Removing single hole faucet - hidden upper water line connectors?

Hi all, looking for some help with what my next steps should be. Trying to replace my builder grade one hole bathroom faucet. I have turned off the water, unscrewed both water lines just above the turnoff valves, unscrewed and pulled out the actuating rod, and now I think my next step would be to unscrew the lines from the top end, and the faucet should come right off.

Unfortunately, I don’t seem to have any (or don’t have access to?) the top connector on the water lines, as they seem to go up into a hole? Additionally my faucet is not at all loose, it is ON there and won’t budge. What should I do next? I feel like I’m missing something?