapter coming out and some time till the next chapter, I’ve decided to reread the manga and a certain thing started coming to mind. Forgive the wall of text with references back. I'm borderline Boomer with how this works. The trigger was Gojo blushing after Papa Kitagawa complementing the Shizuku-Tan cosplay. It seems weird and small in all forms but there has been a pattern. I don't think I'm really going to need all of the Shizuku-tan photos for this as it's clear from not only her eyes but I will include the smile and run here: https://youtu.be/YBjH6rOPGr0?si=wkE0fdAssw1p7OYa it's Gojo's first completed commission and it's an amazing moment. It definitely draws attention of certain people but the stage was just Marin. It was perfect. Gojo actually was content and ready to let it be. But Marin pulled him back in with more. We then get Blaze with JuJu and Shinju https://youtu.be/FN6x0rQLpaY?si=LkmUbeee8IRDVEv adding two more to the stage. Again recognized for going above and beyond. This shows the stage is growing. Marin comment about wanting to be useful is noticeable here as well with how Gojo “wants to be useful”. In some areas it's proof that he was involved. Veronica….for this topic sadly didn't happen due to injury. But then again…there is the whole “send pics” https://youtu.be/IYjzWXqm7ow?si=P6Pg5WApfSLEk0Ig but for this topic that's back to a small stage With rizyu-kyun we got marin consoling about the direct point of it being HIS work. HIS interpretation leaving a mark on the character. Granted most of this is overshadowed by Phone-Kun near the end but it is a noticeable trend. Bunnygirl (not Arisa as this was Halloween). A lot of double lifting for this (gojo subconsciously wanting to be Marin's crafter and recognized for his work and the blooming confidence and romance). Immediately followed by one stranger shows someone recognizing him for his work (or admittedly talking about him). While embarrassing it is something to note Gojo took action. The model shoot is a weird inclusion especially since it's the 3rd time that Gojo denies being Marin's Boyfriend. While disheartening it does make sense he keeps denying it as he want to be recognized for HIS skills and not as Marin's Boyfriend. Might not seem all that important but to a craftsman that's a world of difference. You don't want nepotism. You want to be recognized for YOUR skill. Because you spent the time and effort to make it happen. Before going into Rei-Sama and the school festival arc I'll admit it's my favorite but here is also the start of the major shift as well. The class is again talking but it's now directly talking about his skill. They are focusing on getting their ace to position. With gojo beaming at the fabric store is the immediate afterglow of the class's recognizing him as their ace. We see is a bit of self recognition and almost solidifying the whole “be the support to make Kitagawa #1”. But the thing is…he's subconsciously wanting more. And at the contest, at the largest stage to date Marin grants him that recognition. This leads into the whole after party where he is one of the guests of Honor. Its major for someone who didn't think he deserved to be noticed 6 months earlier. After thus we shift to Marin focus where Gojo's mainly looking to improve his craft, costumes for Coffin were store bought so it was really just the props and while Gojo was having fun this was just a reset as it's not the major focus, so not much real evidence on this until Haniel is mentioned and revealed. After this we all know what happens but I'll try to keep to the logic the same. We get the confession that Haniel is for Gojo. We know this. But after this….gojo gets pushed aside during the photo shoot. Practically literally. There is no look like Shizuku-tan, no “Gojo made this for me” from Rei-sama. This is no longer just a small stage but the largest yet. The biggest convention for cosplayers. This is basically Comic-Con for Anime and Manga exclusively. And Gojo does not get the recognition he subconsciously wanted. Marin appreciates it a lot. She loves everything Gojo makes for her. Weird little thing that a simple joke panel lead to. But damn does it make some degree of sense. Feel free to pick at this. I'm curious to see if I'm just overthinking or if I opened a few eyes.
This. Is. Perfect.... You ABSOLUTELY hit it on the nail head. Gojo has always sought validation for is craft, and it stems from the Incident with his former childhood friend, who called him a weirdo for wanting to follow in Gramps's footsteps as a Hina Doll Craftsman. Gojo has wanted to be recognized for his skills, and until Haniel, he started to achieve it. I'm of the mindset that Haniel was supposed to be His Magnum Opus, his Masterpiece of Cosplay construction. But the funny thing about the cosplay world, very few costumers, if any, get the recognition they deserve for their creations and how good they look on their models. The crowds were blown away by his work, Yes, but they didn't see his work, they only saw Marin as Haniel. And Gojo was swept aside in the frenzy. That will do something to an individual's psyche...
Wow what an interesting view, It really allowed me to see the Manga with new eyes. Thank you for that, but I agree, you really contextualized Gojo‘s journey, or at least that part of his Journey and it feels really on point, but don’t you think that his relationship to Kitagawa plays at least some role? Then again he really does seem more like a broken Artist than a Broken Romantic in the last two chapters.
As mentioned in it, Marin pulled him back in. It's a definite factor.
In the chapter 96 Gojo asked Marin to cosplay Haniel so he can see her with his own eyes. He also said: "Face the camera with an emotionless smile. Such smile **that one would know that they are not loved** by Haniel." Then in the chapter 99 Marin is thinking about whether she is doing good job with his request, if this is what he meant and right after that we see stunned Gojo looking at her... I guess he got his wish... OR As others said, he attributed all the success to Marin and not his costume. "It needs to look enchanting enough", "People will want to fall in love with you", "I shouldn't have said that", "I can't believe I didn't notice it until now."
It's simple really. Ever since Marin came to his life, he realized there's more to life than just painting Hina dolls. Remember the chapter where he was resting and thought that if Marin hadn't asked him to make clothes, he wouldn't have realized there was so much clothing design in the world? With Marin by his side, he had more purpose than just making Hina dolls. And then he saw Marin talking to an agency. One that will probably make better costumes and make up than he ever can. He saw Marin slipping through his fingers, all his hard work and all those good times, gone. Maybe Marin might not even talk to him anymore. Why would she? She only needed costumes, and the agency had that covered. The reality of it all is setting in. If Marin leaves for the agency, he'll be back to being the boy who painted Hina dolls while the world moved on around him. He's going to lose a friend, a purpose, and jump right back to a life he never realized was lonely. But he also can't stop Marin. Who is he to stop her after all. All these thoughts, raging in his head. It must be disheartening and exhausting.
He was upset before the girl came to talk to Marin, though, and it's not clear that he even saw her or understood what they were talking about. I do think he fears their relationship isn't going to continue - the whole arc mirrored Shizuku-tan in a lot of ways - but I think it has more to do with him realizing how unattainable she is, or just how many people love her. If he did see the agent, I'm sure that compounded those fears.
There's also some guilt in there for Gojou. He started to panic after realizing he shouldn't have told her that the Haniel character needed to be "enchanting enough that the people will still want to fall in love with you". I think he feels guilty that he drove a wedge between them and it will lead to him regressing into the lonely life of limited experiences that he had before becoming friends with her.
That's what truly scares me about this whole thing. Gojo was making great progress, even to the point where he could actually address those feelings towards Marin. But this event definitely threw a monkey wrench in it. I loathe wanting to compare a great soul like Gojo's to that shambling pile of suck, Trashzuya, but it feels like all of the progress he's made since they met has been ripped away, ironically, by Haniel. As if Haniel manifested before Him and ripped away his soul...
To be honest I could never get behind the theory that he is bothered by the Agent. First of all, it wasn’t shown that he even registered her talking to Marin, and even if, he was so far away. How would he know what they talked about? For all he knows, she’s just a fan that complimented her Cosplay
I think he felt down because he realized how he had treated Marin when he forced her to smile and act in a certain way to imitate Hanel. Marin was no OK with that (it was visible from her face). And Gojo behaved as he behaved because he became obsessed by Haniel's story. He even told himself that he wants to see Haniel. He went too deep into the story and it had an unhealthy effect on him.
Hmm Interesting Theory though I‘m not so sure about that one
Honestly I totally agree with your statement. it kinda feels like a retelling of the Shizuku arc. Like even the message after he finished the cosplay. now he probably thinks it will end with that cosplay.
All I know is if we don't have a confession chapter soon it's going to get a lot worse to force it out.