[ In truth, his relationship with their possible wishes is something that's changed over time, and when they'd first spoken about it, so long ago now, he did believe in it one bit. Now, though...it's not that he considers himself a particularly hopeful sort of person, and above all else, he still trusts his own power, his own strength. Yet the scope of what he can and can't accomplish has changed here, and there are things that people he cares about want that can only come true with a wish. More than anything, it's a testament to how much he's come to care about his fellow guests, that he wants their wishes to be real, so they can get what they want.

Isn't that what he wants for his students, too? For those asked to bear a burden they're far too young to be taking on? To just...have the chance to live their lives the way they want.

Why does he consider himself the exception to that? Why, when he has people like Giselle who are willing to fight for his happiness, too?

Surprise flickers on his features for a moment, before it softens into a smile, gaze turning down to the serene surface of his tea. Slow and easy, he exhales, a steady ripple forming over its surface from the gust of his breath. ]

That so? Hah...maybe we should just do each other a favor and be a little selfish with our wishes, then, huh?

[ It takes courage to live for yourself. He really believes that. He just...has grown so numb to fear that he forgot what courage really felt like.

...He's remembering, though. He's remembering everything he forgot a decade about, the kaleidoscope of every color of his heart, and that of those around him. ]

At the very least...we ought to hold each other accountable, don't you think?

[ For each other's happiness, and their freedom to pursue it as they see fit. ]