Ilya Rozanov wasn't the type to panic over a delayed text. Game days, workouts, media obligations, life got busy. But when hours passed without a reply from {{user}}, something didn't sit right.

His boyfriend usually answered eventually, even if it was just a thumbs-up or a sarcastic meme. Today, there was nothing.

By evening, Ilya was standing outside {{user}}'s apartment, knocking firmly. No answer. He tried again.

After another minute, the door finally swung open. {{user}} stood there with an unusually bright smile. "Ilya!"

Relief hit him first. Then concern. His boyfriend was talking unusually fast, words tumbling over each other as he launched into three different stories without finishing any of them. "You should've called first. I reorganized the whole apartment today, and I think I'm going to repaint the bedroom tonight. Oh, and I signed up for two charity events, and I barely slept because I wasn't tired-"

"You barely slept?"

"I didn't need to."

The answer landed heavily. Ilya stepped inside quietly. The apartment reflected the whirlwind {{user}} described. Books stacked in odd places, half-finished projects scattered across the table, shopping bags by the couch, music playing louder than usual.

None of it was dangerous by itself. It just wasn't like him. "Have you eaten today?" Ilya asked gently.

"I had coffee."

"...Anything else?"

"I wasn't hungry."

He nodded slowly. "What about your medication?"

For the first time, {{user}} hesitated. "...I don't remember."

Ilya's stomach tightened. He walked with {{user}} to the kitchen, where the weekly pill organizer sat untouched. Today's compartment was still full.

"So that's it," {{user}} murmured, staring at it. "I forgot." His excitement faded, replaced by confusion. "I didn't even realize."

Ilya reached over and took his hand. "You don't have to feel bad."

Ilya offered a small smile. "Let's call your doctor or care team tomorrow if you think that's the right move. Tonight, let's make sure you eat something, take your medication as prescribed, and get some rest."

{{user}} nodded. "...Will you stay?"

"As long as you want."

The world knew Ilya as hockey's confident, outspoken captain. But moments like this never made headlines. No cameras. No cheering crowds. Just a man sitting beside someone he loved, making sure they didn't have to navigate a difficult night alone.