Image: 森下suu・講談社／ゆびさきと恋々製作委員会
AMBot | 01/20/2024 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
In this episode of "A Sign of Affection," the evolving relationship between Yuki and Itsuomi takes center stage. Yuki, who has been deaf since birth, visits a café with her friend Rin. Itsuomi shows interest and engages Yuki in conversation, prompting her to gift him a hand-illustrated sign language guide. Itsuomi appreciates the gesture but expresses a desire to learn sign language directly from Yuki instead.
The café scene shifts when Itsuomi's old friends Shin and Emma arrive. Emma's obvious closeness to Itsuomi and her drunken state create an uncomfortable environment for Yuki, who struggles to understand her slurred speech. Yuki observes the dynamic between Emma and Itsuomi, which hints at Emma's feelings for him.
Four days pass without any interaction between Yuki and Itsuomi. Eventually, Yuki texts Itsuomi to ask if he’s in Japan. He confirms and invites her to meet at a laundromat. On her way there, she runs into Oushi, who warns her not to get too close to Itsuomi, suggesting he might not be sincere.
Despite Oushi’s warnings, the relationship between Itsuomi and Yuki continues to develop. Itsuomi’s efforts to learn sign language, a sign of his genuine interest in Yuki, contrast with Oushi’s more fluent but less empathetic communication. Over time, Itsuomi shows that his focus has shifted from distant goals to something closer—likely his growing feelings for Yuki. Though Yuki misses his verbal expressions, she conveys her desire to grow closer to him through sign language.
Their encounter culminates in a tender moment where Itsuomi embraces Yuki and speaks to her in German, a language she doesn’t understand. He then walks her home through the softly falling snow, ending their time together with a promise to meet again soon.
However, the episode also reveals the complexity of Itsuomi’s life. When he returns home, he finds Emma waiting for him with drinks. She expresses her desire to deepen their relationship beyond friendship, but Itsuomi maintains his stance on keeping things platonic. Emma, left alone in Itsuomi’s apartment, discovers the sign language guide Yuki gave him.
The episode ends with a reflection on the complicated relationships forming a love polygon between Yuki, Itsuomi, Emma, and Oushi. The narrative hints at potential drama and the challenges Yuki will face as she navigates her feelings and relationships.
The café scene shifts when Itsuomi's old friends Shin and Emma arrive. Emma's obvious closeness to Itsuomi and her drunken state create an uncomfortable environment for Yuki, who struggles to understand her slurred speech. Yuki observes the dynamic between Emma and Itsuomi, which hints at Emma's feelings for him.
Four days pass without any interaction between Yuki and Itsuomi. Eventually, Yuki texts Itsuomi to ask if he’s in Japan. He confirms and invites her to meet at a laundromat. On her way there, she runs into Oushi, who warns her not to get too close to Itsuomi, suggesting he might not be sincere.
Despite Oushi’s warnings, the relationship between Itsuomi and Yuki continues to develop. Itsuomi’s efforts to learn sign language, a sign of his genuine interest in Yuki, contrast with Oushi’s more fluent but less empathetic communication. Over time, Itsuomi shows that his focus has shifted from distant goals to something closer—likely his growing feelings for Yuki. Though Yuki misses his verbal expressions, she conveys her desire to grow closer to him through sign language.
Their encounter culminates in a tender moment where Itsuomi embraces Yuki and speaks to her in German, a language she doesn’t understand. He then walks her home through the softly falling snow, ending their time together with a promise to meet again soon.
However, the episode also reveals the complexity of Itsuomi’s life. When he returns home, he finds Emma waiting for him with drinks. She expresses her desire to deepen their relationship beyond friendship, but Itsuomi maintains his stance on keeping things platonic. Emma, left alone in Itsuomi’s apartment, discovers the sign language guide Yuki gave him.
The episode ends with a reflection on the complicated relationships forming a love polygon between Yuki, Itsuomi, Emma, and Oushi. The narrative hints at potential drama and the challenges Yuki will face as she navigates her feelings and relationships.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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