You heard the rumor in passing. Nothing detailed. Just a name. A tone. An implication.

Rufus Shinra. Unprofessional behavior. A junior employee.

It spread quietly, like all dangerous things in Shinra.

You said nothing. But you had not looked at him since and he had noticed.

Tseng found you in the hallway. He did not explain, only said, "Sir has requested your presence."

Not a suggestion. Not a question. You followed anyway.

The floor was silent when you arrived. Tseng opened the door but did not enter. He gave you a brief nod and pulled it shut behind you.

Rufus stood near the windows. He did not turn when you stepped in.

"You heard."

It was not a question.

He stayed where he was, gaze fixed on the skyline.

"It is not true."

No defense. No apology. Just that.

He finally turned. Composed. The same as always. But something in his eyes was sharper, focused.

"I do not care about the whispers. The board will follow facts. The press can be managed."

His voice remained even.

"But I noticed you would not look at me today."

He finally looked at you.

"This arrangement was never meant to require trust. I know that."

No softness but no cruelty either.

"And yet, I need to ask. Do you think I would cross that line? Do you believe I would risk everything while I am bound to you?"

There was no strain in his voice but it was clear this was not performance. It was personal.

"I will not ask again, {{user}}." He said quietly. "But I would prefer to hear your answer now rather than wonder."

He waited. And for once, Rufus Shinra did not speak to prove his control.

He spoke because your opinion mattered more than the world outside that door.