Love, Loyalty, and Betrayal in Oshi No Ko

As Episode 8 of Oshi no Ko, titled "First Time," resumes streaming on HiDive after a week-long break featuring a recap episode, viewers are immediately drawn in by the arrival of the new Akane Kurokawa on the set of LoveNow. As she takes on the role of Ai with remarkable talent and an incredibly accurate impression, Aqua is left in awe.

Aqua's love life takes center stage in this week's episode, with Akane and Kana vying for his attention. While both girls clearly have strong feelings for Aqua, it's unclear how he truly feels about them. Fans may be in for a surprise, as the answer to this romantic dilemma may not be what they expect.

Conflicted Heart

Akane's return to LoveNow was nothing short of a spectacle. She had constructed a new personality based on Ai, which had everyone, including the staff and cast members, taken aback by her sudden change in demeanor. Even Aqua, who was known for being cool and indifferent, couldn't help but break into a smile. Yuki and MEM-cho were the first to notice the effect Akane had on Aqua, and they encouraged her to make a serious move if she wanted to pursue a relationship with him. Witnessing this vulnerable side of Aqua was a rare sight indeed.

As Akane's sudden change in personality draws attention, Aqua's potential relationship with her becomes the talk of the town, leaving Kana feeling left out. However, when Aqua asks Kana to skip school with him and takes her to a nearby park to play catch, her excitement fades. While discussing LoveNow, Aqua evades Kana's question about who he's interested in, but admits that he sees girls around his age as potential love interests. Despite not giving a clear answer about his romantic goals, Aqua does reveal to Kana that he does not have romantic feelings for Akane.

Invaluable Talent

During a conversation with Akane, Aqua inquires about her process for accurately portraying Ai's personality in LoveNow. Akane mentions that she fills in the gaps by making character assumptions, such as Ai having a secret child. Aqua realizes that Akane's talent for analyzing personalities has allowed her to intimately understand Ai's thought processes, making her far more knowledgeable than he could ever be. To establish a more personal relationship with Akane, Aqua makes a bold move by confessing his feelings and kissing her on the show's finale.

The Third Member

At the LoveNow wrap party, Akane is questioned by her fellow cast members about the possibility of a real relationship with Aqua. Uncertain, she seeks advice from the director who reassures her that she should do what makes her happy and that relationships can be handled after the show. Meanwhile, Aqua meets with Kaburagi, who commends him for his work on the show despite the scandal. They plan to discuss their mutual interest in Ai soon. Upon his return, Aqua has a conversation with Akane about their relationship, and she asks if it is strictly professional or genuine. Akane requests honesty and Aqua admits that he is not romantically interested in her but rather impressed by her acting skills. Accepting his answer, Akane establishes that their relationship is solely for business purposes.

As the party comes to an end, Aqua finds herself walking home alongside MEM-cho. Their conversation gradually shifts towards the topic of Ai and B-Komachi. It is revealed that MEM-cho had once aspired to become an idol herself, but due to unforeseen circumstances, her dream never came to fruition. Aqua proposes the idea of MEM-cho joining the new version of B-Komachi under Strawberry Productions. Though MEM-cho initially takes it as a jest, her eyes light up with a newfound glimmer of hope as she realizes Aqua is completely serious.