If there was one thing Haruichi didn't mind, it was that his elder brother was somehow able to secure the huge bath for just the two of them each night. He wasn't sure how, and didn't bother to ask. He really hadn't been looking forward to seeing the stares directed towards the box in his chest or the questions about it.

He was also thankful to Kuramochi, since the second year had apparently talked to his elder brother, resulting in Ryousuke backing off slightly and giving him a bit more breathing room. Not to mention he was continuously invited over to the short stop's room to play one game or another. He thoroughly enjoyed competing against the elder teen, as Kuramochi was more of a challenge than his brother was.

Throwing his controller down, the second year groaned and flopped onto his back. "Damn it. I thought I was good at this game."

"You are good at it." Haruichi smiled at the glare thrown his way.

Switching to one player mode, he absently brushed his bangs back as he proceeded to clear the level on his own. He was nearing the boss fight when the short stop spoke up. "How come you don't cut your bangs?"

Pausing slightly, he shook his head. "Everyone teases me about how girly I look."

He winched at the flick to his head, pausing the game and rubbing the slightly sore spot. "When was the last time they did that?"

"Teased me about looking like a girl? Last year. Last week actually, but they didn't know I was there when they said it. They apologized when they saw me though."

Rolling his eyes, the second year specified, "I meant about your eyes. You look girly no matter what with that thin build."

Huffing, Haruichi thought back. When was the last time someone commented on his eyes? "Not since I grew them out back in elementary school."

"See? And admit it, it's probably hard to see like that. Not to mention you wouldn't have to keep pushing them out of the way all the time."

"I don't push them out of the way all the time." They both knew that was a lie. He could ignore them during practice, but when he was working on homework or playing a game, he tended to keep brushing them out of the way. And with being in the back, it was a little hard to see. But that was also because he was rather short and had to keep looking around all the tall people.

Sitting up, Kuramochi reached forward and used one hand to sweep the bangs from his face, holding them atop his head. "If nothing else, you'd at least draw more attention to yourself. And people could actually tell when you're angry or upset – it's a lot easier to read you when your eyes are visible."

"Maybe I don't want to be read easily," the first year grumbled, swatting his senior's hand away, "or draw more attention to myself."

The second year shrugged. "Fine. It's a waste though – your eyes are really nice." Hrauichi flushed and turned back to the game. It had been a long time since anyone had complemented his eyes, rather than make fun of them.

Finishing the level, he stretched and got up. It was getting late and he still had homework to do before he went to bed. And he still needed to call his parents. Thanking the short stop for the game, he made his way to the payphone. Dialing their home phone he waited for his parents to pick up, his mind still on what Kuramochi had said.

'Haruichi?'

"Hi okaa-san."

'How are you? Did you have a good week?'

"I'm alright. The week was fine. We have a game next week, it's the start of tournament that will decide who goes to Koshien."

'That sounds like fun. You and your brother are going to do great! How are you feeling?'

"I'm feeling alright. No problems. I met up with the cardiologist, and he said everything was alright. Aniki came with me again."

'How's Ryou-chan doing? He still hardly calls us.'

"He's fine. He keeps hovering over me, but not as much since Kuramochi-senpai talked to him."

'You know he's just trying to look out for you.'

"I know. But sometimes he won't even let me go to the bathroom alone if he thinks I'm not feeling well."

Haruna laughed over the phone. 'At least I don't have to worry about you, with him there to watch over you.'

"How are you and otou-san?"

'We're doing well. Your father put down a deposit on that little store that opened up near the park. He says it's past time for me to have my own little bakery like I talked about when I was little.'

"That's great! Your cooking is the best! It's going to be a big hit!"

'I'm so glad you think so! I'm going to put your father on, alright?' Haruichi listened to the phone change hands before his father's voice came over the line. 'How's it going?'

"It's good. Okaa-san said you put down a deposit on a shop for her."

'I did. You should have seen the way her face lit up when I told her.' Haruichi smiled, imagining how happy his mother must have been. 'I know she's already pushed you for how you're feeling and everything, so I'll spare you that. How's baseball been?'

"It's been fun. We've started practicing harder since the tournament starts next week, but coach is having me do my own practice menu while the second and third year regulars are being pushed to the limit to gear up for the game. I've never seen aniki so tired before, but he always looks like he's having fun."

'That's good to hear. Do you need anything? Have anything you want us to send you?'

"I'm fine."

'Alright, well I know it's late and you should get some sleep. Goodnight Haruichi.'

"Goodnight otou-san, goodnight okaa-san." Hanging up the phone, he made his way back to his room. Sliding into his seat, he flicked on his desk lamp and started on his homework, glancing up when his brother came in.

"Almost finished?" Ryousuke asked, glancing over his brother's shoulder.

"This is the last of it."

"Don't stay up too late. Practice starts early in the morning."

Haruichi scrunched his nose when his brother ruffled his hair, smoothing it back down. Fingering his bangs, Kuramochi's words floated into his mind again. 'It's a waste though – your eyes are really nice.'

Turning towards his brother who was settling into bed with a book, he asked, "Aniki, do you think I should get my bangs cut?"

"Yes." The answer was without hesitation and surprised him. Raising an eyebrow, the elder said, "I never liked it when you grew your bangs out. Your eyes are one of your best features. You also made okaa-san and otou-san sad when you grew them out."

Fingering his bangs, Haruichi decided he'd think about it. It'd be a big change, after having them like this for so long. 'Maybe at the end of the year,' he thought, 'a change to start the New Year.'