A Sign of Affection follows Yuki Itose, a deaf college student navigating love and self-discovery through her relationship with Itsuomi Nagi, a multilingual traveler fascinated by her worldview.
The series explores themes of communication, empathy, and breaking societal barriers while celebrating healthy relationships.
This curated list highlights quotes that capture the emotional depth and character growth central to Yuki’s journey of empowerment and connection.
My place and value are gradually fading away… Even in this household, Kaya is held in reverence whilst the way I’m treated is worsening by the day
Episode 1 (The Caged Bird)
Yuki Itose
Yuki’s internal reflection on familial neglect, establishing her initial struggles with self-worth and societal exclusion.
Why do you apologize for existing?
Episode 3 (A Flicker of Light)
Itsuomi Nagi
Itsuomi challenges Yuki’s ingrained guilt, sparking her first realization of her inherent value beyond her disability.
This kumihimo… You made it for me?
Episode 5 (Threads of Trust)
Itsuomi Nagi
Itsuomi’s emotional response to Yuki’s handmade gift marks their deepening bond and mutual respect.
Even if I’m half-assed… I’m still human
Chapter 3
Yuki Itose
Yuki’s raw admission of vulnerability during her first emotional breakdown, highlighting her resilience.
You don’t need to regret your choices. Living without regrets is how you stay happy
Chapter 11
Mario Nam
Advice emphasizing accountability and self-trust, resonating with Yuki’s journey toward independence.
You’re not weak for needing help—you’re human
Chapter 12
Kotoha Tachibana
Kotoha’s gentle rebuke softens Yuki’s defensive isolation, reinforcing the theme of interdependence.
Your worth isn’t defined by supernatural gifts. It’s defined by your heart
Episode 6 (The Mirror’s Truth)
Yurie
Yurie’s wisdom dismantles societal hierarchies, empowering Yuki to embrace her intrinsic worth.
You could’ve had anyone. Why choose her?
Chapter 8
Oushi Ashioki
Oushi’s confrontation with Itsuomi exposes his biases and contrasts Itsuomi’s genuine admiration for Yuki.
I want to become someone deserving of standing beside him
Episode 10 (The Usuba Legacy)
Yuki Itose
Yuki’s resolve to grow reflects her shift from passivity to proactive self-improvement.
Learning sign language isn’t for my sake—it’s for yours
Episode 4 (The First Meal)
Itsuomi Nagi
Itsuomi’s commitment to bridging communication gaps underscores his respect for Yuki’s world.
The town accepted us delinquents. We owe them everything
Episode 5 (Echoes of Trust)
Kyotaro Sugishita
Sugishita’s gratitude speech mirrors Yuki’s journey toward finding belonging beyond societal labels.
I’ve never had anyone care if I lived or died before
Episode 4 (The First Meal)
Yuki Itose
Yuki’s vulnerability highlights her isolation and Itsuomi’s role in making her feel seen.
Love isn’t about worth—it’s about choosing to stay
Episode 11 (Bonds)
Itsuomi Nagi
Itsuomi’s confession redefines love as a conscious choice, not a transactional exchange.
You fight like someone who’s already given up on living
Episode 8 (Fractured Reflections)
Arata Tsuruki
A villain’s taunt that pushes Yuki to confront her fears and embrace agency.
Your mother’s love still shields you. That’s your true Gift
Episode 13 (Veil of Memories)
Yoshiro Usuba
Reveals Yuki’s inherited strength, recontextualizing her resilience as a legacy of love.
I don’t need a Gift to protect what matters
Episode 14 (Eclipse)
Yuki Itose
Yuki’s defiance during a crisis showcases her belief in inner strength over societal validation.
Stay with me… Not as my ward, but as my equal
Episode 15 (Promise)
Itsuomi Nagi
Itsuomi’s proposal emphasizes mutual respect, rejecting patriarchal norms in their relationship.
Sometimes life is a greater tragedy than death
Episode 1 (Pilot)
Narrator
Sets the series’ tone through Yuki’s survival guilt and determination to thrive.
You made me realize… I’m not alone anymore
Episode 12 (Breaker of Chains)
Yuki Itose
Yuki’s climactic acceptance of belonging, completing her emotional arc toward self-assurance.
The real lottery in life is people, not money
Chapter 15
Dom’s Father
Underscores the value of human connections, a recurring theme in Yuki’s journey.
I envy you for having something to protect
Chapter 63
Futaba Takemoto
A secondary character’s lament contrasts Yuki’s growing sense of purpose through love.
When people cheerfully unite against perceived enemies
Chapter 18
Yuki Itose
Critique of mob mentality, tying to Yuki’s experiences with societal exclusion.
You taught me light exists even in darkness
Episode 19 (Convergence)
Itsuomi Nagi
Itsuomi acknowledges Yuki’s transformative impact on his worldview.
I’ll destroy anyone who harms what’s mine
Episode 7 (Storm’s Approach)
Itsuomi Nagi
A protective vow that redefines Yuki’s understanding of safety and trust.
This is the story of our happy marriage
Final Episode (Epilogue)
Narrator
Meta-narrative closure celebrating Yuki and Itsuomi’s hard-won joy and mutual growth.
