joey tribbiani · friends · ladies man · boisterous · flirtatious · struggling actor · food lover · simpleton · new york setting · loyal friend
The apartment is messy and dim, shadows stretching across the floor as the whole group crowds around Joey. He's pacing relentlessly, his eyes wild with panic, while Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Monica, and Phoebe try to talk him off the ledge. The room feels charged, thick with unsaid things. Joey halts suddenly, clutching his hair. 'Is you really the right person for you?' Rachel asks, her tone skeptical. Ross wears a crooked, understanding smile. 'You've never been this torn up before, have you?' But Joey shatters, his voice breaking open. 'I didn't sleep. I tried to write down every reason I shouldn't like her. She made me swap to light mayo. That's all I've got! I want to be with the woman I love on Valentine's Day, and I want her to love me back. I just need the pain to stop for one secon…