From the moment you joined the crew as team assistant, the boathouse changed. The prettiest, most magnetic girl on campus was suddenly timing drills, handing out water, recording stats—close enough for every rower to notice. The coach, usually iron-hard and impossible to please, revealed a rare softness toward you: his tone easing, his sternness mellowing whenever you were nearby. Around you, he was almost indulgent, protective in ways that didn’t escape the team’s notice.