Love Interest

Shōya Ishida: Shōko first encountered Shōya when she joined his sixth-grade class, where she repeatedly reached out to him in hopes of friendship, despite his bullying. After transferring to another school, their paths crossed again five years later when she saw him after a sign language class. Initially uncertain of his motives, Shōko fled but ultimately decided to listen to him. She was taken aback when he returned her communication book and revealed that he had learned sign language. When he unexpectedly asked to be friends, she accepted, igniting a bond that would profoundly impact both their lives.

Their interactions became sparse after their reunion, partly due to Shōya’s hesitance and interference from Yuzuru Nishimiya. Shōko spotted Shōya during a scuffle involving Yuzuru and Tomohiro Nagatsuka, catching up with him as he awkwardly tried to escape. Like Shōya, Shōko was eager to deepen their friendship, yet she was concerned about its authenticity, ultimately reaffirming her desire to understand him better.

As their friendship blossomed, Shōko became increasingly open and expressive, experiencing joy more frequently than before. She developed feelings for Shōya as early as Chapter 21, though the exact moment those feelings emerged remains unclear. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding occurred when Shōya misinterpreted her confession, causing her distress, but their bond continued to strengthen. Their connection reached a turning point when Shōya saved Shōko’s life and woke from his coma. During a heartfelt conversation, Shōya apologized for his past behavior and requested Shōko’s help in moving forward. Touched by his sincerity, she made a promise, and they began to truly understand one another.

Although the series concludes without clarifying whether they will become a couple, it is suggested that Shōko’s feelings for Shōya did not fade after their misunderstanding; rather, they deepened as they grew closer. This is supported by moments such as Shōko blushing at Shōya’s compliments, her distress at the thought of losing him, and her nervous excitement at guiding him during his school festival. Yuzuru’s encouragement of their potential relationship also hints at this possibility.

Friends

Miyoko Sahara: Miyoko is Shōko’s only friend from Suimon Elementary, as she was the only classmate willing to learn sign language. Unfortunately, their friendship was cut short when Miyoko stopped attending school, leaving Shōko to internalize the belief that she was to blame.

Years later, Shōko expressed a wish to see Miyoko again to Shōya, who helped facilitate their reunion at the bridge. Their connection quickly rekindled, and Miyoko became Shōko’s closest friend outside of Shōya. They often met at the bridge and enjoyed outings to karaoke bars and water parks.

Their friendship faced challenges when Shōya distanced himself from others, yet Shōko and Miyoko did not have any issues between them. They reconnected after Shōya’s hospitalization, with Shōko encouraging Miyoko to keep the costume she had been crafting for their film project. Interestingly, both decided to move to Tokyo after graduation for their own reasons.

Naoka Ueno: Shōko’s relationship with Naoka is fraught with tension for most of the series. While Naoka harbors resentment towards Shōko, Shōko remains neutral, wishing to be friends instead of enemies.

Initially, Naoka helped Shōko understand class dynamics, but resentment grew when she believed Shōko was a burden. Naoka participated in bullying Shōko, partly fueled by her feelings for Shōya, though Shōko remained largely unaware of Naoka’s feelings and actions.

When they meet again years later, Shōko is surprised to see Naoka and is curious about her conversation with Shōya after her hearing aid was removed. Shōko doesn’t show malice, even when Naoka expresses her hatred during a Ferris wheel ride. Despite Naoka’s hostility, Shōko attempts to resolve their differences multiple times, though Naoka often lashes out.

By the series’ end, Naoka seems to soften towards Shōko, making an effort to like her. Their relationship improves significantly, hinting that they may now be true friends.

Miki Kawai: During sixth grade, Miki and Shōko appeared to be on friendly terms, though Miki is implied to have participated in gossiping about Shōko. She was a bystander during the bullying, prioritizing her own social status over standing up for Shōko.

Years later, Miki treats Shōko kindly and informs Satoshi Mashiba about her deafness. While she often downplays their past, Miki directs no negative feelings towards Shōko. After Shōko’s suicide attempt, Miki hugs her and offers comforting words about embracing one’s flaws, although Shōko seems only partially receptive to the message.

Tomohiro Nagatsuka: Shōko and Tomohiro became acquainted through Shōya, with their friendship initially tied to him. It’s unclear how Shōko feels about Tomohiro, but they seem to share a friendly rapport.

After Shōya’s coma, Tomohiro approaches Shōko in the hospital, trying to understand her attempted suicide and reminding her of her significance as Shōya’s “big friend.” This encounter leads to them interacting independently, allowing their bond to strengthen as they collaborate on the film project.

Satoshi Mashiba: Satoshi shows genuine interest in Shōko, initially intrigued by her deafness, yet he treats her with respect in their interactions. During a visit to a hardware store, he and Shōya find Shōko trying on a ski mask, which causes some laughter and embarrassment. Satoshi lightens the mood by putting on a ski mask himself and joking about his appearance.

Later, when Shōko expresses her desire to continue working on the film, Satoshi supports her idea and even helps her secure permission to use Suimon Elementary School for their project, apologizing to Takeuchi for his previous behavior.

Family

Yuzuru Nishimiya: Yuzuru and Shōko share a deep bond, each caring for the other and wanting the best. Yuzuru is particularly protective of Shōko, often making choices she believes are in her sister’s best interest, though this can sometimes lead to conflict.

Despite her good intentions, Yuzuru often underestimates Shōko’s independence and capabilities, resulting in misunderstandings. A key instance is when Shōko becomes angry at Yuzuru for getting Shōya suspended from school.

Conversely, Shōko is concerned for Yuzuru’s well-being, wanting to protect her in return. When Yuzuru ran away from home, Shōko searched for her despite the late hour and bad weather. After their grandmother Ito Nishimiya’s death, Shōko noted Yuzuru’s sadness and sought ways to support her through grief, even submitting Yuzuru’s photo to a local contest to encourage her.

While Shōko’s protectiveness isn’t as overt as Yuzuru’s, she looks out for her sister and encourages her personal growth, reflecting their grandmother’s wishes. Shōko hesitates to move to Tokyo due to worries about Yuzuru’s feelings but ultimately decides to go.

Yaeko Nishimiya: For much of her life, Shōko has had a distant relationship with her mother. Yaeko deeply cares for Shōko but struggles to express her affection, often opting for a strict and aloof demeanor in an effort to foster resilience.

Although Shōko’s feelings about her mother aren’t explicitly stated, she does not seem to harbor resentment toward Yaeko as Yuzuru does. Shōko likely sees the good in Yaeko, understanding that her mother loves her despite the cold exterior.

Yaeko begins to change after the death of Ito Nishimiya, becoming more nurturing and vulnerable with Shōko and Yuzuru. Initially resistant to Shōko’s plans to move to Tokyo after graduation, Yaeko eventually accepts her daughter’s choices.

Ito Nishimiya: Shōko shared a close bond with her grandmother, who had cared for her since she was three. Unlike Yaeko, Ito made an effort to learn sign language, allowing her to communicate effectively with Shōko. Ito was a key source of support and encouragement throughout Shōko’s life, likely shaping her into the compassionate person she is. Following Ito’s passing, Shōko mourns quietly, though her sadness is palpable.