[Oshi no Ko]

Ai Hoshino faces the crisis of being an idol who does not understand love.

The narrative questions whether the entertainment industry is appropriate for liars, focusing on Ai Hoshino, the star of the first episode or prologue movie. As an entity promoted solely to love her fans, she confronts the dilemma of lacking an inherent understanding of love herself. This central conflict frames the episode's concept, exploring how Japanese idols struggle to conceal personal relationships and children from the public eye. The story moves beyond the confusing premise regarding her offspring to establish a stylized interpretation of the darker aspects of the Japanese entertainment industry, which is characterized by mystery, revenge, and the presence of cute idols.

Ten years after Ai's death, Ruby strives to become an idol despite her brother Aqua's interference.

A decade has passed since Ai died, leaving behind her younger twin sister Ruby. Ruby dreams of becoming an idol but faces significant obstacles because her older brother Aqua actively schemes to prevent her from seizing the opportunity. Despite these challenges and Aqua's interference, Ruby's deep admiration for her mother remains a driving force in her life. The narrative focuses on Ruby's persistent efforts to pursue her dreams while navigating the complex family dynamics and the lingering impact of her mother's legacy, highlighting the tension between her aspirations and the barriers erected by those around her.

Aqua accepts a low-quality role to investigate producer Masaya Kaburagi

Kana attempts to persuade Aqua to return to acting by offering him a villain role in a live-action adaptation of Sweet Today. She reveals connections to producer Masaya Kaburagi, whose name Aqua recognizes from Ai’s secret contact list. Aqua agrees to the part primarily to get closer to Kaburagi. However, he soon discovers the production is of very low quality. Kana admits that the show prioritizes young male models over acting skill, forcing her to suppress her own talent. She also explains that her spoiled childhood behavior caused her to fall out of favor in the industry as she aged. While collecting discarded cigarettes, Aqua overhears Kaburagi bragging about exploiting Kana. Having achieved his initial goal, Aqua decides to remain on set and commit fully to his performance.

Aqua supports Kana's performance and meets Kaburagi before starting school with Ruby.

Aqua prepares the stage for Kana, allowing her to demonstrate her acting abilities and win over the audience. At the wrap party, Aqua encounters Kaburagi, who confirms he is not his father via a paternity test. Kaburagi reveals he knows a secret about Ai and proposes a reality dating show appearance in exchange for the information. Later, Aqua and Ruby begin their first day at Youtou High School. Ruby befriends gravure model Minami Kotobuki, who introduces Aqua to the class. Ruby learns that professional entertainer Frill Shiranui is also in her class, causing her to feel insecure about her own career status. She urges Miyako to advance the idol group plans at Strawberry Productions, but Miyako cites recruitment difficulties for small companies. Aqua suggests recruiting Kana to solve the issue.

Kana joins Aqua on a reality dating show while Miyako launches a new idol unit with Ruby.

Kana signs with Strawberry Productions to work with Aqua, despite fearing for her acting career. She is surprised when his next project is a reality dating show called My Love with a Star Begins Now, featuring co-stars Yuki Sumi, Nobuyuki Kumano, Akane Kurokawa, MEM-cho, and Kengo Morimoto. Although Aqua is acting for the camera, Kana feels jealous watching his interactions with the female cast. Meanwhile, Miyako establishes a new idol unit for Strawberry Productions. She tasks Ruby and Kana with an online debut, enlisting veteran internet personality Pieyon, a masked fitness YouTuber. To quickly build an audience, Pieyon has them collaborate with his channel. The pair performs a strenuous one-hour workout dance routine, during which Ruby earns Kana's respect by enduring the full duration. Finally, Pieyon asks for their group name, and Ruby chooses to revive the name B-Komachi.

Aqua observes idol realities while Akane faces cyberbullying after a public altercation.

During the Love Now season, Aqua realizes reality stars are more genuine than scripted. Kana instructs Ruby on the risks of egosurfing for idols managing their online reputation. The program highlights a love triangle involving Yuki, Nobuyuki, and Kengo, prompting Aqua to remain uninvolved. MEM-cho gains subscribers, but Akane struggles for attention and receives minimal screentime. Pressured by her agency, Akane loses control and slaps Yuki, accidentally scratching her face with fresh nails. Although Yuki forgives her and Akane issues an apology, she faces intense cyberbullying from Yuki's fans. Overwhelmed by negative comments, Akane becomes depressed and nearly jumps from a pedestrian overpass, only to be rescued at the last moment by Aqua.

Buzz

Aqua's revenge focus allows Akane to win his heart while Kana falls behind.

Aqua, driven by a desire for revenge, underestimated Akane and inadvertently provided the talented actress an opportunity to capture his affection. Akane approaches their interactions with serious intent, treating the situation as a game she intends to win. Meanwhile, Kana finds herself losing ground in the competition for Aqua's attention. The narrative highlights the shift in dynamics as Akane's strategic efforts succeed against Aqua's initial dismissive attitude, leaving Kana struggling to maintain her position in the evolving relationship.

MEM-cho leverages influence to expand B Komachi while Aqua investigates Ai's past

MEM-cho is determined not to squander her second opportunity, utilizing her personal influence to facilitate the growth of the B Komachi brand. Simultaneously, Aqua continues her inquiry into Ai's history, a pursuit that finally yields significant results. The narrative highlights the strategic efforts to elevate the company's status alongside the uncovering of hidden details regarding Ai's background, marking a pivotal moment for both the business expansion and the ongoing personal investigation.

The intense pressure builds as the characters face a critical moment in the narrative.

Idol