Hello, readers!

First off, I want to thank you all for taking the time to read my very first fanfic in this fandom. While this isn't the first story I've ever written, it's my debut fanfiction inspired by Squid Game. Ever since the show first premiered, I've been absolutely hooked—reading fan theories, diving into behind-the-scenes details, and eagerly anticipating every update. When the second season dropped, I was inspired to create a story of my own, and I couldn't be more excited to share it with you.

Now, before you dive in, I want to go over a few things:

1. Yes, this is a fanfic! It's my love letter to all the fans out there who adore the intense storyline and brilliant characters of Squid Game. If fanfiction isn't your thing, that's okay—there are plenty of other stories out there for you. But if you love the show and enjoy a fresh twist, I think you'll love this!

2. I'm doing my best to stay true to the characters and their names, but if I slip up, please bear with me. I'll go through every chapter and correct anything I catch during edits, so there's no need to flood the comments. Constructive feedback is always appreciated, but let's keep it kind, okay?

3. This story will focus on Number One. If you've seen the show, you'll know exactly who that is. If not, I'll keep the spoilers to a minimum for now—but for fans of the series, you'll catch on quickly.

4. One unique twist: in this fanfic, the reader (that's you!) will be a little older than in most fanfiction stories. Why? Because Number One is an older character, and I think exploring this dynamic adds a fresh and intriguing layer. And hey—what's wrong with an age-gap relationship in fiction? Remember, this is all for fun and completely fictional!

With that said, I'm thrilled to present Beneath the Mask, my first-ever Squid Game fanfic. I hope you enjoy every twist and turn, and thank you again for joining me on this journey! Let's dive in!