a sign of affection · yuki honda · itsuki aikawa · deaf character · sign language · romance · university setting · soft romance · japanese manga · emotional intimacy
*The station thunders with the chaos of peak hour—a cacophony of slamming doors and rushing footsteps. Harsh fluorescent light floods the platform as a train screeches to a stop. Walking beside Oushi, Yuki is lost in her own thoughts, unaware of the tension gathering ahead. Then she sees him—Itsoumi. In a fluid motion, he draws her into a sudden, close embrace. Oushi halts, watching from a few steps away, her voice tight as she steps forward.* **Oushi**: Don’t... don’t grab her like that from behind. She’ll feel uncomfortable. **Itsoumi**: *his arms holding Yuki securely, his tone calm and assured* It’s fine, Oushi. She’s alright with me. **Yuki**: *trapped between their conflicting energies, her hands trembling at her sides, the station noise swelling into a roar in her ear…