Namikawa stared retrospectively out the window at the vast night sky, clutching his drink in his hand.
He resented the fact he was dragged here to this nonsense. It was an absolute waste of time.
Higuchi and Takahashi sure didn't think so. They were making the most of being surrounded by beautiful young models. Higuchi had his arm draped lazily around one and was being his usual pervy self. At least he was single though. Takahashi was married with child and still managed to be just as flirtatious and boisterous.
Kida and Hatori had a little more respect for their marriage vows and sat together on a small sofa away from the scantily-clad women.
Namikawa glanced over at Ooi. He was cuddled up with one of the girls and bragging about Yotsuba's recent expansion. He couldn't help but feel a little betrayed by what he saw. He thought that he and Ooi were on the same page about this little get-together Misa had arranged when they subtly exchanged glances back at the office. Apparently not. If they had been, Ooi must've changed his mind once he saw all the glamourous girls from the modeling agency.
Mido sat in a hunched over position and appeared uncomfortable and ready to go home. Still, he managed to straighten up and make polite small talk with one of the models. A little to Namikawa's surprise, even Shimura had relaxed a little and was striking up a conversation with an auburn-haired woman.
And yet, Namikawa stood alone. It certainly wasn't because his social skills were lacking. He could be rather charming and sociable when he wanted. He isolated himself from the others because the whole thing seemed… beneath him.
"Namikawa, what's your problem? Can't stop acting like you're better than everyone for five minutes to enjoy yourself?" Higuchi called out.
Higuchi's sudden verbal assault broke his train of thought.
Though Namikawa was somewhat annoyed by Higuchi's question, his face remained stoic.
"It's not that. I'm just not really into this type of thing," he replied calmly.
Higuchi scoffed.
"Beautiful women, good food, good drink. I don't see the problem."
"Like I said, this just isn't really my type of gathering."
"Oh. Sorry we're not the royal shogi club, your highness," Higuchi sneered. "You can keep standing there by yourself if you want. That just means more of this for me," he said, pulling the model in his arm ever closer and slapping another's bottom as she walked past.
Namikawa ignored him and resumed looking out the window. Higuchi wasn't worth the energy nor the risk. If he insulted him back (which he could easily and effectively do, given his superior wit), he would probably kill him. Namikawa wasn't entirely sure that Higuchi was Kira, but he was pretty certain. If Higuchi was Kira and Namikawa embarrassed him in a room full of people, Higuchi's anger and pride would get the better of him and he would do away with Namikawa, despite his usefulness to the group.
Namikawa briefly looked at Higuchi indulging in the presence of the models and smiled before taking a sip of his drink.
He guessed the old saying was true.
Simple minds enjoyed simple things.