Harano nodded with relief, then pushed away the rice ball in Ah Qing's hand, smiling as he said, "You eat first. Right now… I'm really not very hungry."
"You haven't eaten anything since last night. Please have some." Ah Qing's face was cool and quiet, her eyes lowered, but she made no move to take the rice ball back. She offered it to him again, unusually persistent, making sure he must eat something.
"Haven't eaten since last night?" Harano was startled, realizing he hadn't noticed how much time had passed. He genuinely didn't feel hungry at all, but at a time like this, maintaining strength was paramount. He immediately took the rice ball and stuffed it in his mouth, smiling at Ah Qing, "Thank you. Now that you mention it, I really am a bit hungry."
