Continuing right where the first episode left off, Shiori transfers to Hinako’s school, presumably to keep a closer eye on her prey. Everyone appears to take a liking to Shiori so the chances of them suspecting her of being a yokai is looking to be pretty low for now. Definitely the best part about this development is Miko’s reaction. Miko is absent when Shiori transfers (curiously, Miko is out quite often) so the next day, she’s in for a rude awakening as she sees Hinako hanging around with a new best friend. Even funnier is that in Miko’s absence, Shiori gets to take her seat and sit next to Hinako while Miko is rearranged to sit at the front row. Sucks to be her.
Seeing as Shiori is a yokai, Hinako asks her not to eat Miko. Shiori assures her that this won’t happen as she concludes that Miko wouldn’t taste very good. I’m guessing Shiori won’t eat anyone else in the school and town for that same reason. Maybe she’s a picky eater or something. I have to admit that Miko subsequently feeling rejected for some reason is a pretty good joke, dark but certainly amusing. Shiori kind of elaborates on how humans are appetizing to yokai, explaining that certain yokai are drawn to certain people. It just so happens that Hinako is a universally appealing snack. Frankly, it’s pretty vague though given the concept we’re working with here, it’s maybe tactful of the show not to go into too much detail.
As strange as Hinako and Shiori’s relationship is, it is proving to be pretty compelling. There’s an interesting strain on their bond as Shiori explains once again that she’s waiting for Hinako to be at her “tastiest”, comparing her patience to how a farmer would raise livestock for slaughter. As odd as it sounds, this actually frustrates Hinako as she’d rather die as soon as possible. Even more curious than that is that Shiori notices that Hinako isn’t the best headspace at the moment and, if you can believe it, decides that she has to do something about it. The show admittedly justifies this by saying that Hinako’s mental health affects how her flesh would taste but still, who would’ve thought the human eating monster would go, “I can fix her”? I’m actually curious as to how Shiori’s efforts will pan out. I mean, if Hinako does overcome her depression as a result, she’d probably start to reconsider letting Shiori kill her and that will complicate matters between the two of them. At the same time, maybe this might also change how Shiori views Hinako.
Towards the end of the episode, a teacher asks Shiori about the paperwork surrounding her transfer. Apparently, she messed up a couple parts on the form. It’s funnier to think that she accidentally wrote her address as “the ocean”. Miko takes advantage of this moment to hang out with Hinako. This girl is definitely not jealous at all. While hanging out, Miko invites Hinako to come to the summer festival with her though Hinako declines as the festival evokes memories of her family. Naturally, this lets Shiori take Hinako to the festival instead, beginning her efforts in helping Hinako overcome her depression. Maybe I’m overthinking this but there is a somewhat ominous shot of Miko in the OP that’s then followed by the image of a shrine. Along with some curious direction during the hangout scene, I have to wonder if Miko has some other motive with wanting Hinako to attend the festival, beyond simply getting to spend more time with her best friend. Whatever the case might be, I’m really looking forward to Miko’s reaction when she sees Hinako and Shiori at the festival. No doubt, that’ll be hilarious.
Watch This Monster Wants to Eat Me on Crunchyroll
Xenodude Scribbles 