Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-76.198.43.138-20180721212258/@comment-5785681-20181014043646

I recently rewatched S3 in its entirety and have to say Hiyori was really nasty to the boys, especially towards Haru who kept his cool when most anyone else would have lost it. Even Makoto, ever the gentleman, got seriously ticked at Hiyori's manner towards Haru. Did you notice how menacing he suddenly became? Even his voice changed. It was a little scary, but also wonderful to watch that giant teddy bear show grizzly bear fangs in protecting his boy. Anyway...I also remember thinking Natsuya was totally selfish to dump Ikuya's health and training on Hiyori, friend or not, just so he could gallavant and drink his way around the world. Hiyori took it very seriously, knowing Ikuya could die. So maybe it went to his head or maybe he just was scared to death he wasn't up to the job. Hiyori is just a young guy himself, with his own future to think about, yet Ikuya never once seems to worry about anyone but himself, eh? Maybe there's a trace of selfishness in both Karishima brothers. I'm just glad Natsuya realized his responsibilties and his foolishness and that Ikuya reconciled with Haruka and the others. Best of all, he finally admitted that he didn't treat Hiyori the way a friend should and that's when Hiyori's attitude began to change. I was happy for them both.

And...I keep remembering when fans bent over backwards to give Rin loads of chances when he was an absolute dick towards Haru in S1, yet not Hiyori now. Why is that? Is it bc of a crush on Rin or their liking Rinharu as their OTP? That's hypocritical, but it might be true. I still want Hiyori to apologize for his behavior and yeah, he still has issues to work out, but so does eveyone. The attitude shown by Haru and the others in welcoming Hiyori into their circle is kind, generous and maybe a little foolhardy, but it role models what the Japanese consider proper etiquette in maintaining a peaceful society, and in associating with people who treat one another with fairness, honesty and compassion (as Haru's circle does), Hiyori and Ikuya will learn those traits, as well. I like that they welcome him. It makes them the heroes I know our swim boys are.