I believe Illic doesn't "truly love" Sayan, it's more of caring for someone who he has been sharing half of his lifetime. And in that way, I think Illic's feelings are quite realistic, especially since he was forced to be with Sayan. Even Sayan knows Illic will never love him, but I think it's the best outcome for Sayan that Illic cared enough for him to affected by his "death" in the end.
I believe Illic doesn't "truly love" Sayan, it's more of caring for someone who he has been sharing half of his lifetime. And in that way, I think Illic's feelings are quite realistic, especially since he was forced to be with Sayan. Even Sayan knows Illic will never love him, but I think it's the best outcome for Sayan that Illic cared enough for him to affected by his "death" in the end.