REVIEW: ‘A Sign Of Affection’ Episode 3 — “Someone Is Thinking Of Someone”

A Sign of Affection Episode 3 bursts with heart and sweetness. Somehow managing to make a laundromat romantic, “Someone is Thinking About Someone,” is a lovely, introspective exploration of Yuki Itose’s (Sumire Morohoshi) continued, burgeoning feelings for Itsuomi Nagi (Yū Miyazaki). Based on the manga by suu Morishita and directed by Yūta Murano, the love story at its center continues to anchor the plot, even if Yuki herself feels rudderless and at the mercy of her emotions.

Yuki is determined to set the best foot forward in A Sign of Affection Episode 3. We see this early on as she, on her own time, prepares a sign language visual guide for Itsuomi to help him study. Adding to the charm are the crude drawings that accompany the instructions. This moment and her presenting it to Itsuomi at the bar where he works isn’t just sweet in and of itself. It’s also a vital character moment for Yuki. It’s easy to assume she’s shy, but the episode asserts her frank, to-the-point nature.

This comes to a head in two significant moments. The first takes place at the bar following the arrival of Itsuomi’s two friends, Shin (Tasuku Hatanaka) and Emma (Nao Tōyama). There’s cleverness in the scene, too, with Yuki unable to read Shin’s lips since he is intoxicated. But the notable moment comes when she sees how Emma clings to Itsuomi’s arm. While she can’t determine if this means they’re in a romantic relationship, she does see how Emma looks at him. That look is enough for her to ask Itsuomi’s cousin if they are dating. They’re not, he promises, but it’s not his place to say why.

Later, when being walked home by Itsuomi, Yuki asks him too. She wants to be straightforward with her emotions but doesn’t want to misstep. He, too, assures her that he and Emma aren’t dating. Finding even ground, he twists the question, asking if she and Oushi (Takeo Ōtsuka) are dating. While Itsuomi appears calm and aloof, this moment also allows Yuki to assure him that she’s single. Her relationship with Oushi is purely platonic in her eyes, him having learned sign language due to his sister losing her hearing.

Introducing these supporting characters helps define the colors of Yuki and Itsuomi’s worlds. In particular, the anime helps dive further into Itsuomi’s perspective. While Yuki isn’t paying attention, he speaks freely about why he’s drawn to travel and the freedom it gives him. He compares this to meeting Yuki. She too has opened up his world and how he takes it all in. In Yuki’s eyes, he’s enigmatic and carefree, but these instances allow viewers to understand him more for themselves

That this mini heart-to-heart happens at a laundromat makes it incredibly charming. Both because of how true to life it is for university-aged students and because of how the characters will seek one another out no matter the circumstance. It doesn’t matter where they are, just that they’re together. The animation and its lighting in particular are superb, casting a magical glow, even with the neon signs of the 7-Eleven lighting the background through the window.

The entire episode is full of charming uses of visuals and color that create a warm, effervescent glow. The animation of the snow that continues to coat the cityscapes softly creates a snow globe effect. The effect adds to the love story component and speaks to the parameters of Yuki’s life. For so long, she’s existed in a safe, contained bubble. With Itsuomi’s presence, that stability has been shaken, and she’s thrilled. Other key moments appear inconsequential but add to the romanticism of the series, such as the bird’s eye view of pink and red umbrellas or the glow of the city they wander in.

The love story between Yuki and Itsuomi seems inevitable, which means the hurdle that is Emma is inescapable. She’s clearly head over heels for Itsuomi, who stamps down on her advances when she appears uninvited outside his building. She asks to stay the night, and while he allows her to stay, he leaves himself. Alhough, not before chastising her and telling her never to pull this type of stunt again. Emma might want to be with him but it’s clear that he doesn’t reciprocate.

A Sign of Affection Episode 3 wields a gentle, compassionate nature, defining the series thus far. Utilizing heart and humor equally, “Someone is Thinking About slSomeone” is yet another charming installment. We care deeply already about Yuki and Itsuomi’s potential relationship despite still being in the beginning yearning stages. Emboldened by visuals that embrace pastel pinks and sparkle, it’s hard not to get caught up in the romance. We, like Yuk, are being whisked away.

A Sign of Affection Episode 3 is available now on Crunchyroll.