"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to our wonderful show!"
"SHOW YOUR BOOST! ''The audience roared.
"As usual, we have extraordinary people with extraordinary boosts—and they're here to show us how they work!" The presenter paced the stage, hyping the crowd.
"Well, are you ready to see what we have in store for you today?" He pointed dramatically toward the curtains. "Let's get this show on the road! Could our first special individual please come to the stage!"
The curtains drew back, and a middle-aged man stepped into the spotlight.
"So, dear guest," the presenter thrust the mic toward him, "would you like to tell or show us your boost?"
The man suddenly shrank—rapidly—until he appeared no older than ten.
"Amazing!" the crowd gasped.
The presenter crouched and gave him the mic again. "Can you explain how your boost works?"
"Well… I can de-age myself to any age below my actual age," the child-version said, struggling to hold the microphone.
"Isn't that exciting folks?" The presenter stood again. "This gentleman can make himself any age he wants! Talk about getting second chances at life!" Cheers and applause thundered.
The man returned to his original age. "Well, it—"
But the presenter and crowd drowned him out.
"Any other amazing information you'd like to share?" The mic was shoved back in his face. The audience went silent.
"Well… I have a few restrictions. First, I can't turn into the same age twi—"
"That's all the time we have!" the presenter shouted. Two large assistants dragged the confused man backstage.
"Let's get our next contestant out here!" The presenter flung his arms wide. "We'll continue after these short commercials!"
**FADE OUT**
"Are you tired of your boring-looking restrictor band? Well come to—"
"It's a slow day today, huh?" Leon sighed.
Ulim and Leon leaned against the store counter, bored out of their minds.
"I'll take this over dealing with stubborn customers," Ulim muttered as he rearranged perfectly aligned products.
Leon chuckled. "Dude, relax. It's not like the manager is watching us."
The two bakers lounging at the back nodded in agreement.
"Boys! I've got news!" The manager burst through the entrance. The bakers panicked and scrambled to look busy. Ulim and Leon exchanged a look.
"Did I interrupt something?" he asked suspiciously.
"No…" Leon said poorly.
"Right… anyway!" The manager brightened. "Next weekend is the annual gathering of all store branches. A chance to exchange ideas and improve our service!" He wrapped an arm around Leon's shoulder.
Leon's expression deadened. "Great…"
One of the bakers frowned. "Wait, isn't next weekend a holiday? The gathering is basically still work… I can choose not to come, right?"
The manager's smile vanished. The atmosphere dropped ten degrees.
"I expect everyone to be there. On time. To boot."
Everyone nodded immediately.
Then—switch—his face lit up again. "PLUS there will be double pay and free food!"
Confetti rained from nowhere.
"Hey! That's going to be hell to clean up! And where did the confetti even come from?" Leon shouted.
summon beside the manager giggled while throwing more.
A LITTLE LATER
Ulim swept up confetti. "Looks like I finally have something to do."
Leon remained at the counter, eyes glued to the TV.
"Well ladies and gentlemen, it's been a fun episode!" the presenter shouted. "Before we wrap, let's welcome our last guest!"
A woman walked out confidently.
"Hope your