"심하늘! 여기!" (Sim Haneul ! Over here !), someone called out to me. I smiled as I approached my friend friends. Almost as soon as I took my seat food was pushed gently in my direction.  "What's wrong, huh ? You all seem like you're hiding something..."

I immediately questioned getting the impression I was about to be told something I don't want to hear. "Um...", Alice started but it was clear she was trying to stall time. "Just tell me. I can handle it, okay ?" I just wanted this tension out of the way.

Joohyun scoffed as he seemed annoyed by our other friends stalling. "We can't make our trip this year, Haneul. We already told James we'd go on a trip with him..." I wasn't entirely shocked at all. James was still their friend & there was no way I was going to get in the way of that. I more so was shocked that they were willing to skip on our trip for a trip with James. 

"왜요? 왜 저한테 이러세요? 제임스가 당신을 동의하게 하기 위해 뭐라고 했습니까? 저는 올해 혼자 여행을 가야 하나요?" (Why ? Why would you do this to me ? What did James say to make you agree ? Am I supposed to take my trip alone this year ?) Alice rested a hand on top of mine with a pitiful expression. "We don't mean to make you feel bad, Haneul... However, James has been neglected enough. He also is our friend. We're allowed to be there for him when he needs us." Ugh. Was she insinuating that I am being dramatic ?

I removed my hand from her grip as I was now angry. "I never said any of that. I am not angry you want to spend time with James... I am angry you completely agreed to go on a trip with James knowing our annual trip was coming up soon." This is when Joohyun said something that honestly pissed me off & had our friends subtly agreeing. 

"Stop being dramatic, Haneul. It isn't our fault you broke up... James deserves to know that we haven't abandoned him because we are also your friends. He deserves to feel included. Besides this is the first time he had asked anything of us." I left. I shot up from where I sat as I needed to get away. My anger had caused me to need some air. I leaned against my car as I tried to calm myself before I got in. 

A few moments passed before I got in my car to head home. My phone rings. Can you guess who was calling ? James. I pick up. "I don't want to talk with you now, James. I am not in the mood," I said as I connected the call to my Bluetooth before I began driving home. "I assume you've heard by now... I never go on your trip & spoil your fun, Haneul. So why are you so angry I asked our friends of this on favor ?"

I scoffed as I drove. Was he being serious right now ? "저를 무시하려고 이런 짓을 한 건가요? 내 연간 여행이 일주일도 안 되는 거 알잖아, 제임스. 당신이 소외감을 느껴서 우리 친구들에게 함께 여행을 가자고 한 것은 우연이 아닙니다..." (Did you do this to slight me ? You knew my annual trip is in less than a week, James. It is not coincidental that you asked our friends on a trip with you because you are feeling left out...) 

Pretty soon I was home & just hung up. I felt drained. I was not going to argue anymore than I have already. I guess this year I am taking my trip alone.