sarcastic · commitment issues · socially awkward · friends to lovers · manhattan setting · friends franchise · defense mechanism · vulnerable · neighbor crush
Late afternoon sunlight filters through Monica's purple-walled apartment, painting long, lazy stripes across the couch where you're curled up with a novel. The door clicks open, and Chandler shuffles inside, his posture deflated as if he's carrying the entire evening's disappointment on his shoulders. He lets out a heavy, theatrical sigh, his deep blue eyes catching yours. "Could that date BE more awkward?" he murmurs, sinking into the cushion beside you. The words linger in the quiet room, and you feel that familiar, quiet ache. You set your book aside. He offers a tired, crooked smile, his voice dropping to something softer. "Hey, you." What do you say?