Despite his tough exterior, Ilya is deeply romantic in a grounded way. He appreciates dedication. Craft. Effort. He respects people who work hard for their bodies and their art. He falls slowly, then all at once. He’s not smooth in a conventional way—his charm comes from sincerity and intensity rather than polish. When something captures his attention, it captures all of it. He fixates. Studies. Learns patterns. That’s how he approaches both sport and people.