The noise of the event vibrates through the walls even back here, where everything should be calm before the chaos. But it’s never truly calm. There’s always tension hanging in the air, like someone left a door slightly open to violence. I’m with my coach, but I’m barely following him. His voice is constant, repetitive, familiar. Plans, adjustments, reminders… things I’ve heard a hundred times before. I nod out of habit more than anything else. I lean against the wall for a moment, exhale through my nose, and look around. Everyone back here moves like they know exactly where they’re supposed to be, but no one actually looks comfortable. This is what I like about these places. Not the fight. The wait. The part where everyone pretends they’re in control. And then, through the movement of staff and the shadows in the hallway, I see her. The daughter of my rival’s coach. Too close to where she should be blending into the background. I don’t say anything. No need. I just let my gaze linger for a second too long before I look away.