Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6 review: Yuki and Alya shine as Doga Kobo focuses on the main narrative

Under the production of Doga Kobo, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6 aired on August 7, 2024. The episode, titled A Kiss of the Indirect Variety, saw Doga Kobo return to highlight the main narrative and showcase the dynamics between Alya and Yuki.

The episode was chiefly divided into three blocks, each having its significant value. From Yuki Suou declaring her love for Masachika and asking Alya whether she liked the boy to Masachika complimenting Masha's work ethic, the episode had many moments that excelled the source material.

Additionally, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6 focused on Masachika Kuze and Alya's "date," where they shared their first indirect kiss. Doga Kobo maintained the production quality for the episode and ensured the audience had a wholesome experience.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6 review: Exploring Doga Kobo's production for Yuki and Alya dynamics

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Unlike the previous episode, which was heavily based on fan service and romance aspects, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6 returned to the main narrative, showcasing Masachika Kuze and Alya working on a plan to emerge victorious in the student council presidential elections.

However, that was just one solitary part of the episode, which is broken into three segments or plot points. The first segment of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6 dealt with the most anticipated moment, where Alya told Yuki Suou about Masachika's decision to help her win the election.

Interestingly, Yuki didn't react the way Alya expected. That said, she was slightly upset that Masachika chose Alya over her. During their conversation, Yuki casually confessed to Alya that she loved Masachika more than her parents.

Yuki and Alya, as seen in the episode (Image via Doga Kobo)

While the audience knows that Yuki and Masachik are siblings, Alya doesn't, which makes the situation even more interesting. Moreover, Yuki showcased her funny side in Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6, as she pressed Alya to reveal her actual feelings for Masachika.

As a sister, Yuki knew that Alya may have some feelings for Masachika, but she wanted the girl to confess it. In the end, Alya told Yuki that while she didn't know whether or not she liked Masachika, she wouldn't let her have him. Yuki was perhaps satisfied by Alya's answer.

She understood that Alya did have some affection for the boy, otherwise she wouldn't have said that. As such, she requested Alya to refer to her by her first name and asked if she could call her by her nickname.

Yuki Suou, as seen in the episode (Image via Doga Kobo)

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6 revealed a complexity in Yuki's character, where she had to hide her familial relationship with Masachika. Besides that, she showcased her two sides: a sister who loves her brother more than her parents and a fierce competitor who wants to win the election.

As for Alya, she acted as a foil for Yuki in the episode. Although she mustered courage to reveal to the girl about Masachika's decision, she was cornered by Yuki's counters. Yet, she was able to convince Yuki that she would play the role of a "competitor."

Doga Kobo expertly handled Yuki and Alya's scene, faithfully adapting the events from SunSunSun's light novel. Sumire Uesaka and Wakana Maruoka have done a fabulous job voicing Alya and Yuki, respectively, in the scene and the episode itself.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6 review: Evaluating Masha's scene with Masachika and Alya

Masha, as seen in the episode (Image via Doga Kobo)

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6 shifted the narrative to the student council room, where Masachika Kuze witnessed Masha aka Maria Mikhailovna Kujo's impressive work ethic. She truly embodied a serene character who could calmly handle any task.

The episode revealed her love for black tea, something her mother used to like. During that scene, Doga Kobo impressively teased Masachika Kuze's mother, who also adored drinking black tea.

While Masachika and Maria's chemistry didn't have a huge scope in Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6, it left easter eggs for those who have read the source material.

Masachika, Alya, and Masha (Image via Doga Kobo)

Maria asked Masachika whether he knew a lot about Russia, which was a nice touch to foreshadow the girl's actual identity. Besides that, the segment saw Alya and Yuki return from their work and join Masachika. Alya sat close to the boy, to ensure she didn't lose him.

Doga Kobo dexterously handled Alya's scenes in episode 6, lending the silver-haired girl the scope to express her emotions. For the first time, we saw Alya pouting, which was a nice addition to her personality.

It's evident that Alya has been opening up gradually. Even though she showcases a cold exterior to others, she's amicable to those who know her. The latest episode further drove the point home. Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6 also showed a beautiful moment between the elder and younger Kujo, exemplifying their sisterhood.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6 review: Masachika and Alya's date

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Doga Kobo has expertly handled Alya and Masachika's supposed date in Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6. After their student council work, the duo went to a cafe to discuss their plans regarding the presidential election.

Masachika blatantly told Alya that they didn't have any chance of beating Yuki Suou in the student council presidential election, with their current standing. He explained to Alya that Yuki's popularity and expertise in debates gave her a better chance of winning the run.

However, Masachika crafted a plan. He informed Alya that the current president, Kenzaki, used his transformation story to win over the students. As such, the boy suggested Alya eye the final term's closing ceremony speech to let the students know about her hard work.

Alya and Masachika share an indirect kiss (Image via Doga Kobo)

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6's third and final segment revolved around student council politics. However, Alya was too preoccupied with her thoughts. Although she listened to Masachika, she thought of a mischievous plan to steal an indirect kiss.

These moments made Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6 enjoyable. Doga Kobo cleverly combined Masachika-Alya's rom-com theme with the student council plotline to achieve a fascinating outcome. The narrative was further enriched with the introduction of Ayano Kimishima, Yuki's running partner, at the end of the episode.

Conclusion

Masachika Kuze, as seen in the episode (Image via Doga Kobo)

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 6 was another solid episode, where Doga Kobo showcased their production skill.

Aside from wonderful adaptation and storyboarding, the episode featured necessary plot points to ensure the series didn't become a heavily fan-service-driven one.