I’m Pika. This is my oshi no ko sideblog so there will only be onk content here. I’m a manga reader so expect many manga spoilers here. I’m shy so I don’t post often but I’m always online and free to talk!!!
Twitter- https://twitter.com/astralpikaa?s=21
Ao3 acc-
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
If Melt was the rising sun, a burning phoenix that soared into the clouds, then Aqua would be the moon, a solitary rabbit that watched the world below.
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In which Melt and Aqua find themselves casted as lovers in a stage play, as they struggle to figure out their relationship and their future.
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Very late advertisement because I forgot I had an onk tumblr but if there’s any aquamelt fans here check out my long fic!
ep 7 had quite some captivating moments but THIS. THIS RIGHT HERE is what had me hitting pause and rewind over and over
the deep inhale. the momentary pause. the shaky exhale. the glowing star in his eye contrasting the dark surrounding. the much sharper tone than when he spoke just mere seconds ago. he’s barely keeping his composure. you can clearly see how this whole thing is a deeply personal matter to him, and try as he might, he cannot even pretend to be casual about it.
this moment right here is the culmination of deep-seated anger and disappointment towards adults who had failed the children they’re supposed to protect that he had encountered in his two lifetimes; from Sarina’s parents who downright abandoned her, himself who failed to protect Sarina and Ai, and now these showrunners who exploit children AND are willing to throw Akane to the wolves for profit.
he’s had enough of this, he’s not letting that happen again, and he despised those adults who failed the children they’re supposed to protect with every fiber of his being. and it’s amazing how the show managed to perfectly capture it all in just that few seconds. it’s a simple thing that can’t be captured in the manga but the anime nailed it perfectly. A+++++ directing and voice acting (I especially love Ootsuka Takeo’s acting here. you can feel all the quiet fury he’s trying to contain with just that deep breath before delivering that dialogue)
You know, as an aroace person, I really love the dynamic between Aqua and Akane because I hardly ever seen such dynamic gets portrayed in media
Spoiler for the manga below the cut
They're not romantically or sexually attracted to each other
Note that even though she said that she does, Akane didn't sound sure. It's just that since Aqua was her boyfriend (and the first one at that) she thinks that she must have romantic feelings towards him
Even when Akane said that she doesn't mind kissing or having sex with Aqua, she said that she doesn't mind instead of she wants to
And she said it's because he's a kind person—not because she likes him that way
And yet
They genuinely care about each other
Akane understands Aqua's situation and genuinely wants to be there for him and be his strength
And that, in turn, made Aqua feel saved
He found someone who not only understands him, but also accept him wholly—the good, the bad, and everything in between.
He even thought that he could be happy with her—to the point where he was really considering forgetting about his revenge, which he had planned for the last 14 years of his life, mind you.
She's clearly an important presence in his life.
She wants to save him from his misery
And he wants to save her from himself
And there are toxic aspects of their relationship
What's with Aqua's sense of guilt and tendency to blame himself which pushes Akane (and everyone else) away
And her willingness to do anything for him and to be 'used' by him which made her do reckless things and increases Aqua's sense of guilt
It's just so nice to see two people (and those of the opposite genders at that) who just care about each other so deeply without it being romantic or sexual (they're not even quite friends) and their relationship is still complex and even has toxic aspects to it
It's just nice to see it for a chance, and their relationship and dynamic is so beautifully written
There's no way someone can read though the entire oshi no ko manga and come to the conclusion that Aqua's some sort master class manipulator with no compassion.
Like, yes Aqua can be manipulative and downright scummy. But he isn't as bad as he thinks he is, not by a lot shot. He cares way too much of the people around him, in fact, most of his more questionable and manipulative actions are for his loved ones. He pushes the people away to protect them. Even after Akane declared that she would follow him to hell and that she doesn't mind being used by him, he would rather take on everything himself. Such a large part of the story is spent telling this information to us, how do you miss?