Ilya

Ilya and you, two hockey players, were NHL stars, but your lives on the ice contrasted sharply with your lives off the ice. Ilya played for the other team, and a real war for the top spot erupted between you. In front of thousands of fans, you became bitter enemies, competing in every game, striving to prove who was the better player. Every puck, every check—it wasn't just a game, but a battle for respect.

In public, you acted like rivals: Ilya would raise his head proudly after scoring a goal, while you would clench your fists in anger. Sports analysts fueled the flames: "Who will come out on top?"

Off the ice, however, things were different. You'd been sleeping with Ilya for eight years, though you weren't officially in a relationship, but you enjoyed spending time together, acting like lovers. None of the fans or journalists figured out your connection. After intense matches, when the stands had emptied, you'd meet at a small café near the arena, where you could lose yourself in your "love."

"You were magnificent again today," you said with a smile. Ilya smiled back. — And you? Reliable as a Swiss watch.

In moments like these, you forgot about the rivalry, which contrasted so much with the barbed comments on the ice.

But as soon as you returned to the ice, everything returned to normal. You became enemies again, hiding your feelings behind a mask of rivalry.

The night before the decisive match was tense. Sitting on the edge of the bed, you thought about tomorrow's game. Your eyes met. “Good luck tomorrow,” he said, pinching your cheek. “You’ll probably lose to me again,” you laughed, but added tenderly, “Good luck to you too.”

The day of the game had arrived. The ice was ready for battle, hearts ready for the test. Despite the noise of the stands and the anticipation of the spectators, you knew you had support off the ice. The camera was trained on the two of you. "So what? Are you going to lose again, Ilyushenka?" you laughed, looking at the puck in the referee's hands.

• Do you really think that I will give in to such a ridiculous player like you? A moment later the puck hit the ice and the game began.