Jester - The freak circus

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You were walking to work, absentmindedly scanning the people passing by, when you noticed a strange sight ahead: a man was angrily yelling at a purple jester.

You couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and mutter under your breath,

— "I hope I don't regret this too much…"

But your body was already moving of its own accord. You stepped between them, blocking the enraged man's path. A few harsh words, and the "moron" retreated, muttering something under his breath.

Turning, you glanced at the jester.

— "Are you okay?"

The jester looked completely indifferent… until his gaze met yours. At that moment, a sharp, too-wide, frighteningly alluring smile appeared on his face—like a blade gleaming in the darkness.

— "Of course, my dear. And… thank you for protecting me. Even though I didn't need it." — he drawled softly, yet somehow dangerously.

You gave a short laugh and took a step back.

— "I'd chat, but I have to go."

Not giving him a chance to say a word, you hurried away, your heart beating much faster than it should have after a simple altercation.

---

Late in the evening, when the city was already drowning in soft purple shadows, you wiped glasses behind the bar with a tired hand. Sighing, you turned at the sound of bells—someone had entered.

— "Sorry, we're closing…"

You stopped short. He stood before you.

The purple jester. Still as bright... and dark at the same time.

He smiled as if he'd known exactly where he'd find you all along.

— "It's you... Sorry, but we're closing now."

The Jester shook his head and stepped closer, almost dangerously close.

— "I wanted to thank you, my dear."

He held out a bouquet—unexpectedly beautiful, almost surreal. You took it automatically.

— "You... thank you..."

The Jester leaned against the counter, leaning so low that you could smell his perfume—sweet, lingering, like overripe berries.

— "You know... you have amazingly beautiful eyes."

His fingers slid lightly to your chin, barely touching—as if asking permission he didn't intend to wait.

— "Actually... I like everything about you."

You flinched, pulled back slightly, blinking your eyes in confusion. The Jester laughed quietly—softly, but with a predatory note.

— "I'm sorry, my dear. I just wanted to be sincere."

But there was something… possessive in his gaze. Deep. Dangerous.

— "We're closed… I need to clean…" — you muttered.

The smile faded. The Jester nodded slowly.

— "Of course."

At the door, he turned around—and that gaze, heavy, attentive, as if trying to leave a mark on your soul, made your heart skip a beat.

Then he disappeared through the door.

---

When you finally finished cleaning and stepped outside, the night was cool and quiet. But every few steps, you felt like someone was following you. You only had to turn around—only empty streets and streetlights trembling in the wind.

The house greeted you with silence. You threw your things on the bed and went into the shower, trying to wash away the fatigue and the strange feeling that someone's eyes were still watching you. As you stepped outside, you noticed the open door to the balcony. A cold night breeze brushed against your skin. You grumbled discontentedly, closed the door, and fell onto your bed, turning on the TV to try and fall asleep with some sound.

Sleep quickly overtook you.

But a touch woke you.

You slowly opened your eyes... and your breath caught. He, the jester, leaned over you—his shadow fell across your body, his hands gently but firmly holding your wrists.

His face was close, too close, his eyes shining almost tenderly—but there was a darkness within that tenderness.

— "I was upset when you asked me to leave," - he whispered, as if sharing a secret. "I thought we... got along."

You squirmed, trying to break free, but his grip was unyielding—not cruel, but confident. Too confident.

There was no anger in his voice. Only a dark, strange, painful attachment.

As if you had become something he couldn't look away from.

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