The Light Over The Horizon [Arknights]

Chapter 12

"You know, I've been curious about something."

"What is it?"

Today was relatively slow day all around. The passing days at the clinic have been the usual as always. Either helping out and using his medicine or going ahead and experimenting with his magic.

November is coming to an end and December is just right around the corner. That also means that it's almost time to send Patriot his monthly supplies.

He's planning to go to the camp this time around instead of handing the supplies over and letting the others leave. It's been a while since he's been at the camp after all.

"Just what do you do inside your room all day?"

"That's an odd thing to wonder about." He blinked as he looked over at Katenka.

"It's not odd. Whenever you're not helping with your elixirs or even making food, you're stuck in your room." Katenka told him. "Seriously. I don't see you unless you're out here helping." She frowned.

"I'm a busy person you see. I lock myself inside my room making medicine. That's about it really." F/N answered the girl's curiosity with the truth.

Katenka's ears twitched at the answer as she frowned. "Does making medicine take you all day?"

"That is correct."

"Why don't you have someone help you? It will take less time if you have an extra pair of hands." Katenka didn't understand really. But then she blinked. "Ah, that's right. Only you know how to make it."

"..." He didn't bother to look at her again as he nodded. "It will remain that way as always."

"Do you really have to keep it a secret?" Katenka could only ask.

"It's...complicated. On one hand, I would like to reveal it. But on the other hand, it's dangerous to reveal..." F/N said softly. "Perhaps someday I will reveal it to someone else, and maybe it's more than one person. However, to do so, I must fully trust someone with my life and believe they may never break my trust."

"...It's that serious? I see." Katenka decided not to continue speaking on the topic. The words F/N gave her were all that she needed to hear. "Then I hope one day, you trust us enough to reveal it."

"I look forward to that day then." F/N placed his hand on Katenka's head and rubbed it. "I hope that I can truly place my trust in you all and not let me down."

"Mm..." A smile bloomed on Katenka's face as she nodded, her eyes continued to twitch at the feeling of the man's hand on her head. "Hehe~ Your hands feel amazing."

"Is that so?" F/N looked amused as he continued rubbing her head out in public. For a moment he felt like they were being stared at but waved it off as simple exhaustion that had him a bit on edge. 'It has been quite tiring constantly making elixirs after all.' "The end of the year is near. Time goes by quickly without even knowing it."

"Hmm... honestly, I feel like I've known you for a long time now." Katenka looked at him as she then closed her eyes as she recalled the day they met. "You're quite an amazing guy you know?"

"Such an out-of-nowhere compliment. What brought this about?" F/N blinked as he looked down at the girl younger than him by a few years.

"I'm just saying a fact." Katenka smiled at him. "Really... you're amazing. I've seen you work, and even make things to help others out without wanting anything in return. I never thought somebody like that existed. But...you've proved me wrong. That there are genuine good uninfected out there."

F/N remained silent at her words. "I'm glad I was able to help you change your views in some way." He rubbed her head again. "There will always be good and bad. That's what I like to tell people. I always tell others to try not to judge and to not put everyone into one group. Unfortunately, I can't fault them for thinking such a way. At the end of the day, I want people to know that there are good people out there that they just haven't met. In some way, I also hope my actions can help change people's mindsets... If everyone works together, we can build a better world. But that's just a childish wish, huh?"