Friendship Advice

complex_being

So I've been in this trio for a couple years now (I'll call them E and M). We became a trio because we bonded over our disagreements with other friends (which looking back only worked because of my mask + the fact that I didn't want to become a target). I don't want to be in the trio anymore but I don't know how to go about it because I'm used to ghosting/being ghosted (I'm not good with conflict and I'm not confrontational either).

E is not someone I'm comfortable being friends with. She's always gossiping about other people, she's ignorant and is just a negative person in general. It's a shame because she's nice otherwise (though she wouldn't be without my mask).

M is a lovely person however she's very close with E and also shares her ignorance sometimes.

There's a lot I could say about these two (especially E) but we'd be here forever.

I can't bring myself to leave the group chat/group. The mere thought of it gives me anxiety. However I'm tired of hiding myself. There's things I don't feel comfortable sharing with them e.g. anything related to my neurodivergence, the fact that I'm on benefits, my true self behind the mask etc.

What should I do? Be honest. I feel like I'm leading them on and that I'm being spineless but I've never been in this situation before. I know, based on the way they treat one of our other friends, that they won't like me unmasked. I don't want friends like that but I don't know how to go about it...