- 2 hours ago
Goodbye, Player King
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:03Good girl, I promise it'll be the last time.
00:08Remember to take the pill tomorrow, okay?
00:12Don't worry about it.
00:14No one could imagine Leon, the football star every girl on campus screamed for,
00:18was privately obsessed with me, the so-called library virgin.
00:24He was always relentless on the bed, wearing me out like a wild animal,
00:28from the couch to the bedroom, from sunrise to sundown.
00:31He was rough, always leaving marks on me.
00:34I cried from the pain, yet the deep side of me felt happy.
00:37But when I woke up in his bed, I heard his friends outside the door,
00:41their crude jokes turning my stomach.
00:43Bro, seriously? You actually got the Ice Queen? You're a legend!
00:47She never even looks at guys, I thought she was saving her virginity for the summa cumleto.
00:52But seriously, what's Sylvia like in bed? Is she wild? Don't leave out any part.
00:58Come on, you know girls like her are always the same once the door closes.
01:01Their laughter was sharp and ugly. Leon just swirled his drink and smirked.
01:06Whatever. If I wasn't saving Ella for real, I wouldn't have bothered with Sylvia.
01:12I only kissed her on a whim. Didn't think she'd take it this seriously.
01:16She liked me, so I took care of her needs. Trust me, she got a good deal out of it.
01:21I froze in place, then called my dad.
01:24Dad, I accept your seer suggestion. I would go to Oxford for inheriting your business.
01:32After I hung up, I heard Leon getting ready to leave the apartment.
01:35I scrambled into hiding. All those sweet words in bed are fake tenderness.
01:39It had all just been practice for the girl he actually loved.
01:43I walked outside, letting the rain pour over me. My whole body shook with sobs.
01:47I didn't know how long I stood there before Leon texted me.
01:50Why'd you run off? Not even a goodbye kiss? We didn't use anything last night.
01:53I had plan B door dish to your dorm, be a good girl and take it.
01:57I've got plans tonight, won't be coming over.
01:59When I got back to my room, I tore open the box and swallowed the pill dry.
02:03Then I walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower.
02:06I took off my clothes. In the mirror, my body was covered in bruises.
02:10I scrubbed every mark Leon had left on me, again and again.
02:14Even when my skin turned red and started to sting, I didn't let up for a second.
02:19Afterward, I crawled into bed, numb all over, and fell asleep almost instantly.
02:23My phone blew up. The constant buzzing dragged me awake.
02:26A dozen people had tagged me on Instagram.
02:28Am I losing it, or are Leon and Hila together? The chemistry is insane.
02:33The post linked to a ten minute video.
02:36When my friend Leah came, she looked uneasy when she saw me staring at my phone for a long time
02:41and not reacting.
02:43Sylvia, don't watch it.
02:45My hand shook around the phone, but I pressed play anyway.
02:49It was Ella's 21st birthday party.
02:52She wore a stunning couture gown, standing center stage beside her cake.
02:56She closed her eyes as she made a wish.
02:59Leon stood beside her, patient and attentive.
03:02Like some perfect night, she blew out the candles, and the crowd started chanting.
03:07It's Ella's big night! Come on, Leon, stop acting like a saint and kiss her!
03:12Ella gave a shy little smile and stepped back.
03:14Leon moved in front of her at once.
03:16She's shy. Don't freak her out.
03:18Then he bent down and whispered something in her ear.
03:21Ella blushed, nodded, and lightly kissed his cheek.
03:24The next second, Leon grabbed her face and kissed her back.
03:27It was a hard, deep, possessive kiss.
03:30I stared at the video, feeling like I'd lost my breath.
03:34Leon took out a vintage perfume bottle like he was doing a magic trick when the kiss ended.
03:39I heard you'd been looking for this discontinued scent.
03:42I flew to Paris to find it. Do you like it?
03:44Ella was still flushed, and her eyes lit up.
03:47Oh my god, Leon, I love anything you give me!
03:56But you really didn't have to spend so much.
03:59Leon brushed a hand over her hair.
04:01My girl deserves to be spoiled. Only this would suit someone as perfect as you.
04:06I lowered my eyes to my own wrist. A cheap silicone bracelet.
04:09It was a free giveaway from last week's football game.
04:12Anybody could have gotten one.
04:14On my birthday, Leon had just slipped it onto my wrist and said,
04:17Sorry babe, I was too busy. I'll get you something real next year.
04:21I dug my nails into my palms as tears burned behind my eyes.
04:25The gossip in the video kept going.
04:27I'm obsessed. They are literally endgame.
04:30Mr. Perfect and the Sweetheart are like a romance novel come to life.
04:33Can Sylvia please just disappear already?
04:35No one wants her. She still follows Leon around like a sick puppy.
04:38She'd never be chosen in a million years.
04:40I heard she gave up study for Leon. Is she stupid? Did she really think he'd date her?
04:44Leah was furious when she saw it, and she snatched my phone out of my hand.
04:48Those fake bitches have no idea what they're talking about.
04:51It was Leon who begged you to stay, and who asked you to apply to Harvard with him.
04:57How could this possibly be your fault?
05:03Leon and I came from completely different worlds.
05:06He was the star quarterback always surrounded by people.
05:09I was the bookworm living in the library.
05:11But he kept finding ways into my life.
05:14Cornering me between shelves with little surprises, and walking me back to my dorm every night.
05:19I never planned to stay for anyone.
05:21Not until I got my graduate offer in the UK.
05:24Then he blocked me at the end of the hallway.
05:27Sylvia, stay.
05:28Shhh.
05:29Let's go to Harvard for grad school together.
05:31I can't let you go abroad alone.
05:33Maybe building a future with someone who wanted the same things wasn't such a bad idea.
05:37I believed him.
05:39I had an offer from Oxford.
05:40But for him, I chose to put everything into our Harvard applications.
05:44After that, Leon kept slacking off.
05:47If he wasn't at practice, he was out with his friends.
05:49In the end, I pretty much handled the whole application myself.
05:53A lot of nights.
05:54I was so tired, I fell asleep face down on a library desk.
05:58Thank God.
05:59The good news arrived a few days ago.
06:01We received our Harvard acceptance letters.
06:03I thought everything was finally going our way.
06:06Reality slapped me hard across the face.
06:09Leah let out a long sigh.
06:10Sylvia, I know you've spent your whole life focused on school, and I know you haven't dated much,
06:14but he is not worth destroying yourself over.
06:17I don't want you throwing your future away for him.
06:19I took off the silicone bracelet.
06:21I won't.
06:23I'm never changing my life for Leon again.
06:27I've made up my mind.
06:28I'm going to Oxford.
06:30I wiped my tears, met with my advisor, and finalized my enrollment for Oxford.
06:34Congratulations, Sylvia.
06:35By the time it was done, Leah still looked stunned.
06:38Sylvia?
06:39You're serious this time?
06:40Even if Leon comes after you, you're not turning back?
06:43Yes.
06:44I looked up at the bright blue sky and laughed.
06:46It hurt enough.
06:48I should have learned my lesson by now.
06:50This time, I'm going to forget him for good.
06:53I'm done with good.
06:54Done with who?
06:58Done with who?
06:59It was Leon.
07:00I ignored him, trying to walk around him, but he grabbed my arm hard.
07:05Why are you running?
07:05Why are you leaving me on red?
07:08Is this about that IG story?
07:10It was just friends joking around.
07:11Why are you making such a big deal out of it?
07:14I was inside you the other night.
07:16Haven't I proven I want you?
07:17Stop overthinking this.
07:19A sweet, cloying perfume hit my nose.
07:21One I'd never smelled on him before.
07:23It was Ella's favorite scent.
07:25I gagged before I could stop myself.
07:27What's wrong?
07:28Are you sick?
07:30Leave me alone.
07:32Leon's face went cold.
07:33It was a couple jokes.
07:34Everybody was laughing.
07:35Are you really making this into a thing?
07:37So, kissing her?
07:39A joke too?
07:40It was just a game, Sylvia.
07:43More and more people started looking over, ignoring my protests.
07:47He pulled me back toward the apartment.
07:51The second the door shut, he pinned me against it.
07:54Enough playing around, Sylvia.
07:57He nuzzled against my neck, pulling out a small gift box.
08:00This is for you.
08:01Call it an apology.
08:03The box was from the exact same brand as Ella's birthday gift.
08:06But hers had been a full, sized bottle.
08:09Mine was a free sample.
08:10I looked at him and laughed coldly.
08:13How cheap do you think I am?
08:16A free sample?
08:17Leon ran a hand through his hair, already annoyed.
08:21Sylvia, I'm running out of patience.
08:25Once is enough.
08:26Don't push it.
08:27I stared at the boy I had loved for years.
08:30Okay?
08:31It won't happen again.
08:32Leon paused, caught off guard.
08:34He was about to say something when his phone rang.
08:37He glanced at it.
08:38Ella was calling and rushed for the door.
08:41Something came up with the team.
08:42Stay here and wait for me.
08:43If you don't like the gift, throw it out.
08:44I'll buy you something else later.
08:46I watched him leave in silence.
08:47I would not wait any longer.
08:49I threw every gift I had ever bought him into the trash.
08:53Then grabbed my suitcase and headed for the airport.
09:04What I didn't expect was to run into Leon at the terminal.
09:08He was there with Ella and their whole group, on the way to Hawaii for spring break.
09:12Ella sat in a chair, eating a snack.
09:15Leon hovered beside her, holding her bag and water bottle, like a devoted attendant.
09:19When she finished, he twisted open the bottle and handed it to her.
09:23Take your time.
09:24We're not in a rush.
09:26Ella pouted apologetically.
09:28I just saw everybody waiting on me.
09:30I don't want to make you all late.
09:31Leon pinched her cheek gently, all tenderness.
09:34It's fine.
09:34We're here for you anyway.
09:36We go at your pace.
09:37That scene brought back a memory from our hiking trip last semester.
09:40I had fallen behind, out of breath, and a few classmates had stopped to wait for me.
09:44Leon had looked annoyed as hell.
09:47Sylvia, this is a group trip.
09:50Stop being selfish.
09:51Don't make everyone wait on you.
09:53Side by side, the difference between love and no love couldn't have been clearer.
09:57I pulled my eyes away, sitting down at another gate not too close, not too far.
10:02But Leon's frat brothers spotted me right away.
10:04Yo guys, look at our 9 o'clock who's here.
10:09Anybody who bet she was really mad yesterday, pay up.
10:12You lost.
10:13Told you.
10:14She couldn't hold out more than a few days before crawling back to Leon.
10:17Another guy snorted.
10:18I swear, I thought this stage 5 clinger might actually last a little longer this time.
10:23Disappointing.
10:24The one who won the bet smirked.
10:26Come on.
10:26When has it ever gone differently?
10:28This one's even crazier.
10:29She followed him to the airport with her suitcase.
10:32Guess she panicked when she heard Leon was taking Ella on the trip.
10:37Do you think she's going to beg for a ticket?
10:39I don't want to share a VIP lounge with a pathetic pick me.
10:42My hands slowly curled into fists.
10:44I looked up.
10:46Leon was standing off to the side watching me with a smug smile.
10:49A second later, my phone buzzed.
10:50A text from him.
10:51Didn't you block my number?
10:53Fine.
10:53We're good now.
10:54I'm over it.
10:55But you still need to cancel your flight.
10:56I sent back a single question mark.
10:58His reply came at once.
11:00Ella's in a bad mood.
11:01And we finalized the group so it would be awkward if you came.
11:04Just stay home and wait for me.
11:06I'll bring you back some koa coffee.
11:08You like that, don't you?
11:09His ego was so wild it almost made me laugh.
11:11I typed back the truth.
11:13Keep it.
11:13I am not here for you.
11:15Wherever you go from now on has nothing to do with me.
11:19Leon acted like he hadn't read a word.
11:21Stop it.
11:22Ella already failed her finals.
11:24Don't upset her again.
11:26Haven't you always wanted to go to Hawaii?
11:28Go home this time.
11:29When I'm back, I'll make time and take you myself.
11:32I went blank.
11:33Faced blocked every way he had to reach me.
11:35And walked toward a different gate.
11:37When I landed in Oxford, I threw out my dull old wardrobe
11:41and poured all my energy back into myself.
11:43Leah still sent me updates about Leon.
11:45Mostly, it was the Ella show.
11:47Sneaking her 99 roses.
11:49Taking her to museums and exhibits.
11:51Photo after photo of Ella leaning against his shoulder.
11:54At first, I looked through all of it.
11:56Eventually, I felt nothing one afternoon.
11:58As I was heading out for a field project,
12:01an unknown number called.
12:02It was Leon.
12:03He sounded furious.
12:05Sylvia, it's been months.
12:06Are you planning to hide out in the UK forever?
12:09Harvard starts in a few weeks.
12:11When the hell are you coming back?
12:12A long silence stretched between us before he spoke again.
12:16Book your flight back soon.
12:18My aunt misses you.
12:19You know she practically helped raise you.
12:21She said our graduation party could be one big party together.
12:24I took a slow breath.
12:26Tell her thank you.
12:28But I won't be going to the party.
12:34The next second, he exploded.
12:37Sylvia, cut the crap!
12:39Stop acting like an ungrateful bitch!
12:41You were talking about celebrating together before the acceptance letter's ear is.
12:46You were except was acceptance letters even came out.
12:49And now you're pretending you don't care?
12:51He gave a bitter laugh.
12:53Fine.
12:54Keep pretending.
12:55You'll come crying back to me.
12:59I'd left in such a rush before.
13:00I decided to go back to deal with some unfinished paperwork.
13:04What I didn't expect was for Leon's aunt to be waiting for me at the airport.
13:08Sylvia!
13:09Did you enjoy your little UK adventure?
13:12I nodded and gave her a polite smile.
13:14It was nice.
13:15Thank you for asking.
13:16Good.
13:17It's smart to relax a little before Harvard starts.
13:20Clearly, my dad hadn't told Leon's family I was studying in the UK.
13:24I simply smiled and said nothing.
13:26About half an hour later, her car pulled up in front of a luxury hotel.
13:30Leon's aunt took my hand.
13:32Leon told me you two had a little fight a while back.
13:35But I've watched you grow up together.
13:37How could you miss his birthday party?
13:39Since I'd already come this far, I took a breath and followed her inside.
13:44The moment I stepped into the ballroom, I saw Ella.
13:49She was tucked close against Leon's side.
13:52Sylvia!
13:52Long time no see.
13:54And congrats on getting into Harvard grad school.
13:56I seriously need your study tips.
13:58Leon stood next to her, looking at me with casual disdain.
14:01What's the big deal?
14:02She only got in because I helped her study.
14:05I gave him a deadpan look, rolled my eyes internally, and walked away without a word.
14:10Ella moved through the room with Leon, one hand on his arm, as if she was the queen of the
14:14place.
14:15Meanwhile, I could feel the curious gossipy looks landing on me from every direction.
14:19What do you think Sylvia's doing here today?
14:21Begging for him back?
14:22Please.
14:23Haven't you seen how Leon treats Ella?
14:24Designer gowns, rare perfume, all that.
14:26Sylvia was just the practice round.
14:27Still, Leon's kind of brutal.
14:29Acting like Sylvia doesn't exist.
14:31Parading his new girl around just to get under her skin.
14:34I didn't care about any of it.
14:36I quietly finished my black forest cake and headed to the restroom.
14:40When I came back out, I saw Leon and his frat brothers standing at the corner.
14:47Have to admit it, Leon.
14:49Sylvia skipped that trip with us last time.
14:50I almost thought she was actually mad.
14:52Guess she couldn't stay away.
14:54Still showed up for your birthday.
14:56Leon loosened his tie, looking smug.
14:58Of course she did.
15:00I know exactly how she is.
15:02She's hooked on me.
15:03I don't even have to call.
15:05She comes running like a dog.
15:07Honestly, I'm jealous.
15:09Sylvia's gorgeous, smart, and loyal.
15:11Total wife material.
15:12She looks good on paper, sure.
15:13But she's way too uptight.
15:15You date girls like Ella.
15:16You settle down with girls like Sylvia.
15:19Maybe when I'm done having fun, I'll marry Sylvia.
15:22I stood there, fist clenched tight.
15:24Was that so?
15:25I wondered what his face would look like when he found out.
15:28I had already left him behind for the UK.
15:30I walked back out and returned to the ballroom.
15:33At the table, Leon's aunt kept fussing over me.
15:37Sylvia, you're too thin.
15:39You need to eat more.
15:42When you get to Harvard, don't skip meals.
15:44If you miss any food from home, just tell me.
15:47I'll ship it to you.
15:48From across the table, Leon cut in.
15:50Auntie, that's favoritism.
15:52Where's my care package?
15:53She smacked him on the head.
15:55Ow.
15:55Please.
15:57You don't compare to our Sylvia.
15:59Sylvia, I checked the forecast.
16:01Boston winters are colder.
16:02I'm having bedding and winter coats sent to your dorm when the time comes.
16:05And when you get to Harvard, you better listen to Sylvia.
16:08And stop fooling around with those trashy girls on the side.
16:11Every eye shifted between Leon and Ella.
16:13Ella bit her lips so hard it lost all color.
16:15Her face dropping into her plate.
16:17The whole table turned awkward, so I decided to speak.
16:20I've already enrolled in the UK.
16:22I have everything ready there.
16:24Before I could finish, Leon jerked his head up.
16:26The UK?
16:29What the hell are you talking about, Sylvia?
16:31I set down my fork and answered calmly.
16:34Exactly what I said.
16:35Two weeks ago, I completed my enrollment at Oxford.
16:39Leon slammed both hands onto the table.
16:42I'm not in the mood for your games.
16:44Explain yourself.
16:44I picked up my napkin, wiping my mouth.
16:47I'm not joking.
16:48I came tonight out of respect for your aunt.
16:51Nothing more.
16:52Did you really think I was still waiting around for you?
16:55Get over yourself, Leon.
16:56You are not part of my future.
16:58I stood up to leave.
17:00Leon lunged forward, clamping his hand around my wrist.
17:04I need to talk to you.
17:06Alone.
17:07I knew this was coming sooner or later.
17:09Leon and I were always going to have to say this out loud.
17:11Let me go!
17:13Fine.
17:14I'll go with you.
17:15He loosened his grip, but he still refused to release my hand.
17:18With everybody watching, he dragged me out of the ballroom, pulling me onto the hotel lawn.
17:22He stepped in close, crowding me.
17:24Sylvia, I need an explanation!
17:29You made me a promise.
17:30We were going to Harvard together.
17:32So how the hell did you go behind my back and run off to the UK?
17:35I looked at how angry he was and answered evenly.
17:38A promise?
17:39That's rich, coming from you.
17:40Do you remember promising you'd never screw me over?
17:44The color drained from his face.
17:45He dropped his eyes and said nothing.
17:47I gave a short, bitter laugh.
17:49Leon, cut the victim act.
17:51It makes me sick.
17:52That's my life.
17:53I decide what I do with it.
17:55What gives you the right to question me?
17:57He pressed his lips together before he answered.
17:59Am I not the victim here?
18:03I was like an idiot, waiting for us to go to Harvard together.
18:06To go to Harvard together for what?
18:08So I could be your backup plan?
18:10So you could crawl into my bed whenever you were bored?
18:12He rolled his eyes like it was all beneath him.
18:15Oh, so that's what this is about.
18:18You could have just said that.
18:19He shrugged.
18:20You were into it too, weren't you?
18:22And besides, I've only ever slept with you.
18:25What do you even have to be mad about?
18:27At that moment, looking at his face, all I felt was disgust.
18:31Leon, I regret it.
18:32I regret ever loving a piece of shit like you.
18:37At the end of the day, you're just jealous.
18:39You're falling apart because I never made you my girlfriend.
18:42That's all.
18:44I seriously didn't know, know you were this pe-
18:47Then I turned to walk away without looking back.
18:50His shout came after-
18:51Sylvia!
18:52After that night, Leon seemed to disappear from my life for good.
18:56I threw myself into my classes and focused on everything I loved.
19:01At first, Leah still flooded me with screenshots from his socials,
19:04followed by voice notes full of amusement.
19:07Leon and Ella finally broke up.
19:09He's posting sad rap lyrics on his story like a 14-year-old.
19:13Oh my god, he's cycling through girls like it's a hobby.
19:16I told you F-boys never get true love.
19:19But honestly, the more I look at the girls he's dating now,
19:21the more they look like you.
19:22At first, I still looked at the updates.
19:25Later on, I just deleted them, because none of it meant a thing to me anymore.
19:29Before Christmas, I flew home.
19:32And somehow Leon and his aunt were sitting in my living room.
19:37A few family friends knew our history, joking around like we were still a thing.
19:42I kept a polite smile on my face.
19:44No, no.
19:46Leon sat quietly in the corner, scrolling through his phone.
19:50After lunch, I ignored him and sat on the couch playing a game.
19:53A guy's voice came through the mic, smooth and polite, with a distinctly British accent.
19:58Sylvia, what are we playing now?
20:01I picked a lobby, playing for two hours with him before I logged off.
20:05I had just stood up when Leon spoke.
20:08A British boyfriend?
20:10British guys know how to play games.
20:12Long distance is rough too.
20:14Think it through.
20:15I stood up, looking down at him.
20:16I have thought it through.
20:18Thank you for your concern.
20:21After the holiday, I flew back to the UK.
20:23The day Jackson and I officially got together, Leon showed up at my door without a word.
20:28Jackson already knew the whole history between us.
20:30So he acted like a perfect gentleman, invited Leon inside, then pulled me aside.
20:36Darling, I think the two of you need to talk.
20:38I'll go pick a few things and come back later.
20:40The moment the door shut, Leon laid it out.
20:44I'm gonna compete with him fair and square.
20:46If you don't agree, I'm not leaving.
20:49He rented the flat across from us, following us around every day.
20:53It only stopped when his aunt called me.
20:55Harvard had sent a final warning.
20:57If he didn't return immediately, he was going to be expelled.
21:00I finally decided to talk to Leon.
21:02At first, he looked like a smug child who had just gotten his way.
21:05See?
21:06I always get what I want.
21:09Withdraw your enrollment and come home with me.
21:12I cut through the fantasy and told him I was only there to make him leave.
21:15It took him a second to process it.
21:17Then, his expression twisted.
21:19You're lying.
21:20You loved me for years.
21:22You can't move on that fast.
21:24You're a perfect match on paper.
21:26You know how much I love you.
21:28How am I losing to some stranger?
21:30I looked at him completely calm.
21:32Do you hear yourself right now?
21:33You don't love anyone.
21:35You only love yourself.
21:36You always have.
21:38Leon grabbed my arms in panic.
21:40Why are you throwing us away over one stupid mistake?
21:44Fine.
21:45I'm apologizing.
21:47I'm sorry, Sylvia.
21:48I was an asshole.
21:50Just give me one more chance.
21:51One clean start.
21:52I swear I'll treat you right this time.
21:55I met his eyes.
21:57Leon, an apology doesn't guarantee forgiveness.
22:00I came to talk to you today for one reason only.
22:03Your aunt has been good to me and I don't want to hurt her.
22:06That's it.
22:07So let me be clear.
22:08If you don't leave on your own today, I will call the police.
22:12I shoved his hands away and turned to leave.
22:14Sylvia!
22:14My name.
22:15His voice was raw, breaking with tears.
22:17You said you'd never leave me.
22:19You lied.
22:20I stopped, but I didn't turn around.
22:23Leon, I don't think you've figured this out yet.
22:25You were the one who broke us first.
22:27I'm just giving you a taste of your own medicine.
22:30Then I shut the door and cut off his crying and yelling outside.
22:35Inside, Jackson was cooking.
22:37He looked up at me and smiled warmly.
22:40Come taste this.
22:41I used your dad's recipe.
22:42Tell me if I got it right.
22:42Looking at him for a long moment, I wrapped my arms around him tight.
22:46Thank God.
22:46I still had the courage to walk away and start over.
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