With the raucous bustle of the assembled enlistees around him, Takashi didn't immediately realize he was being addressed by the man sitting across from him. When he finally did realize, his attention turned away from his anxiety to try and figure out who was talking to him. When he finally saw the man, he relaxed somewhat and fought to hear his words over the din.
"I guess so," Takashi replied, unsure exactly how to answer. "To be honest, I didn't really think any of this through."
Takashi's eyes danced around the various screens that surrounded them, and he suddenly felt dizzy from the stimuli. He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing for a moment, recalling all those times in school he'd felt similarly right before a big test. Another moment passed, and he felt somewhat better. His eyes opened again, and he studied the man who was talking to him. The anxiety within him began to rise again as he became aware that he was presently engaging in an awkwardly long pause. His mind raced as he thought of something to keep the conversation going.
"This may be the first decision I've ever made. If I had stopped to think about it, I wouldn't be here." Takashi took another deliberate breath, as if he wasn't quite sure if he was still breathing. "But here I am."
Takashi gave the man an expectant nod. "And you?"