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Chapter 7 - C:7

### Episode 7: "The One with the Blackout"

The episode begins at Central Perk, where the gang—Monica, Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Joey, Phoebe, and Rosé—are hanging out as usual. Chandler is flipping through a magazine while Joey unsuccessfully flirts with a woman at the counter. Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe are discussing last night's performance at Rosé's club.

**Rachel:** (excited) "Okay, I'm still not over last night. Rosé, you were *amazing* on stage. Seriously, how do you play every instrument like that?"

**Monica:** (nodding) "Yeah, and your voice! I thought you just ran the club, but it turns out you're the star attraction."

**Phoebe:** (with her usual Phoebe charm) "I thought I had the whole soulful-musician thing covered, but now... well, you've raised the bar."

Rosé smiles, taking the compliments in stride.

**Rosé:** "Thanks, but I don't perform that often. Last night was just... for fun."

**Chandler:** (sarcastic) "Oh sure, because it's totally casual to just blow everyone's minds at your *own* club."

**Joey:** (grinning) "Seriously, man. You should do that more often. The crowd loved it."

Rosé shrugs, trying to downplay it, but clearly pleased with the praise.

**Rosé:** "I prefer to let other people take the spotlight. Running the place and bringing new artists up is more my thing."

Suddenly, the lights flicker, then go out completely, plunging the entire café into darkness.

**Rachel:** "Whoa, what just happened?"

**Ross:** (looking outside) "Looks like the whole city is out."

**Joey:** (panicking) "Wait, no power? What about the pizza places? How am I supposed to eat?"

**Rosé:** (calmly) "Looks like we're in for a blackout. The city grid probably went down. It happens."

**Chandler:** (mock serious) "Well, I guess our lives have finally matched our bank accounts. Total blackout."

---

**Scene shift to Monica's apartment:**

The gang decides to head back to Monica's apartment, navigating the stairs since the elevator is obviously out. When they arrive, Monica starts lighting candles, transforming the space into a cozy, dimly lit retreat.

**Monica:** "Okay, this feels kind of... romantic, right? Candles, quiet... it's like we're having a blackout party."

**Rachel:** (grinning) "Rosé, you're probably used to this, right? Fancy candlelit dinners in your penthouse?"

**Rosé:** (smiling) "Something like that. But this... this is nice. Simpler."

**Phoebe:** "Yeah, but what's simple for you is like... our biggest night out."

**Monica:** (joking) "You're not wrong. His 'simple' is my 'elaborate.'"

The conversation shifts to last night's performance at Rosé's club, now that the power's out and they have nothing else to distract them.

**Monica:** "So, Rosé, last night was kind of a surprise. You didn't tell us you were going to perform."

**Rosé:** "I didn't plan on it. Sometimes, when the moment feels right, I just go with it."

**Phoebe:** "That's cool. You know, we should jam together sometime. You on piano, me on guitar... We could start a band!"

Rosé chuckles at the thought, clearly amused by Phoebe's offer.

**Rosé:** "Maybe. Could be fun."

**Rachel:** (playfully) "Okay, but seriously, why don't you perform more? People were freaking out last night."

**Rosé:** "I'm not really into the spotlight. I like playing music for myself—like I said, it's more fun behind the scenes."

**Chandler:** (teasing) "Oh yeah, because secretly being a rock star on top of everything else would just be *too much*, right?"

The group laughs, but it's clear Rosé's talents have impressed them all more than they expected.

---

Meanwhile, Chandler is absent from the group, stuck in an ATM vestibule with supermodel **Jill Goodacre**. He's trying to act cool but is clearly panicking on the inside.

**Chandler:** (thinking to himself) *Okay, Chandler, you're trapped in an ATM vestibule with Jill Goodacre. Don't freak out. Just be cool.*

He tries to start a conversation with Jill, but everything comes out awkward.

**Chandler:** "So... you come here often?"

Jill smiles politely, but Chandler is mentally kicking himself for the cliché.

**Chandler:** (internal monologue) *Oh my God, did I just ask a supermodel if she comes here often?*

He continues trying to salvage the conversation as the blackout stretches on, all the while trying to not embarrass himself further.

---

**Back at Monica's apartment:**

Monica and Rosé have teamed up in the kitchen, working with whatever ingredients are left in the fridge before they go bad. With no power, it's a challenge, but Rosé seems perfectly at ease.

**Monica:** "Okay, so what can we make? We've got eggs, some peppers, and bread."

**Rosé:** (thinking) "We can do a quick frittata and toast the bread with olive oil and herbs. Shouldn't take long, even without power."

**Rachel:** (mock impressed) "Is there anything you can't do?"

**Rosé:** (teasing) "I haven't quite mastered the art of juggling yet. I'm working on it."

**Joey:** "If you ever do learn, let me know. I've always wanted to learn how to juggle... pizzas."

Everyone laughs, and Rosé and Monica start prepping the food while the rest of the group sets up the living room for a "blackout dinner party." The candlelit atmosphere makes everything feel a little magical, and the mood is surprisingly upbeat.

---

As they sit down to eat, the conversation turns to music again, and Phoebe, of course, is eager to talk more about Rosé's impromptu performance.

**Phoebe:** "So, Rosé, last night... was that all just improv? Because you were amazing."

**Rosé:** "Some of it. I had a few things planned, but I like to go with the flow. Music's like cooking—sometimes the best results come from experimenting."

**Rachel:** "I don't think anyone would mind if you performed more. I mean, you had the whole place in the palm of your hand."

**Ross:** "Yeah, even I was impressed, and I don't know anything about music."

**Rosé:** "Thanks. I appreciate that. But I'm more interested in creating spaces where people can enjoy themselves. That's why I started buying clubs and sponsoring artists."

**Monica:** (curious) "So, it's not just about the business for you? It's about the music?"

**Rosé:** "Exactly. I've always loved music. It's something I can connect with, even when the rest of the world gets a little... noisy."

The group falls quiet for a moment, absorbing this more personal side of Rosé that they don't usually see. Even though he's always been a bit of a mystery, it's moments like this that show how much depth he has beneath the surface.

---

Meanwhile, back in the ATM vestibule, Chandler is still trying to navigate his awkward conversation with Jill Goodacre. After another long silence, Jill finally speaks up.

**Jill:** "You're funny."

Chandler, stunned, tries to act cool but ends up stammering.

**Chandler:** "Me? Funny? No... I mean, yes... I try..."

He mentally cringes at himself, but Jill smiles, and Chandler realizes maybe this situation isn't as bad as he thought.

---

**Back at Monica's apartment:**

As the night goes on, the gang is fully immersed in their blackout party. Phoebe starts playing a soft tune on her guitar, and Rosé joins in, adding a gentle melody on Monica's piano. The combination of candlelight, music, and the quiet city outside creates a peaceful, intimate atmosphere.

**Rachel:** (looking around) "Okay, I don't want to jinx it, but... this is kind of nice. Who knew a blackout could be fun?"

**Ross:** "Yeah, it's like being forced to relax. No distractions, just... us."

**Monica:** "And Rosé's cooking. Seriously, I might start making you cook for me more often."

**Joey:** "I second that. Rosé, you've officially taken over as the chef in this group."

**Rosé:** (laughing) "Happy to help, but Monica might get a little jealous if I steal her title."

**Monica:** (playfully) "Oh, don't worry. I'm not going down without a fight."

The group laughs, and the bond between them feels stronger, even though the power is still out. There's something about these rare, unplugged moments that makes everyone appreciate their friendship more.

---

As the power finally comes back on, the lights flicker to life, and the city outside starts to glow again.

**Rachel:** "Aw, I was starting to get used to the candles."

**Phoebe:** "Yeah, we should do this more often. Like, a voluntary blackout night."

**Chandler:** (walking in) "Trust me, blackouts are way more awkward when you're trapped with a supermodel and can't find the exit."

**Monica:** (teasing) "Oh, come on! You were in there with Jill Goodacre. How bad could it be?"

**Chandler:** "I spent half the time trying to avoid asking her if she comes here often!"

**Joey:** (grinning) "Dude, you survived! That's a win. I mean, you were in the presence of a goddess!"

**Phoebe:** "You should write a song about it! 'The Ballad of the Awkward Chandler.'"

**Chandler:** "That's a great idea! But I'd rather not immortalize my humiliation in musical form."

**Rachel:** "Come on, it's not humiliation if she thought you were funny!"

**Chandler:** "Right, and I'll just *tell* my ego that while it's curled up in a corner crying."

**Rosé:** "You should take it as a compliment. Being funny is a talent. Not everyone can make people laugh, especially in awkward situations."

**Chandler:** (smirking) "See? This is why we keep you around, Rosé. You're like our personal hype man."

**Monica:** "And our resident rock star. I think it's time for you to perform again soon!"

**Rosé:** "Maybe. But only if you all promise to join in for a jam session."

**Phoebe:** "Deal! I'll write some lyrics about blackouts and supermodels!"

**Joey:** "And pizzas! I'll bring the pizzas!"

**Rachel:** "Okay, now I'm really looking forward to the next blackout."

As the group laughs and continues to chat, the warm glow of the lights contrasts with the cozy memories they've just created. Each friend knows that even without power, their connections are what truly keep their spirits alive.