Treat Like Family

A friendly air warms the private room, Michael and John talk from one topic to another while including Shawn here and there as well. After a short while, dinner is served and the trio enjoyed the scrumptious meal the BlueBell offered.

People eat with their eyes first before mouth.

The dishes were all fusion of classical techniques with modern touches from cities in YZ Continents. The plating was a feast to the eyes, truly driving normies into a foodie!

After eating their fill, Michael called for servers to clean up the table and to bring a couple of top-shelf wines to the lounge where they could sit comfortably. This isn't a formal gathering, by the way, no formality needed - they are friends that are hanging out together.

Michael took a seat at John left where Shawn sitting opposite him. After a round of cheers, Michael looked at the silent Shawn again with interest. Except for answering him here and there, Shawn didn't involve himself into their conservation voluntarily.

"I didn't know that you a quiet man in person, Shawn. Is it because this is our first gathering? You shouldn't be shy with me. Treat me like family."

'Family? They moved into that phase already?!'

Thinking that Shawn distancing himself because of this their first meeting, Michael trying to encourage Shawn to open up but Michael didn't know that his words made Shawn misunderstand him more.

"I appreciate the thought. Likewise, do consider me as your family as I thought John as my brother as well."

Though Michael and John felt something is wrong but he couldn't tell where.

"Likewise, Shawn. If you ever needed my help in anything, don't stand on ceremony."

"Me too. For now and in the future, please treat John sincerely and in kindness."

Michael who was listening to Shawn was downfounded while John scrunched his eyebrows, thinking what Shawn possibly meant by saying that. His words seem like what a father could say to son-in-law when the guy comes to ask for the daughter's hand in marriage.

'Did my genius brother got himself knocked somewhere and became stupid?!'

(╯°益°)╯彡┻━┻