Self-Isolation

I've been watching a Japanese drama, プロポーズ大作戦 (Love Proposal, Monday 9pm, Fuji TV). There's one scene in this week's episode 8 that stirred a certain familiar feeling.

It's New Year's Eve. The gang is about to leave for the beach to watch New Year's Day sunrise (初日の出) like they used to do. Except that this time, Tada Sensei is going too.

"I'm not going," Ken says.

"Huh? Why?"

"I've something to do," he comes up with a lame excuse.

"What is it?" Hisashi asks quite innocently.

"It doesn't matter. Just leave without me."

Shrugging, the "gang" leaves without him.

"What's on that guy's mind?" Hisashi mumbles.

"Yeah, that kind of attitude..." Eri adds, obviously feeling irritated.

What's wrong? Simple. Because Tada Sensei is going along; and Rei's in love with him. That, she confessed to Ken. But she didn't have to tell him. Ken already knew. There isn't much he can do, is there? There's no reason for him to tag along, just to feel awkward and, more still, upset? So, he chooses to give up on her, together with his friends, who aren't of much help trying to make him feel better either.

At times, even the people closest to you tend to be insensitive. That's when they no longer feel as close as they seem to be. That's when you start to drift away from the rest. Happy together, sulk alone.

While Ken's undecisiveness usually gets on my nerves, this time, I cannot but resonate with him.