Ep 11. Everybody Loves Chocolate

Tohru Honda has always been passionate about cooking. In episode 11 of Fruits Basket season 1, her passion for cooking leads her to a cooking contest. With the help of her friends, Tohru prepares a delicious chocolate cake for the contest. However, the contest suddenly becomes complicated when Akito Sohma, the head of the Sohma family, makes an appearance.

The Sohma family is cursed, and Akito is particularly cruel to the members of the Zodiac, calling them by animal names rather than their real names. Tohru and her friends are all part of this curse, and Akito's presence causes some tension. Despite this, Tohru decides to continue with the contest, hoping that her cake will be good enough to win.

As the contest progresses, Tohru's cake becomes the talk of the event. Everyone seems to love it, and it becomes clear that Tohru has a real talent for cooking. However, her triumph is short-lived when Akito suddenly collapses. Tohru and her friends rush to Akito's side, unsure of what to do.

As it turns out, Akito had a severe allergic reaction to chocolate, and Tohru's cake was the cause. This news is devastating to Tohru, who never meant to hurt anyone. However, Akito surprises everyone by admitting that the cake was delicious. This confession by Akito is a rare moment of vulnerability, and it is clear that Tohru's kindness has had an impact on her.

Throughout the episode, we also learn more about the curse that afflicts the Sohma family. The curse causes the members to transform into animals when they are hugged by a member of the opposite sex. This curse has caused a lot of pain for the members of the family, who are forced to live in fear of being discovered.

Despite the curse, Tohru continues to be kind and understanding towards the members of the Sohma family. Her compassion and empathy are a stark contrast to the cruelty that they have faced in the past. Through her actions, Tohru is slowly helping the members of the Sohma family to heal from their trauma.

Throughout the episode, we also see the relationships between the characters deepen. Tohru's kindness towards the Sohma family is appreciated by all of them, and they are slowly starting to see her as a true friend. Her friendship with Kyo, in particular, is growing stronger, and it is clear that there is a special bond between them.

Overall, this episode of Fruits Basket season 1 is a heartwarming and emotional one. It highlights the power of kindness and compassion in the face of adversity. Tohru's cooking contest journey is a testament to her perseverance and determination, and her ability to make a positive impact on those around her is truly inspiring.