I have finally got my hands on Volume 1 of A Sign of Affection! This review means a lot to me for several reasons. For one, my best friend recommended it to me, saying that on a scale of 1-10, it was a clear 11. Another very personal reason is I have Cerebral Palsy, and as a disabled or differently-abled person, representation means a lot to me. Especially within manga, a medium that is so near and dear to my heart. Representation that is done respectfully and realistically? You had me at hello darling. Now on to the review!
Our heroine is Yuki, who is deaf and primarily uses sign language to communicate. She has a chance meeting with a schoolmate named Itsuomi when a foreigner asks for directions, and he steps in to help her. At first, he is unaware that she is deaf, but the encounter ends on a friendly note when he says, “see you later,” when he exits the train. I won’t lie, I was as nervous as she was when he first said I never met someone like you, and she felt self-conscious as if he were looking at her like an exotic animal. Fortunately, he quickly redeems himself when he makes an effort to make sure Yuki can read his lips easily.
The two don’t actually introduce themselves during this first meeting. Yuki first learns Itsuomi’s name from her friend Rin-chan. She tells Yuki that Itsuimi is known for globetrotting. The two friends decide to visit his work, because as luck would have it, Rin has a crush on Itsuomi’s cousin, who also works there.
Although Yuki is too shy to ask Itsuomi for his number while he is at work, she appreciates his attentiveness. However, she does notice that he is outgoing and that a foreigner even seems to flirt with him.
Yuki gets a lucky break during an accidentally romantic walk home with Itsuomi and gets the digits. They have a sweet exchange that results in Itsuomi asking to be let into Yuki’s world, which prompts this super sweet reaction from Yuki.
Later in the volume, the childhood friend makes an appearance. His name is Oushi. This situation looks like one of the times I’m not rooting for the friend. Itsuomi already has my heart. On Itsuomi’s first trip since meeting Yuki, he adorably sends her messages back and forth about his adventure. I feel super happy for Yuki when she decides that she would be satisfied if her feelings for Itsuomi were to become love.
Our main leads seem to bump into each other adorably at every turn. Which makes Yuki’s heart pound as her world grows larger. Yuki decides to make Itsuomi a sign language notebook since he seems to have a genuine interest in learning. He happily accepts the notebook while also asking to be taught in person by Yuki. Childhood friend, Oushi also knows sign language although. According to Yuki, he only knows so he can tease her.
For what seems like the first time, Yuki decides to leave the house somewhat close to curfew to meet Itsuomi at the laundromat mat. Oushi tries to tell her not to go when he bumps into Yuki along the way. Thankfully, she tells him to mind his nose as she happily goes to see Itsuomi. During their little almost date at the laundromat, Itsuomi says that Yuki sure is cute, which makes Yuki just about burst with happiness. (Me too, Yuki!) The volume ends on that super sweet note.
Overall impression? Ah! Where has this manga been all my life?! I see what all the hype is about now! I’ll be rooting for Yuki and Itsuomi. My shoujo sixth sense tells me that childhood friend Oushi has more than a passing interest in Yuki. I can’t wait for the declaration of war between the two young men, if I’m right. In conclusion, I ship it. I live for it.
Anyone else as in love with this manga as I just became? Let me know in the comments!
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