Summary
Warning: The following contains spoilers for Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Episode 4, “Overflowing Emotions,” now streaming onCrunchyroll.
Rom-coms are known for their slow progression and almost filler-like pacing, yetAlya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russiancontinues to defy expectations once more with a thoroughly engaging episode. After last week’s revelations pertaining toMasachika’s childhood friendand Alya’s own feelings, matters seem to have settled down, though not for Alya and her rattled heart.
With Masachika joining the student council and supporting Alya, the two have been cemented as a pair, at least in the eyes of the student body. However, it won’t be smooth sailing for the pair, especially with Maria’s subtle declaration of snatching Masachika away from Alya. The latest episode also highlights the series' most promising aspect — a nuanced protagonist in the form of Masachika who will always rise to the occasion.
The Newest Member of the Student Council
Masachika Joins the Student Council to Support Alya
Masachika initially presented himself as a lazy, indifferent student who rarely cared for anything other than manga and comics. However, the current student body president was able to see right through this facade, urging him tojoin the student council. Despite refusing at first, Masachika is roped into the student council’s affair after he witnesses Alya upset over failing to mediate a squabble over the school’s court.
Кто-нибудь, пожалуйста помогите (Someone, please help)
After effortlessly resolving the entire ordeal, Masachika has no other choice but to join the council. However, his reasoning for joining the student body is rather clear, with the sole goal of supporting Alya from the backdrop. Since Masachika was the vice president of his middle school’s student council, he’s the perfect candidate for the position, though this opens up the question of why he vehemently refused to join in the first place.
The flashback showed Yuki asking Masachika for help with the council, meaning he most probably joined the councilto support his sister. While the series is yet to explain this mysterious aspect of his past, it seems that he doesn’t see himself worthy of such a role, a sentiment that possibly stems from a negative experience from middle school. Nevertheless, this new development sets the stage for an even more intimate relationship for Alya and Masachika, giving way to all manner of romcom antics.
Alya Makes the First Move
Alya Takes Masachika By Surprise With a Kiss
WhileAlya has been making advanceson Masachika in Russian this entire time, she has never outright made a move on him. However, the latest episode witnessed a somewhat risky development on her part, with Alya jumping in with a kiss on the cheek. This development might not seem like a big deal, yet a straightforward advance this early is still out of the ordinary for a romantic comedy.
Я тебя люблю! (I like you)
However, such an incident isn’t going to offset a romance between the two anytime soon, especially with Alya denying her feelings and Masachika being oblivious to his own emotions. With the latter already being aware of Alya’s feelings, it’s only a matter of time before he comes clean and reveals his knowledge of the Russian language.
The Beginning Of a Possible Sibling Rivalry
Maria and Alya Will Contest For Masachika
WhileAlya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russianis yet to showcase a clear rivalry between Alya and Maria over Masachika, this week’s episode may have hinted at the beginning of apossible sibling rivalry. Since Maria is aware of Alya’s feelings for Masachika, she has backed away from pursuing him or revealing their past relation to him. However, this could change down the line, especially since Masachika has now joined the student council, which would lead to more interactions between the two.
Maria also advises Alya to act on her emotions, as someone else could potentially steal Masachika. While this could just be general advice on her part, her playful emotions hinted ather own romantic sentimentscoming into play. For now, Maria is playing the role of a supportive older sister, but this stance could change as the series progresses.
But if you like him, you should tell him as soon as possible. It’ll be too late if someone snatches him away.
Bringing Back an Old Classic
This Week’s Ending Features a Cover of Hare Hare Yukai
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russianhas promised its viewers a new ending theme for each episode, and this week features ‘Hare Hare Yukai,‘an iconic ending songfrom the 2006 adaptation ofThe Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. This ending theme holds considerable significance, as it inspired a wave of anime incorporating dance sequences in the ending.
Almost eighteen years later,Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russianpays tribute to this cult-classic dance sequence ending. While fans were hoping to witness the cast of the show dancing to the original choreo, the addition of Hare Hare Yukai is enough of a treat for veteran anime fans and novices alike.
