As they made their way through the crowd, Nick couldn't spot a familiar face anywhere. Kenny abruptly stopped. “Look who I brought.”, he almost shouted. In front of them was a round table with to strangers. Nick was sure he had never seen either one of them at work. “It’s Nick.” Kenny pulled Nick closer. “And his friend...” It seemed like he tried to remember Sailom's name. “Sailom.” He introduced himself quickly. The two people at the table, a man and a woman, looked pretty unimpressed. “Ah, nice to meet you.” The guy stood up first. He was pretty tall, with neatly styled dark locs. How he moved with effortless confidence reminded Nick of those kids at his school who grew up around privileged academic parents. “My name is Etienne.” An exact, probably French. “And that Jung-i.”

The woman only nodded at them while looking in their direction with a certain intensity in her eyes. Dark brown wavy hair fell into her face when she turned her drink again. “Come on, sit.” Silence filled the air. “So, are you guys also working for ‘Glanz’?” Nick was glad he had enough alcohol already for his liquid courage to show up. Etienne grinned into his glass while drinking. “Kind of.” Jung-i looked at Kenny for a moment, and he just leaned back in his chair. “Jung-i works as a security guard at the main office, and I’m a medic.” “What’s a medic doing at a cleaning supplies company?”

Sailom cut in before Nick could ask anything. “Well, you know how big chemical companies need their own firefighters?” He examined the friends with his mischievous smile on his face. “Yeah.” Sailom nodded. “Our factory has its own medical department. For industrial accidents.” Even though Nick had learned a few things about company guidelines, he had never heard about a medical department at big concerns. “So you’re a doctor, huh?” The alcohol started to show its effect a little too intense. Etienne laughed. “Not quite. My mum is one, and my dad is also one.” He leaned a little forward. “But I’m only a failed med student.” He laughed again. “I finished the paramedic training and got this position.” He seemed quite amused about it. It was an unusual reaction for someone who got into such a prestigious major. Medicine was not only highly competitive but also run over by nepotism. You had to train for a long time, and the learning materials were pretty expensive. Since loans are rarely granted to students, only children from well-off families could get into this field. But Nick knew from the first glance that Etienne was one of them. His whole demeanor, even his clothes, everything about him whispered high-class. “We should get more booze.” Kenny hit his flat hand on the table. “I’ll get another round.” Sailom stood up before anyone else could say something. “What do you guys want.” “Whiskey. “ Kenny raised his glass. “Same for me.” Etienne took his last sip. “Beer for me.” It was the first time Jung-i said anything. “Vodka.” Nick squinted his eyes as he looked up to his friend. “Let’s get you a cola first,” Sailom mumbled as he turned in the direction of the bar. “

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“So, Nick, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?” “Hmm?” Etienne leaned over the table. “Like, where are you from? What are your hobbies, your dreams for the future?” He snickered a little. Nick was just confused. He felt the booze going to his head. Was this conversation normal? Was he the only one who felt awkward?