Karin’s smile only widened at his enthusiasm, her heart nearly melting into a little puddle in her chest. This kind of reaction was what she lived for.
“First one’s on the house, Hakuba-san. Anything for an eclair enthusiast.”
She prepared his order, placing the eclairs carefully on a light blue china plate, somehow managing to do this all one-handed. It only took her a few moments to get it all together, and as she handed it to the young detective, she couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at his remarks.
“Seventeen, and a detective already? Have you been invited to Hope’s Peak as well? Sounds like you deserve it.” Pouring the milk into a tall glass, she continued. “Break ins, huh? Is there anything I can do to help you?“
"Ah, thank you very much, Kanoya-san!” Such good fortune that he should try this shop first. The detective looked very pleased indeed as he watched Karin move about, handling the order with care and professionalism. He could very easily respect that.
Hakuba leaned on the counter while he waited, pulling back only when the plate was offered, and took it in his hands with a grateful nod. “Ah. Hope’s Peak? I had considered it, but I travel far too much for that to be in any way practical… I’m between Japan and London at any given time, unfortunately. Are you very familiar with the school?”
There was the case to consider, too, but it could wait. He still had a couple of days before his report deadline, after all.