A Sign of Affection 14

A Sign of Affection 14 by Suu Morishita

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Yuki and Itsu go on their first trip together overseas, which leads to a lot of excitement, but also some misunderstandings and a rather unexpected conversation about their future. Yuki's disability proves to give her a unique experience overseas as she's able to communicate rather well through gestures for simple greetings and kindness from strangers, but it also puts her at a disadvantage when her fear spikes and she thinks she's in a dangerous situation. Of course, Itsu isn't going to leave her alone for long and seems more than happy to share odd tidbits with her. His "selfish request" is also a surprise, yet not at the same time considering the way this pair has been going. May be with Yuki's dad though when Itsu's usual bluntness comes to play with his greeting - of course that's the first thing on his mind.

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Mr. Holland's Opus

Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is not the first time I have seen this movie, though it has been some time. Mr. Holland is a music teacher for a local high school, though it's clear this is not initially the career he wanted as he longs to write music. He finds a place in the school however, as he comes to understand the way that he can touch his student's lives and sees them grow. There are ups and downs, as with any life film like this, especially as Mr. Holland grapples with the reality that his son is deaf and can't share or hear his music in the same way. Even this becomes a learning point later on as a new understanding and acceptance is reached, leading to the culmination at the end of the film with his students performing his very own opus at the end. It could be seen as very bittersweet given the circumstances, but it truly is very touching all in all.

I Hear the Sunspot 7: Four Seasons 2

I Hear the Sunspot 7: Four Seasons 2 by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Taichi is learning first hand just what jealousy feels like while working to support Kohei and be sure they have time together. He still has a tendency to lead with his fists, though surprisingly that isn't the trait most likely to get him in trouble given Sendo's actions. Hopefully Ryu's warning won't come too late, though it's still surprising Kohei doesn't seem to have any idea Sendo is the same person from Ryu's gathering that set him off in the first place. While the job hunt continues for Kohei, and this company that his top pick is sending mixed signals as far as what sort working environment it would end up being, a lot of this volume focuses on Taichi's childhood and his relationship with his father. Kohei is making some surprising connections as he watches Taichi in this volume, though it's unlikely to change the way things are no matter how much they may wish they could protect each other from everything.

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I Hear the Sunspot 6: Four Seasons 1

I Hear the Sunspot 6: Four Seasons 1 by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The chaos continues as we learn more connections between all the characters. Kohei and Taichi also have probably the strangest DIR (defining the relationship) discussion possible, especially after all of their discussions and declarations up to this point. It seems like more fireworks are primed to fly with the new worker at Sig-n, but it's put on hold in favor of drama with Kohei's ex-girlfriend. While it fortunately seems to be resolved for the best, and both boys are able to ultimately stay true to themselves and their relationships, poor Kohei is going to end up worrying himself to death one of these days. If only Taichi could learn to tame his trigger reactions a little bit at least when it comes to Kohei before he ends up with a permanent concussion.

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I Hear the Sunspot 5: Limit 3

I Hear the Sunspot 5: Limit 3 by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Somehow, Kohei still doesn't seem to understand why so many other people like him or how he can react differently when he can't hear what people are saying to him without hurting their feelings (especially the girls who assume he's snubbing them when he genuinely can't hear their confessions, though he doesn't seem to realize that is what has been happening). Neither Kohei or Taichi seem to be coping well with this whole separation idea, leading to yet another incident where one of them nearly gets run over - seriously, need to pay attention to those crosswalks! The trip in this volume is unexpected but also humorous given the ir encounters with Hiro and some similarities to the other characters. Seems like there's a lot of digging into the past and realizing the intentions behind different choices and actions in this volume. Now if they can just remember those things and not spin things out of control again.

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I Hear the Sunspot 4: Limit 2

I Hear the Sunspot 4: Limit 2 by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a very frustrating volume in the series. While our main couple both seem to want more time together and to understand the other, they tend to internalize and make assumptions leading to more distance and confusion. Kohei takes the cake on this one with the end of this volume, leaving Taichi in shock before our last flashback that seems to take them back to college together sometime between Kohei's first confession and their joint confessions. We see a lot more of Ryu and Taichi's co-workers as well, who all seem to have their own complex stories. Ryu comes off very abrasive and assertive, but in some ways similar to Taichi in his quick temper. Where Ryu tends to write off anyone not in the deaf community though, Taichi tends to not even notice and roll with it in stride as Kohei as observed. Truly a remarkable and surprising skill. Hopefully the next volume will bring things back together as we leave on a rather sour note in this part of the story.

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I Hear the Sunspot 3: Limit 1

I Hear the Sunspot 3: Limit 1 by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Just when the boys seem to be on the same page, of course something else happens. It will be interesting to see if or when they learn that Ryu is related to Taichi's new coworker. In the meantime, they're both basically worrying about the same thing for different reasons. It's also amusing how they can seem so mature and serious one moment, and devolve into the most childish antics in the next. Hopefully they will talk sooner rather than later and find some real time for each other, otherwise this doubt and all of these naysayers will wear away the very happiness they want together.

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I Hear the Sunspot 2: Theory of Happiness

I Hear the Sunspot 2: Theory of Happiness by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Maya is a new addition that puts herself in between Taichi and Kohei, adding more jealousy, resentment, and misunderstandings to the mix. While Kohei seems very certain in his own feelings, he is very unsure when it comes to his interactions with Taichi and trying not to push him away. At the same time, Taichi is trying so hard to improve and do better that he completely misses his own feelings until it's nearly too late. While the confession scene is very touching, it seems like there are more hurdles to overcome still along the way. Between Taichi's temper and Kohei's disability, it's unlikely to ever be a dull moment even when they are doing so much better trying to connect with each other. Hopefully this camping trip won't turn into a total disaster.

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I Hear the Sunspot 1

I Hear the Sunspot 1 by Yuki Fumino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Kohei has a hearing disability that often leads to him being misunderstood and having difficulty with everyday activities in school that others take for granted. When Taichi just about literally falls out of the sky next to him, he has no idea what to expect, except he finds that oddly Taichi is easier for him to hear. As they grow closer, Kohei's hearing starts to get even worse, leading to awkward encounters, misunderstandings, and perhaps the most unusual confession possible, though no words are spoken even now. They really do balance each other out where Kohei is understandably more withdrawn and cautious, but Taichi tends to get into trouble thanks to his big mouth and fast fists. It's rather sweet the way they get along, though that also makes Kohei's seclusion even ore heartbreaking. Hopefully, we'll see more of these two as the series progresses given it appears to have several phases based on the titles.

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A Sign of Affection 13

A Sign of Affection 13 by Suu Morishita

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


While Yuki and Itsu don't seem to get jealous when it comes to their friends and are happy for those around them, it seems they have some definite triggers when it comes to their own jealous emotions. Yuki seems to be trying to focus on their upcoming trip, Itsu's birthday, and her longings for their relationship to cope with her own jealousy and insecurity. On the other hand, Itsuomi seems to be drawing his own conclusions and fears to the surface as Yuki has been more clingy than previously and he questions just how sure their future is together given his personal goals. It's a rather surprising turn given his usual assurance and bold declarations that he couldn't see them apart and he'd make her happy. Hopefully Itsu's mom wasn't unintentionally foreseeing a bit of their future during their video call, and if she was, it's hard to believe it wouldn't work out as well or better than it did for her given the commitment these two have to each other.

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A Sign of Affection 12

A Sign of Affection 12 by Suu Morishita

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is always such a good series to come back to. Itsuomi doesn't let Oushi phase him, and seems comfortable with his relationship with Yuki, even if he did take the time to let her know about his feelings. Despite Oushi's protests, it seems like he and Itsuomi actually do get along and may end up as friends after all. It will be hilarious to see if Itsuomi does manage to get Oushi and Shin to both go out for a guy's day with him. It's also lucky that Yuki doesn't seem to be jealous given how some of the scenes between Itsuomi and Oushi could be taken. Even Oushi's friends end up seeming to like Itsuomi, though they were originally cheering for him with Yuki. Even Emma seems to be moving on and happier now that Shin has opened up to her. Even Yuki seems to be thinking about next steps with Itsuomi, though she's adorably clueless as to why he's taking his time with her. Hopefully she'll get some answers in the next volume, though most likely with more than a little blushing considering her own innocence and shock.

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Touch Within the Abyss

Touch Within the Abyss by Moyori Mori

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Chinatsu grew up in a dark world that cost his brother his life early on. Kasumi is a young, blind boy trying to find his way in the dark. These two met by chance once, and never thought they'd cross paths again, let alone become so close so quickly. For both the same reasons and different ones, they match each other surprisingly well and help bring each other out of the dark. Chinatsu's father may not be so happy with this, but Kasumi's family seem very supportive, especially as Kasumi seems to smile more often the longer Chinatsu is around.

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A Sign of Affection 11

A Sign of Affection 11 by Suu Morishita

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


We finally get Itsu's backstory and the meaning behind his tattoo. Of course, Yuki wouldn't be herself if she wasn't highly empathetic and emotional. She's still easily embarrassed, but also clearly supportive and attached to Itsu. Things might be picking up with Oushi as well given his conversation with his friends and the note this volume ends on. Of course it's another cliff hanger where you know something is coming, but will have to wait for the next volume to find out just how this meeting is going to go. Yuki and Itsu still will need to work on navigating their new life together and still going to school, let alone how things will change once Itsu graduates. It'll be interesting to see what Itsu has in mind, given he's stated rather plainly he doesn't see them separating, but he also acknowledges that Yuki didn't sign up for his dream or what it might mean with all the constant traveling.

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A Sign of Affection 10

A Sign of Affection 10 by Suu Morishita

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Yuki is just as awkward and still adorable as always setting up her new home with Itsu. On the other hand, Itsu is somehow maybe a little too nonchalant at times, and maybe willfully oblivious when it comes to Oushi, even though he also clearly knows they both have strong feelings for Yuki. Of course, he's not willing to give her up still either. Oddly enough, it seems Oushi and Shin may have hit it off as friends, which may hold some hope as it seems Shin is willing to share a much different perspective with Oushi than he had before. The new curiosity seems to be Yuki and Itsu's new neighbor and this new person who's shown up that Itsu seems to know. It's curious how Itsu can be both overprotective and outgoing at the same time. All eyes are on Yuki now though, whether he likes it or not.

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A Sign of Affection 9

A Sign of Affection 9 by Suu Morishita

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


That was getting pretty adult in there for a bit, though not surprising when they're moving in together either. Oddly even though we're seeing more in Rin's relationship and meeting both Yuki and Itsu's families (though just a recording of Itsu's and not actually in person or over the phone for a live conversation yet), we haven't seen Oushi's reaction to all of this. There's a brief scene where Yuki dashes past him in a hurry, but she's so quick he barely even seems to realize he's seen her before she's out of the frame. They haven't run into each other since the food voucher incident, so unless Oushi and Itsu are calling each other at random or he runs into Yuki's mom again, seems unlikely he'd have the latest update on Yuki's relationship. Though if he also learns about Itsu being gone for 2 years soon, that may have him thinking he finally has a chance. Just what is this supposed "lie" that Itsu has been telling though, and why? Can't be anything too bad it seems if it has to do with his tattoo and what he shared with Yuki's father as he seemed entirely understanding and supportive with Itsu's reasoning and timeline once he had all the information, but it is still curious.

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A Sign of Affection 8

A Sign of Affection 8 by Suu Morishita

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Wow, Itsu really does look different with black hair, which we'd seen a bit in flashbacks from his childhood and high school, but it's still a bit different with him in college. Yuki's parents are also something else, and putting them all together seems to be the perfect storm. Itsu even tells Yuki's dad about his tattoo, not that we get the inside information on it just yet, only a few more hints and teases. Hopefully he'll share it with Yuki someday and we'll get the story then. There's even a bit more about Yuki's brother this time around, though it's rather sad. It is good that Yuki's family tries to support her so much even if they don't know sign language, and that they can clearly see how much these two care about each other. It would be interesting to see how that conversation went with Itsu's parents and when it took place - most likely over the phone given they are in Germany.

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A Sign of Affection 7

A Sign of Affection 7 by Suu Morishita

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Things are picking up pace fast now, though it sounds like there could be a rather lengthy pause after Itsoumi graduates unless something changes or happens before then. Two years is a long time to be away. Yuki is really growing and stepping up though, especially trying to share her thoughts and feelings and perspective. Seems like she's not the only one who's been worried, but they both do still want to be together, so hopefully we'll see some more positive growth in the next chapter. Oushi could have seriously put a wrinkle in things, but fortunately hasn't been an issue other than his own misery and pining so far.

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A Sign of Affection 6

A Sign of Affection 6 by Suu Morishita

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


There's not much overlap now starting with this volume, though there is a small amount with the very end of season 1. Oushi seems to be a tad desperate and yet also trying to be a good guy when it comes to Yuki's relationship with Itsoumi. If nothing else, it seems he at least has some small understanding of how what he says may impact Yuki, even if he doesn't care about much else. Yuki herself now has the challenge of how to say what to Itsoumi so she's not keeping secrets, especially after he's so open about Emma showing up at school and why to avoid any issues. Some curiosity who this upperclassman is that he got drunk with before meeting up with Yuki, but definitely opening up more sides we haven't seen so far, especially when Yuki is at the house with him. Curious what the tattoo represent too as we keep getting some rather pointed stares and highlights on it. 

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A Sign of Affection 5

A Sign of Affection 5 by Suu Morishita

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This installment feels like a lot of fluff and like we start to scratch the surface with Oushi, but he's still not ready to open up yet. A lot different from Itsuomi who seems to be all in and doesn't seem to care what others think as long as it's not having a negative impact on them. While there's not as much back story with Itsuomi, Shin, and Emma, we still get the gist of that trio as well, especially with Shin agonizing over finally making a move himself or not. This volume includes an adorable little short that takes place on the back of Yuki's sleepover, too. So much fluff. Even if it does cut off in the middle of their first official date, especially without any other friends or would-be couples around.

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A Sign of Affection 4

A Sign of Affection 4 by Suu Morishita

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The adorable awkwardness continues, only now we also have an opening for Rin along with a possible job finally for Yuki and a real encounter between Itsuomi and Oushi. Really, Oushi following Yuki in the subway station probably doesn't count considering how little was actually said. With Itsuomi rather literally dragging Oushi off after he storms up to him, it's hard to imagine they're really usually both so mildly mannered. Still, the most adorable scene by far has to go to the sleepover and the chat when Yuki can't sleep. 

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