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Please note that this article contains spoilers for Episode 10 of Oshi no Ko, entitled "Pressure," which can be currently streamed on HiDive.
With the Japan Idol Festival just around the corner, Ruby, Kana, and MEM-cho find themselves in a race against time to ensure the success of their debut performance. As Kana steps into the highly sought-after center position, she remains plagued by doubts and insecurities. Lingering memories of past failures taunt her, causing her self-esteem to plummet.
Training For The Festival
A Deep Dive into Kana's Psyche: Unveiling Her Inner StrugglesRuby and MEM-cho make an attempt to designate Kana as the center, hoping she would accept the role. However, Kana quickly catches on to their scheme and reprimands them. Ruby and MEM-cho confess that they acted out of their genuine belief in Kana's talent and work ethic to be the center, but Kana remains unconvinced. Eventually, Ruby concedes but requests Kana to hear their singing before making a final decision. Ultimately, Kana is obliged to assume the center position as a result of how dreadfully Ruby and MEM-cho perform in singing.
The Day Of The Performance
The girls have finally reached an agreement, and now they are ready to embark on their special training sessions. Pieyon, who has a background in idol choreography, takes charge and pushes the girls to their limits. He focuses on building their endurance and perfecting their routines, ensuring that they internalize every move.
While taking a break outside, Kana engages in a pleasant conversation with Pieyon. Little did she know, Pieyon is actually Aqua in disguise. He is wearing a disguise because he believes that Kana wouldn't listen to his advice, given their strained relationship at the moment. Despite not knowing his true identity, Kana thoroughly enjoys talking to Pieyon and slowly starts developing feelings for him.
With the Idol Festival just one day away, Kana, Ruby, and MEM-cho all sleep together in anticipation of their upcoming performance. However, Ruby finds it difficult to doze off due to her overwhelming excitement. This puzzles Kana, who can only think about the possibility of failure. Ruby confides in Kana about her previous life as Sarina, carefully omitting the fact that it was a past life, and shares how becoming an idol gave her a newfound purpose to live. She also mentions the support and encouragement she received from Goro when she was still alive, drifting off to sleep as she reminisces. Kana quietly confesses her envy towards Ruby for having someone who supports her, acknowledging that she lacks such support in her own life.
Kana descends the staircase in search of some refreshing water, only to unexpectedly come face to face with Pieyon unmasked. Intrigued by the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Pieyon's true appearance, she peeks inside, only to be utterly astounded when she discovers Aqua beneath the disguise. The shock lingers, hindering her ability to sleep, and she wakes up the following morning in a dreadful state as the entire group makes their way to the Japan Idol Festival. Puzzled by Aqua's actions, Kana is left pondering the reasoning behind his unexpected transformation. However, she quickly finds herself swept away into a chaotic dressing room filled with countless other aspiring idols, leaving her no time to contemplate further.
Rookie Idol
In her quest to maintain composure, Kana reminds herself that both Ruby and MEM-cho are newcomers in the realm of entertainment. As a seasoned veteran, it is her responsibility to ensure their flawless performance today. However, haunting memories of past failures linger in her mind. Instances where her attempts at a singing career faltered and her days as a child actor abruptly ended after reaching adulthood. These past disappointments have severely eroded Kana's self-confidence and hinder her ability to fully embrace her role as the centerpiece of an idol group.
During this time, Ruby approaches Kana and confesses her sudden surge of nerves regarding the upcoming performance. Ruby inquires if Kana is also feeling nervous, to which Kana initially denies as she claims to be accustomed to such performances. However, Ruby discerns Kana's lie through the coldness of her hands. Eventually, Kana concedes her nervousness, acknowledging that her failure would not only harm her but also Ruby and MEM-cho. Sensing the burden Kana has placed on herself as the experienced member of the group, Ruby reassures her by stating that she only sees Kana as a rookie idol, unaware of her acting career. This revelation lifts the weight off Kana's shoulders as she resolves to approach the performance not as a veteran actress but as a newcomer idol.