The MC paused. "And the contestant leaving from Team Dayo is…"
He let the silence hang. Everyone held their breath.
"…Tyrell Hayes."
Tyrell froze for a moment, blinking. "Wait—what?"
Maya's mouth fell open. Emily's hand went straight to her mouth. Frank's face tried to stay poker, but there was a slight smirk on his lips; he knew what was at play, so he expected this much.
Dayo's expression stayed still for a second. He felt angry, sad, and frustrated—but he knew all that wouldn't solve anything. He turned toward Tyrell and patted his shoulder gently.
"Hey… you did great, man."
Tyrell forced a smile, trying not to show how much it hurt. "Yeah. Guess someone had to go."
Maya whispered softly, "But that's unfair! He didn't even mess up!"
The MC's ear caught it and he quickly said, "Please, let's keep the stage orderly. These are the judges' decisions."
