230 A PROOF OF HARD WORK

ASTRID couldn't help but smile when the other asked his name. After eating almost half of the food container, it's only now that this boy became interested in who he was. In the other's eyes, he's probably not important compared to the food he was eating now.

"I'm Astrid Townsend. You?" he said, good-naturedly.

"Kira. Kiran Hope."

Astrid reached out his hand. "Nice to meet you, Kiran."

The other looked at his hand, then, looked at his own hand. He seemed to be hesitating about something. When Astrid saw him about to wipe his hand on his pants as if there's invisible dirt on it, he simply stretched his hand and gently held the other's hand.

Kiran seemed to be startled by his action. After the initial shock, the other immediately tried to take his hand back while saying, "M-my hand is too rough."