Kaya let out a soft sigh and quietly accepted the bowl Cutie handed her— the so-called stew.
Cutie watched her carefully, and when she took it without complaint, he sighed in relief and smiled a little. He turned away and went over to hand the next bowl to Vayu, already more at ease.
Kaya looked down at the bowl, steam rising lazily from the surface. She braced herself, brought it to her lips, and took a sip.
And paused.
Her mouth went still, lips tightening into a small, almost invisible line. Her jaw moved slightly, as if unsure whether to chew or just give up.
It was so sour. And the grassy aftertaste hit her like wet weeds soaked in vinegar.
She swallowed carefully, blinking once. Then again.
Her face didn't change much—but deep down, she questioned all her life choices in that moment.
What on earth did they put in this?
Still, she kept quiet. She took another small sip, slowly, calmly, like this was all perfectly normal.