Masachika Kuze, the main male protagonist of “Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian,” holds a unique position in his high school, sitting next to the beautiful and enigmatic Alisa. Despite his seemingly unremarkable exterior, Masachika possesses a deep understanding of the Russian language, a skill he acquired from his paternal grandfather, a lover of Russian culture. This ability, however, remains a secret known only to his younger sister, Yuki Suou.
Masachika’s background is marked by a complex and heavy past. Raised under the care of his grandfather during his elementary school years, he was exposed to Russian through numerous movies, despite never having visited Russia or having relatives there. His proficiency in Russian is a hidden talent, not disclosed to his peers, contributing to his enigmatic persona.
On the surface, Masachika appears as an unmotivated and disheveled student, often seen in his school uniform with brown hair and eyes. Despite his self-deprecating view of his looks as ‘painfully average,’ many of his peers find him quite attractive. His personality is a blend of carefree humor and deep-seated self-doubt. He is an otaku who stays up late, resulting in poor academic performance, not due to a lack of intelligence but a lack of motivation.
Masachika’s true nature is far more complex. He is intelligent, reliable, and quick-witted, preferring to work behind the scenes rather than seeking the spotlight. His ability to understand Russian allows him to fully grasp the conversations of the Kujou sisters, adding a layer of depth to his interactions with them. Despite his easygoing demeanor, he struggles with low self-esteem, often sinking into self-hatred and self-doubt. He hides this vulnerable side from most people, revealing it only to a select few.
Masachika’s relationship with his sister, Yuki Suou, is particularly intriguing. Despite sharing the same household, they do not share the same surname. This difference in surnames is a significant aspect of their characters and adds to the mystery surrounding their family dynamics. Yuki, a first-year student and the student council public relations officer, is genuine and straightforward, enjoying teasing both Masachika and Alya. Initially, Alya is jealous of Yuki, believing her to be Masachika’s childhood friend, but it is later revealed that Yuki is actually his younger sister.
The reason behind Masachika and Yuki having different surnames is rooted in their family history. Masachika’s surname, Kuze, means “long time” and “world,” while Yuki’s surname, Suou, reflects their noble lineage. The Suou family, a former noble family, has a long-standing tradition of diplomacy, which Yuki shoulders as the eldest daughter. This distinction in surnames highlights the different roles and expectations placed upon them within their family.
Masachika’s character is further enriched by his interactions with Alya, the series’ female protagonist. Alya, a talented first-year student with a cold demeanor, occasionally makes flirtatious remarks in Russian, unaware that Masachika understands her. This dynamic creates a unique tension between them, as Masachika harbors secret feelings for Alya but believes he is not good enough for her. Alya, on the other hand, slowly develops a crush on Masachika, despite being bothered by his laziness and lack of motivation.
The series “Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian” explores the complexities of these characters’ relationships and the secrets they keep. Masachika’s ability to understand Russian and his hidden vulnerabilities add depth to his character, making him more than just the unmotivated student he appears to be. His relationship with Yuki and the difference in their surnames provide a glimpse into their family’s history and the roles they are expected to play.
In conclusion, the difference in surnames between Masachika Kuze and Yuki Suou in “Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian” is a significant aspect of their characters, reflecting their family’s noble lineage and the different expectations placed upon them. Masachika’s hidden talents and vulnerabilities, along with his complex relationships with Alya and Yuki, make him a compelling and multi-dimensional character in the series.
Source: Wikipedia, Anime News Network
