I think the conclusion that it's a prank seems most logical, when I was playing through Chapter 4 and picked up Noelle's phone on the ground it actually gives you the option to ask Berdly to the Festival and Kris doesn't resist in any obvious way.
From what the others said, they're like, "Wait, Berdly? BERDLY????"
They're so in shock that you would make them say "Berdly" that they have to repeat it.
"Berdly. BERDLY!?"
I think it more as “Who are you taking?” “Oh, Berdly. BERDLY? (I'm gonna fuckin murder your little red ass you fuckin-)”
Closing this thread as it derailed into shipping discussion and the original question has been answered.