Debu to Love to Ayamachi to! [Season 1 Episode 9]

Alright, let’s dive into Episode 9 of Debu to Love to Ayamachi to! (which translates to Fat, Love, and Mistakes! for those curious). First off, if you’re new to the series, it’s a romantic comedy with a mystery twist centered around Yumeko, a plus-sized protagonist navigating life, friendships, and some shady stuff involving her past accident. This episode, though, feels like a mix of cozy friend vibes and growing tension—let’s break it down like we’re chatting after school.

The best part? Yumeko’s squad is goals. Fans on MyAnimeList couldn’t stop gushing about how “sweet it is to see how many friends Yumeko has gained and who she can lean on!” Seriously, their hangout scenes feel like a warm hug—like when they’re just chilling, laughing, and being chaotic together. It’s refreshing because so many anime focus on romantic drama alone, but here, the platonic love hits hard. One comment even called them “almost like a family,” and I totally get it—who wouldn’t want a crew that hypes you up unconditionally?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Keisuke. Oh, Keisuke. He’s the male lead, but lately, he’s been giving off major “red flag” energy. Remember last episode? Yeah, this one cranks it up. Fans are split—some think he’s being “forced to do that” (whatever “that” is with Rikako), while others are like, “I start to dislike Keisuke since last episode.” One user summed it up perfectly: “His way of helping is definitely wrong in so many ways…” Even if he’s trying to help a friend, sneaking around hotels and keeping secrets? Not cute. And don’t get me started on the “perfect goody-two shoes” fear—if he’s just a misunderstood hero, his character becomes boring. We need layers, people! Give us the messy, flawed Keisuke who makes mistakes—we’re here for the drama.

Speaking of drama, the mystery is heating up. The detective character? Total MVP. Fans are obsessed: “the main detective is probably the only character I actually like at this point.” She’s sharp, no-nonsense, and seems to be piecing together Keisuke’s role in Yumeko’s accident. And let’s not forget Rikako—her past is so shrouded in secrets. One commenter noted, “I am really curious now about Rikako and what went down in the past.” Same! Is she a victim? A villain? We need answers, stat.

But wait, let’s not ignore the lighter moments. Yumeko’s curiosity about Rikako is low-key relatable—who hasn’t wondered about the new kid with the mysterious vibe? And Koda’s crush on Keisuke? Adorable. Fans are speculating: “will she have the courage to confess her feelings?” Fingers crossed she does—we love a bold queen.

Now, the production stuff. From what I could gather, the animation is bright and bubbly, matching the show’s tone. The character designs are cute—Yumeko’s round features are drawn with so much warmth, and the color palette feels like a lollipop shop. Even if the plot gets intense, the visuals keep it light, which is a nice balance.

But here’s the thing: this episode feels like setup. The mystery is “almost being solved,” but we’re still left with questions. Why was Keisuke at the accident scene? What’s Rikako’s deal? And will the romance between Yumeko and Keisuke even happen at this point? Fans are invested, though—one user said, “I’d still watch it even if I might not like how this will end. I’m too invested in the mystery part.” Same, tbh.

Overall, Episode 9 is like a snack before the main course—tasty, leaves you wanting more, and has you texting your friends to theorize. The friend moments make it worth watching, the Keisuke drama keeps you on edge, and the mystery is inching closer to a reveal. If you’re into slice-of-life with a side of “wait, what’s happening?” this episode delivers. Just don’t expect all the answers yet—we’ve got a few more episodes to go, and I’m here for every messy, heartwarming minute.

P.S. If you’re team “Keisuke is a secret villain,” raise your hand. 🙋♀️ Let’s see if next week proves us right!