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I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. The characters are not what I was expecting and the plot changed up on me. Looking forward to see how it develops.Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, finished adapting volume 1 with episode 4 along with the prologue of volume 2. It's been awhile since we not only had a good Ln RomCom adapted, but a great adaptation of one. They nailed this episode, the best one so far.
Best episode so far. We really got a nice focus on Touya, the class president. I love how he persuades Masachika to join the student council. He doesn't say things like it would be an honor to serve or this will look good when you apply for college. He simply tells him his motivation and quite frankly, it is perfect. Furthermore, he joined to impress the girl he loves. Which is Vice President Chisaki.
Essentially, the point being that your reason can be as shallow as possible. But ultimately, even a shallow reason can be great for the person. As we can see with Touya his transformation is incredible and deserves to be accomplished.
As we moved on to Alya who was dealing with the issue between the baseball and soccer teams. This really points out Alya's flaws. We know very well she is an incredible hard worker. Working with others has been something she has been putting off for so long, that putting into this environment is foreign to her.
At some point, she just degrades herself, thinking this is impossible and cries for help in Russian. Alya's biggest issue her pride. Saying in Japanese would imply and admit she needs help. But she says it in Russian, and she knows no one in the room would understand her unless Kuze is around. This goes back to the title Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian. This is the first time she hides her feelings from someone other than Masachika. She hides the fact that she needs help. Would love to see down the line she is able to say she needs help in Japanese.
As Masachika sees what Alya is dealing with, he basically goes good luck. But hearing that cry in Russian once again hits him differently. It is the guilt of hearing a girl cry for help, and you are the only one who knows it. Once again Masachika steps up for Alya. To Alya's eyes, he seemed to pull off a miracle. But like in the flashback, Masachika knows how to work with others. He understands how to get the people to agree on both sides. The captain of the baseball was dating one of the managers of the soccer team. Using that to his advantage, he was able to give both sides with what they wanted.
Afterwords we still see the stubbornness from Alya that she won't back down. But that is part of Alya that defines her. Much like Touya mentioned earlier, Masachika sees a good reason why for joining the student council. That is to help Alya become Class President. Great moment. Although highlighted by Alya's tsundere traits. Though at least she does show concern for the slap he gave him. Much like that childhood friend, he shares the same feelings for Alya at that moment. Whatever those feelings are, that is more enough reason to help Alya.
Since Alya is half Russian, the cheek kiss leaves more question to this. Looking this up online, females usually cheek kiss close friends and relatives. Now one thing that this does imply is about her friendship with Masachika. Although we do learn that what Alya said in Russian when Masachika told her to take his hands was I love you. So that more so clarifies what the cheek kiss signified. Of course, in typical Tsundere fashion, Alya is denying her feelings.
Although the talk between Masha and Alya, it is obvious that Masha is talking about Kuze. It seems clear to me that she wants to push Alya to accept her feelings for him. I can't imagine she would steal Kuze for herself. Great episode all around.
ED for Ep 4 below
will watch when I get a chance.
Also comedy was on point as well. 
Damn wit went off this episode
I mean as long Wit does there thing with the Suicide Squad energy that’s all I expect. Idk why some people were expecting some top tier storytelling with it from what I see on Reddit.
shyt was disgusting, like people have said Viral Hit is the onewtf is this power of friendship shyt on wind breaker not feeling it all
boxing with no shame, the other delinquent shows weak
So I'm almost on season 2 of Slime and I think it's one of my favorites. I dropped Yatagarasu for now. It reminds me too much of the Chinese Dramas I watch and I'm trying to take a break from those
Rimuru has to be one of my favorite protagonists. I can't wait to see how much his little town develops in the later seasons. I think it's real endearing how he's made it a place for all monsters to feel welcome and how he gave them all names so that they were more "real" instead of being like computer generated. I especially like the concept of certain races like the ogres evolving when they get a name. I'm still waiting for him and Veldora to break that magic prison he's in. Speaking of Veldora, for a giant city-destroying storm dragon he's such a big baby when talking about Rimuru, like that's his little brother. I want him to adopt Ifrit too. They get along so well. How cute.
Recently I've watched:
Failure Frame - I felt so bad for the main character in the beginning, but I think he's showing his true personality now which is a far cry from a victim. I was taken back to Dragon Age Origins when he fighting all the monsters in the dungeon lol reminded me of trying to gear up before going to the next area so I don't get my butt kicked by werewolves or darkspawn. I think that's why I'm enjoying it too.
Solo Leveling - This is up there with Slime. Im really digging this show. The concept is a lot like the other "oh no I got stuck in a video game, now I have to get stronger" animes, but in this one the video game is a portal that have to be closed to stop monsters from coming through. Im loving the progress of the main character and how it reminds me of grinding in RPG games alone with a solo character lol. I'm sad i have to wait til the end of the year to see season 2, buuuut I'll be patient
Spice and Wolf - I just watched the first episode and it's really cute. Not a lot of action at first, but compared to the rest of my watchlist it's slow, easy to grasp, and kind of relaxing. I really like the environment and world it takes place in and the addition of mythology.
The Witch and The Beast - I only seen the first episode on this one. When I read the synopsis I got Blood+ vibes, like the relationship between Saya and Hanji and their bond. Not gonna lie, I thought it sucked the first 10 minutes, but I stuck it out to the end and
