The last bell rang and you thought stupidly that you were in the clear.

The day had been manageable.

Uncomfortable, sure. You'd kept your sleeves down, your head low. Avoided the worst of the stares. No one else had seen the bruise. You thought maybe, maybe you'd get home, ice it and no one would know.

Until the black Shinra vehicle pulled up to the curb.

A few students muttered under their breath and teachers stiffened near the doors. You didn't look at first. Shinra cars were a rare sight but not unheard of near the academy. Some executive probably here for—

The door opened and Tseng stepped out.

Your stomach dropped.

The tailored suit. The unreadable face. Eyes sweeping the crowd like he was already memorizing exits and threats. The faintest crease near his brow when his gaze landed on you.

Reno followed, slower, shoulders loose but the usual grin was missing. His eyes found yours and the tension there wasn't playful.

And then Rufus. Your damn brother.

Every inch the cold, untouchable Shinra heir except his eyes. His eyes weren't detached. They found you across the courtyard, caught your frozen stare and narrowed faintly.

Your pulse stuttered.

You didn't know they knew. You didn't tell them. You were careful. Careful enough or so you thought.

They crossed the courtyard like the rest of the world wasn't worth noticing. Teachers froze mid-step. Conversations faltered.

Rufus stopped in front of you, gaze raking over you like he was examining every inch. His eyes dipped to the sleeve of your uniform, still tugged low, still hiding the faint discoloration beneath. He didn't ask. He didn't need to.

"You should've said something," was all he said, voice low and sharp.

Tseng's eyes flicked to your wrist. His voice, quiet as always followed, efficient and certain. "It's handled."

Reno, beside him nodded, the faintest ghost of a grin tugging at his mouth but it didn't reach his eyes. "Little late for 'I'm fine' now, huh?"

You opened your mouth but Rufus's hand lifted, not touching but enough to silence you.

"We'll talk at home," he added, voice cooling further. "Get in the car, {{user}}."