After a few days, it seems like they have both been successful at pushing whatever feeling surfaced that evening of May 17th.

They continued with their lives, saw other people and hung out with each other and their friends.

But then, Monica fell in love. Her world changed and his, too. Hanging out with each other became rare and so far in between and while he was happy seeing her happy, it was just too much and so when his company offered him a promotion, he accepted it.

He wanted Monica to be the first one to know about it but he thought - why would my news be important to her now? Well, I know, she cares about me as her friend and would want to know what's going on with me but she's just too happy now. She is in love with a very tall, good-looking accomplished man.

The group was gathered at Apartment 20 when Monica arrived, except for Chandler who was still at work.

What are you all doing here? Monica asked.

Well, we just wanna cheer each other up after that big news. Rachel explained.

Big news? What big news?

Well, you know, Chandler…

What about Chandler?

You mean you really don't know? That's surprising. We thought you'd be the first one to know about it.

Well, I don't, okay? What is it?

Well, Chandler got promoted! It was Ross who said it.

That's good news!

Well, the thing is, he has to move to a new place.

That's not such a bad thing. Monica countered.

Well, it's not but he's moving to Asia.

Asia? That's too far. Why would he do that?

It's a promotion, Mon. He can't just decline it.

The door opens and it was Chandler joining them.

Hello, children! He greeted.

Hey, guys. I have an early appointment tomorrow so I think I'm calling it a night. Excuse me. Monica went straight to her bedroom to everyone's shock.

The following morning, the group was once again gathered for breakfast.

The table was set and the food are covered neatly on the table with specific instructions on how to heat them up. There is a container with the name CHANDLER posted on it.

Why is there a separate food container for Chandler? Phoebe asked.

Oh, it's here in her note as Rachel reads it aloud. Guys, I'm sorry I have to leave early. But breakfast's ready, you just need to heat them up. The separate food container is for Chandler because he is always loaded on Fridays and rarely eats lunch. Please tell him to microwave it at his office for 2 minutes. Thanks! - Monica.

Nobody really paid attention to what seems like a special treatment that Chandler received getting that separate food container from Monica. She has always been so thoughtful with each one of them that a gesture like that doesn't intrigue any of their friends.

But Chandler would have preferred seeing Monica that morning. He has a feeling that she is avoiding him on purpose and it is killing him.

With no work to keep her occupied, Monica wandered in the city that early morning. She thought of seeing Richard that day but he was always busy during the day and she wouldn't want to interrupt his schedule by showing up so suddenly.

She did not sleep well last night, shocked by the news that Chandler is relocating. She realized she has not been in touch with Chandler since she and Richard got together. Yes, they see each other every day but they have not talked like they used to. Oh my God, I'm such a bad friend! Maybe he wanted to tell me but I was just not available for him. But how could he leave so suddenly? Why does he have to leave? are questions whose answers she didn't quite know how to get.

Where have you been? Rachel welcomed Monica to their apartment with this question. Richard called here five times, he said you were supposed to have dinner at six and it's what, it's almost ten! Call him okay?

Is he mad?

At first, he sounded irritated but after the third call, he sounded really worried… What's going on, Mon? It's not like you to not show up on a date especially with your boyfriend!

I just forgot, okay? … I'm gonna call him in my bedroom, Rache. Thanks!

Chandler is leaving New York in a few days. He has packed everything that he will be needing in his transfer to Asia. All of them agreed that they will spend whatever time they have left with each other.

Monica was always there. Sometimes Richard was there, too but even in those times when it was only the six of them, Chandler felt like she was unusually quiet and often avoided being seated beside him.

Everybody was expressing mixed emotions with him leaving but the most important opinion he was waiting to hear was hers… but it looks like it will never come.

So Chandler, it's pretty near huh? You're really leaving. Ross looking sadly at Chandler.

Yes, man. A few days more and I'm off to Asia. Chandler trying to sound upbeat but his eyes were giving him away.

Hey, maybe you'll meet a really hot Asian girl there, huh, Chandler! Joey said naughtily.

Yes, and maybe they'll fall in love and then we'll all fly to Asia to attend their wedding! Phoebe continuing Joey's story.

Wow, that's great! I've never been to Asia before! Rachel said. Mon, what can you say?

Monica faked a smile - Well, I think it's great!

How long will it take for us to see you again, Chandler? Is it gonna take a year? Ross asked once again.

No, actually, I have to be back here in New York in May. I kinda have an important appointment then. Chandler looking at Monica's reaction.

That's great! That's just three months from now. We don't need to wait a long time!

Yeah, I guess so… Hey, guys, thank you, really! You know, it's also hard for me to leave but thanks for…you know… the time, the company.

Everyone was getting all teary-eyed when Ross initiated one big group hug in the middle of Apartment 20.

Departure Day at the Airport

One by one his friends hugged him tight whispering their good-byes and good wishes. They all knew things are going to be different with one of them gone. But at least his friends got each other! And he, he is going to be alone there in an unfamiliar territory among unfamiliar people. And the feeling that he is feeling that moment is something not familiar as well. He has never been so sad in his life. It's like a part of him has died. That tiny bit of hope he has put looking forward to that date - May 17th is fading with Monica not even bothering to show up one last time. I'm sorry Monica's not here. She has some thing she has to do with Richard. -this statement in Ross' voice kept ringing in his mind.

The note that he penned to give to her remains inside his pocket for days. He was wondering whether it still got merit, wondering if it still counts. As he tread the path to the entrance, someone called…

Chandler?

M-m-m-monica? What are you doing here? I-I-thought you were… I-I- thought you never want to see me.

But she just moved in for a hug, her arms underneath his coat, her head pressed against his chest, her tears penetrating through his shirt - he just couldn't resist not to hold her back.

He felt his tears run down his cheeks but he wiped them away as soon as they fall - not wanting for her to see them.

I'm so sorry, Chandler… before Monica could continue, Chandler stopped her. No need for apologies, Mon. I understand as he kissed Monica's forehead and hugged her again. You being here now is all that matters.

So, we good? Looking at her as he asks.

Yeah!

I think, my plane is going to leave without me and if that happens, I think my boss is gonna kill me. Both of them laughing at one final joke between them. Chandler pulls out the note from his pocket and gives it to Monica.

What is this?

Oh, you'll know.

Monica stays in a spot watching Chandler walk away further and further and with one final turn, he was gone.

Monica finally takes a look at the note in her hand that says - See you May 17th.