Some critics from Moe Sucks and Reddit argue the episode is "textbook emotional abuse," finding Erika's persistent devotion to Kyouya after such cruelty to be "pathetic" or "misogynistic".
The episode ends with a reconciliation that shifts the tone back to shoujo sweetness. Kyouya visits Erika’s home and gives her a heart-shaped necklace, effectively "marking" her as his again. While he doesn't explicitly apologize, many viewers saw this act as his unique way of making amends and showing he does value her. Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji Episode 5
He immediately reveals it was all a lie to mock her gullibility, referring to her feelings as a "monkey show". Some critics from Moe Sucks and Reddit argue