[ It had been easy permitting all the casual physical contact and manhandling so far without reaction. It had all felt like some game, after all -- fishing for a reaction and getting it, the face-shoving and grabbing acting as simple feedback to confirm he was on the right track.

This feels different, though. Unearned, unmerited, almost. Rom blinks when he feels Edamura's hand slotting against his, hesitating for a moment. Then squeezes back, gentle but there.

It's nice. The solid sensation of it. It feels like some screw that's been wound too taut in his chest for far too long loosens just a fraction. ]

Most people wouldn't use something as precious as a wish for someone they've barely known a month, you know. [ He glances down at their hands, thumb brushing against a knuckle just once. ] Even if there's nothing you need, there's plenty a wish could be used for. Fame, fortune, a comfortable life, political power ... even just an easy way to get that coffee shop of yours, if you wanted.

[ Another slight squeeze before he looks back up. ]

It's admirable, if you'd really take that route. We'll really need to try our best to guarantee those wishes.