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Behind the Mask
The Perfect Facade

The Perfect Facade

Lucas walked through the city streets at night, blending in like any other guy his age. No one would ever guess that behind those friendly eyes and that easy smile was someone who hunted down people who hurt others. He’d learned to use his looks as his best disguise; people only saw what he wanted them to see—a normal, charming young guy who knew how to make people feel comfortable. But underneath? There was a storm brewing.

He’d been watching his first target for weeks now: a man named Tom who was known for hurting his family, especially his wife and kids. Lucas knew what it was like to grow up in fear; he’d lived through it himself. Now, he wanted to make sure people like Tom couldn’t keep hurting others. He saw it as his way of making the world a better place, one monster at a time.

Setting the Trap

Lucas had watched Tom’s routine so many times he could do it in his sleep. Tom would spend his evenings drinking himself to sleep, and tonight was no different. Lucas waited until it was late and the lights in the house were out before sneaking in. He wore gloves and kept his hoodie pulled up, covering most of his face in case there were any security cameras nearby.

Moving quietly through the house, he finally reached Tom’s bedroom. The man was passed out, breathing heavily. Lucas felt a strange sense of calm wash over him. Here was someone who deserved to pay for what he’d done. Lucas didn’t hesitate—he moved quickly, wrapping his hands around Tom’s throat and pressing down, watching as the man’s eyes shot open in shock.

“Did you think nobody would ever stop you?” Lucas whispered, his voice cold. Tom struggled, trying to claw at Lucas’s hands, but it was too late. Lucas held firm until the man’s body went still, the room filling with an eerie silence.

Getting Rid of the Evidence

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Afterwards, Lucas took a step back, breathing heavily. He knew he couldn’t just leave the body there—people would trace it back eventually, and the last thing he needed was any suspicion. He dragged the body into the bathroom and set up a plan he’d practiced in his head a hundred times.

Lucas took Tom’s phone and used it to send a few texts, making it look like he was heading out of town for a few days. Then, he cleaned up any signs of a struggle, leaving things just as he’d found them. When he left, it looked like Tom had simply vanished.

Staying Hidden

As Lucas walked out into the night, he pulled his hoodie down low and avoided any well-lit areas. He had a plan for disappearing—always walk calmly, never run, and look like you have somewhere to be. He knew how to act like he belonged, and it was easy to slip through unnoticed. If anyone asked, he’d just say he’d been out with friends or studying late. His easy-going personality and innocent smile were his best weapons.

Lucas left the neighborhood quietly, taking a back route to avoid being seen. He had thought of everything, down to the last detail. He knew how to act normal, how to talk about random things like sports and school, and how to laugh at jokes as if nothing was wrong. That was his real skill—no one would ever suspect him.

Back Home

Back in his room, Lucas sat on his bed, going over every detail of the night in his mind. His plan had been flawless, and he was confident he’d covered every trace. No one would ever think to look at him, the friendly, quiet guy who blended in everywhere. To everyone else, he was just Lucas, a regular teenager with a charming smile and a seemingly normal life.

But as he lay down, a single thought lingered, gnawing at him. What if someone had seen something he missed? A footprint, a camera angle, a witness hidden in the shadows? Just as the thought grew darker, Lucas heard a faint buzz from his phone. He picked it up, and his blood ran cold.

A single message appeared on the screen: “I know what you did.”

Lucas sat up, heart pounding, staring at the screen. Who could know? He had been so careful. Had someone been watching him all along? The room felt colder, and he could almost feel eyes on him, unseen but piercing.

As he tried to process it, the phone buzzed again, another message lighting up the screen: “You’re not the only one with secrets.”

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