"Sure, Grinch. Keep telling yourself that." He playfully bumps my shoulder again. "Remember last year when youthreatened to dismantle the Christmas tree if Ian played 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' one more time?"
"It was the seventeenth time in three hours. That's psychological warfare."
"And now look at you, volunteering to help find Christmas strays." Gavin's expression softens. "Caleb's been good for you."
Just don't answer.My damn smile won't stay down, though. Gavin notices, of course, but mercifully changes the subject.
"Look," he says, pointing toward the student center. "That guy sitting alone over there doesn't look okay."
Through the large windows, I spot a young man perched on a bench with a suitcase at his feet. He's pretending to read a book, but his eyes keep flicking to his phone.
"Let's check it out," I say.
Inside, the warmth hits us like a wall. The guy looks up as we approach, his posture immediately straightening. Everything about him is precise, from his expertly cut hair to the expensive watch glinting on his wrist.
"Hey!" Gavin booms with his typical loud enthusiasm. "You got somewhere to go for Christmas?"
The guy blinks, composing himself quickly. "I am completely fine, thank you for your concern," he says in carefully enunciated English, even bowing slightly from his seat.
Gavin and I exchange a look. We've gotten good at this over the years.
"That's not what I asked," Gavin says gently.
The guy hesitates, his carefully constructed demeanour cracking slightly. "The dormitories have closed for the holiday period."
"I'm James. This is Gavin. What's your name?"
"Haruki Nakamura," he says formally. "My friends call me Haru. I am an exchange student from Kyoto, Japan."
After some delicate questioning, we learn his plans have fallen through. He was supposed to stay with a family friend in California, but the friend canceled at the last minute. He's too proud to call his parents in Japan for help.
"My father is a university professor," he explains, looking embarrassed. "He would not approve of my... miscalculation."
"You should come to our place. We've got plenty of room at the frat house."
Haru looks horrified at the suggestion. "I couldn't possibly impose on strangers for a holiday."
"Not strangers. Future friends," I say.
While he's mid-protest, Gavin stands and effortlessly hoists Haru's large suitcase up over his shoulder. Haru's eyes widen, impressed and alarmed by the casual display of strength.
"Dude, it's Christmas," Gavin states with finality. "No one should be alone."
Now I'm grinning at Haru's bewildered expression. "You might as well follow. He'll stand here holding your stuff until you do."
Haru hesitates, then nods once, decisively. "You are very kind. I will not forget this generosity."
As we walk back toward Greek Row with our newest addition, I mentally count our collection of holiday strays: the theater major whose play rehearsal runs through December 27th, the chemistry grad student who can't leave her time-sensitive lab experiments, the brother and sister whose flight to Minnesota got canceled due to weather, and now Haru. Not bad for a morning's work.
"You guys do this every year?" Haru asks as we walk, his formal English softening slightly.
"Yeah. But this year's special. Emily, that's our president's girlfriend; she's gone all out."
"Emily is Christmas personified," Gavin adds enthusiastically. "Like if Santa and Mrs. Claus had a really hot daughter who bakes cookies while organizing charity drives."
"That's... a very specific description," Haru replies.
"You'll see. Just prepare yourself."
