A Sign of Affection - Episode 2

In Episode 2 of "A Sign of Affection", the story revolves around Yuki and her interactions with Itsuomi, Rin, and Oushi. The episode begins with Rin congratulating Yuki on obtaining Itsuomi’s contact details. Rin strategically chooses a place for them to meet, knowing that Itsuomi’s club often gathers there. Despite Yuki’s initial difficulty in catching Itsuomi’s attention, Rin steps in to help, leading to a pleasant text exchange between Yuki and Itsuomi. Through this interaction, Yuki learns that Itsuomi is traveling to Laos.

Yuki’s happiness is obvious to Rin, who notices Yuki’s radiant demeanor. Rin also reflects on the nature of Yuki’s feelings, noting that Yuki must discern for herself the difference between a crush and love.

Meanwhile, Oushi, Yuki’s childhood friend who knows sign language, observes the interactions between the two. Oushi primarily uses his sign language skills in a teasing manner toward Yuki. Despite his protective nature, Oushi’s behavior toward Yuki resembles the way a child expresses affection. There are hints of a possible romantic interest between Oushi’s friend Izumi and Oushi himself, as well as Oushi’s deep concern for Yuki.

Oushi prefers Yuki to remain in a safe environment, reflecting his protective attitude. However, Yuki has ambitions that extend beyond the boundaries of her past experiences. Having attended a special school for the deaf, where social interactions were limited, Yuki is eager to explore the world outside. Her college education and interactions with Itsuomi—especially through texts and photos—offer her glimpses of a broader world.

Yuki’s excitement about learning from Itsuomi is further heightened by his attractiveness. She senses an intensity in her feelings for him that goes beyond a simple crush. Itsuomi reciprocates this interest by learning to say "Good morning", showing his willingness to engage with Yuki’s world. However, Yuki wishes Itsuomi would be more mindful of personal space.

While waiting to speak with Rin, Yuki converses in sign language with Oushi. The depiction of this conversation is detailed, emphasizing the nuances of hand gestures and facial expressions. Despite the directness of Oushi’s signing, Yuki perceives a gentleness in his hands that hints at his care for her. Still, she finds Oushi’s behavior frustrating and wishes he would be more open with his feelings.

Oushi prefers Yuki to remain in a safe environment, reflecting his protective attitude. However, Yuki has ambitions that extend beyond the boundaries of her past experiences. Having attended a special school for the deaf, where social interactions were limited, Yuki is eager to explore the world outside. Her college education and interactions with Itsuomi—especially through texts and photos—offer her glimpses of a broader world.

Yuki’s excitement about learning from Itsuomi is further heightened by his attractiveness. She senses an intensity in her feelings for him that goes beyond a simple crush. Itsuomi reciprocates this interest by learning to say "Good morning", showing his willingness to engage with Yuki’s world. However, Yuki wishes Itsuomi would be more mindful of personal space.

While waiting to speak with Rin, Yuki converses in sign language with Oushi. The depiction of this conversation is detailed, emphasizing the nuances of hand gestures and facial expressions. Despite the directness of Oushi’s signing, Yuki perceives a gentleness in his hands that hints at his care for her. Still, she finds Oushi’s behavior frustrating and wishes he would be more open with his feelings.

Influenced by Rin’s advice, Yuki concludes that her feelings for Itsuomi are genuine love. Rin celebrates this realization with a supportive hug and signs an encouraging message to Itsuomi. The episode ends with Yuki wondering whether Itsuomi’s interest in her might simply be for cultural exchange.