Aroha (Reason, Love Interest)

Aroha (meaning “love” in te reo Māori) is a character I’m still trying to understand. Kō is in love with her, but although I have an understanding of why Aroha is in love with Kō, I don’t yet understand why Kō loves Aroha.

Aroha is going to be quite feminine, but I’m thinking that because Kō is so masculine while looking very feminine, that Aroha will be feminine while looking a bit masculine. I haven’t nailed down the look yet, but I have some ideas from the source images in the gallery below.

This love is problematic for them. Homosexuality wasn’t that big of a deal during this time, but Kō is already betrothed. Aroha might also be from an enemy iwi a la Romeo and Juliet. Wherefore art thou, Hongi Hika?
In any case, their union, although not a big deal since they are young, can’t be official or long term like they want it to be.

This dynamic will give texture to Kō’s struggle to prevent Rangi and Papa from being together.