I Gave Him My Eyes and He Forgot My Name
help
well well well
90s heartbeat with 20s baby 🤱
ik am stupid kinda author 😂tomar
but i like to mess with celebs 😂😭👍
[Setting: A secluded corner of the university botanical gardens. The air is damp, smelling of moss and rain. The sound of mocking laughter cuts through the quiet.]
...
Look at him. He’s not even looking at us. Hey! I’m talking to you, Prince of Nothing!"
[The sound of a metal wheelchair being kicked. A sharp clatter as a cane falls to the gravel.]
...
What’s the matter, Kim? Did you lose your stick? Want me to get it for you? Oops... I think I just kicked it into the pond."
kim(ml)
Leave it. Just go away."
...
Or what? You’ll tell your grandpa? Everyone knows the old man hasn't visited you since the accident. You’re just an embarrassment to that big family name now."
[A group of girls nearby giggles, watching the scene like it’s a show.]
...
It’s a shame, really. He has such a pretty face. Too bad he can’t see how pathetic he looks right now
kim(ml)
Are you finished? I’d like to sit in silence. Your voices are giving me a headache.
...
Oh, he’s still got that attitude! Maybe a little push into the bushes will humble you—
josephine (fl)
Hey! Get away from him!"
[Sound of fast footsteps on gravel. Josephine slides into the frame, standing directly between the bullies and Kim’s wheelchair.]
...
Who are you? Mind your own business, freshman.
josephine (fl)
My business is that you’re five people crowding around someone who can’t even see your ugly faces. Move. Now. Or I’m calling campus security—I already have the dial screen open."
...
Ugh, whatever. Let’s go. He’s boring anyway
[The group scatters, their laughter fading into the distance. Josephine breathes out a shaky sigh and turns around.]
josephine (fl)
Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"
kim(ml)
I didn’t ask for your help."
josephine (fl)
(Blinking, surprised) "Excuse me?"
kim(ml)
You heard me. I was fine. I don't need a savior.
josephine (fl)
They were about to push you into the dirt! Here... your cane. It’s a bit wet, but it’s not broken
[She picks it up and tries to place it in his hand. Kim flinches back, his hand searching the air until he grips the handle tightly.]
kim(ml)
"I can find my own things. Go to class."
josephine (fl)
(She stays put, crossing her arms) "You’re really rude, you know that? I’m Josephine. I just started here last week."
kim(ml)
I didn't ask for your life story."
josephine (fl)
And your name is Kim? That’s what they called you
josephine (fl)
Well, 'Just Kim,' you’re welcome for the rescue. Those guys are jerks. Why were they talking about your grandpa like that? Is he famous or something?"
kim(ml)
(A bitter smirk forms on his lips) "He’s just an old man with too much money and no use for a broken grandson. Why? Looking for a reward? You won't get one from me
josephine (fl)
Wow. You really think the worst of people, don't you? I don't want money. I just felt... sorry for you."
[Kim’s grip on the wheelchair armrest whitens. He turns his head slightly toward the sound of her voice, his sightless eyes sharp and focused as if he could see right through her.]
kim(ml)
Don't pity me. I hate that look. I can feel it on my skin like a rash
josephine (fl)
I'm not 'looking' at you any way. I'm just being human. Is that allowed?"
kim(ml)
Why did you do it? People like them usually just watch. It’s easier to watch.
josephine (fl)
I guess I don't like seeing people get discarded. I know how it feels."
[There is a long silence. Kim tilts his head, his expression softening just a fraction.]
kim(ml)
You’re 19, aren't you? I can hear it in your voice. Too much energy. Too much hope."
josephine (fl)
I'm 19. You're 20? You look like you're about 20.
kim(ml)
"I am. And I’ve lived longer in these twenty years than you probably will in fifty. So, tell me, Josephine. Who discarded you?"
josephine (fl)
My dad died when I was little. He was the only one who really looked at me, you know? After that... my mom moved on. She remarried some guy in another city. She sends money sometimes, but she doesn't really care where I am or if I’m eating. I’m just a line on her monthly budget."
josephine (fl)
I’m in college. That’s not 'alone,' it’s 'independent.' At least, that’s what I tell myself when I’m eating ramen at 2 AM."
kim(ml)
"It’s the same thing. You’re just better at lying to yourself than I am."
josephine (fl)
Maybe. But at least I’m friendly. You’re like a cactus. Why are you so introverted? You’re at a huge university, Kim. You could have friends."
kim(ml)
Friends are for people who can look each other in the eye. I’m a project to most people. Or a tragedy. I’d rather be a ghost."
josephine (fl)
Well, you’re a very loud ghost. And a mean one
kim(ml)
(He actually chuckles, a short, dry sound) "You’re still here? Most people leave after the first insult
josephine (fl)
"I told you, I don't have anyone else to talk to anyway. And you’re interesting. Even if you are a jerk."
kim(ml)
Go away, Josephine. I’m not a project you can fix.
josephine (fl)
"I’m not leaving yet. It’s going to rain, and your 'Just Kim' attitude isn't going to stop you from getting soaked. I’ll wheel you to the library
kim(ml)
"I can do it myself."
josephine (fl)
"I know you can. But I’m bored. Let me help."
[She moves behind the wheelchair and starts to push. Kim doesn't fight it this time, but his body remains stiff.]
kim(ml)
If you tell anyone about this, I’ll tell everyone you’re a stalker
josephine (fl)
Deal. By the way, Kim... you have nice hair. For a ghost
kim(ml)
Shut up, Josephine
[The sound of the wheelchair wheels clicking over the pavement as they move toward the campus buildings, two strangers who have nothing left to lose but each other.]
.
[Setting: Six months later. A quiet, grassy hill overlooking the university lake. The sun is setting, painting the world in colors Kim cannot see, but can feel as warmth on his skin.]
josephine (fl)
Okay, stop moving. If you tilt your head like that, I’m going to poke you in the eye by accident."
kim(ml)
You’ve been trying to 'fix' my hair for ten minutes, Josephine. I’m starting to think you’re just using me as a mannequin."
josephine (fl)
Your hair is a mess! It’s like a bird’s nest. There... much better. You actually look like a human being instead of a grumpy ghost today.
kim(ml)
(He lets out a soft, rare huff of a laugh) "A human being. High praise coming from you."
josephine (fl)
Don't get used to it. Now, sit back. I brought it."
[The sound of a wooden flute being pulled from a velvet bag.]
kim(ml)
The flute? Again? You know I can’t see the 'graceful' way you hold it. I just hear the squeaks when you hit a wrong note."
josephine (fl)
Hey! I haven't squeaked in weeks. Just listen. It’s a song my dad used to play. He said it sounds like the wind catching the sails of a ship."
[Josephine begins to play. The melody is haunting and slow, echoing across the water. Kim grows quiet, his body relaxing back into the grass. He tilts his head, following the vibration of the music.]
kim(ml)
It sounds... blue."
josephine (fl)
(She stops playing, lowering the flute) "Blue?"
kim(ml)
Deep blue. Like the ocean at night. It’s quiet, but it feels heavy. Is that what your dad was like?"
josephine (fl)
Yeah. He was a quiet man. He didn't say 'I love you' much, but he played that song every night before I went to sleep. It was his way of making sure I knew I was safe."
kim(ml)
You’re doing it again."
josephine (fl)
"Doing what?"
kim(ml)
Pitying yourself. And by extension, pitying me. I can hear the shift in your breath."
josephine (fl)
"I'm not. I was just thinking... it’s been a year, Kim."
kim(ml)
"A year since what? Since you became my self-appointed bodyguard?"
josephine (fl)
Since that day in the botanical garden. A year of me pushing your chair, reading you boring biology textbooks, and you being a jerk to me daily."
kim(ml)
I haven't been a jerk in at least... four hours."
josephine (fl)
A new record! We should get a trophy."
kim(ml)
[Kim reaches into the pocket of his leather jacket. He pulls out a small, silver chain. It has a pendant shaped like a broken sun—only half of the circle is there.]
kim(ml)
"I don't have a trophy. But I have this."
josephine (fl)
(Her voice drops to a whisper) "What is it?"
kim(ml)
It’s a necklace. Reach out
josephine (fl)
[She puts her hand out, and he drops the silver chain into her palm. The metal is cool but heavy.]
josephine (fl)
Kim... this looks expensive. Is this from your grandpa’s collection?"
kim(ml)
It’s mine. I bought it with the money I saved from my disability allowance—money he thinks I spend on audiobooks. It’s a set. I have the other half."
kim(ml)
[He pulls a second chain from under his shirt. It’s the other half of the sun. When put together, they would make a perfect circle.]
josephine (fl)
The sun... it’s broken."
kim(ml)
Like us. An orphan and a blind man. Two halves of a wreck."
kim(ml)
Listen. I’ve never seen your face. I don't know if your eyes are blue like that song or brown like the dirt. I don't know if you’re beautiful or if you’re just a girl with a loud voice. But I know your soul, Josephine."
josephine (fl)
You’re being way too poetic. Are you feeling okay?
kim(ml)
(He turns serious, his sightless eyes searching for her direction) "I’m serious. Keep the half. Wear it every day. I told you I’d never be a project, and I told you I don't want your pity. But if the world ever pulls us apart... if I ever get lost in the dark... I’ll recognize you by this. I’ll feel the other half of the sun."
josephine (fl)
You talk like we’re going to be separated. I’m not going anywhere, you idiot."
kim(ml)
Things change. My family... they don't like that I’m becoming independent. They don't like you. They think you’re a gold-digger because they don't realize I have no gold to give."
josephine (fl)
Let them think what they want. I have my flute, I have my ramen, and I have my grumpy cactus friend. I’m fine."
kim(ml)
Put it on. I want to hear the clink of the metal against your skin so I know it’s there."
josephine (fl)
[Josephine fumbles with the clasp, her fingers shaking slightly. She clips the necklace around her neck. The silver half-sun rests right over her heart.]
josephine (fl)
There. It’s on. Happy anniversary, Kim."
kim(ml)
Don't make it weird. It’s just a piece of metal."
josephine (fl)
Right. A piece of metal you spent months saving for. You’re such a liar."
kim(ml)
And you’re a terrible flute player. Play that song again. The blue one."
josephine (fl)
Only if you promise not to fall asleep."
kim(ml)
I’m not promising anything."
[Josephine lifts the flute again. The melody fills the air, softer this time. Kim leans his head against the back of his wheelchair, a small, genuine smile touching his lips as he listens to the only person who ever saw him as a man, and not a tragedy.]
[FADE OUT as the music continues into the night.]
.
[Setting: Kim’s private villa, a secluded estate tucked away from the university campus. The interior is filled with soft fabrics and low lighting—designed for a man who navigates by touch. Rain drums rhythmically against the floor-to-ceiling windows
josephine (fl)
You never told me your family’s 'private villa' felt more like a museum, Kim. I feel like if I breathe too hard, I’ll break an antique.
kim(ml)
It’s just a house, Josephine. To me, it’s just walls that don’t move and floors that don’t creak. Why are you standing so far away? I can hear your heart racing from across the room."
josephine (fl)
I’m just... it’s a lot to take in. We’ve spent every day for a year in libraries and parks. Being here, with just you... it feels different."
josephine (fl)
[Kim stands up from the velvet sofa. He doesn’t use his cane here; he knows the layout perfectly. He moves toward the sound of her voice with a grace that is almost predatory, stopping only inches away from her.]
josephine (fl)
It feels like the world stopped outside those gates. Like there’s no biology exams, no angry grandfathers, no crowds. It’s just us."
kim(ml)
Is that a bad thing? You’re the only person who hasn’t treated me like a broken toy in this house. You’re the only thing in my life that feels real."
[Kim reaches out, his fingers grazing her jawline. His touch is light, tracing the curve of her cheek until his thumb rests near her bottom lip. Josephine leans into the touch, her breath hitching.]
josephine (fl)
Kim... I’ve had dreams about being this close to you. For a long time."
kim(ml)
I’m your best friend, Josephine. Is that all I am?"
josephine (fl)
You know you aren’t. You’ve been my crush since the second you told me to shut up in the garden. I just... I didn't think a ghost like you would ever want someone like me."
kim(ml)
I don't want someone. I want you."
[The tension that has been building for a year finally snaps. Kim leans down, his lips finding hers with a desperate, unrefined hunger. It isn't the kiss of a 'broken' man; it is the kiss of someone who has been starving for connection. Josephine wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, her fingers tangling in his thick hair. She leans in, giving him everything she has held back.]
[The scene shifts as they move toward the bedroom, the air thick with the scent of rain and shared heat. In the quiet of the villa, they give themselves to each other. For Kim, it is a world of textures and sounds—the softness of her skin, the catch in her throat, the way she says his name like a prayer. For Josephine, it is the realization of every secret wish she’s made while playing that flute.]
[The Next Morning: Soft light filters through the sheer curtains. The room is quiet until Kim sits up, his expression uncharacteristically soft but shadowed with a hint of worry.]
kim(ml)
Josephine? Are you awake?"
josephine (fl)
(Mumbling against the pillow) "Mmm... unfortunately. I was having a dream where I didn't have to go to a 9 AM lecture."
kim(ml)
I need to say something. I... I realized this morning that I didn't use protection last night. I was so caught up in finally having you that I wasn't thinking. I’m sorry."
josephine (fl)
(She sits up, pulling the sheet to her chest, her eyes widening) "Oh. I... I didn't think about it either. Everything was just moving so fast."
kim(ml)
I'll take care of it. Whatever you need, whatever happens. I’m not going anywhere. I love you, Josephine. I’ve loved you since the day you yelled at those guys for me."
josephine (fl)
(Tears prickling her eyes) "I love you too, Kim. More than I probably should."
kim(ml)
Good. Then we’re both fools. But for now... we have twenty minutes before we’re late. Let's go to class. I’ll drive the golf cart down the private path; it’s faster
[Setting: The campus perimeter road. The university is bustling with morning traffic. Kim is walking with Josephine toward the main hall, his hand lightly gripping her arm as she guides him.]
josephine (fl)
I’m still thinking about what you said. About your family. If they find out about us—"
kim(ml)
Let them find out. I’m done hiding you like you’re a secret I’m ashamed of. You’re the only good thing I own."
[They reach the crosswalk. A delivery truck is speeding down the hill, its brakes screeching as it loses control on the slick, rain-washed asphalt. Josephine is distracted, looking at a notification on her phone, stepping onto the road just as the truck swerves.]
josephine (fl)
Wait, is that the professor—?"
kim(ml)
Josephine! Get back!"
[Kim doesn’t need eyes to feel the displacement of air or the roar of the engine getting too loud, too fast. His instincts, sharpened by a year of navigating the dark, scream in warning. With a strength born of pure panic, he lunges forward, his hands finding her shoulders and shoving her violently backward onto the sidewalk.]
josephine (fl)
Kim! What are you—"
[The sound of the impact is sickening. A heavy thud of metal against bone, followed by the screech of tires. Josephine hits the pavement, her head spinning, but as she looks up, her heart stops. Kim is lying several feet away, his wheelchair overturned and mangled, his body unnaturally still on the cold road.]
josephine (fl)
(Screaming) "KIM! NO! SOMEBODY HELP! KIM!"
[She crawls to him, her hands trembling as she touches his face. He is bleeding, his breathing shallow and ragged. His sightless eyes are open, staring up at a sky he still cannot see.]
kim(ml)
(A faint, choked whisper) "Josephine... are you... okay?"
josephine (fl)
I’m here! I’m right here! Don't you dare close your eyes, do you hear me? You promised! You promised you wouldn't go anywhere!"
[The sound of sirens begins to wail in the distance, but the light in Kim's face is fading fast, the silver half-sun necklace around his neck stained with red.]
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