The afternoon sun filtered through the café windows, casting soft golden hues on the wooden tables. Yuki and Itsuomi sat across from each other, a comfortable silence between them as they enjoyed their drinks. It was always like this—peaceful, effortless. Their friendship had formed naturally, their bond strengthened by the quiet understanding they shared.

As Yuki sipped her coffee, her eyes wandered to Itsuomi’s hands, resting casually on the table. His fingers tapped idly against the ceramic cup, and for the first time, she noticed the ink etched into his skin. A simple yet intricate design wrapped around his knuckles, disappearing beneath his sleeve. She had seen glimpses of it before, but she had never asked.

Curious, she set down her cup and lifted her hands to sign. "Your tattoo. What does it mean?"

Itsuomi blinked, surprised for a moment. Then, a small smirk tugged at his lips as he pulled back his sleeve, revealing more of the design. He reached for his phone, typing something before turning the screen toward her.

"It’s a compass. I got it when I started traveling seriously. It reminds me that there’s always a new direction to explore."

Yuki’s fingers traced the air as she signed, "That suits you." Her expression held quiet admiration. Itsuomi was always looking for the next place to go, the next adventure to take. His restless spirit fascinated her.

He watched her hands move, then let out a soft chuckle. "I think so too," he said, though she had to read his lips. He leaned back in his seat, gazing at her thoughtfully before adding, "Want to get one too? A small one?" He lifted his phone again, typing quickly. "Something meaningful."

Yuki’s eyes widened slightly, then she smiled, shaking her head. "Maybe someday." She wasn’t sure if she’d ever be bold enough to get a tattoo, but she liked the idea of something permanent—a mark of a memory, just like Itsuomi’s.