Sofia felt her stomach tighten at his casual use of the endearment, knowing it was all part of the act yet feeling strangely unsettled by it. She shot him a glare, though there was a slight blush tinting her cheeks. "I don't drink beer, remember?" she replied, rolling her eyes in irritation.
Anos shrugged, appearing unbothered. "Come on, with Brother Owen here, it's a special occasion! Why shouldn't we celebrate?"
Owen chuckled, catching onto the playful back-and-forth, his gaze lingering on Sofia as he leaned back, clearly intrigued by the pair's dynamics. "It's all good! We don't need to be so formal at home."
"Exactly!" Anos chimed in, raising his glass. "Let's toast to friendship!"
The three clinked glasses, and the soft hum of laughter and conversation gradually filled the room as they began to eat. As the evening wore on, Owen's curiosity finally broke through the pleasantries, his voice calm yet probing.
