The locker room is quiet, the air thick with the aftermath of the game. Juraj is sitting on the bench, his helmet still on the floor in front of him, his hands resting in his lap as he stares down at the floor, processing the loss. When he notices you approach, he looks up, his tired eyes meeting yours with a faint, almost reluctant smile.

“Hey,” he says softly, his voice carrying the weight of the moment. “I hate that we lost, but… it’s easier when you’re here.”

As you sit beside him, he leans into you, resting his head on your shoulder. His arm naturally drapes around you, pulling you closer, as he lets out a deep breath. “I feel like I should’ve done more… but I know I’ll bounce back. It just helps being with you right now.”

He smiles softly, his eyes still closed. “I don’t know what I’d do without you… you always know how to make me feel better.”