He's lithe and tanned and taut. But to my eye he's lost something. He has a synthetic quality, like orange soda instead of freshly squeezed juice. It's orangey and bubbly and it quenches your thirst, but it leaves a bitter aftertaste. And it's not good for you.
The narrator describes a character who appears fit and attractive, characterized by being "lithe and tanned." However, there's a sense of loss in his authenticity, suggesting that while he seems appealing on the outside, something essential is missing. This quality gives him a somewhat artificial aura, as if he were a manufactured version of what he should be.
The comparison to orange soda implies that although he may provide immediate satisfaction, there is a lingering bitterness that suggests underlying flaws. The synthetic nature of his appearance raises concerns about health and substance, ultimately leading the narrator to question the value of such superficial qualities in a relationship.
