8. Fake Rainbow

"Darza must have suffered because the students bullied him," Banyu said, trying to obtain Kiki's trust. "It's good that he has you … but does he have any other friends?"

"No. And I'm not close to anyone else either. I guess we're both outcasts. I'm fine with it, though," Kiki muttered.

"Are you sure Darza's fine with it too? How does he feel about this?" Banyu asked with serious voice.

The waiter brought Kiki's sandwich and Banyu's orange juice to the table. Kiki didn't say a word for a while. She sighed. "Actually, I don't know for sure. I could see that he seemed stressed about it. Sometimes I had to pressure him into talking."

This was a chance for Banyu to make an excuse for hanging out with them. He could become closer to Kiki as well. Not because he was interested in her, but because he had to prove to himself that he could win the heart of every girl. "I think it would be great if the three of us could be friends. It will be better for Darza. People's opinion about you and Darza will improve if they know that both of you are friends with a popular guy like me. Don't you think so, Kiki?"

Kiki realized that what Banyu said was true. "Yes. I think you're right. Umm … thanks for … helping us."

"Don't mention it. I'm glad I can connect with more people," lied Banyu. He thought didn't need friends as he already had abundant fame with him. Accompanied by the tranquil sound of rain, Banyu and Kiki continued to have a pleasant conversation.