Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 review: Doga Kobo brings Yuki and Masachika's complicated relationship to light

Produced by Doga Kobo, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 aired on August 14, 2024. Titled A Storm Arrives, the episode highlighted Ayano's relationship with the Suou family and the complexity between Yuki and Masachika's bond.

Unlike the other episodes, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7's pacing was on the slower side. It's understandable, considering Doga Kobo had to cut plenty of moments from SunSunSun's light novel for a smooth adaptation. Those moments, if animated, would have further delayed the "intrigue" aspect of the episode.

Yet, one could say that Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 was a fresh breath of air since it focused on multiple characters and revealed their hidden natures. From Masachika to Masha to Ayano, the episode unraveled these characters' psyches to let the audience appreciate their actions in the narrative.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 review: Evaluating Yuki and Masachika's relationship, Doga Kobo's production

Expand Tweet

Like the previous installment, which emphasized character development for Alya, Yuki, and Masachika Kuze, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 introduced two new characters and set up an interesting narrative for future episodes.

Starting with Ayano Kimishima, the character's introduction in the previous episode led fans to wonder about her identity. Evidently, she had a definite connection with Yuki Suou and Masachika Kuze. Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 revealed that Ayano worked as Yuki's aide in the Suou family.

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

She had followed in her grandparents' footsteps, who used to serve the Suou family. Inspired by them, Ayano learned the ways of being a maid in childhood and grew up alongside Yuki and Masachika. However, Ayano's relationship with Masachika and Yuki had a touch of drama.

After their parents' divorce, Masachika left the Suou family and discarded the Suou surname. His maternal grandfather strictly instructed the boy not to disclose his familial relationship with Yuki in public so as not to tarnish their name.

In other words, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 revealed the truth about Yuki and Masachika's actual relationship.

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

Undoubtedly, Ayano acted as a catalyst for this revelation. Yet, one might want to probe deep into the characterization of Ayano. While Doga Kobo's credit only lies in animating the taciturn girl, the studio did a fine job with it.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 confirmed that Ayano's deep admiration for Masachika didn't diminish despite the boy not living in the Suou family. She was incredulous to find that the boy decided to run against Yuki.

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

However, Ayano was more pleased to hear from Masachika that he still held Yuki close to his heart as the "most important person." As such, the episode dexterously revealed the secrets of the Suou family and Masachika's feelings for Yuki through Ayano. Yet, it was evident from the episode how much struggle Doga Kobo had with storyboarding the events.

Considering the adaptation has caught up to the manga, Doga Kobo had to directly anime events based on SunSunSun's written words in the light novel. In this respect, the esteemed studio had to discard plenty of intriguing moments.

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

From the extended conversation between Masachika, Hikaru, and Takesh, to the welcome party scene, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 needed to only focus on the crux moments to ensure the episode ran seamlessly. Otherwise, the episode would have been heavily dialogue-based.

Doga Kobo took the challenge to enliven those iconic moments from SunSunSun's manga brilliantly. We have to say, the studio didn't discard the fun dialogues from the light novel, such as Ayano recalling how Masachika's words sent shockwaves through her womb and Alya's wholesome responses after learning about Masachika's preferences in women.

From a production's perspective, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 was much like the previous episodes. Yet, there were some hits and misses, with the pacing and mild jitters in animation. That said, it was only expected considering the source material demanded it.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 review: Masha and Masachika's natures and Sayaka Taniyama's introduction

Expand Tweet

Aside from Ayano and Yuki-Masachika dynamics, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 was incredibly important for Masachika and Maria Mikhailovna Kujo's bond. The episode revealed the actual natures of the characters who liked to hide from others for different reasons.

Maria, although she appears listless and lax most of the time around Alya, truly cares for her sister. She expressed her gratitude to Masachka for not abandoning her when she needed him the most. Maria knew that her sister would have someone to rely on with Masachika there.

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

Maria's mature side impressed Masachika, who promised to keep it a secret from Alya. Likewise, Maria aka Masha pointed out that Masachika kept a side to himself; he was as mature as she was. However, the boy never wanted to show it to others because he didn't want them to depend on him. Maria respected Masachika's decision and she patted his head.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 beautifully captured Maria and Masachika's moment as they unraveled their hidden side and became closer than ever.

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

The whole-hearted moment was followed by intrigue, with Sayaka Taniyama's introduction. While not much is known about the character except for the fact that she competed against Yuki Suou and Masachika in the middle school's student council elections, the episode has already put her in an antagonist light.

She accused Alya of stealing Masachika Kuze from Yuki's side in the elections for her personal gain. However, the boy defended Alya and revealed that he wanted to run in the elections for Alya of her own will. As a result, Sayaka challenged the duo to the Student Congress. The episode ended dramatically and promised narrative scope for the characters.

Conclusion

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

Although Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 7 was on a slower side, the episode contributed to the character development of Yuki, Masachika, Alya, and Masha. At the same time, Doga Kobo did justice to Ayano Kimishima's representation in the anime format.

Besides that, the esteemed studio elevated the source material by selecting the crux moments and presenting them in a definite manner. At the same time, the narrative for episode 7 added a touch of drama and intrigue to the mix.