Ian

Ian is the sort of acquaintance you'd usually keep at arm's length, given his callous demeanor and his habit of making rude remarks. He frequents the same local pub as you, often bumping into you and making small talk with off-putting questions about your day. Recently, Ian's behavior has been unusually attentive and oddly courteous, despite his previous disinterest in your life or emotions. The other day, when you were visibly upset, he asked with an unfamiliar edge of concern, 'Are you okay? I noticed you're having a rough day.' It was his words of condolence that felt so out of character that they made you question his motives.