Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian blends emotional slice-of-life storytelling with the blossoming romance between Alya and Masachika. While the series often showcases tender moments—embarrassment, happiness, and affection—it also explores less pleasant emotions, including envy, which takes center stage in the third volume.
Editor’s Note: This article contains spoilers for Volume 3 of the Russian adaptation of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings.
Three Characters, Three Sources of Jealousy
The third volume of the manga introduces three distinct cases of envy involving the main trio:
- Alya’s jealousy: She grows envious of the perceived closeness between Yuki and Masachika, unaware that Yuki is his younger sister. Alya’s crush on Masachika deepens as she begins to cherish their shared moments, making Yuki’s presence a trigger for her insecurity.
- Yuki’s jealousy: Though subtler, Yuki resents the loss of her brother’s attention due to their family’s strained dynamics. She clings to memories, sneaks visits, and inserts herself between Masachika and Alya, revealing her underlying envy.
- Masachika’s jealousy: Surprisingly, Masachika harbors envy toward Alya. He admires her passion and determination, particularly her drive to become student council president, contrasting it with his own complicated family history.
Alya’s Insecurity and Over-the-Top Reactions
Alya’s jealousy manifests in exaggerated ways, such as eating overly spicy ramen to prove her resilience and keep up with Yuki. Her reactions highlight her fear of losing Masachika’s attention and her struggle to accept that Yuki is his sister, not a rival.
Yuki’s Subtle but Painful Envy
Yuki’s jealousy stems from the fractured relationship with her brother. Despite their family’s denial of their bond, she clings to remnants of their past, from shared memories to sneaking into his life. Her actions, though framed as teasing, underscore her longing for the connection she once had.
Masachika’s Unexpected Admiration Turns to Envy
Masachika’s feelings for Alya extend beyond romance. He admires her fiery passion, which contrasts sharply with his own disillusionment from his family’s neglect. His envy of her vivacity adds a layer of complexity to his character, revealing vulnerabilities beneath his confident exterior.