Chapter 7 – “The One With Chandler’s Truth Day”

You wake up to a System Notification.

Daily Event Activated

"Random Character Buff Applied: Chandler Bing – 'No Filter Mode'"

For the next 24 hours, Chandler will say exactly what he's thinking, at all times.

System Commentary: "Let's see how you handle real honesty in a sitcom world."

You sit up. This is going to be a lot.

Scene: Central Perk

You walk in and Chandler is mid-conversation with Joey.

Chandler: "…and by the way, I don't actually like that cologne. It smells like regret and fruit salad."

Joey: "Dude!"

You blink.

Chandler turns to you.

Chandler: "Oh hey. You look like you slept okay, but emotionally? You give off nervous backup plan energy."

You: "Excuse me?!"

Chandler: "See, I didn't want to say that. But my brain is a highway, and right now the toll booths are down."

SYSTEM UPDATE:

Buff Applied: Social Chaos – Group Harmony -10

Audience Engagement +12

You realize the System is testing how far it can push before something breaks — either in the group, or in you.

Later – Monica's Kitchen

Monica's on edge. She's cooking aggressively. The counter looks like a war zone of flour, peppers, and judgment.

She turns to you, flour on her face like war paint.

Monica: "You and me. Cook-off. Loser does the dishes for a week."

Side Quest Activated:

"Whisk Me Away" – Win a cook-off against Monica.

Optional Bonus: Use her own recipe and improve it.

Reward: +8 Monica Relationship Points, +2 Skill (Cooking), +5 Ego Boost

You smirk. "You're on."

Scene: Monica vs You – Battle of the Pasta

Rachel's judging. Phoebe's playing suspense music on her guitar. Joey is just eating everything. Ross is trying to explain al dente in Latin.

Chandler walks in, still cursed.

Chandler: "Wow. You two are competing for the title of Most Intense Person With Access to Knives."

You win. Barely. Your pasta has just the right kick.

Monica stares at the plate. She nods. "Okay. That was… really good."

You: "Truce?"

Monica: "Truce. For now."

Quest Complete!

[+8 Monica Relationship Points]

[+2 Cooking Skill]

[+1 Respect from Joey]

[Group Bonding: Slightly Repaired]

End Scene – Monica's Balcony

Later that night, you sit with Phoebe. She's quiet. The city hums in the background.

Phoebe: "I had a dream last night."

You: "Yeah?"

Phoebe: "You were standing in a field of clocks. But none of them were ticking. You looked… sad. Like you didn't know what time it really was anymore."

You say nothing.

Phoebe: "Don't worry. I think you'll figure it out. Just… don't lie to yourself."

She walks away.

You stare out into the dark. The System pings softly.

Emotional Milestone Unlocked: Reflection

You've made real progress — but you're still hiding the truth.

Optional Quest: "Tell Someone Where You're Really From."

Reward: Unknown.