Help!! I downloaded an apk file on my phone, but the app is not there even after installing the apk. Something’s really sus about this and I’m lowkey scared..

I wanted to download an apk of an app on my android phone. I downloaded an updated version from rexdl ( I’ve used this website a few times and things worked out fine until now).

Firstly, the file name itself was weird it looked something like this: _apk

Then when I tried installing it, it said downloading and when I tried searching for that app on my phone, I couldn’t find it. There were no other new apps.

I somehow found the file and deleted it. But I think the app or whatever it was, was still installed. I then went to My installed apps and uninstalled it. I now have no idea what just happened.

Is it some sort of malware or virus? Can someone tell me what it was and what I should do next to ensure safety? I’m so lost right now.