(⁠´⁠ε⁠｀⁠ ⁠)

so selfishness is a common theme in the series that’s portrayed as generally positive when well directed. In the evidol arc, the idea of selfishness is centered around love, specifically with Gyrai and Kerori. at first it’s played for laughs. gyari just bursts in and is like im gonna marry you. through the first few competitions, gyari’s love is portrayed as one-sided.

then, however, we get to chapter 190 when Kerori says this:

which in turn is a direct reference to a part of Lilith’s Red Carpet:

Lilith’s Red Carpet is about a women searching for her love, meeting many men, but not being able to find the one. This particular scene is about a wealthy man who sees love as another conquest, meaning that his love is more centered on winning her hand, than truly being with her. However, the characters are positioned in a very different way, with original showing elizabetta being pulled away, not facing the greedy man. Kerori, meanwhile, is facing toward Gyari almost wistfully, as if to say she wants to be hers, that gyari’s love is reciprocated, but cannot accept because she can’t beat to lose her.

it’s after this that we learn a bit of their backstory. wherein gyari was charmed immediately, and has built her status around reaching kerori. this sort of single minded focus towards one goal even through setbacks has been shown to be very difficult for demons, hinting that gyari’s love is probably not just for conquest.

this brings us to Little Imp Apocalypse. It’s a remix of the song kuromu and irumi sung earlier in the series, so the lyrics are old. not only that, this is the exact switch from rock to the original song. in my mind, this is saying that her love for gyari has been around for just as long. now i am absolutely convinced this is directed toward gyari considering her very blatant feelings, and the fact that she has always been chasing her.

and here we see kerori laying her desire bare. she recognizes that gyari would do anything to win her over, and in a sense she already has, but kerori has her own desires. she’s not content with being gyari’s prize, she wants her love, not just in the moment, but into the future, for them to be together. plus, just look at gyari’s expression!

and then of course this happens, where gyari gives her what she wants.

Everyone loved Iruma. It was just a fact. An unwavering truth. The real question, however, was this... who did Iruma love?

There was no lack of romantic partners. It seemed like everyone was ready to offer themselves to the blue-haired boy. Only one small problem. It seemed like Iruma wasn't interested in anyone.

But how could that be? Even with all the attempts to woo him, nothing worked. He was unaware of such affections directed towards him.

Kamui tried endless flattery and flowers when the boy was dressed as pretty Irumi. Supposedly, they are trying to appeal to the teenagers' feminine side.

Sabro attempts with shows of strength. Indicating he can protect his rival if needed. Well... not that the boy needed protection, seeing how he had the most powerful demons at his beck and call.

Allocer was less extreme. He tutored Iruma and helped him with homework. Small gifts of books on subjects he was most interested in.

Elizabetta gave soft touches and spoke sweet words. Flirting with the oblivious Iruma. He just didn't seem to think much of it other than friendly behavior.

Soi played soft music. Loving melodies filled the air as he played with Iruma. Only getting innocent, carefree smiles in return.

Kerori would often sing love ballads when performing with Irumi on stage. Trying to get the evidol to blush. But Iruma just thinks it's part of her act and sings along, unaware.

Picero was rather generous. Giving up his soft cloud so Iruma could rest on it. Sleepy cuddles and warm blankets. He didn't do that with everyone you know.

Goemon, well, of course, it would be endless pampering. Unwavering support. Piles of food. Really, what did you expect from such a cheerful demon?

Lied, always letting Iruma go first for games. Sharing his snacks. Wrapping his tail around the other boy constantly.

Jazz would often give knickknacks and random sweets. Shiny objects he's swiped from others. Really, his sticky fingers often found little gifts for those big, innocent eyes.

Alice has probably made his feelings well known from the start, with his firey passion and clingy attitude towards Iruma shining like a well-lit neon sign.

Clara was the same with her endless offerings. The toys, the games. Making sure to pick each one with Iruma in mind. Lovingly monopolizing him together with Alice.

So... why didn't Iruma realize this? He couldn't be that blind, right? Well, to put it simply... Iruma loved all of them.

But he just didn't love them in the physical way they were expecting. Nor in the romantic sense. Iruma's love was just pure love.