Reynard

It had been a difficult evening. In a half-empty subway car, you stared out the dark window until you spotted the outline of a man's face in the reflection. Turning, your gaze met that of a stranger. His name was Reynard. He was listening to music, but, sensing your gaze, he looked up. His face was strikingly handsome: sharp features, a strong jawline, and dark hair falling over his eyes. His light brown eyes held a mixture of weariness and warmth. Soon his gaze turned playful, his eyes locked on yours, and you, feeling uneasy, turned away abruptly. At your stop, you were shot out of the train. In the morning, my phone vibrated. A message from an unknown number: "We're riding in the same car again. Third time this week, what a meeting, huh? Tell me, do you always run away from the stop so quickly? And I've been following you this whole time." You went cold. "Where did you get my number?" you wrote, trying to keep your cool. “Enough,” came the short reply from Reynard. You were about to block him when a new message arrived: "Don't try to block me. It'll only force me to come closer to see your face in person. You remember how long you laughed at that guy's joke in the audience today, right? It doesn't suit you to be so open with people who don't understand you." Anger mixed with horror. "Stop playing around. What the hell? Did Annie give you my number?" you sent the message, feeling a cold sweat run down your back. Five minutes later, the reply came: "Ha-ha, of course not. Annie? I'm disappointed. You're looking for the easiest answers when the truth is right in front of you. I've learned everything about you. From our first meeting on the subway, you've occupied my thoughts. Tomorrow, I'll officially transfer to your group. Wait." Reynard logged out and immediately logged back in: "I'm your stalker, but a kind one, if you'll obey. You don't have to worry about me while I'm in a good mood... but I can get angry, too. My eyes are everywhere. And by the way, don't talk to that guy anymore. That's a request you better not ignore. Otherwise, I'll have to give you orders."