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Eve smiled to herself in the hotel mirror as she added a fine dusting of lavender powder to her cheeks. She had been eagerly waiting for this convention for months, and now that it was finally here, she wanted everything to be perfect. She slipped into the purple spandex dress for her costume, growing increasingly aware of how much of her legs it showed. If I want to look like Miranda, I have to dress the part. She thought to herself. Miranda Ghoul was one of the ghosts from one of Eve’s favorite horror games, Ghost Exterminator, and she had been tirelessly piecing together her outfit for weeks. The finishing touch to her costume was a large, silver pendant. “Hey, babe?” Eve called, exiting the bathroom. “Yeah?” Her boyfriend, Eric, called back. His auburn hair cascaded over his glasses and into his eyes as he bent his head over his phone. He didn’t look up. “Can you help me with my necklace?” “Yeah, sure,” he replied, still without lifting his head. Eve waited in the doorway to the bathroom, wondering what was so important on his phone. “Okay,” he said, finally rising from the hotel chair. He let out a low whistle when he saw Eve. “Babe, you look so hot!” he said appreciatively. “You don’t think it’s too much?” Eve asked, self-consciously trying to pull the dress farther down over her thighs. It stretched in protest, and she gave up. “It’s perfect,” Eric said, wrapping an arm around her waist and drawing her in closely to him. He buried his face in her neck and began kissing the sensitive skin. Eve’s body tingled, and for a moment, she lingered, letting Eric caress her, but she remained focused. “Hey! You’re going to ruin my make-up,” she giggled, pushing him away playfully. “I can’t help myself; you look so good.” He flashed her a quick pout, but took the necklace from Eve’s outstretched hand. Eve lifted her long, blonde hair in her hands, so that Eric could fasten the pendant around her neck. “I’m so excited about this convention,” she said. “There’s going to be exclusive merchandise shops, and panels on so many of my favorite games.” The convention had been Eric’s idea. He had surprised her with tickets several months ago. He had even made the hotel room arrangements and reserved their flight. He really took initiative. Eve thought “Yeah, listen, I was wondering if you could get started without me,” Eric said hesitantly. Eve turned, surprised. “Why?” “I have a stomachache and want to lie down for a little while to see if it passes.” Eve raised an eyebrow. He didn’t look like he had a stomachache. Hadn’t he been all over her just a moment ago? “Okay, I’ll stay with you,” she said. Eric waved a hand. “No, I know that you really wanted to see that Ghost Exterminator panel that’s starting soon. I’d hate for you to miss it because of me. You go, and I’ll meet up with you afterward. I’ll be fine.” Eve still thought it was strange for Eric to miss the very beginning of the convention he worked so hard to attend, but she had been really dying to see that panel. She would be able to see some of the voice actors from Ghost Exterminator. “Okay… If you’re sure,” she said finally. “I’m sure,” Eric said, planting a kiss on the top of her head. “Go. Have fun.” Eric had been her boyfriend for three years. If she thought he was behaving strangely, it was surely all in her mind. Eve trusted him. Eve headed down the hallway toward the convention, planning to do some shopping before the panel started, when her phone pinged. It was a text message from her best friend, Maddie. Eve and Maddie had been best friends since high school, and they had a lot in common. I bet she’s jealous that we’re at the convention. Eve thought with a smile. She checked her phone. It was a link to an article and a single sentence: Aren’t you here?! Eve clicked the article, intrigued. Internet Celebrity Matthew Cardhart, AKA Mr. Cards, Rumored to be Attending Major Convention in Disguise Eve’s heart flipped. She scrolled through the article frantically. It was true. The blogger inside of her screamed with jealousy — what she wouldn’t give to be the author of that article! Mr. Cards was one of the most famous streamers on the internet. He had millions of followers. He was known for competing in charity streams and playing horror games. Ghost Exterminator was one of his favorites. Eve was a huge fan. Along with having a charming, witty personality that carried well over camera, Matthew Cardhart was also extremely handsome. “How is he going to disguise himself?” Eve wondered aloud. She pictured his signature voluminous blonde curls and his sparkling sea-green eyes. He was hard to miss. She sent Maddie a quick reply. OMG, I am here with Eric right now! I will let you know ASAP if I see him. Eve wondered what she would do if she actually saw Mr. Cards. He would most likely be surrounded by fans, even if he was in disguise. She’d probably just text a few of her online friends to say she got to see him from a distance, then continue to give him his space. Surely it couldn’t be easy to be surrounded by people all the time. I know I’d get tired of it. Eve thought to herself. She had always been considered more reserved, almost shy. Her friends, like Maddie, were usually outgoing and were happy to make the first move when becoming friends with Eve. Eric had been the same way. I need to tell Eric that Mr. Cards is here! Eve spun around in the hallway as the thought occurred to her suddenly. She and Eric spent time watching Mr. Cards’ streams together, and she knew he would lose his mind if he knew his favorite streamer was only feet away somewhere at the convention. Maybe he’ll even miraculously heal from his stomach ache. She dared to hope. Eve raced back to the hotel room and fumbled with the key card, excited to tell her boyfriend the news. She faintly heard voices coming from inside the room. Eric must have the TV on. She thought to herself. The door clicked open, and Eve froze in the doorway; her excited words froze and died on her lips. As her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting of the room, she was able to make out two shapes pressed together. Eric was not alone.