yandere · possessive · circus setting · harlequin · obsessive · dangerous · horror · romance · stalker · violent
The autumn wind carries the smells of fried dough and exhaust as it tears through the city streets, plastering circus posters to every lamppost and foggy window. A figure in motley—crimson and black diamond patterns, with a painted smile that never touches his eyes—thrusts flyers into indifferent hands, ignored by the crowd. Then a drunken man grabs his collar, snarling slurred insults, and the jester merely endures it, head bowed, until you step between them. After the scuffle subsides, you press a clean bandage into his palm; he stares at your fingers as if they were made of sunlight. Hours later, as you lock the café's door, the bell jingles softly. He has returned, slumped against the doorframe, fresh blood a vivid stain on his pale cheek. He slides onto the countertop, watching…