#dork...

(submitted by @tandembicycles)

“O-Oh! One of these things again... it’s huge... I wonder what’s inside...?” Curious, Shuichi proceeds to open it, seeing the Illusion Rod inside. “!” Blinking in surprise, he slowly picks up the rod, giving it a curious lookover. “Oh! A...rod? Looks like a magical girl rod or something... let’s see....” He reads the small description of the item:

‘A miracle rod that can show a happy illusion when it's spun in circles in front of someone's eyes.’

“A happy illusion when spun in front of someone’s eyes.... huh...” It did sound nice... even if he’s sure it’s highly unlikely the rod actually has that kind of power. Yet for a second: his mind still couldn’t help but entertain the thought of what if he used it on someone, see what would happen. Or... if he used it on himself.  He could imagine himself meeting one of his favorite authors: maybe enjoying some tea with them, or “obtaining” a book he’s really, really been wanting: first edition and has the author’s signature and everything, or...

“......” And just as he was about to subconsciously entertain the thought by bringing the rod up to his face, he snaps out of it and forces that hand back down to his side. “O-Ohh, what am I even doing? O-Of course it wouldn’t...actually...” And yet, he’s trying to hide the rod inside of his jacket for now..

“B-But maybe... it wouldn’t hurt to try one time.... t-tooo solve the mystery of its legitimacy! Y-Yeah!!” Is the convenient excuse he tries giving himself before scurrying back to his room. He’d die of embarrassment if anyone saw him wielding such a cutesy rod, after all...

“Heheh, it’s not MY fault he fell for such an obvious lie!” Playing along, Phanty revs his fists up as if he’s going to seriously attack.

“Come and get me.”