Family
Aqua Hoshino
Ruby's older brother is very overprotective of her sister, not wanting her to walk the same path that killed her mother. She and her friends often call him a "sis-con" due to this and the lengths he goes to prevent her from achieving her dreams. Often, she is hindered by his presence and is annoyed by his personality, as seen when he puts on a face when he first enters a dating show. These scenarios are incredibly off-putting for her and her colleagues.
As time goes by, he becomes more and more accepting of his sister's wishes and even goes as far as to help her group prepare for their gigs. He disguised himself as Pieyon to prevent any problems in coordinating their dances and singing. He and Ruby are closer than one might think, but not to the point where they are aware of who was who in their past lives.
During Aqua's time on LoveforReal, Ruby is once asked by Minami about how she felt on seeing the kiss scene between her twin brother and Akane, she says with a pout and sad face that it was '5 times more awkward than watching the kiss scene between siblings on TV' and she had a mixed feeling about it.[1]
As rehearsals for the Tokyo Blade stage adaptation get underway, Ruby drags Minami along in an attempt to visit him on set, only to be greeted by Melt, who informs her that he has already left. When asked why Aqua is going home at different times, he informs her that Aqua has been seen going home together with Akane. Ruby becomes suspicious and tries to ask him about this before Minami warns against this. When Minami suggests they are doing lewd things, Ruby is initially frantic but soon becomes serious as she cannot imagine her brother risking pregnancy with a high school girl. She adds that she would lose all respect for him if he did.[2]
After a talk about their parentage with Taiki, Ruby notices a positive change in Aqua's demeanor as he offers to make breakfast for them.[3] Ahead of the trip to Miyazaki, she asks Akane what her brother threatened her with to get such a beautiful person to go out with him, much to the eavesdropping Aqua's chagrin at being painted in such a bad light. She requests Akane to take care of her 'incompetent' brother for a long time after asking when they intend to get married and permission to call her big sister.[4]
To save Kana from a scandal, Aqua reveals his mother's secret to the public but this action significantly strained his relationship with Ruby. Believing him to be a liar like everyone else, Ruby even goes as far as saying she can't think of him as a family anymore.[5]
Things would not improve until one day when Ruby has a meltdown, with the belief that she brought misfortune to everyone around her. Aqua overhears Ruby talking about her past life as she clutches onto the keychain she gave to Gorou in her previous life. After getting over the initial shock, he calls her "Sarina", revealing to his sister that he is the doctor that took care of her in their previous lives. Ruby is incredibly happy upon this revelation and is relieved to learn that he has reincarnated as her brother. She jumps into his arms giving him a deep hug with tears of happiness.[6]
Ruby states with sadness that Ai said idols often lie. Aqua attempts to comfort her saying that she and Ai are different people and she shouldn't chase her shadow any longer, she should live her own life, and that there is no more need to lie. Ruby said that lying caused her great pain but she kept it up as it's what Ai used to do, she remarks how she often has very unpleasant and dirty thoughts and proceeds to ask Aqua if he is fine with a Ruby like that. Aqua then tells her that he's always been her biggest fan, that he admired how in her previous life despite being in pain in the hospital she still dreamt with sparkling eyes, declaring that in those moments she was more radiant than Ai.
This comment restores Ruby's hopeful gaze restoring her original white star on her left eye. After washing her tears away, with a happy and hopeful look she declares to an unaware Aqua (who is currently on the balcony behind a glass door) that she will shine more than Ai once more. She then talks about a promise he once made in their previous lives where Gorou said he would marry her after she turned 16, and with a playful look she states she has already turned 16. [7]
With the matter resolved, Ruby starts displaying her affection towards Aqua more openly. In one instance she is shown clinging to Aqua in a lighthearted mood, which is noted by Kana, seemingly in contrast to her recent behavior. This may be a sign that which her priorities in finding who is responsible for the murder of her mother and mentor have been replaced by spending time with her brother.[8]
For The 15 Year Lie, Ruby and Aqua are cast as lovers that also feature a kiss scene between them. Ruby tries to get Aqua to practice the scene with her the night prior. She convinces him to act like Goro while she starts behaving like Sarina as they enjoy a similar back-and-forth from their previous lives. After a brief heart-to-heart, Ruby steals a kiss from him in the guise of practicing the one that they eventually share during the movie's shooting.[9]
Ai Hoshino
Ai is Ruby's biological mother. Even in her past life as Sarina, she was a big fan of her and her work. She was elated when she reincarnated as her daughter, as she was able to get to experience her dream before her goal of becoming an idol. She was spoiled and demanded her mother's attention whenever she was around. She would utilize every moment to fawn over Ai so she could spoil and dote on her. When she was still alive, her mother reflected on how similar she was to an Otaku after Ruby complimented her smell and asked what shampoo she used despite using the same ones. After her mother's passing, she was determined to follow in her footsteps and prayed to her tombstone regularly to update her on her life.
Ichigo Saitou
Ruby's adopted father. After Ai's death, he became distant from his family. After becoming an idol, Ruby comes to him looking for anyone connected to Ai. He promises to tell her if she becomes popular and provides some pointers on how to do so. He also helps her by using his connections to get her bigger and more popular roles.
Miyako Saitou
Miyako was Ruby and Aqua's babysitter but later became their adopted mother. Miyako never once tries to stop Ruby from becoming an idol, even deciding to relaunch the idol division of Ichigo Production, Inc. just for her to pursue her dreams. Since she thinks of Ruby as her own daughter, she just can't say no when it comes to her.
Ichigo Production, Inc
Kana Arima
Despite sharing a long history, Ruby only recently starts seriously interacting with Kana when the latter joins her idol group. They first met as children on the film set That Was the Start. However, due to Kana's cocky personality back then, Ruby immediately developed a poor opinion of her. Similarly, Kana disliked Ruby because the latter continuously got her nickname wrong.
After their first meeting, Ruby and Kana would not see each other again until high school. While their relationship remains relatively poor, things take a drastic turn when Ichigo Production, Inc. begins scouting for a new idol group. After Aqua points out that Kana is a freelancer, Ruby quickly realizes her potential but is hesitant to approach her due to their bad standing with each other. While Ruby is willing to swallow her pride to ask her to join, Aqua is forced to be an in-between by arranging their meeting, and he is ultimately the one who convinces her. [10]
After Kana joined Ichigo Production, Inc., while they still occasionally banter, Ruby's relationship with her improved. In a way, Kana becomes a sort of mentor figure to Ruby, teaching her about the ways of the entertainment world. Conversely, whenever Kana gets depressed, Ruby is regularly the one who cheers her up. They also often gossip about Aqua and share a dislike for his moody personality.
After witnessing her acting during the stage adaptation of Tokyo Blade, Ruby becomes more understanding of her Kana's passion for acting and over time comes to appreciate her involvement in B-Komachi.[11] Kana on the other hand starts to become frustrated over Ruby's growing popularity. Nonetheless when Ruby is cast to portray Ai for The 15 Year Lie, Kana gives her various acting advice, even letting Ruby visit on set for a film she is making.[12]
However, things take a drastic turn when Kana decides to reveal her frustration in an attempt to get Ruby to understand her mother better, damaging their relationship in the process. Ruby has made attempts to mend the relationship but has given the cold shoulder. Ruby eventually gives up and the relationship remains fractured until the two perform in an intense scene that focuses on the fractured relationship between the characters they are portraying. The two reconcile as Ruby understands her mother's feelings as well as vowing that she will not abandon her friends as Ai did.[13]
Mem-Cho
A member of Ruby's idol group. Recruited by Aqua after their performance in LoveforReal, Mem's notoriety as an online personality greatly enhanced the group's fame. Despite Mem being 25 years old upon her admission, way past the ripe age for an idol, Ruby accepts her because they share the same childhood dream. Ruby looks up at her and comments on how she was a cutie when they first met. They are also optimistic hard workers, which propels their friendship further.
Pieyon
Ruby and Pieyon seem to have been long acquaintances through the latter's affiliation with Ichigo Production, Inc. She finds working with him a joy, and he appears to be one of the few co-workers she genuinely respects, propelling him to silence Kana when she doubts his popularity.
Shun Yoshizumi
Ruby meets Shun while working as the reporter of Dig Deep! One Chance. While it's ambiguous if she truly cares for or at least sympathizes with Shun deep down, her being nice to him is mainly so she can use him as an investment for her career as per Ichigo's advice to be kind to the assistant director to build up a relationship, in the hopes that Shun might become the main director in the future. Shun mistakes Ruby's friendliness as him being her type.
Later after a scandal on the show, Ruby invites Shun to become her manager, which he accepts.
Friends
Frill Shiranui
Frill is Ruby's classmate and friend. Ruby is at first terrified to approach such a famous person but they break the ice after Aqua approaches on her behalf. The two eventually become friends over their shared interest in the show LoveforReal. She is often seen bantering with Ruby and Minami. Later they would get the chance to work together for The 15 Year Lie.
Minami Kotobuki
Minami is Ruby's classmate and friend. She is often seen bantering with Ruby and Frill. She once accompanies Ruby to visit Aqua during the rehearsals of the Tokyo Blade stage adaptation. Ruby would later invite her to take part in the cosplay segment of Dig Deep! One Chance.
Akane Kurokawa
Ruby first takes note of Akane as she is cast alongside her brother on LoveforReal. Later Ruby subconsciously utters 'mama' upon seeing footage of Akane pretending to adopt the persona of Ai.[14] As Akane becomes her brother's girlfriend, Ruby is seen following Akane's account. At that point, Aqua told Ruby beforehand that they only had a professional relationship. This causes Ruby to ruminate how scummy guys like him are the worst for not taking a 'cute' girlfriend like Akane seriously. Ruby then vows to be nice to Akane when they finally meet face to face, hoping that day comes soon. [15]
As everyone gathers at the airport for the trip to Miyazaki, Ruby is ecstatic that she finally meets Akane in person. She is instantly captivated by her looks and praises Akane's beauty and cuteness. Akane returns the gesture while remaining humble, complimenting Ruby as someone much prettier than herself, causing Ruby to beam in delight. Ruby is elated over her praise and asks if she can call her 'sis'. She shares how she always wanted an older sister and began questioning Akane when she would officially marry Aqua to become her sister-in-law. When interacting with the enthusiastic Ruby, Akane could only blush in response. Ruby then earnestly asks Akane to take care of her incompetent brother as well as whether she will be marrying him. [4]
At Takachiho, Ruby is euphoric as Akane agrees to share a room with her. Ruby begins signing merrily about the sleepover on their way back. Ruby then shares how familiar she is with 'this place' and how significant it is to her. She then invites Akane to join B-Komachi as well, but Akane is apprehensive as she lacks the necessary skills to be an idol. In return, Akane then asks if she’s interested in becoming an actress and offers to guide her if she wants. Ruby is delighted but says she will do so after fulfilling her idol dream.
Ruby then changes the subject and asks Akane about her views on the age gap. Akane replies that their mental state and age matter the most to her, but she would be fine with a 10-year gap. Akane then follows with a question about the reason for such a topic, with Ruby chuckling in response. Ruby confesses that she has a crush and the history behind said crush to Akane, stating that 'sensei' gave her a purpose and that without him, she wouldn’t be able to live.
Akane empathizes, stating that having someone she loves is good and a little age gap will not matter in the face of true love. She even offers her help for such a pursuit but Ruby explains that she is unaware of where he has gone. Ruby trusts Akane enough to reveal all the embarrassing advances she once made, only to be rejected. Akane could only blush in response as she listened to Ruby venting. Despite Ruby's personality change, she still protects Akane's and Aqua's relationship as she chastises her friend for aiming for her brother when he already has a pretty girlfriend. [16]
Others
Tsukuyomi
Tsukuyomi's first known interaction with Ruby takes place at Miyazaki after the corpse of Gorou is found, pointing out that Ruby took something from the corpse, which should not have been done. Ruby is at first annoyed by her presence but Tsukuyomi then proceeds to give a story about Ai coming to the area all those years ago and that there were two suspicious men the night Ai gave birth. When Ruby asks her for more information, she simply replies that it's her duty to find out. [17]
Masaya Kaburagi
Ruby meets Masaya when she invites him to a B-Komachi concert and applies to be a reporter for Dig Deep! One Chance, which the latter gladly accepts due to her chemistry with Aqua. However as the producer of Taishi's upcoming film, The 15 Year Lie, he initially wants to cast a more well-known performer in the starring role due to having reservations regarding her acting talent but he relents when his first and second options make themselves unavailable. Beyond that, no other interactions between the two have been shown and her opinions of him are unknown.
Taishi Gotanda
Ruby and Taishi seem to be long acquaintances through the latter's relationship with her brother. Noticing her strong resemblance to Ai, Taishi wants to cast Ruby in the film about her mother that he is making.[18]
Melt Narushima
Ruby and Melt have met once during the rehearsal phase of Tokyo Blade when she tries to visit Aqua.[2] However they do not seriously interact until the making of The 15 Year Lie. Ruby is not impressed with his casting of Gorou Amamiya as she remembers his performance from Sweet Today and criticizes him for it. However, she changes her mind upon finding out the amount of research he put in to prepare for his role. They both gain some respect for each other afterwards.[19]
Other Relatives
Taiki Himekawa
Ruby and Taiki are half-siblings through their shared father, Hikaru. Despite the fact Taiki has acknowledged this fact, they have never been seen to interact with each other. At the end of the story, Taiki has announces on social media that he has contemplated suicide but does not follow through with it for the sake his only surviving relative, implied to be Ruby.[20]
Hikaru Kamiki
References
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 33.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 53.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 71.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 74.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 106.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 121-122.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 123.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 124.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 143.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 20; Anime: S1, Ep. 5.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 66.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 118-133.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 133-137.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 29.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 41.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 77.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 79.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 112.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 144.
- ↑ Oshi no Ko Manga: Ch. 166.5.