The next morning, Yuki woke up earlier than usual, her phone still clutched in her hand from the night before. She stared at the screen, the faint glow illuminating Itsuomi Nagi's name saved in her contacts.
Was I too forward? she wondered, her finger hovering over his name. She bit her lip, caught between excitement and nerves. It wasn't like her to reach out to someone she'd just met, but something about Itsuomi made her want to know more.
The memory of his calm, confident smile flickered in her mind. Yuki groaned, burying her face in her pillow.
"Get it together, Yuki," she whispered to herself.
After what felt like forever, she typed out a short message: Good morning! I hope I'm not bothering you, but it was nice meeting you yesterday. Have a great day!
She hit send before she could second-guess herself.
The reply came quicker than she expected.
Morning, Yuki. You're not bothering me. Did you sleep well?
Her heart skipped a beat. His response felt casual, yet somehow thoughtful. She typed back quickly, telling him she had, and then hesitated before asking, What about you?
Always. Sleep's my favorite hobby, he replied with a winking emoji.
Yuki giggled, her nerves easing. Their conversation flowed naturally from there. Itsuomi asked about her classes, and she learned he wasn't in any of her lectures because he was studying international communication, with a focus on visual and tactile languages.
It fits him perfectly, Yuki thought.
Curious, she asked, Do you ever feel like it's hard to communicate with people who don't know sign language?
There was a pause before his reply.
Sometimes. But I've gotten good at reading people's faces and body language. You'd be surprised how much people say without realizing it.
Yuki smiled at the thought. Itsuomi's ability to adapt and connect with others fascinated her.
Before she could reply, a second message came through.
What about you? Why do you like languages so much?
Yuki paused, staring at the question. No one had ever really asked her that before—not like they actually cared about the answer. She thought for a moment, then typed back, I think it's because I'm not very good at speaking up for myself. But words on a page or in another language feel… safer. Like I can say what I really feel without being judged.
Her chest tightened as she hit send. Would he think she was strange for saying something so personal?
His reply came quickly.
That's not strange at all. That's real. And kind of cool, actually.
Yuki let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, warmth blooming in her chest.
The day passed in a blur of classes and errands, but she couldn't stop thinking about their conversation. She even found herself practicing the few basic signs she remembered seeing on TV as she walked home.
That evening, her phone buzzed again.
Want to meet for coffee tomorrow?
Her heart leapt.
Yes, I'd like that! she typed back, trying to keep her reply casual even as her mind raced.
The next day, Yuki arrived at the small café Itsuomi had suggested, her palms clammy as she scanned the room. She spotted him almost immediately, sitting by the window with a cup of coffee in front of him, his eyes following the movement of people outside.
He looked even more relaxed in the daylight, dressed in a plain white shirt and a dark jacket. When he saw her, he smiled and waved her over.
"Hi," Yuki said softly as she slid into the seat across from him. She caught herself and quickly reached for her phone.
Hi, she typed, holding the screen up for him to see.
Itsuomi chuckled, shaking his head. He lifted his hands and signed a simple hello, then pointed to her and raised his eyebrows.
Yuki blinked, realizing he was asking if she understood. She bit her lip, embarrassed, and quickly typed, I'm sorry, I don't know sign language yet!
He grinned and waved it off, pulling out his phone. That's okay. You're here, right? That's what matters.
Yuki relaxed at his easygoing response. They ordered drinks, and as they talked, she noticed how expressive Itsuomi was. He gestured often, his hands and face adding depth to his typed words. It felt like he could say more without speaking than most people did with a thousand words.
At one point, she found herself staring at his hands, watching the way his fingers moved as he explained something about his favorite travel destination. She blushed when he caught her staring, but he just laughed silently, his shoulders shaking.
Want me to teach you some signs? he typed.
Yuki's eyes lit up. Yes, please!
Itsuomi set his phone aside and began teaching her the basics: hello, thank you, and her name. Yuki practiced each sign carefully, her hands clumsy but eager.
"Like this?" she asked aloud, holding up her hands to mimic him.
Itsuomi nodded, his smile widening. He signed something quickly, and when she looked confused, he pulled out his phone.
You're a fast learner.
Her cheeks flushed, and she smiled shyly.
By the time their coffee cups were empty, Yuki felt like she'd learned more than just a few signs. She'd glimpsed a world she'd never known existed—a world where words weren't always necessary, and connection came from something deeper.
As they stood to leave, Itsuomi held the door open for her, the cool evening air brushing against their faces.
See you soon? he typed, his expression hopeful.
Yuki nodded, her heart fluttering.
Definitely.