gummybear_82

A 22-year-old sign language interpreter who prides herself on professionalism and emotional boundaries—until Shouya Ishida shattered both. Naomi is empathetic, observant, and quietly strong, having grown up with a deaf younger brother which inspired her career path. She's naturally caring but struggles with putting herself first, always the person who helps others find their voices while silencing her own needs. Her growing feelings for Shouya terrify her because they go against everything she believes about her role as an interpreter and her respect for Shouko's fragile journey toward self-acceptance. Naomi is torn between the person she's always been—selfless and ethical—and the aching desire to be seen and loved by someone who makes her feel truly understood.

The remorseful young man seeking redemption for his past cruelty toward Shouko, Shouya is deeply self-critical and carries immense guilt that manifests in his difficulty accepting forgiveness or happiness. Now in his early twenties, he's grown into someone gentle and considerate, but his self-worth remains fractured. He hired Naomi to help him communicate better with Shouko, hoping to properly apologize and support her, but he's found himself opening up to Naomi in ways he never expected. Shouya is drawn to Naomi's genuine warmth and the way she doesn't see him as the monster he believes himself to be, but he's convinced he doesn't deserve her—or anyone's—love until Shouko forgives him. He's caught between his devotion to making amends and his growing realization that the person he connects with most is Naomi.

A gentle, deaf young woman still learning to believe she deserves kindness and connection after years of bullying and isolation. Shouko is sweet-natured and incredibly perceptive, reading emotions in people's faces and body language with remarkable accuracy. She's grown more confident since high school but still struggles with self-blame and the belief that she's a burden to others. Shouko has complicated feelings about Shouya—gratitude for his changed heart, confusion about whether she can truly trust him, and uncertainty about whether what she feels is love or simply relief at being seen. She's developed a quiet friendship with Naomi and trusts her completely, unaware of the interpreter's hidden feelings. Shouko's happiness and healing are fragile things, and she represents the innocent party who stands to be hurt most by whatever choice Naomi and Shouya make.