You decide that you want to test what your ring can do, and see if you can change Paul without involving yourself in the switch. You feel kind of silly that you think this cheap plastic toy will actually produce results. In the back of your mind, however, you're hoping it really works. You know things have been tense between you and your best friend lately, and this seems like a good opportunity to get even.
The sad thing is, Paul probably doesn't realize he's done anything wrong. He's been your wingman a few times when you go out to meet someone, but it never goes as planned. Paul, despite being straight, pulls in more guys in a night than you have in your life. He's confident and funny, and even though he's a little short and overweight, no one seems to care. And beside him, no one seems to notice you. Plus, factor in the healthy amount of girls Paul seems to attract and something just doesn't seem fair. You want to be the one who people look at, just for a little while. And if it also humbled Paul a bit you wouldn't complain.
You quickly decide that Paul's roommate, Lyle, is the perfect candidate for some swapping. To put it bluntly, he's a complete nerd. You're not the most popular guy you know, but compared to Lyle you seem like homecoming king. The short, skinny boy has always got his nose in a book, and Paul is the only thing resembling a friend in his life. He has bright orange hair that sticks up in all directions, and his ruddy skin is oily and riddled with acne. He's very polite and kind, but cripplingly soft spoken. You can barely get Lyle to say 2 sentences to you when you visit. His room is covered with anime posters and he usually wears geeky graphic tees and mismatched pants in clashing neon colors or oversized army surplus fatigues. He seems like he missed puberty; although he's only a year younger than you and your friend he looks like he might still be in high school. You suspect he might have a crush on Paul, because you've noticed him staring at your friend on more than one occasion. Long stares. Paul is oblivious, his usual friendly, charismatic self, and that bothers you too. Really, if you swap a few things between them, aren't you helping Lyle AND yourself? Paul is the selfish one if he's not willing to give a few things up to help 2 people.
You send Paul a text, that he replies to almost instantly. You ask to come over; Paul replies enthusiastically. "YES. free now? sooooooooo bored. drinks and ps4?" You don't waste any time heading over. You enjoy the last few breaths of summer evening as you walk over, and find yourself eagerly anticipating what is about to happen. Well, what you hope will happen. You're going to be pretty embarrassed if this doesn't work, but at least no one will be the wiser.
It's a familiar scene when you arrive. Everything is a bit askew. Lyle is in one corner of the room, by the anime figurines and his computer. As always, he's stealing glances in Paul's direction. You wave, and the geeky young man does the same shyly. Paul embraces you when you arrive, and is already about 3 and a half beers deep in a 24 pack. He's got Destiny 2 loaded up. "Hey man," you say, trying to sound casual, "just gotta use the bathroom first." Paul gives you a thumbs up, maybe a little too enthusiastically. He's clearly a little tipsy. You take your chance and head to the bathroom.
You keep Paul and Lyle in mind, and try to think up something you can swap between them. You think for a few moments, and turn the tap on to keep up appearances. You decide on a change, close your eyes, and kiss the ring. You pause, listening. There's nothing for a few moments, and you're feeling like an idiot, but then there's a loud yelp. But what changed?