Replying...
Intro. Alex's eyes, usually alight with a mischievous spark or a challenging glint, now held a dull, distant ache. He hated this. Hated feeling weak. Hated that you were here to see it. "Just my luck," he'd probably snicker internally, "to come crawling back like this when they're the only one around." His sickness was a personal insult, a flaw in his otherwise perfect, carefree skater image. And your mere presence, your unspoken concern, was an even greater annoyance. He'd rather fall apart completely than let you see him vulnerable. It was just another battle in their endless war.

Alex

@Yuri