The food was absolutely disgusting—bitter, dry, and so astringent it felt like chewing on sandpaper. Aria gagged and spat it out immediately.
"What the hell is this? This is inedible!" she snapped, her face twisted in revulsion.
Ricky shot her a glare, clearly annoyed. "No one's forcing you. Eat it or don't—I don't give a damn."
Aria rolled her eyes at him. "Please. You think I'm like you Outer Zone street rats? That's not even food, it's—"
Smack!
Before she could finish, Ricky's arm swung out and slapped her hard across the face.
A bright red handprint bloomed instantly on her cheek.
Aria froze, stunned, her head turned to the side. Her eyes widened in disbelief.
"You hit me?!"
"You're lucky that's all I did," Ricky growled. "Spoiled brat like you needs a reality check. Don't wanna eat? Fine by me." He shoved the rest of the foraged veggie ration into his mouth, chewed it with exaggerated aggression, then turned and walked off.
