Brandon's POV
Silence stretched for a fraction of a second too long.
It wasn't the kind of silence people noticed right away—but I did. The kind that sits heavy in your chest, waiting to see what you'll do next. Waiting to see if you'll say the wrong thing.
Or the right one.
Looking at those faces in the audience, I felt cornered, almost like they knew something and were just waiting for me to confirm it. The sea of eyes made me feel completely exposed.
I adjusted my grip on the guitar, forcing my shoulders to relax even as every nerve in my body stayed alert.
The camera was still on me. The lights are still hot. The anchor still watching. The audience waiting patiently.
I exhaled slowly and leaned forward just enough to speak into the mic, choosing my words carefully.
"I think…" I started, my voice steady despite the tension curling inside me, "I think every contestant out there deserves support."
A few murmurs rippled through the crowd.
