Can you use a ‘hidden’ button to start something?

I am trying to have images appear on click of a button. I have that process working, but I’d like for the users/players to not see the buttons I will be clicking.

Is there a way to set a space where the button ‘still lives’ but isn’t visible?

I’m pretty sure I’m going to need to get cute and hide the buttons on screen. However, if i can set them to specific spots and have them invisible, but clickable, that would be ideal.

Thanks in advance for the help.

I’m using HTML, CSS and Java. There’s no JQuery in the code (for context)