"You and Shiri are what?"
Himari finds it amusing that they are unable to speak tonight. Maybe it is surprising to learn that Shiri has actual friends. Shiri is a mysterious figure who unexpectedly appeared in the music industry and demonstrated his talent to everyone. Shiri vanished from the public eye several years later, as he had done since the beginning.
"Wow. So Shiri can actually speak and communicate?" Dice asked again. "I once saw a reporter try her hardest to elicit any responses or reactions from Shiri following his performance. Despite almost knocking Shiri to the ground, the musician never made a sound or became angry. He stood up straight, as if nothing had happened, and walked straight out of the venue. Shiri seemed like a robot to me at the time."
"You are so silly, Dice." Himari mused.
"I am sorry to break it to you, but Shiri can talk and even make jokes."
"Oh wow. After you said that, I feel like I discovered something that has the potential to change the world's view." Vincent said as he sat back down on the sofa. "That's so... I don't know. Surprising? Exciting? Amusing?"
Before Gael can respond, Vincent continues.
"But perhaps that is not surprising at all. He is a musical performer. Of course, it is normal for him to breathe and experience emotions."
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Himari asked.
"Performing music is also a form of art. We are both on the same path, but there are some differences. Shiri makes music, while I create paintings, sculptures, and glass pottery. One thing we all have in common is the ability to express ourselves through our craft."
"Oh, right. I understand you, Vincent. Today's technologies can create various forms of art, but they cannot express emotions. They can simply provide us with something to please our eyes and ears."
"Right?! If a person is unable to express himself in words, then conveying it through our creations is also an appropriate way!"
"Changing the arrangement, tempo, and notes of a piece of music can transform it from happy to sad, scary, or painful. Changing the patterns, colors, and perspective in paintings can also reveal the emotions the artist wishes to convey. Am I right?" Himari asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Yes!" Vincent exclaimed. Because of his excitement, he fails to notice that he has already moved closer to Himari and clasped her hands. "All hail heaven! Finally! Someone fucking understands me and has exquisite taste and knowledge of art!"
"Pfft. And everyone, we are now witnessing another example of Vincent's childishness and idiocy." Gael said in a mocking tone before taking a large sip of champagne.
"Shut up, you hideous and stinking detective. You will never understand the brain cells of people like us, who have distinct tastes and classes." Vincent quickly retorted.
Then he sneers in disgust as Gael drinks his water before pouring the rest of the champagne from the bottle into his water glass. Gael notices Vincent frowning at him. He can already guess what thoughts are going through his mind.
"What? "Those champagne glasses are extremely small and delicate." Gael attempted to defend himself.
"You are completely hopeless. I hope your agency fires you tomorrow."
"You already know it will never happen, brat. They will never find another detective as good as me."
"Liar. Dice informed me that your agency has hired a recent graduate who is rumored to be the department's next head detective. It appears that the newly hired youngster will steal your job sooner or later, Mr. Stinky Detective."
"You!"
Vincent ignores Gael with a pleased expression on his face. At least he got his petty revenge on that detective with the stench of cigarettes all over his body. He shifts his focus to Himari instead. But Vincent flinches when he notices Jin's serious gaze on him.
So, what did he do this time? Vincent did not attempt to include Jin in his jokes tonight. Vincent does not want to ruin his good mood by having Jin point a gun at his head again. So why is this mafia boss staring at him again as if he intends to murder him?!
"Hands," Lester abruptly said.
"Ah?" Vincent responded with a puzzled expression on his face.
He lowers his eyes slightly and looks at his hands, which are still encircling Himari's. When Vincent realized what Lester was saying, he quickly let go of Himari's hands. Then he drew a safe distance between himself and Himari, sliding his body away until he reached the long sofa's armrest.
"I am not touching your girlfriend's hands now. Please do not kill me." Vincent pleaded before nervously looking at Jin, who still had that dark expression on his face.
Everyone's attention is now on Jin. Jin's scowl deepened as both Lester and Himari smiled knowingly at him. The other people are taken aback by his reaction. Gael even has the audacity to laugh at him at the end, which quickly turns into amusement.
"Eh? What's this? I never considered you to be the possessive type, Mafia Boss." Gael said, looking at Jin and wiggling his right brow.
"Shut up, stinky detective." Jin snapped at him, making the detective laugh harder.
In truth, Jin is not actually glaring at Vincent. Instead, his glares are all directed at the woman sitting beside him. It was just a coincidence that Vincent noticed his glares, and they jumped to the conclusion that he was upset with him for touching his girlfriend.
 
'These bunch of bastards.'
In reality, Jin is just trying to contain his anger toward Himari, who is attempting to disturb his peace. Himari occasionally slides her fingers on his arm, away from the prying eyes of the other managers nearby. Jin dismissed it at first, believing it to be an accident. The second time, Himari did it so slowly that he could feel her fingers on his skin.
Jin pretended to stretch his legs before creating a space between him and that woman. But Himari moved closer to him in a natural manner while conversing with the three idiots on the opposite sofa. That woman managed to keep up with their conversation while secretly teasing him by lightly touching the his arm. This made him feel slightly ticklish as well. When Jin had had enough, he attempted to warn Himari to stop bothering him, but was met with Vincent's surprised look.