[ It's an effort, but unfortunately Takumi's anxiety is a tough nut to crack. He allows himself to touch the teacup, let its warmth seep into his fingers, and focuses his eyes on the steam rising slowly from the cup. ]

... Yes. [ To both of Xander's questions - though unmentioned goes the nightmares that haunted him at night, the loneliness that was his constant companion. Even now it perched on his shoulders, weighing him down.

But he wasn't alone. Distant or not, Xander's sitting across the table from him. Someone who could provide an answer to the thoughts floating around in his head for days. ] - But I have a question. If you don't mind.

[ His fingers tighten around the teacup as he feels his stomach twist once more. ] Someone recently said I wasn't a true Nohrian. They said I looked like a Hoshidan. [ The who is inconsequential, but- ]

I'm not... right?