Male Masks Masquerade

Adeline didn't expect she would transmigrate into the trashy novel she read years ago. The plot was so cliched that she couldn't bring herself to finish it. Years later, she found that very book on her bed, the page was open to the villainess' execution and before she knew it she found herself in the very novel she hated. The evil villainess who couldn't stand her two childhood friends become completely enamoured by the female lead, she decided to take care of the matter herself and thus became the public enemy. She now became the villainess of the story! "I do not accept this!" Adeline yelled at the top of her lungs. "I will change the plot." The Crown Prince she rejected won't leave her alone. The cold Northern Duke clung to her and wouldn't let go. The Arch Mage wants to abandon his duties and serve as her personal knight, and the Head Priest is obsessed with her! The Male leads she wished to avoid won't leave her alone! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Obsessive male lead- check. Funny but strong female lead- check. Amazing family- check. Annoying Goddess- also check.

**"Ace has always known he was different—rescued by human couples as a baby by the road side. Raised with a strange mark on his chest, uncanny speed, heightened senses, and an instinct he could never explain. But everything comes to a head on his eighteenth birthday when a restless fire awakens deep within him, compelling him into the forest under the light of the full moon. Drawn by an invisible force, Ace’s body trembles with anticipation, and his wolf—silent his entire life—stirs to life for the first time. Then he feels it: an overwhelming presence that fills the air, makes his heart race, and stops him in his tracks. A powerful looking but desperate man emerges from the shadows, Ace’s entire being responds. His chest burns, and the mark he always thought was a birthmark begins to glow on his chest, as if it knows the man standing before him. Kieran’s piercing silver eyes hold a mixture of relief and hunger as he steps closer. 'You’re mine,' Kieran murmurs, his voice deep and reverberating with authority and raw desire. Ace doesn’t understand what’s happening, but his body does. Every fiber of his being screams for Kieran, his wolf howling for the connection they were destined to share. When Kieran touches the glowing mark on Ace’s chest, the bond between them explodes into life. Ace feels everything—the undeniable pull, the deep need to belong, and a passion so intense it takes his breath away. The world fades, leaving only Kieran and the primal connection binding them. Kieran's suppressed desires for his mate breaks free from their restrain. He tears their clothes into pieces, pulling Ace closer in his arms as he uncontrollably touches every inch of Ace's body___ feeling the satisfaction he has longed for_ for years. He devours Ace's mouth and lips as he thrust into him , every thrust igniting a hotter flame inside their bodies, they both groan and scream at the connection, at the pleasure that flows throw every vein in their bodies. In that heated moment, Kieran claims Ace, sinking his teeth into his neck to mark him as his own. The bite sends a shockwave through Ace’s body, awakening a hunger and power he never knew he possessed. Their souls collide, binding them together in a bond that is both exhilarating and terrifying. ▪▪ But as Ace grapples with his newfound identity as a werewolf and the mate of a powerful alpha, he’s thrust into a world of danger, loyalty, and love so overwhelming it threatens to consume him. Will he accept the destiny that ties him to Kieran, or will the weight of the bond shatter them both?"** ○○●●○ Alpha Kieran had been looking for his mate for nine years, he searched among the she_wolves in his pack and all other packs but never found his expected female mate__, only to find out his mate is a male , something he has forbidden in his pack. No matter how much he didn't want to mate with Ace, the pull was way much uncomfortable to him. What is he going to do now that he has found himself in the situation he had forbade others himself.

Olivia Miller, a billionaire, must return to her roots in Miami under a false identity after spending years abroad. Now working as a personal assistant to Noah Jones—a man from her painful past—Olivia's world spirals into a tangled web of lies, betrayals, and dangerous power games. As the tension between them escalates, old wounds resurface, enemies emerge, and alliances blur. Secrets from the past threaten to destroy everything, while Olivia’s ruthless nature and Noah’s relentless drive put them on a collision course that could shatter lives. In this high-stakes game, where power, love, and vengeance collide, who will come out on top? How long will it take for Olivia to reveal her true identity and intentions? Prepare for a gripping tale of deceit, hidden motives, and explosive consequences where no one is safe.

Angelo rycard is a boy who has seen more grief and death than the greatest soldier and more happiness than the greatest king. He carries untold burden and guilt and is on a journey to fix the mistakes of his past fight the evils of two distant universes. And stop the ambitions of men playing God all in the hope of reuniting his family once and for all. Watch this tale of a boy rekindling friendships facing past trauma's and fighting his greatest enemy himself.

A 24-year-old woman traveled to the novel world due to a plane crash. She takes over the body of a cannon fodder who bears the same name as her. She traveled to a time when everything was scarce. The moment she opened her eyes, she was told that in two months, she would marry a lame man. Flustered girl : "Why didn't anyone tell me that my fiancé is so good-looking?" Proud fiancé : "Baby, I'm glad you like my face and body. Shall I warm your bed now?" Confused girl : "Didn't they say you are a cripple? How can you move so vigorously?" Vigorous husband : "Where did you hear such rumors? It seems that I need to prove myself to you." Shy girl : "So shameless..."

Caelestis loomed over her, his gaze locked onto hers, his eyes glowing like embers. The heat from his body radiated against her skin, and for a moment, she could almost feel the weight of his anger pressing on her. “Lies!” he spat again, his voice rising. “I will kill you, Eleanore. If you ever try to do that to her again, I will kill you.” His words cut through her, burning with hatred and fear. Anger surged within her as she fought against him. She had never intended to hurt Stella, not once. The blame lay with the original owner of the body, not her. Why must she listen to these accusations? “I have no such intentions!” she shouted at his face, gasping to find breath. “Let me go!” Her foot lashed out, kicking him in the thigh, but he quickly pinned it down as well. Exhausted from her useless struggles, Eleanore realized she had to gather her strength and then perhaps bite off some skin from his handsome face. “You are just an obsessed man,” she snarled, her voice full of venom. “You don’t know how to treat a woman. You’re killing her!” Before she could finish, Caelestis silenced her with a violent grip around her throat. His hand tightened around her neck, cutting off her breath. Her wrists were free, but now her neck was caught, and every breath became a struggle. Panic surged through her as she gasped for air, her hands clawing at his arm in a desperate attempt to free herself. Caelestis’ true nature had finally appeared in front of Eleanore, and it scared her. She had already been afraid of him, but now the fear felt like it was gripping her very soul. She had seen cruelty before, but this—this was something darker, something unrelenting. _________ Eleanore's dull life ends abruptly in a traffic accident, only for her consciousness to awaken in a strange white void. Confronted with a translucent blue screen offering her a choice—to change the destiny of Caelestis Lancaster, the tragic villain from a novel she recently read—she hesitates. Despite his crimes, Caelestis was a character she couldn't help but sympathize with. Bound by a manipulative system that claims to guide her but seems to favor Stella, the novel's protagonist, Eleanore must rewrite the fates of everyone involved. As she struggles to save Stella from Caelestis' obsessive grip, she becomes entangled with this notorious villain himself. Hatred and tension ignite between them, and what starts as disdain blossoms into a painful, forbidden love. Note: This is a dark fantasy romance novel. A war between Love and Obsession.

love...... does it exist or not ??? is it just emotion, feeling or something spiritual or something way more scary then all those?! let's find out.... this is a story about a girl who is transmigrated in different novels to save the second main leads make them fall in love and earn money .... (❍ᴥ❍ʋ) isn't it funny but at the same time it is not. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ special leads in apocalypse who sacrifice themselves for the female lead. ❣︎ second main leads in the beast world who died while waiting for this chance of love. ❣︎ second main leads in the cultivation world who deserve the whole world but ended up becoming beggars in love.❣︎ some other special males who proved that love knows no dimension .... •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Reminder: my characters are not innocent,sweet and caring .. they are manipulative, obsessive,greedy and cunning so beware of them ....they are like mirror they reflect in return of what you give them. completely Fair. ************************************* this is 1/N reverse haram novel so if it is not your cup of tea you can leave it , female is going to end with many males . they are going to travel to different world same as the female lead so they are going to be the same. °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°° this contain mature content so keep your eyes safe °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°° the pictures of characters are taken from Pinterest credit goes to the original owner.

When divine blood flows through your veins, monsters hunts you down until you’re dead. That’s the harsh reality each demigod has to live everyday. Marina is one of them and, because of this, she had to leave her home when she was still a child. Now she has grown up and lives in the Lilies Park, a place in the Otherworld where she meets Shirei, a mysterious demigod who has no memory. Shirei will have to deal with his hidden past to understand why the gods seem to treat him like an enemy, but Marina fears that the journey will only lead to his death. Thus begins the last act of the plan of the forgotten goddess: the queen of masks. I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com

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Her family deals in stealing and fencing art. His family deals in killings, drugs, and everything else. Her family has nothing but it's name which is still feared even though it's not as powerful as before. His family has the fear of everybody because they put fear in everyone who crosses them. So what happens when they're put in an arranged marriage a day after they had a one night stand. Follow the rollercoaster of emotions and see whether they make it through. And just for kicks we get a bad guy with plans that no one can predict.

In the shadowed depths of Kyouten, a city divided by power and secrets, Hime operates as Venus, an enigmatic broker of forbidden knowledge. Her brilliance lies in her anonymity, her strength in the impenetrable walls she’s built. But when a calculated move brings her into the orbit of Kazuki, the cold and commanding leader of the Kagezan syndicate, those walls begin to crack. Kazuki is a man who thrives on control, ruling his underworld empire with precision and ruthlessness. Yet Hime’s defiance, her sharp wit, and the dangerous allure of her secrets ignite something within him—an obsession that blurs the line between protector and predator. As shadows close in, Hime finds herself hunted by the relentless Venus Hunters and entangled in Kazuki’s growing fixation. Forced into a precarious alliance, the two must navigate a world where every move is a gamble and trust is a luxury neither can afford. But behind Hime’s shattered mask lies a truth more dangerous than any enemy, a secret that could change the balance of power in Kyouten forever. When facades crumble and desires collide, who will emerge unscathed from the chaos?

[not a LitRPG / isekai / cultivation.] [Espionage / Slowburn / A very human story] SYNOPSIS: A child rotting on the streets was suddenly dragged into the black car of one of the many conglomerates that rule the world from the shadows. Through golden flames and swathes of blood, he was trained and experimented on to become the perfect weapon. In this ever-changing world of conspiracy and technological marvels, Test Subject 201, now called Felix, navigates the world as the experiment's sole survivor, standing as the foundation for humanity's next step in evolution.  Armed with his gun, newfound abilities, and a memento he holds dearly, he marches through the steep path of darkness and deceit, and faces off against mafia, mercenaries, and countless criminals and corporations, to enact the organization's mantra to "protect the peace.".

Never take off the mask.” It’s the one rule Cora Mercedes has lived by her entire life. Found abandoned on Halloween night as a child, wearing a mask she’s forbidden to remove and clutching a cryptic note, Cora’s existence has been a riddle she’s never been able to solve. When she gains admission to the prestigious Oscar Island University—a school renowned for its exclusivity and shrouded in mystery—Cora hopes to escape her past and embrace a new beginning. But nothing at Oscar is ordinary. Its halls whisper secrets, its rules are bizarre and absolute, and its students, though seemingly perfect, are unnervingly inhuman. As Cora navigates her new life, she finds herself drawn to the shadows, particularly to a pair of haunting crimson eyes that seem to follow her every move. He’s ruthless, enigmatic, and terrifyingly familiar, and despite her instincts, she can’t escape his magnetic pull. But the closer Cora gets to unraveling the truth—about her mask, her past, and the dark forces surrounding Oscar Island—the more she realizes she’s not the only one hiding secrets. In a world where humans serve as prey, breaking the rules isn’t just dangerous; it’s deadly. And someone in the shadows has been waiting centuries for her to return. Damien’s Masked Mate is a captivating tale of forbidden romance, ancient curses, and the deadly allure of the unknown

having born into a family that hates her so much without a mom, her step mom who made her life a living hell forced her into signing a contract she knew nothing about and was held captive by the world's known cold blooded CEO who in turn decided to make life miserable for her

Juske Hachimizu un chico de 18 años que es descendiente de Hirata Hachimizu un Oni de otro mundo. Juske después de un encuentro se vuelve el nuevo portador de la máscara carmesí y viaja a otro mundo para protegerlo y terminar con El conflicto por ella

Dive into a hilariously quirky comedy novel of online trends, gaming antics, and social media chaos! Lillian dreams of achieving eBunnee fame—the ultimate goal on the hottest social media app. But her life takes a bizarre turn when a stroll through the enchanting Heart-Ling Forest leads her to an unexpected encounter with a dramatic, over-the-top ghost. At Estresey Academy, success isn't about grades—it's about gaining followers. Students and even non-humans obsess over their eBunnee stats because, in this world, follower counts aren't just a status symbol—they’re a lifeline. Join Lillian as she navigates a world where fame is fleeting, friendships are tested, and the line between reality and the virtual realm blurs in unexpected ways.

Kado moves out of his town and while cleaning finds a mask in his attic, What he didn’t know was it could allow him to see and hear things he hadn’t before and it would forever change his life

Ryu Tae-Ra becomes entangled in a mysterious case from 13 years ago involving her organization and the death of her grandfather. Her grandfather harbored a dark secret: an ancient artifact that grants enormous mythical powers to whoever possesses it. Thirteen years ago, his best student, consumed by greed, attempted to steal the artifact, resulting in her grandfather's death. Although the student was presumed dead, he survived and continues to pursue the artifact. Following her grandfather's death, Ryu Tae-Ra inherited his organization, "The Mask Media." As unexplained deaths begin to rise, the police and government remain baffled. Hyun Hae-Il, whose best friend was a victim, refuses to accept the official verdict of suicide. A former military lieutenant and law graduate, Hyun Hae-Il abandons his career as a celebrity actor to investigate the case himself. During his investigation, Hyun Hae-Il crosses paths with Ryu Tae-Ra. Together, they unravel the mysteries surrounding the artifact and the deaths, all while developing feelings for each other.

Khloe Daniels has always known how to keep her distance, both emotionally and physically. Balancing two lives—one as a waitress by day and the other as an enigmatic performer by night—she thrives behind the masks she wears, keeping the world at arm’s length. But one fateful night, her carefully maintained facade cracks. Jaxon Carter, a powerful billionaire with a commanding presence, becomes captivated by the mysterious woman on stage. Their paths collide, and what starts as a chance encounter becomes an unforgettable night of passion. Yet, Khloe is resolute—this must remain a one-time affair. As they part ways, she leaves him with a bittersweet farewell, thinking she’s closed that chapter. Jaxon reluctantly agrees, but deep down, something about her lingers. Fate, however, has other plans. Their lives intersect again in unexpected ways, reigniting a spark neither can ignore. For Jaxon, this isn’t just a reunion; it’s a second chance to uncover the mystery of the woman who captured his soul. But as Jaxon searches for answers, Khloe’s tightly woven world begins to unravel. Whispers of her masked identity spread, and a shadowy presence threatens to expose truths she’s not ready to face. As Jaxon’s pursuit grows more intense, Khloe finds herself questioning whether she can continue hiding—especially from the one man who seems determined to uncover everything. In a world of secrets, betrayal, and unforeseen twists, both Jaxon and Khloe must confront what lies beneath the surface. Will their connection survive the unmasking of their truths, or will it all come crashing down? "Behind the Mask" is a story of passion, intrigue, and the masks we wear to protect ourselves from the world—and the love that dares to tear them down.

WARNING: Mature Content. Winner of WPC #197 (Silver) The handmaiden's hurried footsteps can be heard in the hallway, followed by a loud slamming of the door. When we were finally left alone, Rin's calm voice can be heard, "I don't like that maid of yours, I will have to get you a new one within the week." I nodded, by this time I am used to having my handmaidens changed. He took the comb and started combing my hair, his dark eyes looking straight into my eyes, the sheer perfection of his face in contrast to my ever-plain-looking face. I looked away, I can't bear looking at it, it reminds me of the book that I'm in and how this is not a fairytale. He held me by the shoulders and asked in a cold voice, "Why do you look away? Is the idea of us still so intolerable for you?" I don't know how to answer him so I just nodded and bit my lower lip. He carried me to bed as he kissed my hair. Then, he laid me on the bed, his eyes boring through mine. "I hate that you are afraid of me, and that the idea of us is unacceptable to you. But right now, the only thing making you stay with me is fear of what I'd do if I lose you, I have no choice but to hold onto it. Forgive me Maru, I have no choice but to cherish the fear I have inflicted on you." He disrobed me, his calloused hands rough against my skin, feeling, touching, and leaving warmth where it landed. I winced every time his fingers land on a bruise, or on some of the fresh marks he placed there last night. "Do you want this?" he asked me as his fingers curled against my breasts, pinching one taut nipple after the other. I nodded, unable to deny under his skeptical gaze, I moaned in pleasure when his lips replaced his touch. His tongue licked on a pinkish bud and then sucked so very gently. "Tell me, any time you want me to stop, Maru. One word, that is all I need," he whispered and I blushed as I was reminded that I never stopped his assaults. I was powerless against my own needs, in the modern human world, it seems I am a submissive. And right here taking me in for another torturous night, is my dominant. I am married to Rin Saito, the most powerful monarch this world has ever seen, and I... I think I may have found my master in him. "Raise your hands for me, raise them above your head, and clasp them together," he whispered, his mouth barely an inch from my ear. I obliged, my body trembling from desire and fear combined, anticipating his next orders and feeling my body give in to his control. He took a silky rope he has been keeping on the drawers of the bedside table, and smiling, bounded up my wrists. "Tighter?" his sadistic smile made him a bit more benevolent in my eyes. I trembled from excitement as I nodded my head. He tightened my bind and leveled his head with mine, then he dipped his head, claiming my lips as I squirm helplessly against him. He opened my lips and slid his tongue inside my throat, my own saliva dripping down my neck. "Beautiful, my beautiful Maru," I heard him whisper as his hands continued to travel down, stroking and sliding gently down my skin until it reached my undergarments. "You shouldn't even bother with this, you know of my appetite. I told you not to wear them at night, my love, do you really want to be punished that badly?" I moaned, his lips curving in a proud smile. "I like it when you lose yourself in shameless pleasure. I like it when I can sully the princess and turn her into my queen," he claimed my lips more possessively.

For the sake of his family, Richard married a woman he had never met before. However, his newly wed wife was not only hideous but also viscous, which he only discovered on his wedding day. He thought he would be disgusted by her, but unexpectedly could not help but be attracted to this mysterious woman. What made Richard scratch his head even more, was that her face under the mask seems to be hiding some secret.

Everyday Male lead prepares extra roses for the female lead. And everyday Female lead will appear at the shop at a certain time to take those flowers. But suddenly .. Hwan In-su has came to the shop to observe the same favourite scene of him. Suddenly the male lead approach towards him, making Hwan In-su's smiling face frozen and confused.. "These roses are for you." The male lead replied while handing the bouquet of roses. Hwan In-su looks at the flower bouquet in his hand and then looks at the male lead and asked with confusion , "And Why are you giving me this?" "It's because you seem to like me. And I will accept you as my lover." The male replied without hesitation with a calm face. Hwan In-su looked at the male lead with a straight face and could only utter "W-What?!" ________ Sharp Possessive Top X Soft transmigrated Bottom BoyXBoy

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A woman, doomed to live the life of a fantasy romance novels villainess again and again. Decides that this life she will simply be lazy, allow the story to drag her where it may However, the other main characters are acting rather strange this time around. They simply will not leave her to laze about in peace. This is my first book, and also incredibly self indulgent. Created mostly for my own enjoyment. Featuring: an mc who gives no fucks, obsessive male leads, and gratuitous use of fantasy tropes. What more can a gall ask for. (There is no weird sibling stuff, and there is very little of the miscommunication trope. Mostly because I personally dislike that sort of thing.)

In Ogun's Kingdom, gods once walked among mortals, their presence leaving echoes of power, mystery, and ambition. Now, only the masked bearers of divine blessings bridge the gap between humans and the forgotten pantheon. Thorne Ironhold, a blind boy born into the prestigious Ironhold fief, stands at a precipice. Blessed by an unknown god during the sacred mask rite, he is labeled a "Stray"—an outcast marked by powers beyond mortal comprehension. Yet beneath the shadows of his failure lies an unimaginable secret: Thorne's mask holds the power to defy the natural order. As Thorne ventures from his father's forge to the treacherous Garden of the Gods and the rigorous academy, he seeks not only to carve his own path but to uncover the truth behind his destiny. Every battle tests his limits, every limit surpassed brings him closer to the power once lost to men—and closer to the chaos lurking within. In a world where dances summon divine might and masks conceal more than they reveal, Thorne's journey becomes a quest to challenge the gods themselves. But as he walks the path they once tread, he must ask: Will he rise among the embers of forgotten legends, or be consumed by them?

I was doing fine but now I'm in a book!? and the male lead wants to kill me!? Lee Minho was doing a great job at hacking, inside a famous institution. But being impatient as he is, he started reading the last chapter of his favourite novel. Which turned out to be a super bad ending... Due to his anger issues he couldn't keep the rage inside him and made an error leading him to enter that very favourite novel of his. But he is cross dressing as the villainess!? also the male lead's wife who the male lead tries to assasinate!? He needs to prepare himself to survive each and every attack and find out the real villain behind the curtain but what if all he is seeing is nothing but just a lie... A lie that leads to a mistake that he created with his own hands.. Cover generated from ai

In a quiet, forgotten corner of the world stands a peculiar house—a circus-like mansion called the "Fool’s Masquerade", run by a single enigmatic figure known only as The Fool. The Fool is an entertainer who dons a jester’s mask and opens his doors to anyone who seeks shelter, solace, or even just a fleeting escape from their troubles. Each guest who enters the Fool’s house brings their own story—some joyful, others tragic. They stay for a time, entertained by the Fool’s dazzling performances and absurd tricks that seem to read their very souls. But eventually, they all leave. The Fool never asks why. He simply smiles, bows, and holds the door open for them. Though the circus thrives with laughter and life, it is a lonely existence for the Fool. He built the house not just as a sanctuary for others, but to hide his own pain. Each act, each trick, is a way to distract himself from the emptiness left behind by those who come and go. Despite his sorrow, the Fool doesn’t close the door. “The door is always open,” he says, because he believes people’s decisions to leave are their own. It’s their life to live, and his role is simply to give them a moment of joy before they move on. But what happens when someone decides to stay? One day, a traveler stumbles into the Fool’s Masquerade—a quiet, stoic figure who doesn’t laugh at the Fool’s jokes or marvel at his tricks. Instead, they stay. They linger in the audience long after the performance ends, asking questions no one has asked before: “Why do you do this?” “Don’t you ever want someone to stay?” “Who takes care of you?” As the Fool grapples with these questions, he begins to unravel the truth about his own existence and why he chose to live this way. The circus house, once a place of escape for others, becomes a stage for his own self-discovery. Through whimsical performances and heartfelt conversations, *The Fool’s Masquerade* explores themes of loneliness, connection, and the bittersweet beauty of letting go. It’s a story about a man who calls himself a fool but may be the wisest of them all, and the one person who might teach him that it’s okay to let someone stay.

Rise Lee, a well-known A-rank esper in the federation. He was even ranked as one of the strongest among the A-ranks and recognized as one of the hopes for humanity.  However, he wasn't only famous because of his prowess or his attractive appearance; Rise was more infamous because of his terrible personality. He was called a villain by most guides and espers for a reason. And who would guess that Rise Lee was really a villain, in a literal sense?  The terrible truth then unfolded to him.  He, Rise Lee, is one of the main villains of the novel.  Rise Lee spat out a mouthful of curses and swore that if he had a second chance, he would mess up this damn novel until everyone went down with him. If the author was in front of him, he too would be destroyed with him!  And a second chance did come! Rise Lee, the villain, woke up five years before the main storyline! Heh.  So what if he was a villain destined to die? That protagonist who killed him, and the author... He would screw them over.  Being a villain, be damned. In this rebirth, he would take and mess up everything.  What did you say? The protagonist’s love life? Heh. That too. Rise would take his lover. The male lead... will be his.  - - #Guideverse #guide #espers #bl #r18 #rebirth

James a man from Zimbabwe moved into south Africa to start his life afresh and to build a better life for himself. Him moving into south Africa made him meet the most beautiful girl that was clever and also had bright ideas. They dated and so where will their love story led them to, will they have a bright future together and a lovely ending or will this story end with sadness, pain and tears.

A quiet, unnoticed student hides a shocking secret: a double life as an online sensation. When a school project forces them to team up with the school’s most popular classmate, an accidental discovery threatens to expose everything. What starts as a tense revelation soon uncovers hidden truths neither expected, leaving both questioning who they really are—and who they can trust.