Akane Kurokawa/Relationships

Aqua Hoshino
Initially, they develop a pseudo relationship after being involved in a reality show and having shown an actual kiss scene in its final episode. They have been seen together in various dating sites and posted many pictures online together to appease their fans. After Aqua saved her on the bridge and having spearheaded the entire PV video which saved and improved her reputation, she began fostering actual romantic feelings for him.

Their relationship develops further upon Akane's suspicion that Ai and Aqua were in fact mother and son. Wishing to support and stay by Aqua's side, they've become something more than just a "business couple". Akane was even willing to put herself at risk by helping Aqua achieve his goal of 'killing someone'. In a similar vein, Aqua promises to fulfil his duty as her 'boyfriend' by protecting her and helping her achieves her goals. He was willing to show her his past videos which he adamantly kept hidden from others while she has cooked and stayed by his side after he collapsed from PTSD.

In consideration for Akane's future, Aqua was planning to break up their fabricated relationship as he couldn’t stomach the idea of using her for his own selfish desires. Sensing his change of demeanour, Akane realised his intent before he spoke and shares how she knew all along that Aqua had ulterior motives to their relationship. She was grateful that he saved her from her attempted suicide, understanding that it was out of kindness and not of deception. He even went as far as to save her reputation even though it brought no benefits to him. The combination of all these factors further amplified her feelings towards him though she has never said it outright.

She embraces his back on the bridge that he saved her. She shares how she doesn’t mind kissing or having intercourse with him. Aqua voices how he never felt any romantic feelings from her, and asks if she genuinely harbour feelings for him. She answered 'of course' but gave an irresolute explanation as she herself couldn’t completely understand and verbalise her own complicated feelings since Aqua is her first boyfriend. Furthermore, she reasons that their relationship is unique as they skipped the basics and is adapting as they go on. However, the two thing she's unwavering about is her wish to be his strength and to share his burdens.

She shares how she isn’t against breaking up if he desires it and how she thought he needed someone to share his burdens with. Thus, Aqua decides to explain his reasoning of how he found out his father was already deceased and that he was free of his quest for vengeance. After listening to him, she decides to excuse herself as she felt unwell. On the way back home, Akane pieces his story together and found a loophole that Aqua was unaware of. She was in a dilemma as if she tells him, he may very well throw himself back into his revenge with no concern for his own health. She knew Aqua well enough and of his desire for a simple answer to his quest so he could move on. With these conflicting feelings, Akane continues pondering about the best way forward.

In chapter 78, Aqua apologies to Akane for forcing her to witness a grotesque scene. Akane refutes that it was not his fault though he remains adamant, apologising once again. Akane emphasised that the fault lies with the murderer and that Aqua shouldn't shoulder a burden that was not his. Aqua reveals that it was his plan to use Akane to find that corpse as he believed in her.

He thanked her for finding it but the guilt that he carries was apparent in his face. He lambasts himself for always using her like with his father and now to find the corpse, as he solemnly apologies again. Akane kneeled down to see his downcast face and reiterates that she knew all along. He is kind and tries to shoulder everyone's burden. She genuinely wants to be with him but she doesn't want to hold him back, thinking it was best if they separate. Tears began to uncontrollably drip down her face as she tries to hide it from Aqua.

She didn't want him to see her like that nor have their farewell be so poignant. She at least wanted them to end off on a light note. She scolds herself for always crying as Aqua finally stood up. He recalls all she did for him, all the good and fun times, as well as the dark and sad times. He began wiping her tears as he states that this time, he want to have a real relationship with her, declaring his new wish is now to keep her safe. He then gave her their second kiss, free from ulterior motives unlike the first time, this time not to use her.

In chapter 80, Akane was still visualising their second kiss and wonders whether they are now officially dating as a man and a woman. When Kana joined her in the hot spring and expressed how Akane shouldn’t play along with a dating show romance anymore now that she’s becoming more famous, Akane rejects and says that it is no longer a dating show anymore before leaving.

In the next chapter, it was shown that Aqua and Akane have been officially dating for half a year, while unofficially dating for more than a year. In the time-skip, the couple was unable to see each other often despite wishing to due to their respective jobs. The couple frequently calls each other to update one another on their ongoings while also planning for dates. She would invite him many times to her most important ceremonies. During their alone time, Aqua would playfully bite Akane's food as she frantically says it's hers or pat her while saying she has worked hard. These small exchanges made them love each other more and more.

In their earlier month as a real couple, Akane knew Aqua had a 'philandering cad-like' aura around him. Thus, she kept a watchful eye on him and had to rein him in whenever he goes overboard. Aqua knew she wasn’t one to be trifled with and would never accept cheating. Thus, over time, Aqua as a person became more authentic, loyal and truthful towards her which she greatly appreciates. Whenever it rains, he would unfailingly travel to her studio and escort her back using one umbrella. Aqua would always answer her texts and convey his interest through well-developed replies. When Akane complains how she’s sick of work, he would pat her and reassure her with comforting words. Like a concerned boyfriend, he would tell her to bath and sleep early before work.

Months afterward, Aqua realised that his mom's murderer may still be alive, Akane was one of the first to notice his subtle change. She began researching and committing most of her time to identify the killer, successfully finding out his age, name and affiliation. She knew that Aqua would take matters into his own hands, wanting to directly murder the killer, and so, she resolved to never let them meet, wanting to bring the killer to justice herself. She promises to never allow the person who messed with Aqua's life to get away with it. She spent countless hours gathering information, talking to old acquaintances and successfully pieced together the address with the aid of Aqua's old director and mentor.

In chapter 97, Aqua calls her in the midst of her investigation, noticing from her voice that she’s tired and became suspicious that she’s doing something in the background without informing him. Akane excuses herself that she’s on a diet, to which Aqua said she was skinny enough and that he'll like her no matter what she looks like when she was fearful of becoming fat, causing her to blush. She was grateful to Aqua and was extremely happy nowadays that they can go out together openly. Aqua in turns became emotional, saying she has saved him ever since they met, that someone beautiful like her acknowledged and willingly got close to him. He loves how she would tell her when things are wrong and that he doesn’t want to let go of these days when she’s by his side.

He was insecure and wanted Akane to tell him what to do. He laid his entire vulnerability bare to her, and asks if he should just live happily with her now after forgetting the past, despite knowing the reality of his mother's death now. Anxiously waiting for her reply, Akane next sentences shocks him. She defines their relationship as two independent people who got close to one another through challenging times. He is not her property and neither is she his.

Unlike other toxic relationships which are based solely on dependencies on one party, theirs is cultivated from genuine trust and love which she finds extremely meaningful. She tells him that this important choice is for himself to make, not something easily that he can ask even his girlfriend for a right answer. However, she preface by saying that no matter what choice he makes, she will be with him all the way, never letting him be alone even if he tries to. She reiterates how she will carry his burden together with him, making him thank her with a face that was about to break down.

After ending the call, she knows how he is still haunted by Ai's death. She knows that one day he will truly be free and that she will never let anyone get in his way of freedom and happiness. That was her role as his girlfriend, believing that this future is soon. Once everything is settled, they can finally go to their favourite places again, eat delicious food, and go on another trip with just the two of them. Suddenly, a man appears and she was pushed down into falling down a flight of steps.

In the next chapter, Aqua appears and successfully saved Akane in the nick of time whilst looking distraught and sweating profusely. The passerby quickly apologies for knocking into her and ran off. Akane calls Aqua her hero as he's always there when she’s in danger. She voices how she thought she was deliberately pushed, causing Aqua to note her phrase. He then begs her not to do anything dangerous for his sake. Akane notices his phrase as well, sensing something amiss as if Aqua knew her location without her telling him. He praises her acuteness as she ripped her keychain, finding a tracker on it. She reprimands him for planting it without her permission and asks when he did it, finding out that it was just after their show ended.

He had put it on her initially, in case she ever came into contact with the 'culprit', but hadn’t removed it after they became official. Akane was heartbroken as she failed to gain his complete trust and in establishing an equal relationship. If he had told her beforehand, she would had consented and willingly carried a hundred of it if necessary. However, she was angry that he did not even see her as a person, but as a pet or property, choosing to use instead of trust her. He reasons that she would had taken all needed precautions against him if he did so, and would had confronted the culprit alone instead of with him. He saw the knife she was carrying in the flowers as she reasons that it was for protection since they had to meet a former murderer.

Listening to her attentively, Aqua tells her not to be involved in this case any longer. He promises to remove the tracker on her and to respect her privacy from now onwards. She began crying as she says she would go down to hell with him if he asks her to. He tells her that he has no intention of dragging her down into such a place with him as he'll proceed alone, releasing her from having anything to do with this situation. Akane picks out Aqua's change when he initially wanted to use her when they unofficially dated, but now he’s being kind to her. She tells him that he's taking the wrong turn as he left first. Above all else, Akane was angry and disappointed at herself for being unable to save Aqua, her one and only selfish wish as she continues weeping. Aqua reflects on Akane's actions and thanks her for all she did. However, currently those happy days have to be discontinued as he sets his sights on Hikaru Kamiki. Now, he is free from worrying about dirtying Akane's hands or ever putting her in danger again.

Yuki Sumi
Akane and Yuki were initially at odds during their early episodes in LoveNow, Yuki being competitive in stealing the show. However, after a misunderstanding and Akane nearly committing suicide, they worked together and became good friends; often joking and pushing Akane to do more with her relationship with Aqua. Akane didn’t realise how much she mattered to her perceived rival, but after Yuki tearfully reprimanded her for her silly actions, she now greatly treasures her as a close friend. Their fans also supported them after seeing a picture of them hugging and rekindling their friendship. Akane is the first to be aware of Yuki's first relationship with another boy, and actively supports her after realising the positive chemistry between the two of them.

Kana Arima
Kana sees Akane as a rival, ever since witnessing her first kiss with Aqua. She holds this grudge to the point where she berates Aqua and calls him a "philandering cad.", despite the two's relationship being purely professional in her eyes. Aqua has agreed to give his full support to Akane to defeat Kana. Kana greatly envies Akane for her role as Aqua's girlfriend, as she was in charge of taking care of him after he collapsed and staying by his side. On the other hand, Akane was a childhood fan of Kana and even tried to replicate her idol, however, after meeting her in real life, things were not as flowery as it seems. For their first meeting when they were still kids, Akane was extremely excited and nervous to meet her.

Upon being been perceived to be Kana by a manager, she was shocked to find out that the audition was just for public image and that Kana was already chosen beforehand. Choosing not to believe that her idol resorted to such underhanded tactics to win, she was further stupefied when Kana readily admitted to it and was supportive of it since she was receiving more work. Kana then went on to call her an 'ignorant brat' and taught her the truth behind 'match fixing'. Kana then went on to throw Akane's hat on the floor and told her to stop imitating her, before ending off by saying she hates people like her the most. Although Akane was affected by her words, she went on to diligently study and buy numerous books just to understand Kana's feelings.

Years later, she now understands that Kana did so to find acceptance and acknowledgment by others. Akane knew that Kana was putting on an act and was not the person she once adored. Instead of shining brightly and being an inspiration to others, she now chooses to degrade herself onto the standards of others, just so to find acceptance. She declares that at present time, she resents the current 'Kana-chan' and that she will prove using her own performance of what Kana could had been, a person who's performance could capture everything.

Despite finding out that Kana went with Aqua on a date, she did not hold it against them, despite Kana's constant boast about the incident. Akane didn’t want to control Aqua's movements, nor ignite flames with Kana. Instead, she cautioned Aqua to be more careful on where they go as it might leave a negative image on Kana's future prospects as an idol. This shows that Akane still cares about Kana despite her petty attempts to make her jealous.