By Her Side「傍, Soba?」 is the one-hundred thirty-fifth chapter of Oshi no Ko manga series. It is written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari.
Summary[]
In Gotanda's room, Aqua asks if the director thinks Ai was sad when her co-stars distanced themselves from her. Gotanda responds by asking if this is about the upcoming scene where Nino throws a tirade toward Ai. While admitting this to be part of the reason, Aqua reveals that Ruby told him about her epiphany: that their mother was actually just a frail girl but only expresses it whilst alone. In return, Gotanda wants to hear Aqua's opinion, to which the latter replies that that Ai was not like that at all, at least he never saw this supposed side of her.
Aqua once again requests Gotanda's opinion. However, the director shrugs it off, saying that he is no mental health expert, and that he only used actual events as a basis for the script of The 15 Year Lie. However he knows just enough to be able to step in when he feels like the actors get something wrong. Gotanda then closes the question by claiming that no one can possibly know Ai's true feelings, since she is deceased and thus cannot provide an answer.
Gotanda tells Aqua that he once made a documentary about the original B-Komachi but thinks that he failed at capturing Ai's essence, which is why he wants The 15 Year Lie to succeed. The director further reveals that this is his reason for casting Ruby, believing that the movie will definitely become a hit if she can pull off this performance. While Aqua warns him against pushing his sister too far, Gotanda believes that she will be fine with Kana by her side. The director then asks if Aqua is aware of the reasons he was matched against her when they were children. Aqua believes that it was to humble her, to which Gotanda admits that was part of it. However, his true intention was for her make friends, since she was a lonely child. Therefore, he was happy that Kana found a place for herself amongst the current B-Komachi and is certain that she will help Ruby.
However, his faith is tested the very next day, as Ruby and Kana are completely ignoring each other on the set. Observing the situation, Aqua asks a visibly shaken Gotanda if he is still sure that they will be fine. While the director desperately tries to rationalize that getting into fights is normal for girls of their age and they will deepen their friendship in the end, Aqua counters that only happens in fiction. Now truly distressed, Gotanda pleads Aqua to help the two smooth things over but the apprentice tells him to calm down, arguing that Ruby and Kana are not children anymore and that they will just have to trust them.
Characters[]
