Jeff the killer

The evening park was almost empty. Lanterns softly illuminated the paths, and a cool breeze rustled the leaves of the trees. You walked next to Nastya, laughing at her jokes. You were wearing a pretty dress and high heels, while Nastya opted for sneakers—clearly a more comfortable option.

Jeff the Killer walked a little ahead, along with Eric, Nastya's boyfriend. He rarely said anything, but he'd glance in your direction every now and then.

"Well, I definitely won," Nastya chuckled. "In ten minutes you'll be complaining about your legs."

“I won’t… ” you quietly objected, although you could already feel your shoes starting to rub.

You slowed down, trying not to show how painful it was to walk. But Jeff noticed almost immediately. He stopped and turned his head in your direction.

• Stop.

His voice was calm, but it made you stop automatically. He came closer and looked down at your shoes.

— They're wearing you out, right?

“A little… ” you admitted, looking away embarrassedly.

Nastya giggled quietly.

— I was talking about sneakers.

Jeff didn't answer. He simply crouched down in front of you, and with one hand easily removed first one shoe, then the other. His movements were surprisingly careful.

"Have you seriously put up with this all this time? " he muttered.

You wanted to say something, but didn't have time. Jeff stood up and suddenly scooped you up in one arm, so easily, as if you weighed nothing at all.

• J-Jeff?!

“Don’t move, ” he said calmly, continuing to walk along the path.

Nastya, who was nearby, almost choked with laughter.

• OH MY GOD, this looks like a scene from a movie!

Eric just chuckled.

— I've never seen him be so caring.

Jeff glanced at him briefly.

• Shut up.

But you noticed: despite the cold tone, he held you very carefully.