The anime adaptation of Sai Naekawa’s popular yuri horror manga, “This Monster Wants to Eat Me” (私を喰べたい、ひとでなし, Watashi o Tabetai, Hito de Nashi), drew its first season to a close with its 13th episode, “Warmth on the Sea Floor,” which officially aired on December 25, 2025. The finale delivered an emotionally complex conclusion, focusing on the intricate bond between its protagonists, Hinako Yaotose and Shiori Oumi, and leaving viewers with a “deliberately unresolved” ending that prioritizes character relationships over neat solutions.
A Deep Dive into the Season Finale’s Emotional Core
The final episode of “This Monster Wants to Eat Me” eschewed typical supernatural escalations, instead turning inward to explore the fragile and complicated relationships among Hinako, Shiori, and their friend Miko. The narrative centered on emotional revelations and a re-evaluation of the central, twisted pact that defines the series.
Hinako’s Recovered Memories and Confrontation
A pivotal moment in “Warmth on the Sea Floor” saw Shiori gently touch Hinako’s face, a seemingly innocuous act that unlocked a flood of Hinako’s long-suppressed childhood memories. These memories, which Shiori had guarded for years, did not bring the clarity one might expect. Instead, they led to a raw confrontation where Hinako tearfully pushed Shiori away, calling out her “lies and half-truths”. Hinako expressed that she could no longer be the “innocent child” Shiori perceived her to be, admitting she no longer knew how to live. This emotional exchange underscored the deep-seated trauma Hinako carries and the impact of Shiori’s manipulative, albeit protective, actions.
Shiori’s Evolving Dilemma and the Renewed Pact
Left alone to reflect, Shiori grappled with the possibility that the Hinako she cherished might have already vanished, leaving behind someone who no longer fit their original promise. This realization spurred Shiori to make a new, profound choice. She proposed renewing their pact, but with a significant condition: she would only eat Hinako again when Hinako truly smiled, regardless of how she tasted or if it hurt Shiori. This act, described as a “delay” rather than a threat, aims to prolong Hinako’s life, even as it traps Shiori in a future she fears. The episode highlights Shiori’s internal conflict, caught between her primal instinct and her growing affection for Hinako. Her choice reflects a nascent growth, learning restraint not as a monster, but as an individual deeply connected to another.
The Role of Miko in Fostering Connection
Miko Yashiro, Hinako’s friend and a guardian fox spirit, continued to serve as the “emotional glue” for the central duo throughout the finale. Sensing the lingering emotional exhaustion from previous revelations, Miko orchestrated a trip to a hot spring, aiming to create an environment for honesty to surface. While the bickering between Miko and Shiori persisted, their dynamic shifted from rivals to uneasy allies, united by the shared goal of keeping Hinako alive. Miko’s thoughtful nudges and efforts to create space for communication were crucial in the characters’ emotional journey during the finale.
A Bittersweet Ending Poised for the Future
The season concluded with the trio returning to their everyday lives, the renewed pact firmly in place. Hinako isn’t “healed” or “saved,” but she is also no longer facing her darkness alone. The ending suggests that by helping Hinako find moments of genuine joy, Shiori inadvertently pushes the moment of consumption further away, keeping Hinako alive longer. Hinako’s small, almost shy admission that she had fun during their trip marked a monumental shift, a first step towards genuinely experiencing happiness.
While a second season for “This Monster Wants to Eat Me” has not yet been officially announced, the series finale leaves the narrative “hovering between hope and inevitability,” a melancholic yet warmer conclusion that underscores the ongoing, complex journey of its characters. The anime, produced by Studio Lings, aired across networks like AT-X, Tokyo MX, and Crunchyroll, receiving attention for its unique exploration of dark fantasy and Girls’ Love themes.
