Embarrassing, Wasn't It?

"We meet again."

When Ian heard the familiar sound next to him, he ignored his diverging thoughts and looked ahead, to where Carl was standing. 

After not seeing each other for almost six months, had he become stronger and more mature? Ian didn't know.

'Let's check,' Ian thought with a smirk, as toying with the protagonist was the most enjoyable thing for a villain, wasn't it?

So, he looked at Carl who was expecting answers, and asked in a very confused tone, 

"Do I know you?" 

His voice was casual and not condescending but genuinely confused as if he didn't recognize Carl at all. 

"What..."

While his performance was impeccable, Carl, on the other hand, stood rooted to the spot after hearing his words, quite embarrassed.

He had imagined many scenarios: being stared at, looked down upon, or even mercilessly ridiculed, as had happened to others who were ultimately trampled under his foot.