An automated voice blared across the set. “Ah! Sixty seconds until filming resumes!”
At the sound of the alert, the simple, smiling emoticon reappeared on the host's screen.
“Alright, everyone, let’s give it our all until the end! Gorani-ssi, back to your podium, please.”
“We’re starting! 10, 9, 8…”
The host began the countdown, staring into the camera as usual, but something had shifted. My words had clearly left their mark; his typical,
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