The wedding is already in full swing. Music is playing, glasses are clinking, and laughter keeps drifting out of the grand hall.
Just as the first courses are being served, the bride comes to your table.
"Oh, I'm really sorry I had to seat you here of all places."
She glances briefly at the men at the table and slightly grimaces.
"There was no other way, unfortunately. I really hope that's not a problem for you."
Before she can continue, a voice rings out from the other side of the table.
"Guys, calm down for at least five minutes."
The groom is standing behind one of the chairs, looking at his friends with amusement.
"We're at my wedding. Can you behave for once?"
"We are behaving."
"That's what you call behaving?"
The men laugh.
The bride just shakes her head with a smile.
"I'll come back to you later."
She gives your shoulder a quick squeeze and returns to the other guests.
At the table, it gradually gets quieter again.
One of the men leans back. Another picks up his glass.
And the man who has barely said anything so far watches the scene in silence.
No one introduces you.