In Meathook (Chapter 1, Episode 12), Athens bar lives up to its cruising reputation. As Alex catches up with familiar faces dealing with job hunts and mounting bills, he juggles small talk, dodges persistent invites, and drops an outrageous suggestion for making fast tuition money.

Setting: Athens bar, beginning outside the entrance door marked with paired rainbow flags.

• Panel 1: The door to Athens bar under the white sign ATHENS, decorated with crossed mini rainbow and pride flags.
• Panel 2: Inside the bar, Marc chats with Alex over a bottle of beer.
  • Marc: “Hyper k’se ko ‘pag naka-chocolate o caffeine, kaya ayun.”
  • Alex: “Ang hirap naman… tapos barista work mo. Ang ironic.”
• Panel 3: The friend looks down, feeling the stress of daily expenses.
  • Marc: “Oo nga e. Kaya eto, hanap ngayon ng ibang work… Tapos daming babayaran. Humihingi pa pandagdag tuition!”
• Panel 4: Paolo approaches Alex with a friendly smile, leaning in.
  • Paolo (White shirt): “Alex, musta na? Kelan uli tayo?”
  • Alex: “Ayos lang, Pao. Uhm. Text-text. Busy eh.”
• Panel 5: Andrei drops by with a grin to playfully call Alex out.
  • Guy (Green shirt): “Sir, di na kayo nagparamdam ah!”
  • Alex: “Hehe. Sorry naman!”
  • Marc: “Ano kaya gagawin ko?”
• Panel 6: Alex turns back with an amused, knowing grin, chiming in with playful advice.
  • Alex: “Ah eh, subukan mong sumali sa Boys U. Haha!”