"Knock, knock, knock."
Someone knocked softly on the compartment door.
Theo, seated closest to the door, got up to open it. "Hello?"
Wade and the others heard voices coming from outside—
"Mancini? You're in this compartment?"
"I heard Wade Grey was over here—"
"Looks like we got it wrong—we should look a little farther ahead—"
The people outside discussed it among themselves and were about to search other compartments, but a casual glance happened to reveal Wade sitting inside.
The student froze for a moment. The careless look had not yet left his face before it transformed into an enthusiastic smile—
"So you really are here?" He squeezed past Theo and entered with two others, speaking as though they were familiar. "Hi, Grey. How was your holiday?"
Theo was pushed into a corner. Helplessly, he watched three students much taller than himself enter the compartment, making the space instantly feel cramped.
Who are you?
Wade raised an eyebrow slightly, about to speak, when Michael suddenly cut in. Rising to his feet with a smile, he said, "Long time no see, Prewett. I heard you went to Iceland for Christmas?"
Only then did Prewett turn to glance at him. Smiling, he said, "Yes, we saw some truly impressive scenery. When we got back, we heard about the Book of Friends—" His eyes settled on Wade. "—It was absolutely astonishing! I immediately bought the complete hardcover set of the Book of Friends. There are twelve volumes, one for each month of the year."
Michael eagerly played along with the flattery. "As expected of the Prewett Family. Even Marchioni had to make concessions for you. We only managed to grab one limited-purchase copy each. If we want a second, we'll probably have to wait another two weeks."
"Don't worry, it won't take that