Karim paused at the edge of the alley, eyes narrowing. “Looks like there’s more than one again.”

A shiver ran down his spine as he scanned the shadows. “No… that can’t be right. I’ve seen this before.”

From the corner of his vision, a figure stepped out. Same build. Same stance. Same smirk. Karim’s hand instinctively went to his sidearm.

“I swear… it’s me,” he muttered, half to himself, half to the stranger. The figure mirrored every subtle movement, down to the tilt of his head.

Karim’s breath hitched. “How… how is this even possible?”

He clenched his fists, stepping closer, eyes locked. “You’re not real… you can’t be real.”