The Day He Sat Alone at Lunch
Word that Jihoon was preparing to change jobs spread before the lunch table did. After that, Jihoon got up from his desk a little later each day.
After word spread that he was preparing to change jobs, Jihoon began getting up later than everyone else at lunchtime and eating alone.
After Mina said one thing to him, Jihoon's lunch hours changed. As eating alone became routine, only one thing remained for him to say when someone asked him to join them.
When You End Up Eating Alone
Instead of immediately blaming yourself for the empty seat at lunch, start by looking at when that distance appeared.
Who or what did you most want to avoid at lunchtime?
The final “I…” stayed with me for a long time. Sometimes, just saying you're preparing to change jobs decides where you'll sit at lunch before you know it. Who was sitting there? If you're going through something similar, tell me about it slowly, in your own time.
Scenes
- 01 · The Seat He Left First The Seat He Left First — When lunchtime came, Mina stopped beside Jihoon's desk. Jihoon half-risen from his chair, then sat back down. Mina: Jihoon, we'll go ahead and eat today. I heard you're preparing to change jobs. Jihoon: Sure, go ahead.
- 02 · The Folded Receipt The Folded Receipt — When Jihoon slides the receipt from the lunch he ate alone across the table, Baekho pauses with his hand in front of it. Baekho: After you came back from eating alone that day, how was the afternoon?
- 03 · Lunch Ten Minutes Late Lunch Ten Minutes Late — The next day, when noon came, Jihoon waited ten more minutes before getting up. He sat alone by the convenience store window and unwrapped his triangle kimbap. Jihoon: I'll just eat alone today.
- 04 · The Words He Never Got to Say The Words He Never Got to Say — On the third day of lunch, Mina pointed to an empty chair among the team. Holding his tray, Jihoon stood in front of it and opened his mouth. Mina: Jihoon, want to eat with us today? Jihoon: I…
Stories by Baekho
- Baekho
- Once I’ve put my child to bed, everything I need to do tomorrow comes rushing to mind.
- On the first night after the move, Mom objected.
- When the meeting ends, “I’m fine” is the first thing I say.
- I want to say how it was, not just “It was totally fine.”
- After the holiday, I count what I’ll earn after quitting at the table.
- Even on a night away alone, I keep thinking about my team member’s performance.
- They say it’s a joke, but even after the funeral, I can’t just let it go.
- Asking why in front of the mirror