It’s A Good Payoff – A Sign Of Affection Episode 5 Review
After a few episodes of A Sign Of Affection, it’s pretty clear to me the entire future plot would be the love triangles involving Itsuomi, Yuki, Oushi, and Emma. At first, I was worried that this anime will be a typical rom-com where the two main leads keep guessing each other’s feelings, with some other characters who are so obviously trapped in unrequited loves.
So far, I’m glad that this anime sticks to the pure romance atmosphere. I do enjoy the back and forth between love story and comedy of rom-coms from time to time. But, A Sign Of Affection sure does bring a breath of fresh air when it comes to my romance watch list.
This episode, especially, is a prime example of a good romance story. I can see myself recommending this anime just by showing this episode alone, without the need to give more context.
Yes, there is a bit of drama here with Emma. But, overall, Itsuomi and Yuki’s interaction is all we need to see to know about the bread and butter of a romance formula. Speaking of which, the last episode left us on a cliffhanger, didn’t it? So, let’s start with what happens after Itsuomi invited Yuki to his place.
Welcome To Itsuomi’s Cave
They end up chatting a lot.
This is might be the highlight that I like the most. You know Yuki is special to Itsuomi, when he’s showing all the things that he has to her. A person like Itsuomi doesn’t just simply let any random person meddle with his personal stuff. For how slick and smooth Itsuomi is, he’s actually a bit strict when it comes to his own boundaries, a trait that I can really relate to.
Although, it seems like when he got curious, Itsuomi forgets his sense of personal space. Well, it’s okay when he and Yuki clings to each other. They do share the same feelings after all, even though they haven’t said it out loud.
Itsuomi can a be goofball too.
But, it was rather surprising when I saw him tickles Yuki out of nowhere, just because he wants to see her laugh once more. He’s so awkwardly social, and a goofball too. He seems to be so excited to show off his stuff from overseas. Well, this part of the episode also highlight Yuki’s hearing impairment. Sometimes, we take the ability to hear and speak clearly for granted.
What’s sad is, those who has an impairment on either of these can fall victim to bullying or social isolation in general. Yuki is not so different, people thought she speaks weird. Seeing Itsuomi compliments her laugh isn’t just cute, but also sweet, and genuinely evokes a heartwarming feeling.
Emma Is Frustrating
A classic misunderstanding in a romance story.
However, all the fun and games quickly comes to an end when Emma rings Itsuomi’s doorbell. Emma is here? When Yuki is in Itsuomi’s place? Oh, this is going to be a drama. Heck, Emma’s first thought when Yuki scurries off is to say, “Thanks for letting me stay the night.” Wow, this is some underhanded move.
Understandably, Itsuomi is not happy with it. Even if Yuki can’t audibly hear her, what Emma says really ignores the fact that Itsuomi hears what she’s saying loud and clear. Especially, when she actually didn’t spend the night at his place. What a way to shoot yourself in the foot, Emma.
However, as she hands Itsuomi’s spare key, Yuki sees it, and she assumes they’re in a relationship because what other reason there could be for Emma to have his key? This scene really gave me a bad aftertaste after all the cute moments between Itsuomi and Yuki. What Shin says to her at the end of this episode might be right after all, she might be trying too hard.
Okay, This Is A High-Time Shoujo
It’s a nice shoujo anime
Everthing about A Sign Of Affection has gotten me either slapping my forehead or gleefully giggling like a ticklish lab rat. I can’t deny this anime can be too cute at times. But, in this fifth episode, finally there is a point where I went, “Man… this is so shoujo” in a good way.
After their conversation cut off by Emma’s arrival, Itsuomi and Yuki basically put what they were talking about on hold. But, before that, I admire how Yuki is actually a very direct person.
This scene is such a payoff.
She’s been wondering why Itsuomi has an interest in sign language in the first place. And now, she asks him just that. What is his answer? So he can talk to Yuki. A simple answer yet a very romantic one.
On top of that, this episode ends with a scene where Itsuomi kisses Yuki’s hand. You know what, I lost it. This is a good payoff in the middle of the anime, after all the guessing about Itsuomi’s feelings. He never verbally says he likes Yuki, but all of his actions certainly say so.
#ASignOfAffection #Anime #AnimeReview #Romance #Shoujo #Winter2024 #yubisakiToRenren