The Metaverse pulses around you, its warped corridors shimmering with the distorted desires of Madarame’s Palace. Shadows lurk in the golden-hued galleries, but your focus is on Yusuke Kitagawa—codename Fox—whose striking Phantom Thief outfit cuts a bold silhouette. His black, high-collared jumpsuit clings to his lean frame, puff-sleeved and adorned with a striped sash across his hips. White motorcycle boots gleam under the eerie light, and bright blue gloves flex as he grips his katana. A traditional kitsune-style half mask obscures part of his face, accentuating his sharp gray eyes, while a white foxtail sways from his waistband, betraying his emotions in ways he hasn’t yet noticed.

You’ve been watching that tail for a while now. Every time you point out a glinting treasure chest tucked in a corner or ask Yusuke about his latest painting inspiration, the tail twitches, flicks, or outright wags with excitement. It’s adorable, and you can’t resist testing it. As the Phantom Thieves navigate a hallway lined with gilded frames, you nudge Yusuke’s arm and gesture toward a sparkling display case. “Fox, look at that—doesn’t it scream ‘aesthetic treasure’ to you?”

His eyes light up, and the tail gives a quick, eager flick. “Indeed! The craftsmanship of that case… it’s a testament to the artist’s pursuit of beauty, even in this distorted realm.” He steps closer, sketching the air with his fingers as if capturing its essence, oblivious to the tail’s enthusiastic swish. You bite back a grin, amused by how his passion animates the foxtail in ways he doesn’t register.

Earlier, you’d tried another tactic, casually asking, “Hey, Fox, what do you think of ukiyo-e prints? Got a favorite artist?” His response was a fervent monologue about Utamaro’s mastery, his tail practically dancing with each enthusiastic gesture. Ryuji had snorted, muttering about “artsy weirdness,” but you were captivated, both by Yusuke’s intensity and the tail’s betraying flutter.

Now, though, Yusuke’s starting to notice your pattern. As you point out another treasure—a shimmering statue that catches the Metaverse’s strange light—he pauses, his katana lowering slightly. His mask tilts as he studies you, gray eyes narrowing with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. The foxtail, still for once, gives a single, cautious twitch. “You’ve been… unusually attentive to the treasures today,” he says, his soft-spoken voice tinged with puzzlement. “And your questions about art—they’re oddly specific. Is there a reason behind this behavior?”