REVIEW: ‘A Sign Of Affection’ Episode 6 — “I Thought I Wanted To Keep Watching Her Forever”

Despite its inevitability, A Sign of Affection (Yubisaki to Renren) Episode 6 delivers top-tier romance as Yuki (Sumire Morohoshi) and Itsuomi (Yū Miyazaki) admit their feelings for one another. The entire episode hums with necessary warmth and heart as these characters express their genuine emotions. Backed by Yukari Hashimoto’s sparkling score, the episode thrives due to the romantic swell sweeping the characters off their feet.

A Sign of Affection Episode 6 picks up right where Episode 5 left off. Itsuomi kisses Yuki’s hand, and the latter doesn’t know what to make of it. With an opening full of miscommunication and lost moments, it is yet another instance where the two fail to meet in the middle. At one point, laying herself bare, Yuki tells Itsuomi she loves him. Itsuomi, while observant, chooses that moment to answer a phone call, missing what Yuki has signed. Similarly, Yuki looks down while Itsuomi asks if he can fall for her.

These mutual emotions make any potential threats to their coupling seem superficial. They’re destined, even if it takes the rest of the episode for them to couple up officially. It makes it sweeter still, though, that even when they aren’t officially dating, they’re behaving as if they are. Yuki comments again on how Itsuomi has no concept of personal space. It’s one of the many ways he’s unlike so many mainstream love interests, as he’s so direct and sincere about his feelings. There’s no playing hard to get or beating around the bush — what you see is what you get.

It’s why his confession to Kyōya (Ryōta Ōsaka) when asked about his intentions with Yuki ring false. It’s the only moment where Itsuomi’s intentions become muddied due to writing that oversimplifies his interest in Yuki while also infantilizing her character. He mentions that because she’s never heard a false or negative word, she’s crystal clear — which easily equates to “innocent.” It doesn’t ruin the romance, but the word choice is unfortunate. Up until this point, the series has done an excellent job at representation, taking pains to demonstrate how Yuki moves through the world and the level of attention given to how different people sign. The moment doesn’t land despite the rest of the episode being strong.

Luckily, we can move past this moment quickly with the arrival of Yuki and Rin (Kaede Hondo). Itsuomi takes this moment to pull Yuki aside, leaving Rin and Kyōya to wonder what the two are up to. The sequence between Yuki and Itsuomi outside of the bar, backlit by the interior lighting and the street lamps above them, stuns. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic confession, casting a magical glow over the two as snow falls around them. The animation continues to be a highlight of the series, as it creates a fantastical edge to a story grounded in slice-of-life character growth.

In a moment of impulse, Itsuomi confesses despite the fact he’s going abroad for a month in just a few days. Choosing to sign his confession, he tells Yuki that he likes her and thinks they should be a couple. While the series shows their emotions are mutual, A Sign of Affection Episode 6 doubles down on Itsuomi’s perspective to maintain balance. He’s on cloud nine, according to Kyōya, who knows him best beyond the calm exterior.

And it’s important to note in response to his seeming nonchalance, especially as Yuki herself is in tears over the confession. We see this even more when, at the end of the episode, following their goodbyes, Itsuomi races to Yuki to hug her, not ready to part with her yet. It’s enormously sweet. A Sign of Affection hones in on the tactility of these characters, especially Itsuomi, who constantly uses playful gestures to interact with those around him.

A Sign of Affection Episode 6 is yet another gorgeous episode that solidifies the central pairing. As Itsuomi says himself, he doesn’t see him and Yuki ever breaking up. That assurance could easily be dull with the will they / won’t they aspect stripped from the series. Instead, it adds another layer of comfort. The romance is just one part of the story. Instead, this is just the jumping-off point as we watch Yuki, Itsuomi, and company continue to grow and develop through their relationships with one another.

A Sign of Affection Episode 6 is available now on Crunchyroll.