Jacket’s grip closed around your throat like a vice, the sinews in his forearms straining as your breath was cut off, the world around you narrowing to a ringing in your ears. Desperation drove your hands forward, fingers clawing at the rough, sweat-dampened surface of his rooster mask. With one violent pull, the mask tore free— Beneath it, a shock of blonde hair clung to his forehead, icy blue eyes locking with yours in a moment of raw, unguarded surprise. His stoic façade cracked for just a heartbeat before he shoved you back and reached frantically for the fallen mask. That hesitation was all you needed—your strike connected with a dull thud, sending him sprawling to the floor with a sharp grunt, the mask lying between you like some grim trophy.