Filthy Casual for Life

For hearing-impaired university student Yuki Itose, silence has been a natural part of life since birth. Her world is small and isolated; she commutes to campus, interacts with her best friend Rin Fujishiro, and communicates through writing and text messages—a lifestyle that offers little to no change. One day, during her commute, Yuki meets fellow student Itsuomi Nagi, a multilingual travel enthusiast and friend of Rin. When Itsuomi learns of Yuki’s condition, he takes it in stride, moving Yuki’s heart. From this one simple gesture, Yuki and Itsuomi’s lives start changing day by day as they let each other into their own worlds.

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This is the quintessential love story. It is filled with sweet, tender moments that melt even the toughest of hearts. But, how would they fare in the real world?

Yuki is deaf and due to this, she leads a very restricted life. While she doesn’t allow it to dictate her life, it still limits the boundaries she can push.

Itsuomi is a worldwide traveler with a lot of life experience. He speaks multiple languages and thrives in travel. He has no real interest in relationships.

COINCIDENCE OR FATE?

Yuki and Itsuomi happen to meet on a train. Someone was trying to communicate with Yuki and it was obvious she was struggling. Itsuomi steps in and helps her out. Yuki manages to communicate to Itsuomi that she is deaf. He immediately stops her attempt to text it on her phone and asks if she can read lips. Was this coincidence or fate? I guess that depends on how you view life. I would like to think that fate had her hand in their meeting. After all, who would pique a world learner’s interest if not for a mysteriously cute woman that can’t speak?

FONDNESS OR LOVE?

Why not both? Yuki and Itsuomi’s relationship begins gradually. Yuki does the normal things that an interested person would do. Her friend, Rin, tells her that she is in the same club as Itsuomi. So, naturally, the friend helps her see him. Then the friend also knows where he works. They go there together and casually spend time with Itsuomi. What is refreshing about this anime is nothing extreme or unrealistic happens. They progress like a couple in the real world. Slowly with casual run ins, and then eventually, learning they are fond of each other, leading to love.

WILL THEIR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVE?

Absolutely! They balance and compliment each other well. Itsuomi is like a balloon, he needs something to lightly tether him to the world. He loves to travel and I think Yuki would make the perfect companion to share his love of the world. Yuki has led a pretty sheltered life and I think Itsuomi does a wonderful job of opening the rest of the world up to her.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Finally! A love story without a dozen red flags. Itsuomi is very mature and grounded. In no way does it seem like he’s taking advantage of her disability. In fact, learns sign language in earnest to communicate with her. He always keeps her needs in mind and never rushes her. He’s willing to take things slow and deliberate with Yuki. He treasures her.