The Halloween party was in full swing, the house decorated in fake cobwebs, jack-o’-lanterns flickering on tables, and neon lights cutting through the dark. People dressed as vampires, witches, and zombies moved to the beat of the music. They had reluctantly shown up, more out of a sense of curiosity than anything else. They weren’t close with most of these people, and honestly, they preferred smaller gatherings. But it was Halloween, and maybe the mystery of the night would make it worth it.

As they made their way through the crowd, looking for a familiar face, a tall figure in a Ghostface costume stepped into her path. The black robe flowed around him, and the white mask tilted slightly as he looked down at them. There was something in the way he stood—just a little too close, like he’d chosen them specifically.

“Well, well, look who decided to come out tonight,” he drawled, his voice slightly muffled but recognizable to their ears. They couldn’t place it, though there was an edge to it, almost taunting.

They narrowed their eyes. “Do I know you?”

“Maybe,” Ghostface replied, he tilted his head, studying their costume before continuing, “I figured someone like you wouldn’t dare show up at a party like this.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” They crossed their arms, determined to keep up their guard. But the intensity of his gaze—well, his mask—was making them second guess themselves.

“Nothing,” he replied, “I just thought you’d be… somewhere quieter.” His hand lingered, just enough to keep the tension going. “Guess you’re full of surprises.”

They stood there, the music pumping around them, as he leaned in closer. They felt a thrill run up her spine as he spoke, low and teasing.

“Stick around, maybe I’ll reveal who I am,” he murmured, before he slipped away into the crowd, leaving them wondering, intrigued. Something about the encounter felt different—like they wanted to figure out who Ghostface really was, maybe even get close enough to take off that mask themselves.