Anthony's hand was already there when Jiang's knees finally gave out.
It wasn't dramatic. No rush, no shouted concern, no sudden movement that would have drawn every eye on the field. Just a firm grip at Jiang's arm and shoulder, steadying him until his feet were properly under him again, the kind of support offered by someone who had caught plenty of exhausted fighters before him. Anthony didn't say anything at first. He waited, patient, until Jiang's breathing evened out, until the tremor in his hands faded into something closer to stillness, his grip loosening only once he was certain the boy could stand on his own.
Only then did he speak.
"Well done," Anthony said quietly.
Jiang let out a slow breath and straightened the rest of the way, rolling his shoulder once to work the stiffness out of it. His whole body ached in places he hadn't noticed during the fight itself, the kind of soreness that only announced itself once the danger had passed. "Thank you."
