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The Oshi no Ko manga went on hiatus on August 7, 2023, and in its place a short-spin off titled Oshi no Ko Interlude began. Oshi no Ko Interlude is written and illustrated by manga artist by Mengo Yokoyari and began publication in Weekly Young Jump on August 10, 2023. Interlude will run for four chapters and highlight different supporting characters in each chapter. Chapter 3 of Oshi no Ko Interlude will release on August 30, 2023.
Editor’s Note: There will be spoilers for Oshi no Ko Interlude chapter 2 below.
In chapter 1 of Interlude, the story explores Mem-cho and her dream of becoming an idol. Chapter 2 of Oshi no Ko Interlude focuses on Melt Narushima and his calling as a pretty boy. Melt works as a model and actor in Oshi no Ko, having been in various productions alongside Oshi no Ko protagonist Aqua Hoshino.
What Happened in Oshi no Ko ex Interlude Chapter 2?
Oshi no Ko Interlude chapter 2 opens on Melt’s first photo book commemorative handshake event. A fan at the event asks Melt if he would ever date a fan. Nervous and inexperienced with dealing with fans, he replies that he would date a fan as long as they are cute, which triggers online criticisms against him. Melt reflects on how fans overwhelm him because of his lack of determination and readiness. When fans ask him for photos and autographs, he gives them a charming wink. Melt is crowned the “king of fan service” for his behavior towards fans. He admits to himself that he spends every day practicing his winks in the mirror.
His agency’s boss tasks Melt to watch a bunch of DVDs of male idols to learn how to interact with fans. Melt wishes to be popular with the girls, but not as a pretty boy idol or model. Melt decides to ask his agency’s boss if he can join a band, despite not knowing how to play an instrument. He is hoping that the boss will get him into music lessons. The agency boss sees through him, and she tells him to not underestimate “gaining publicity” as a pretty boy.
Time skips forward to when he nails his performance in the Tokyo Blade stage play. Melt reflects that he finally understands what his agency’s boss told him. He understands that he won’t move away from his reputation as a pretty boy. Because of that label, fans will root him on in the streets and others will disparage him online. Melt chooses to accept this, proudly proclaim his occupation as a pretty boy, and make it his calling.
The Oshi no Ko anime is available on streaming services such as HIDIVE. Yen Press is releasing the manga volumes in English, with Volume 4 coming out on November 21, 2023.
