Summary
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The story ofOshi No Kois as compelling as it is tragic, intertwining the glittering allure ofcelebrity culture with the dark underbelly of manipulation, betrayal, and vengeance.
At the heart of the narrative lies the murder of Ai Hoshino, an idol adored by millions, whose life was cut short under harrowing circumstances. The manga, thankfully, did not end without revealing Ai’s true killer and his motives, and of course, it turned out to be as petty as fans expected.
The Shocking Murder of Ai Hoshino
Ai Hoshino’s murder was the inciting incident ofOshi No Ko’sreal story. Ai, a rising idol with an infectious charisma, was killed by a disgruntled fan named Ryosuke, who had been manipulated into carrying out the heinous act.
Ryosuke’s actions, however, were orchestrated by none other than Hikaru Kamiki, Ai’s former lover andthe father of her twin children, Aqua and Ruby. But why did he kill Ai?
Who Is Hikaru Kamiki?
Once an aspiring actor, Hikaru founded Kamiki Productions, a talent agency that served as a front for his dark tendencies. Despite his outward charm, he harbored a deeply sadistic side. His preference for targeting young, rising female celebrities stemmed from a traumatic past that scarred his psyche.
As revealed in the series, Hikaru endured abuse at the age of 11 whena married actress manipulated him. This event, coupled with the ensuing fallout—her husband discovering the affair and committing a double murder-suicide—cemented Hikaru’s warped view of relationships. Over time, he developed a pattern ofmarking young actresses with symbolic white flowers, selecting them as his victims.
Why Did Hikaru Kill Ai Hoshino?
Ai’s murder was not an impulsive actbut a calculated plan by Hikaru Kamiki. Their relationship was fraught with imbalance. Hikaru sought love and validation but found none in Ai, who, despite her outward charm, struggled with deep emotional insecurities. When Ai ended their relationship, it shattered Hikaru’s fragile ego, prompting him to orchestrate her murder.
Hikaru manipulated Ryosuke into murdering Ai by exploiting the fan’s disillusionment upon learning of Ai’s secret—her life as a mother. Hikaru’s involvement highlights his cruelty, as he saw Ai’s vulnerability and rising fame as reasons to preserve her image through a tragic death. In his twisted mind, Ai’s fall would immortalize her at the peak of her career, avoiding any future scandals.
Ai’s love and lies also influenced Hikaru. While she outwardly expressed affection, her true feelings remained ambiguous, leaving Hikaru feeling betrayed. This emotional void, coupled with his warped psyche, fueled his need for control and destruction.
The Aftermath: Confrontation and Retribution
Aqua devoted his life to uncoveringthe truth and avenging his mother. The climactic confrontation between Aqua and Hikaru occurred after the premiere ofThe 15-Year Lie, a film exposing Ai’s life and death. During their final meeting, Aqua shared a DVD containing a heartfelt confession from Ai herself. On the recording, Ai admitted that she truly loved Hikaru, a revelation that shattered Hikaru’s twisted perception of their relationship. This confession left Hikaru wracked with guilt, forcing him to confront the full extent of his monstrous actions.
The confrontation escalated as Aqua took drastic measures to ensure Hikaru would never harm anyone again. After luring Hikaru to a secluded location, Aqua stabbed himself to stage a desperate act of mutual destruction. He dragged Hikaru off a cliff and into the sea below. In their final moments, Hikaru struggled to survive, but Aqua ensured his death by choking him underwater as both of them succumbed to their injuries. Hikaru’s life ended amidst the cold embrace of the ocean, haunted by the imagined arms of his victims pulling him into the depths.
This devastating sacrifice brought closure to a long-standing cycle of pain. Aqua’s death not only fulfilled his quest for justice but also secured a future for his sister, Ruby, free from Hikaru. Ruby, now carrying the torch of their mother’s legacy, found renewed purpose and strength in the wake of her brother’s ultimate sacrifice.
The reason I lived… definitely not for revenge. It was to protect my own sister. That’s why I was born as a twin, closest to my sister. Thank goodness this time, I can die before you.
The Legacy of Ai Hoshino
Despite her untimely death, Ai Hoshino’s legacy endured through her children andthe impact she had on those around her.Her life, fraught with secrets and struggles, served as a reminder of the pressures faced by public figures. In the wake of her murder, Aqua and Ruby channeled their grief into finding meaning and purpose, ultimately illuminating the resilience of the human spirit.
