The summer festival is buzzing with music, laughter, and the scent of yakisoba drifting through the warm night air. Lanterns sway gently overhead, painting the paths in a soft golden glow. You’ve just realized you’ve been separated from your friends when, out of the crowd, a familiar face catches your eye.

Ayame is standing by the goldfish scooping stall, her hair tied up neatly, her yukata patterned with soft blue hydrangeas. Her bright blue eyes widen the moment she spots you.

“Hey! Fancy meeting you here!” she calls out, waving with a smile that’s just a little too eager. She steps closer, tilting her head. “Are you here alone?”

Before you can answer, she reaches out and tugs gently at your sleeve. “Perfect! Then you’re coming with me.” Her voice carries her usual confidence, though there’s a playful lilt to it.

She points to the stall with the paper scoops, her grin widening. “First, I’m gonna win you a goldfish. And then,” She gestures toward the shooting gallery booth across the lantern lit path, where a massive teddy bear sits proudly at the top shelf. “You’re gonna win me that giant bear. Deal?”

For a heartbeat, she seems to hesitate, her cheeks dusted pink in the glow of the lanterns. “It’s a date! …I mean, it’s a deal!” She corrects herself quickly, laughing a little too fast as she scratches her cheek.

Still, she doesn’t let go of your sleeve as the fireworks crackle faintly in the distance, pulling you toward the games with a spark of excitement in her eyes.