“I did for a time, but that was a few years ago. It was for a study abroad program.” He followed Hakuba, contemplating what he would get. Lies were becoming second nature, though that was to be expected.
“Mmm… I’ll just have a lemon and ginger tea, please.” Subaru then turned his attention back to Hakuba, pulling out his wallet.
“Are you here because you enjoy traveling or is there another reason?” The kid had better Japanese than Jodie had when she first traveled here, which made him curious.
Hakuba turned his gaze to the board, squinting as he read over the various offerings. No Earl Grey, he discovered, but he doubted that they would have milk available anyway. While he considered his other options, he smiled broadly. It was a lovely change of pace to be out and about in such pleasant circumstances.
“Ah, I had a couple of cases that drew my attention here… but I also wanted to spend some time with my father. He’s usually far too busy to come out to the United Kingdom, so I try to do a semester or two out here now and again."
Or a year or two, depending on what trauma the detective had decided to try to deal with at any given time.
He looked back to the cashier when she it looked like she might be ready.
"Actually, what he’s having sounds excellent… Lemon and ginger, please.” He looked back at Okiya. “What was your area of study, if I might ask?”