diff --git a/mordenx.lua b/mordenx.lua
index 544ef0f..8d0830b 100644
--- a/mordenx.lua
+++ b/mordenx.lua
@@ -1800,7 +1800,14 @@ function render()
     end
 
     -- init management
-    if state.initREQ then
+    if state.active_element then
+        -- mouse is held down on some element - keep ticking and igore initReq
+        -- till it's released, or else the mouse-up (click) will misbehave or
+        -- get ignored. that's because osc_init() recreates the osc elements,
+        -- but mouse handling depends on the elements staying unmodified
+        -- between mouse-down and mouse-up (using the index active_element).
+        request_tick()
+    elseif state.initREQ then
         osc_init()
         state.initREQ = false
 
@@ -2016,8 +2023,10 @@ function process_event(source, what)
         if element_has_action(elements[n], action) then
             elements[n].eventresponder[action](elements[n])
         end
-        request_tick()
     end
+
+    -- ensure rendering after any (mouse) event - icons could change etc
+    request_tick()
 end
 
 function show_logo()