Chapter 31

## Love for Real

**Love for Real**「今ガチ, *Ima Gachi*?」 is the thirty-first chapter of the *Oshi no Ko* manga series. It is written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari. It was released in *Weekly Young Jump* on January 21, 2021.

## Summary

As the cast of *LoveforReal* gather for the wrap party, Mem-Cho and Yuki are still excited over the final kiss on the show and they ask Akane and Aqua if they will be dating for real. Akane is unsure, saying she went with the flow then and wants to focus on her career. Nobuyuki encourages her, saying it totally normal to be dating. With Mem-Cho suggesting Yuki has a new boyfriend every other week, which she denies. Mem-Cho then reminds them they now also have an excuse that they started dating during the show which would kill any scandals in the future. The show's director chimes in, stating that since the show and its staff will no longer be involved with them, the couple is free to choose whether they stay together. He then leaves them with a warning, people in showbiz will want to use them for their talents before throwing them away. Fame comes with temptation and those who let themselves taken for the ride will end up in hell.

Meanwhile, Aqua has snuck out to speak with Producer Kaburagi, with the later saying the show has been a success. Aqua is unsure believing the scandal with Akane that brought on the attention. yet Kaburagi reminds him that it was he who produced the video that smooth things over, even though it did cause trouble for the higher-ups in charge. Particularly his taboo use of the raw footage, there were even discussion about seeking damages from his agency. Aqua reminds him that everything he did was in accordance with his contract. Nevertheless, Kaburagi is impressed, and holding hos end of the bargain, he sets up a date with him to talk about Ai.

Aqua heads back inside with Akane asking about the future of their relationship. Are they dating for real or for work? Akane shares that she knows Aqua does not see her as a girl and that he might be interested in her acting but not in her personally. Aqua states that dating will be a continuation of work and that her assessment is correct, he is interested in her as an actress. Akane is glad to to hear this and the two agree to be a work couple. Akane then reveals that there is a real couple among them as despite turning him down on the show, Yuki has actually started dating with Nobuyuki.

After the party, everyone go their separate ways but Aqua Mem-Cho both heading in the same direction. On their way home, Mem-Cho starts feeling lonely, missing their time together but unlike her, Aqua has gained a girlfriend in Akane. She continues to tease him about his reaction to her portrayal of Ai. On that note, Aqua remarks how she knows a lot about B-Komachi despite it being an older-gen idol group. Mem confesses to Aqua that she originally wanted to be an idol, but she gave up and became a youtuber after some setbacks. Aqua then makes her an offer, join his agency as the new B-Komachi is recruiting members.

## Characters

* Aqua Hoshino
* Yuki Sumi
* Kana Arima
* Nobuyuki Kumano
* Akane Kurokawa
* Mem-Cho
* Kengo Morimoto
* Masaya Kaburagi

## References

1. ↑ *Oshi no Ko* Chapter 31 on Young Jump.