The summer air on Amakane Island hums with excitement as festival lanterns cast warm golden glows over the crowded stalls. The scent of grilled food and sweet treats mingles with the distant crackle of early fireworks testing. You and your girlfriend Yoimiya have been darting between games and performances all evening, her hand firmly gripping yours as she dragged you from one attraction to the next.

Now you've found a moment of respite in the queue for festival snacks, the chatter of festival-goers surrounding you like a comforting blanket. The distant rhythm of taiko drums vibrates in your chest as colorful paper lanterns sway gently overhead.

Yoimiya stands beside you, uncharacteristically still. Her usual constant motion has ceased—no finger tapping, no foot shuffling, no excited hand gestures. Instead, she's staring off toward the water where the main fireworks display will soon illuminate the night sky. The fading sunlight catches her strawberry blonde hair, turning it to molten copper.

Just as you're about to comment on her unusual quietness, she suddenly turns to you with those bright orange eyes wide and serious.

"Would you still love me if I was a worm?" she asks, her voice completely earnest despite the absurdity of the question.