[Oshi No Ko] Episode 1: Mother and Children

Six months have passed, and MEM-Cho orchestrates B-Komachi’s online ascent. She tirelessly manages collaborations and content, ensuring the group, especially Ruby Hoshino, maintains a strong digital presence. The unique appeal of Ruby's 'dark and mysterious aura' in their music video drives their initial viral success. MEM-Cho's relentless effort secures 360,000 subscribers, establishing B-Komachi as a significant online phenomenon.

The narrative shifts to the burgeoning careers of other key players. Akane Kurokawa finds increasing success, with a lead movie role and multiple TV series on the horizon, firmly establishing her as a serious performance actor. Meanwhile, Aqua Hoshino navigates a diverse media landscape, securing a regular talk show spot while juggling supporting acting roles and fashion modeling. Both are clearly on paths to widespread recognition.

Amidst their busy schedules, MEM-Cho playfully teases Kana Arima and Ruby Hoshino. She brings up Kana's past as a child actor, playfully calling her 'Baking Soda Girl,' much to Kana's annoyance. This light-hearted interaction provides a momentary glimpse into the group's dynamic, contrasting with their demanding professional lives.

Miyako Saitou outlines an exhausting schedule for B-Komachi, filled with shoots and performances. MEM-Cho is visibly fatigued, craving comfort, but Kana and Ruby quickly depart once their work is done. Miyako observes this swift exit, noticing a subtle shift in the girls' interactions and overall demeanor.

Aqua Hoshino delivers a stark declaration: 'I've decided to start dating Akane for real. Just so you know.' This statement, delivered with an almost clinical detachment, is a turning point, confirming a relationship that has been hinted at and speculated upon. Akane's shocked expression underscores the gravity of his words.

Despite her professional success and the revelation of her relationship with Aqua, Akane appears isolated and melancholic. She talks to Aqua on the phone, expressing a longing to see him, a quiet desperation in her voice. Later, standing alone at a crosswalk, her somber reflection in a window encapsulates a profound sense of solitude.

P-Man's boundless optimism for B-Komachi’s future, envisioning Tokyo Dome concerts, is quickly tempered by Ichigo Saitou's grounded realism. Ichigo explains the immense difficulty for even established groups to fill such venues, highlighting the shift in the music industry towards major agencies. He notes a new gloominess in both Kana and Ruby, hinting at their personal struggles beneath the surface of their professional smiles.

MEM-Cho finds a distraught Kana, who confesses her heartbreak over Aqua's avoidance. Kana believes Aqua is intentionally keeping his distance out of loyalty to Akane, praising Akane's talents even as tears stream down her face. 'So why does he avoid me like the plague? It hurts me, you jerk!' she cries, revealing the depth of her emotional pain.

Confronted by MEM-Cho about his seemingly irrational behavior, Aqua reveals a deep-seated trauma. He envisions a horrific scenario: a deranged fan murdering an idol after a relationship is exposed, stating, 'I can't stand the thought of that happening again!' MEM-Cho, seeing his pain, realizes Aqua is not avoiding Kana out of indifference, but out of a desperate, if misguided, attempt to protect her. She gently suggests he is in love with Kana, leading Aqua to break down and embrace her.

Ichigo Saitou observes Ruby's surprisingly calculating nature, a stark contrast to her innocent facade. Aqua learns that Ruby herself orchestrated his appearance on a talk show, presenting Ichigo with a detailed pitch deck. Ichigo praises her ability to 'recognize and act on' opportunities, revealing Ruby is far more cunning and strategic than she appears, understanding that 'behind-the-scenes maneuvering' is crucial in the entertainment business.