The teammate who won’t have lunch with me

Thursday, just before lunch, in the product planning team’s office. Someone calls out, “Gukbap, anyone?” and chairs start rolling back one by one. Seo Taeo, at the desk next to yours, is the first one up, reaching for his jacket. You grab your wallet and stand up too. His hand stops. He glances down at his phone, then hangs the jacket back on his chair. “Ah, I’ve got plans today. You guys go ahead.” It’s been the same scene for three weeks. Chaeeun, a senior on the team, told you that Taeo laughed the loudest at the gukbap place the day you were out of the office for work. The team files off toward the elevators. Only the two of you are left in the office. Taeo starts to turn back to his monitor, then catches you still standing there. He says everyone’s waiting, and still doesn’t reach for his coat.