After sending a quick email to his supervisor explaining his situation, Callistus collapsed back onto his pillows, pulling the covers over his head. He hoped a day of rest would help him recover.

—

Ivan arrived at the office today, finding Callistus' desk empty. He frowned, glancing around. "Has anyone seen Callistus today?" he asked a group of colleagues nearby.

His mentor looked up from her computer. "He emailed in sick this morning. Said he's not feeling well."

Ivan's concern deepened. He knew Callistus had been under some stress lately, and this news worried him. He spent the rest of the day distracted, his thoughts continually drifting back to him.

"You look weird," Star remarked.

Ivan looked at his sister, "Excuse me?" he replied.

"You are not you today; you seem more antisocial than usual," she answered, turning her chair towards him. "Callistus didn't come today, and you keep daydreaming."

"Nah, it's not about him," he lied. "Thinking about something else."

"Like what?"

"Should we do a company party before or after our small one?"

"It depends on you. We did make a world record for the most expensive jewellery sold in a 3-hour auction."

"I'll think about it."

—

Callistus was half-asleep on his bed, a blanket wrapped around him, when the doorbell rang. He forced himself to get up, groaning as he shuffled to the door. He peeked through the peephole and was shocked to see Ivan standing there, holding a bag.

"Why is he here?" Callistus muttered to himself, quickly putting on a mask before opening the door. "Ivan? What are you doing here?"

Ivan smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I heard you were sick. Thought I'd check on you and bring some things that might help." He held up the bag.

Callistus blinked, still processing the fact that the CEO was standing at his doorstep. "You didn't have to do that," he said, stepping aside to let Ivan in.

"I wanted to," Ivan replied, stepping inside and setting the bag down on the kitchen counter. "How are you feeling?"

Callistus shrugged, closing the door behind him. "Like I've been run over by a truck," he admitted, lying back down on bed.

Ivan nodded, taking out the items from the bag. "I've got some cold medicine, throat lozenges, soup, and a few other things. Let me make you some tea."

Callistus watched as Ivan moved around the small kitchen, feeling a strange mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "You really didn't have to do this," he said again, his voice muffled by the mask.

"I know," Ivan replied, turning on the kettle. "But I wanted to make sure you were okay. You've been working overtime and dealing with your apartment issues. You need to take care of yourself."

Callistus sighed, leaning back against the wall. "I know. I know, it just randomly came out of nowhere."

Ivan walked over to him, putting his hand over Callistus' forehead. "Your temperature is not that high. I think you'll be fine."

"You a doctor or something?"

"Studied biology and medicine for fun, used to be a nerd."

"Your parents must be proud of you and Star," Callistus answered.

The kettle whistled, and Ivan got up to make the tea. He brought a steaming cup over to Callistus, who accepted it with a grateful nod. The warmth of the tea provided some immediate relief to his sore throat.

"Why do you think that?" Ivan asked, sitting next to him.

Callistus shrugged. "Don't know, just you getting married because of your success makes me feel something."

Ivan raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. "Try to get some rest. I'll stay here for a bit in case you need anything."

Callistus took a sip of the tea and closed his eyes, trying to relax. "You don't have to stay, Ivan. I don't want to keep you."

"I want to," Ivan said firmly. "I'll be in the living room if you need me."

Callistus nodded, sinking back into the couch and closing his eyes. The presence of Ivan, though unexpected, was oddly comforting. He dozed off, the warmth of the tea and the soothing quiet of the apartment easing him into a light sleep.

—

Ivan sat in the living room, checking his phone and handling a few work emails. He glanced at Callistus every so often, relieved to see him resting. After a while, he decided to tidy up the apartment a bit, quietly picking up discarded clothes and washing a few dishes. It wasn't much, but he wanted to make Callistus' environment as comfortable as possible.

A couple of hours later, Callistus stirred and woke up, feeling slightly better but still groggy.

He noticed the tidier living room and the faint sounds of Ivan in the kitchen. "You're really going above and beyond," he called out, his voice still raspy.

Ivan emerged from the kitchen, drying his hands. "Just trying to help out. Are you hungry? I can heat up soup if you don't mind."

Callistus nodded. "That would be nice, thanks."

As Ivan heated up the soup, Callistus reflected on how different Ivan seemed outside of work. He was used to seeing him as a confident and sometimes demanding boss, but here he was, caring and attentive. It made Callistus appreciate him even more.

Ivan brought a bowl of steaming soup to Callistus and sat down beside him. "Here, this should help you feel better."

Callistus took a spoonful. "Did you make this?"

Ivan laughed. "No, it's just from a can. I'm not that talented."

Callistus smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Still, it's nice to have someone take care of you when you're sick."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, Callistus slowly finishing the soup. As he set the empty bowl aside, he looked at Ivan. "Why are you doing all this?"

Ivan met his gaze, his expression soft. "Because I care about you."

Callistus smiled. "Thanks, Ivan. It means a lot."

Ivan reached out and patted his shoulder. "Anytime. Now, you should get some more rest. I'll stay a little longer to make sure you're okay."

Callistus nodded, lying back down and closing his eyes. As he drifted off to sleep again, he felt a sense of warmth and comfort that he hadn't felt in a long time. Ivan's presence made him feel safe, and for that, he was grateful.

Ivan looked at Callistus, a small smile on his face. "I wish you knew how much I actually care," he thought as he stroked Callistus' hair.