“Are you ready?” Cass asked backstage, her voice trembling with excitement. The annual Krampusnatch party at the local university was moments from starting. As the star of the show, Cass had persuaded Marina to join her on stage. “I suppose so,” Marina replied, carefully adjusting her bikini to avoid any unwanted exposure. “This is your show, Cass… I’m not sure I really belong up here.” “You’re right, it is my show,” Cass said warmly. “And that’s exactly why I want to share it with the person I love most.” “I thought the person you loved most was Oliver,” Marina teased, a mischievous smile touching her lips. “He’s the other person I love most,” Cass laughed. “But let’s be honest, he’d look terrible in that bikini.” Marina couldn’t help but laugh, and the tension she’d been holding melted away. “Alright, fine,” she agreed. “But how exactly does a fish girl fit into a show about Krampus, an evil Christmas spirit?” “Don’t overthink it,” Cass reassured her. “No college guy here is going to complain about the world’s hottest Krampus taking the stage with her best friend, the world’s hottest fish girl.” “I guess you have a point,” Marina conceded. “I always do,” Cass said, stepping closer to kiss Marina on the cheek. “Now come on, let’s have some fun.” Hand in hand, the two walked onto the Krampusnatch stage. They were met with an immediate, deafening roar of applause.