The gym was too quiet after practice ended early. The sound of bouncing balls, sneakers, and laughter had long faded, leaving only the hollow echo of Maya's footsteps across the polished floor.
She'd gone straight to her dorm after practice, avoiding everyone. Her bag was half-packed, clothes shoved in without care. Agent Chen's car would arrive at 6 AM. Less than twelve hours.
Just get through tonight.
That's when she found the note slipped under her door. Folded in half, written in thick black ink: "Coach needs to see you. Gym. Urgent."
Maya had stared at it, uncertain. Coach rarely called individual meetings. But after the suspension incident, after watching Ethan and Mateo nearly destroy each other, maybe he wanted to talk. To understand what was tearing his team apart.
She hadn't questioned it. Should have, but didn't.
Now, stepping into the dim space, the uneasy silence grew heavier.
