REVIEW: ‘A Sign of Affection’ Episode 8 — “One Small Step”

For the first time since the start of the series, A Sign of Affection Episode 8 pivots away from Yuki (Sumire Morohoshi) and Itsuomi (Yu Miyazaki.) Despite the charm of the central pairing and the thrill of watching the start of their romance, this is a smart decision. Now, with the inclusion of other characters, their backstories, and how they all tie together, the series holds greater strength. The best romance anime have strong and sturdy ensembles. The heart of the series might be the protagonists and their love story, but allowing supporting players their chance to shine demonstrates confidence in tone and writing. Based on the manga written and illustrated by suu Morishita, “One Small Step” digs deep into the past of one of the show’s most mysterious characters.

Shin Iryū (Tasuku Hatanaka) makes his first, real appearance in A Sign of Affection Episode 8 as the writing dives into his backstory. His previous appearances all related to Emma (Nao Tōyama) and her pain over Itsuomi’s rejection. Shin is thrown off balance in meeting Yuki. He never expected Itsuomi to be the proactive one in a relationship. That imbalance is also because of what Yuki means for Emma. But also for Shin’s feelings for Emma. It’s not just Emma whose feelings go unrequited, but Shin’s too. Emma has harbored feelings for Itsuomi since high school, dubbing him her “knight in shining armor.” But since the first time she laid eyes on him, Shin’s stood in the background, believing he never stood a chance.

The entire first section of the episode is well done as Yuki takes in Shin’s home. She observes how he and Itsuomi get along. One of the more charming aspects of the manga is the depiction of Itsuomi and Shin’s friendship. It’s brought to life in the anime adaptation as well. We see the gentle teasing but also obvious care. It also highlights Shin’s protectiveness over his friends. He tells Itsuomi that he’ll break the news of his dating to Emma, believing that hearing it from the source would be too hard on her. Later, he shares with Yuki that Itsuomi is a dear friend, and to please be good to him. These small moments help define his character.

In the present, Shin readies himself to break the news to Emma that Itsuomi is no longer a viable romantic option. To be fair, he never has been. The high school flashback of Shin, Emma, and Itsuomi beautifully delivers greater insight into both the most mysterious character and the most frustrating. It’s easy to paint Emma as the villain. This would be especially true if she posed any real threat to Itsuomi and Yuki’s relationship. But instead, the flashback allows for a sadder, lonelier character who latched on to the easy choice. She’s not unlikable, she’s just realistic.

It’s especially charming once we realize that despite his attitude and aloof presence, Shin has long given his heart over to Emma, even if she doesn’t reciprocate his feelings. While she chases Itsumoi romantically, she and Shin establish a grounded friendship. The two swap music and listening to songs together on their school rooftop. They share their aspirations and goals, striking a balanced, lovely little dynamic. When Emma, emotionally wounded, tells Shin that she refuses to change to be accepted, it’s easy to picture another series with these two as our leads.

It is funny that we manage to learn more about Shin and Emma’s backstories here than we’ve learned about Itsuomi’s past to date. Still, the entire sequence is beautiful, ending on a melancholy note. Shin admits defeat, internally at least, in both the past and present. Emma is so in love with Itsuomi and this idea of what an ideal partner should be that she’s not ready for either truth. Itsuomi is head over heels in love with someone else, and Shin is in love with her.

While the flashback is the highlight of “One Small Step” all of A Sign of Affection Episode 8 works. Something of a transitional episode, the technical prowess and artistry of the animation team continues to surpass expectations. The series uses the changing of seasons phenomenally to set the tone of the episode. Settling into spring, the series adopts a brighter style, opposed to the cool tones of winter where we began. Elsewhere, the series triumphs in the details. Something as simple as the spooling of Itsuomi’s hair as he rests his forehead against Yuki delivers texture and life to the story. This attention to detail with inconsequential beats and layers adds to the overall effect of the show. There’s clear adoration for these characters and it comes through in their designs.

A Sign of Affection Episode 8 continues to demonstrate why the series is one of the highlights of the anime season. Bursting with compassion for the characters and anchored by strong pacing, “One Small Step” further expands the world. With Shin and Emma receiving necessary backstories that link them more strongly to the main plot, the series expands its heartfelt adoration of love stories.

A Sign of Affection Episode 8 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.