“Oi, oi, I didn’t mean it like that. S’just that yer usually insultin’ me. S’weird ta hear ya offer ta pay fer lunch.” Oh, but it seemed that pompous attitude had returned, if only slightly. It probably said something about him that he preferred that high-and-mighty attitude to what looked to be a forced display of polite conventions.
“Ya won’t be able ta find it without a guide, yanno. An’ I’m sure it’s closer than whatever cafe ya wanted ta eat at.” He stuck his hands in his pockets and turned away a bit, attempting to look disinterested. “Buuuut if ya really wanna miss out on some’a th’ best food Osaka has t’ offer…"
Hakuba stopped mid-step, considering. With his back to Heiji, he allowed himself to scowl at the ground til the count of five before he relaxed his rigid posture and put on that neutral facade he usually wore.
Heiji had sort of apologized. At least almost. And he was right about the foreign detective being lost. Reluctantly, he turned to face Heiji, unable to hide the dry expression that came unbidden in response to the crooning Osakan trying to tempt him.
He let out a measured sigh. Then shrugged as if everything had just been in good humor. “Well, I can’t very well turn down something like that. I would hate to miss out on how great Osaka is or whatever. And if it’s weird, you’re welcome to pay for your own. Whichever suits your fancy, Hattori-san. I wouldn’t want to offend or impose.”
Inward huff.