Over the next week, Yuki found herself falling into a new rhythm. Every evening, she practiced the signs Itsuomi had taught her, repeating them until her hands moved with a little more confidence. She borrowed more books from the library, scribbling notes and drawing diagrams in her notebook.
Itsuomi wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore. He was quickly becoming a constant in her day. Every message he sent, every small interaction, made her feel closer to him.
On Friday afternoon, Yuki's phone buzzed as she stepped out of her last class. She glanced down at the screen.
Hey, free this evening? Itsuomi had messaged.
Her heart skipped. She typed back quickly. I am. What's up?
There's a festival near campus. Want to go?
A festival? Her pulse quickened at the thought. The bustling crowds and lively atmosphere were a far cry from her usual quiet evenings, but the idea of spending time with Itsuomi was too tempting to pass up.
I'd love to! she replied.
Great. Meet me by the station at 6.
By the time Yuki arrived at the station, the sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving streaks of pink and orange in the sky. The faint sound of festival music and chatter filled the air as she spotted Itsuomi waiting for her.
He was leaning casually against a railing, his hands in his pockets. When he saw her, he straightened and smiled, waving her over.
Yuki waved back, feeling a flutter in her chest. She'd grown more comfortable around him, but the sight of his easy smile still had a way of making her heart race.
You look nice, he signed as she approached.
Yuki blushed, glancing down at her simple outfit—a flowy skirt and a light sweater. She signed back clumsily, Thank you, her movements still uncertain but improving.
Itsuomi grinned and gestured for them to head toward the festival.
The streets near the festival were packed with people, lanterns casting a warm glow over the scene. Stalls lined the roads, offering everything from traditional snacks to games. The scent of grilled food wafted through the air, and Yuki's stomach growled softly.
Itsuomi glanced at her and raised an eyebrow, clearly having noticed.
She laughed, embarrassed, and signed, Hungry.
He chuckled silently, nodding toward a nearby food stall. Moments later, they were sharing a skewer of yakitori, the warm, savory flavor a perfect match for the festive atmosphere.
As they wandered through the stalls, Yuki found herself stealing glances at Itsuomi. He seemed so at ease, his sharp eyes taking in every detail of their surroundings. She wondered how he experienced the festival without the sounds of the crowd or the music.
Finally, curiosity got the better of her. She tugged lightly on his sleeve to get his attention. When he turned to her, she typed on her phone. Do you enjoy festivals even though you can't hear them?
He read the message and gave her a thoughtful look. After a moment, he typed back, Of course. I feel the energy. I see the lights, the movement. It's not about what you hear—it's about what you experience.
Yuki stared at his words, her chest tightening. She admired the way he saw the world, how he found beauty in things she often took for granted.
You're amazing, she typed before she could stop herself.
Itsuomi's eyes widened slightly as he read the message. Then, a slow smile spread across his face, softer than any she'd seen before. He tapped his chest lightly, as if to say, You, too.
As the evening wore on, they found themselves by a small clearing where paper lanterns were being released into the sky. The soft glow of the lanterns against the dark backdrop was mesmerizing, and Yuki felt a quiet sense of peace settle over her.
Itsuomi signed something, and she hesitated, trying to piece together the meaning. He noticed her confusion and pulled out his phone.
They're like dreams, floating up and up.
Yuki smiled. Do you have a dream? she typed.
He nodded, his expression growing serious as he replied. To see everything the world has to offer. To meet people, learn their stories, and understand them.
Yuki read his message slowly, letting the weight of his words sink in.
What about you? he asked.
She hesitated, the question catching her off guard. What was her dream? She'd always focused on small goals—passing exams, making it through the day. She hadn't allowed herself to think beyond that.
Finally, she typed, I don't know yet. But maybe… I want to find something that makes me feel alive, like this moment does.
Itsuomi's gaze softened as he read her words. He reached out, gently tapping her hand to get her attention. When she looked up, he signed slowly, You will.
The lanterns drifted higher, their glow becoming faint specks against the stars. And as Yuki stood beside Itsuomi, she felt something shift within her—like her world had opened just a little wider.
For the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, she was capable of finding something extraordinary.