Everything was going oh so wrong. Sapphire coming in and demanding Catalina leave already put her on edge, but Ki's outburst and the video... Oh god the video. The blood drained from her face as she thought of what it would do to Nathan if it ever got out, what it would do to her. It wasn't pretty, and she would be lying if she said that it didn't faze her. She believed in Nathan, she did, but that smile... There had to be some explanation right? Right? Now, Mauve wasn't so sure. What if Nathan really did do it on purpose? It didn't matter now, whether or not he did, it still affected her. Trying to salvage what she had let, she opened her mouth to speak before getting cut off. Physically.
Mauve had noticed the arm going back before, but was still caught off guard as Xanh sent her fist towards her face. Perhaps she could've dodged or ducked or something, even just made sure that it landed somewhere else than her face. But she figured it was easier to play innocent and victim if she just let it hit full on. Plus, Xanh looked like she needed it, and if it was Nathan there, Mauve doubted that she would feel any different. It kind of hurt though. Not the actual force really, she was no stranger to that, but the frustration and hate behind it, knowing that it was directed at her. Mauve's left hand immediately went to the cheek hit, ducking her head a little bit to look more fragile and hurt. After a few seconds, she looked up again, taking a moment before activating her aura to ensure a bruise wouldn't form. She half considered leaving it to show the press, but it just felt wrong to take advantage of the moment of weakness. So she didn't.
"I apologize for any inconvenience I have caused," Mauve said softly, bowing her head once again. "I can see now that this might've not been the best course of action. Even I cannot argue for Nathan now. I'm sorry. I believe he isn't entirely at fault, but I acknowledge that he did fire the shots, accident or not. I acknowledge that he didn't make himself any less guilty in the eyes of others with that... that smile..." Here she shook her head, letting out a bitter huff of wry amusement. "It should've just been a friendly competition. Though I still believe that this is simply one terrible mistake, even I hold doubts now. I hold nothing against you, Ki and Ms. Kurstein."
There was nothing more she could do there. No amount of smooth talk and explanation could calm the room's occupants now. Lifting her head to face Sapphire, Mauve continued, "And to you too Sapphire. I'm truly sorry for any disturbance I have caused. I didn't come here with the intention of malice, I assure you that. Even though I am sure my word holds little weight with you, if any. People in the room have expressed very clearly that I am no longer wanted here. I would've wished to stay a bit longer, perhaps catch Gray when he awoke for regardless of the circumstances I would still wish to see a classmate and acquaintance or even friend well, but if you wish I will leave."