Prologue: Childhood[]
Gorou Amamiya was a 30-year-old doctor in the countryside and a huge fan of the idol Ai of B-Komachi. He was a fan because a 12-year-old patient of his, Sarina Tendouji, used to adore her before she eventually died. When Ai was pregnant, she visited Gorou's hospital to give birth to twins. Due to being in charge of her, Gorou was murdered by an anonymous stalker and, after a twist of fate, reincarnated as Aquamarine Hoshino, the son of Ai.
At age 4, Aqua witnesses first-hand Ai being stabbed by the same stalker at their home. Although the man later commits suicide, Aqua thinks the situation was more than that. Realizing that the stalker had been given information about her location by someone close to Ai, he theorizes that this person is their unknown father and swears to avenge his mother's death by killing him.
Even in the future, this single event traumatized and transformed Aqua into who he is today, so much so that he initially prevented Ruby from becoming an idol, afraid that the same events with their mother may recur. However, he had a change of heart after their adoptive mother, Miyako Saitou, spoke to him about it. During this time, Aqua also became the apprentice of director Taishi Gotanda and trained to become an actor. However, because Aqua felt inadequate in his abilities, he decided to work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry instead. However, he still desired to become an actor because of Ai's wishes for him to do so.
Entertainment World[]
Not long after, Aqua and Ruby applied to Youtou High School, a school that offers a Performing Arts Program that Ruby applied for while Aqua took the General Education program. Coincidentally, Kana Arima, a childhood acquaintance of the two siblings, is also revealed to be attending the school. Aqua reveals his intentions of joining the school were out of worry for his sister, who then labels him a sis-con after the fact.
After Kana attempted to catch up with Aqua, he allowed her to meet with Taishi, allowing them to talk in a more private area. Their conversation eventually led to Aqua's interest piquing after Kana mentioned an affiliate of Ai, Masaya Kaburagi. Since he was involved with a project Kana was in, the live-action Sweet Today drama, Aqua uses this as an opportunity to gain more intel about her murder, suspecting Kaburagi to be a potential candidate as his father. The drama was generally received poorly due to the incompetent actors and a butchered storyline. Kaburagi's attention was raised when Aqua and Kana acted out a genuinely good scene in the series finale. This provided leeway for Aqua to talk business with him, Kaburagi stating he'd provide info about Ai's background if Aqua acted in a reality dating show.
Dating Reality Show[]
In the show, LoveforReal, Aqua perfectly played his character and followed the show's flow with his other colleagues. Later on, he was one of the key coordinators behind a project to save Akane Kurokawa's reputation in the public's eyes (due to a moment involving her and Yuki Sumi). He also saved Akane from attempting suicide at the nick of time. He was disgusted at how toxic the fans were and how the adults exploited her for their own profit. On his part, he went out of his way to threaten those very adults and pulled multiple all-nighters to make the perfect video to change the fans' minds.
After introspecting her situation, she decides to have a new outlook that is not too dissimilar to Ai for her and the show's sake. This surprises Aqua and makes him blush when he first sees how similar the two are. However, after conversing with Kana, he realizes that he is still trapped by his feelings for Ai, not the current Akane. Aqua reflects upon his relationship with Ai as his mother and realizes how much he never really knew her. When conversing with Akane and discovering how in tune she was with Ai's character, he started seeing her as someone indispensable for his goal. He went above and beyond for the show's last episode as they had their first kiss live, much to Akane's joy.
Upon the show's end, Kaburagi congratulates Aqua for the positive reviews garnered in LoveforReal, the reality dating show, received due to his presence. Kaburagi then stated he'd fulfill his end of their bargain in the coming week. After their conversation, Akane approached Aqua regarding their relationship, with Aqua stating that their current relationship was for business. To appease their fan base, they subsequently went on many dates together. Later, after the cast's get-together, Aqua talks with Mem-Cho, who reveals that she always aspired to be an idol, but didn't due to her circumstances. Aqua then suggests she join the revived B-Komachi that was in the works.
The First Concert[]
After establishing the new B-Komachi, Aqua meets with Kaburagi to discuss Ai's history. During their discussion, the Lala Lai Theatrical Company came into the conversation - the place Akane works and where Ai first fell in love. Kaburagi stated that he could get in touch with their head, mainly to profit from it. Later on, Aqua involved himself with the new B-Komachi, helping them prepare for their new gig at the Japan Idol Festival by disguising himself as Pieyon, an internet personality who had previously helped the girls.
2.5D Stage Play[]
Kaburagi, after being told about the stage play of the popular manga, Tokyo Blade, suggested Aqua and Kana join its cast. The representative of the company behind the play, Sumiaki Raida, agreed, seeing it as him doing a favor. All went swimmingly until the mangaka behind Tokyo Blade, Abiko Samejima, visited the practice for the play, along with Yoriko Kichijouji, who is the mangaka behind Sweet Today. Abiko stated that what she saw butchered the image of her manga and demanded a whole rewrite of the play. Later, Aqua and his fellow actors visit Yoriko and talk to her about the manga industry, leading them to convince her to talk to Abiko.
After the script was rewritten and the misunderstandings were cleared up, things went by as usual until Kana indirectly reminded Aqua about his past when she advised him to recall something that makes him sad if he wanted to be realistic. This causes him to have a panic attack and collapse on the floor. As his girlfriend, the director tells Akane to take care of Aqua. Once alone, Aqua tells her not to inform his family of the incident as he doesn't want them to worry, and instead gets her to call somebody else: Taishi. Taishi converses with Akane about Aqua at his apartment, entrusting her with some collections of his past due to her girlfriend's status. Akane was then capable of piecing the puzzles together perfectly.
Unbeknownst to Akane, her theory that Ai had a secret child was correct, concluding that Aqua was her son. When Aqua woke up, he saw Akane crying at his bedside. When asked why, she immediately hugged him and empathized with him that it would be terrifying if her thoughts were confirmed, as he'd had no one to confide in, which would be incredibly tragic. Aqua remained speechless as she reassured him that no matter what happened, she would always be by his side and share his pain if something hurt him. The awe-struck Aqua asks what she is talking about, and she replies that it was a scary thought she had.
At Taishi's home, Akane made a feast for him, surprising the others with her excellent cooking abilities. Initially, Aqua tried to pretend he had no appetite, which caused Akane to spoonfeed him. Slightly embarrassed, he began eating while commenting that it was delicious in his mind. Afterward, Akane asked if she could see the films when Aqua was younger. Taishi was surprised when Aqua gave his permission despite previously adamantly hiding it, though he told them to watch it without him. At night, Akane went to visit Aqua on the balcony. She then asked why he was in the theatre for fame, fortune, or something else. Aqua attempts to dodge the questions, though Akane remains steadfast in her pursuit. Finally relenting, Aqua reveals that he is in it to kill someone, but he needs power because that person is high up. He then redirects his gaze to her and inquires what she will do about it.
Without hesitation, she answered that she'd help kill them, which caught him off guard, and told her not to say it so casually. She reaffirms her statement that someone like him would have a good reason for doing something so drastic, and it is not a matter of right or wrong for her. Instead, she is willing to accept the guilt along with him, as that is how committed she is to their relationship. However, she would also like for him to do his part as her boyfriend, which was to help defeat Kana and Himekawa, as she stood no chance alone and would probably die from being too upset at losing. This causes Aqua to reflect deeply as he promises her he'll do his part as "boyfriends are responsible for keeping their girlfriends from dying."
They then consulted Taishi for advice and, if possible, did it without emotional acting. After reviewing the script, the only conclusion was simple, with Aqua having no choice but to act emotionally. Taishi smiled as he said he'd drill it into him from scratch starting tomorrow.
Private[]
During the stage play, Aqua took samples of everyone involved to perform DNA tests, and the results identified Taiki Himekawa as his elder half-brother. Thus, Aqua believes they share a biological father. Aqua brings up this information to Taiki, but given the sensitivity of the subject matter, they decide to discuss it at his home. Taiki explains that his father, Seijuro Uehara, died alongside his mother, Airi Himekawa when he was about five years old. This revelation would make Aqua Seijuurou and his cheating partner's son. Believing that their fondness for women is hereditary, Taiki can't help but despair at the fact that Aqua is fooling around with both Kana and Akane. Taiki is surprised to meet his half-brother out of nowhere, but finds the fact that they are both actors ironic.
On the other hand, Aqua, having learned that his father is dead, believes it is his chance to be free and live a happy life. Meanwhile, members of B-Komachi have decided to do a promotional video somewhere, but the location they have settled on is Miyazaki, the same place where Aqua and Ruby were born. During the trip, Aqua has two goals: find the body of Gorou Amamiya and settle his relationships with Akane and Kana. Akane and Ruby end up finding Gorou's body. With his old body found, Aqua finally considers breaking up with Akane, but decides to continue their relationship as a genuine couple.
Mainstay[]
Six months after the trip to Miyazaki, the Hoshino twins' careers have advanced significantly, with Aqua getting many acting roles and earning a regular spot on an internet TV variety show. In contrast, their relationships with their peers have changed. Aqua has begun to distance himself from Ruby after confirming his and Akane's relationship with her. When Mem-Cho confronts him about this, Aqua reveals that the reason behind his estrangement is due to his fear that if he gets too close to Kana, who is growing in popularity, she will end up receiving the same fate as Ai. Later, Ruby gets involved in dealing with a scandal between a producer and a popular cosplayer. After the scandal is dealt with, Aqua confronts his sister, suspecting that she engineered the entire thing to help boost her popularity and arguing about the morality of her actions. His words fall on deaf ears, as Ruby declares that their mother was also a liar and that she will be famous soon.
After another six months since the scandal, Aqua deduces that Ichigo Saitou, the former president of Ichigo Productions and Ai's manager, is behind Ruby's success, so he goes to confront him. During their conversation, Ichigo reveals his plan to kill the person who leaked Ai's address to the stalker who killed her. Aqua tries to convince Ichigo that the perpetrator is Seijuro Uehara, but Ichigo reveals that Uehara was already dead before Ai was killed, therefore making it chronologically impossible for him to be the culprit. Reeling from the fact that his father is alive, Aqua unknowingly pushes Kana away during her attempt to comfort him, leaving her to believe that Aqua hates her while he regrets his actions.
Aqua later figures out that Akane is investigating the true identity of his father, Hikaru Kamiki, and keeps close tabs on her with a tracker he placed on her keychain. When Akane attempts to go after the man herself, Aqua appears to intervene and reveals that he has been following her. They argue about their relationship, with Aqua firmly denying Akane's request to be involved with his revenge and breaking up with her. Now armed with the knowledge of his father's true identity, Aqua resumes his path toward revenge.
Scandal[]
Kana gets involved in a scandal after being seen with Masanori Shima, an influential director, with the media spinning a story that she is having an affair with him. To save Kana's career, Aqua is forced to strike a deal with the media, getting them to drop the story in exchange an even bigger scandal: that he and Ruby are the illegitimate children of Ai Hoshino. The revelation changes the public's view of the Hoshino twins, and Aqua reconciles his relationship with Kana. On the other hand, however, Ruby is enraged with Aqua's decision and disowns him as her brother. Ichigo is also angry with Aqua, but he reveals that this all part of his revenge plan against Hikaru.
Movie[]
Taking advantage of this opportunity that the expose has brought, director Gotanda decides to take this opportune moment to finish the work he started 15 years ago, a movie about Ai called The 15 Year Lie. With Kaburagi onboard as the producer and a script primarily written by Aqua, they set out to gather the necessary funds to produce the movie. After getting the funds, the production moves on to the casting. During the production, Aqua encounters Marina Tendouji, Sarina's mother. Ruby, who is playing the lead role of Ai, is affected by Marina's appearance, as she is actually Sarina's reincarnation. Aqua figures this out and approaches Ruby, revealing his past life as Gorou. The two finally reconcile their differences from the fallout of the expose.
As finalizations to the cast are being made, Aqua is given the role of Hikaru, who is credited as "Boy A." He also convinces Tsukuyomi, a supernatural being inhabiting the body of a young girl whom he and Ruby have been in contact with, to participate in the film by portraying the younger versions of him and Ruby. As the filming begins, Aqua implies to his co-stars that he is doing this movie in part because of Ai's final request to him, which is only known to him, Ruby, and Gotanda.
As the days wear on, Aqua eventually takes on the role of his father and explores his past. Meanwhile, the cast cannot help but discuss the kissing scene between Hikaru and Ai, which would be portrayed by the Hoshino siblings. While some are disgusted by the idea, there are also those who are excited by it. For Aqua's part, he reluctantly accepts the responsibility, and the scene goes off without issue.
The End of the Play[]
Having wrapped up filming for The 15 Year Lie, the main cast spends the day at the beach. While there, Akane takes the opportunity to tell Aqua not to kill his father, showing him the many people in his life who will be affected if Aqua goes through with his plan. Later, Aqua has a dream of him with Gorou, who is content to disappear, having learned that Sarina is alive as Ruby and is living her dream as an idol. He tells Aqua that he can do whatever he wants with his life, as long as Aqua does not make a move on Sarina, but Aqua assures him that he only sees her as his little sister. The two then talk about Kana, and Gorou assures Aqua that he does not have to act anymore and is free to like someone too.
Kana takes Aqua out on a date, with the two dressing up in their high school uniforms and sneaking into Youtou High School to play catch, where they proceed to discuss their plans for the future. Aqua reveals his plan to apply to medical school to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a heart surgeon. When asked about her dream, Kana talks about her new dream, and she confesses that it is to become the only person Aqua looks at. Kana then invites the surprised Aqua to attend her retirement concert with B-Komachi on Christmas.
A few months later, the first screening is shown for everyone involved with the production of The 15 Year Lie, which is well-received. Meanwhile, Aqua is doing an interview for the movie, stating that he is not trying to make people happy with his acting. Aqua claims he does not love anyone and never gives it back, even if someone does love him. Aqua goes on to state that acting is his revenge, and it is revealed that he is being interviewed by Hikaru himself. Aqua bluntly tells him that he wants to get revenge on him, the one responsible for Ai's death, in order for him and Ruby to move toward the future, setting the stage for the final arc.
Toward the Stars and Dreams[]
During the confrontation with their father, Aqua and Ruby learn about Hikaru's true involvement in Ai's death. They then show him the DVD Ai left behind, where she confessed that she did, in fact, love Hikaru, in her own way. Hikaru is deeply affected by this revelation, and as he leaves, he says that he will "do what he can for Ai." Later, Aqua goes to see Akane, and they realize that it was impossible for Hikaru to be responsible for all of the deaths, meaning there is one more person culpable, the former member of B-Komachi, Fuyuko Niino.
Nino attempts to kill Ruby for surpassing Ai as an idol, but she is stopped and detained by Akane and Ichigo. When questioned, she reveals the truth behind Hikaru and the full extent of his malice and manipulative nature. Nino's attempted murder of Ruby pushes Aqua to confront Hikaru at a cliffside overlooking the sea. During their confrontation, Hikaru reveals none of the guilt he showed before. Aqua exposes Hikaru as a liar and serial manipulator who has no qualms about killing his own daughter, while Hikaru lets out a horrifying grin. Hikaru praises Aqua for being a manipulator like himself who can use his charisma and "lying eyes" to make people obey him, something he enjoys doing. Aqua agrees with the accusations but further cuts him down, stating Ruby is an idol full of love who can inspire others. Fully intending to protect Ruby, Aqua threatens Hikaru with a knife as both his eyes sparkle brightly.
Hikaru feels it is fine if he dies, as it will elevate Ai's existence. He further tries to smooth talk Aqua that killing him is pointless as all it will do is condemn Ruby to be perpetually called the sister of a murderer by the public and become a toy of society, destroying her career as neither the media nor the public is interested in the truth, but on a hypocritical sense of self-righteous justice, all the while Aqua has his reasons to keep living. Aqua agrees with his assessment and confesses, that he does want to live and respond to the many people he holds dear, but is willing to leave it all behind to protect Ruby, so he reveals his card; to stab himself, laying the blame on Kamiki and have both of them fall off the cliffs to end their lives, putting an end to Hikaru's plot permanently.
Hikaru feels threatened and questions Aqua's sanity, begging him to stop as the two fall. Deep in the water, Hikaru struggles for his life as he hits his head on a rock, and Aqua chokes him. Not intending to die, Hikaru tries to choke Aqua, but feels the presence of Gorou Amamiya and the many victims he had killed, dragging him to the bottom of the abyss with him as he resigns himself to his fate. Aqua realizes he was born as Ruby's twin to be the closest to her and protect her, and feels relieved to leave first.
In his mind, Aqua envisions a future where Sarina survives and grows up to become an idol alongside Ai in B-Komachi. Watching these scenes with Tsukuyomi, Aqua questions which part of him is his true self and if he made the right choices. Tsukuyomi expresses disbelief that these are his thoughts in his final moments and explains that while Aqua carried the memories of Gorou, he is the genetic descendant of Ai and Hikaru. This, in turn, created two roles within him: Aqua and Gorou. However, it does not matter in the end because all he wanted was to help others without expecting anything in return. Tsukuyomi then hugs Aqua and sorrowfully tells him that he was just an 18-year-old kid.
In Aqua's final moments, Aqua contorts as his body and heart try to fight back the inevitable, screaming, "I want to live." Feeling the pain and the cold, he starts having regrets, and as his consciousness fades, he thinks he can hear a song and sees a vision of B-Komachi being happy together. Aqua then closes his eyes with a smile on his face as he dies.
Aqua's body is found by a fisherman over 20 kilometers away from the crime scene. Possibly due to the cold weather, there was little damage to the body. His death became big news, as it was reported that he was killed by Hikaru out of resentment. Aqua's friends and family are devastated by his death and mourn him. While the production team has doubts about releasing the movie as it was what got Aqua killed, Gotanda pushes for it to be released, unwilling to shelve his posthumous work due to public opinion, and even threatens to release the master tape online. Kaburagi agrees with Gotanda, and so the movie is released to a great reception.
At Aqua's funeral, Kana slaps his body and cries out that she never got to tell him her true feelings, begging him to come back to life. Akane and Ruby take his death just as hard, with the latter staying in her room since the funeral. However, despite being in great grief, Ruby manages to return to the stage.