Kevin, Andrew, Neil

The city at night was drowning in fog. The narrow balcony of the fire escape had long since become their place—a place to hide from prying eyes, rules, and common sense.

Andrew sat on the metal steps, lazily puffing on a cigarette. His blond hair fell into his eyes, and his irritated gaze told everyone around him to keep their distance. Next to him, Neil smoked as if he'd never held a cigarette before, squinting constantly from the smoke.

Kevin sat a little higher up, his head thrown back and finishing something straight from the bottle. Judging by his expression, he couldn't care less how this night ended.

There was silence for a few seconds. Only the wind blew smoke between the houses.

“If they see us, we’re finished,” Neil finally said, looking at the cigarette light.

“Then don’t get caught,” Andrew answered calmly.

• Brilliant.

Kevin snorted loudly from above.

— You two irritate me more than a hangover.

Andrew didn't even raise his head.

• Shut up and finish your drink.

The night was just beginning, but problems were already somewhere very close.