“…I see. How about a pseudonym of mine, Katsuki Doito, at least when we’re out and about? While we’re on the subject, may I ask what you prefer to be called by?” KID walked just behind Hakuba, a grin still on his face.
He would ask about the client stuff later. For now, getting close to the hotel, KID put on an expression more apropos for a person who was consulting a detective with a reasonable track record. It was time to change mannerisms. Eyes shifted around just a bit, not quite wanting to make contact with others’ gazes, and he added a nervous tick of biting his lip just so.
Hakuba let out a breath of relief. KID was willing to play the game. Good.
“Just ‘Hakuba,’ with or without any honorifics you feel comfortable attaching. Otherwise, ‘detective’ on its works. just fine, Doito-san.”
He lead the way to the hotel, and stepped around the valet parking, his own expression returning to one of strictly business. Professional, polite, but all together reserved. He held the door for KID, but was soon relieved of the duty by one of the hotel’s attendants.
“Ah, thank you. This way, Doito-san… I’ll get us checked in if you want to wait right here.”
The hotel lobby was large and open, with the wall facing the drive made entirely of large glass panes. Expensive and pretentious, just like the detective who nodded at KID before stepping away to speak with the girl at the reception desk.