A Sign of Affection - Episode 1

In the first episode of "A Sign of Affection," the story follows Itose Yuki, a hearing-impaired college student. The episode begins with Yuki encountering a foreign-looking man on a train. She doesn’t know how to communicate with him. A silver-haired man, whom Yuki recognizes from her friend Rin’s club, helps her by speaking to the stranger.

Later, Yuki learns from the silver-haired man that the stranger actually speaks Japanese. During their conversation, she shows him her hearing aid. Intrigued by her ability to read lips, the man adjusts his communication accordingly. Their exchange ends with a friendly farewell as he exits at the next stop.

This encounter leaves a deep impression on Yuki. She appreciates that the man doesn’t see the communication barrier as an obstacle to their interaction. Yuki feels a profound emotional connection, reflected in her racing heartbeat.

The next day, Yuki’s mood is noticeably brighter. Her friend Rin notices her cheerful demeanor and teases her about a possible romantic interest. Yuki shares her experience, and Rin identifies the silver-haired man as Itsuomi. She also mentions that Itsuomi co-owns a café and bar with her cousin.

Rin suggests visiting the café to get the cousins’ contact details—a plan that excites Yuki. She eagerly prepares for the visit, carefully selecting her outfit.

At the café, Yuki is delighted to see Itsuomi again, who still carries a cool and attractive aura. Itsuomi’s cousin greets Yuki, but she doesn’t notice at first, focused on the menu. Itsuomi engages her in conversation, making her feel at ease in his presence.

Yuki and Rin are impressed when Itsuomi lists the languages he speaks and is learning. Just then, some of Itsuomi’s foreign friends arrive, including a woman who greets him with a kiss on the cheek. Yuki watches them, while Rin successfully gets her cousin’s contact information.

Yuki hesitates to ask for Itsuomi’s contact details, fearing it might be too forward. However, as the evening progresses, Itsuomi offers to walk Yuki and Rin home. Rin ensures Itsuomi accompanies Yuki.

During the walk, Itsuomi instinctively takes Yuki’s hand when a scooter approaches. Yuki becomes acutely aware of the warmth and size of his hand compared to hers. Despite the silence, their connection is palpable. Gathering courage, Yuki asks for Itsuomi’s contact information, which he gladly provides.

As they near the station, Yuki thanks Itsuomi for his company. He asks her to teach him the sign for "thank you" and mimics her gesture. Before parting, Yuki asks about his worldview. He responds thoughtfully, expressing a desire to be part of her world.

Yuki’s joy is unmistakable as she reacts to Itsuomi’s message with excitement. The episode ends with a sense of connection and the breaking down of communication barriers between Yuki and Itsuomi.

The story highlights the growth of their relationship and the overcoming of challenges posed by Yuki’s hearing impairment. The episode is characterized by warm, gentle tones that set the foundation for their unfolding story.