The weekend went by fast.

Roy bought two coffees for him and for Famfay like he did every morning. He arrived right on time and put on his lab coat.

“Good morning, Roy.”

He was greeted by Charlotte, who just went by the lab with her Partner Morpho Cinq by her side.

“Good morning, Miss Evans”, Roy said to the Elite Defender.

“How was your weekend?”

“Mostly fine. I have been… thinking about a few things.”

“Mh? What things?” Charlotte crossed her arms and tilted her head.

“Mh… Not that important.” Roy pushed up his glasses. “Anyway… I’m trying to follow my therapist’s advice to see more people outside of work.”

“Well, that sounds great.” Charlotte gave him a warm smile. “You know how proud I am of your growth, Roy. I know it’s not easy for you.”

“...” Roy wrapped his hand around his wrist. “I manage… but thank you.”

The two were passed by a group of people, and Roy looked up. “Uhm- please excuse me for a second, Miss Evans.” He turned around on his heel and caught up with the group, leaving Charlotte behind with a surprised expression.

“Hey, Toby.” Roy tapped his shoulder to get his attention, and walked next to him.

“Mh?” Toby turned his head. “Hey Roy.” He smiled slightly.

“I just… wanted to ask how you’re doing.”

“Uhm… I’m okay! A bit tired maybe…”

“Good! Uhm- Not that you’re tired but…”

“Hey, you don’t have to go out of your way to check on me, okay?”, Toby said with a friendly face. “You probably have more important things to do.”

“...Uhm-”

“I’ll come see you later, okay? Until then~” Toby waved goodbye and went on.

Roy stopped in his movement and stared after Toby as he walked away.

“Is that what you’ve been thinking about?” Charlotte had caught up with Roy.

“Mh?” Roy’s gaze broke off as he turned around to his colleague. “I- I mean- yeah.” He sighed. “I’m just a bit… worried.”

“Worried?”

“Don’t you think he just seemed... off?”

“Mh… Do you know him enough to judge that?”

“Ah… Maybe I’m interpreting too much into it…” Roy held his head. “But- Miss Evans- can you do me a favor?”

“What is it, Roy?”

“Please… look after him. I mean- I know you look after all the apprentices and you do so very well- but- … Please report to me if you notice anything unusual.”

“Mh… I will.” Charlotte stepped before him and looked up in his face. “But may I just say that you seem off today as well?”

“...”

“I will look after Toby. Like I do with anyone else. But please take care of yourself as well.”

“.... Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. Now go back to work~” Charlotte smiled softly and left.

“.... Famfay-” Roy lightly patted the head of the ferret-like creature that rested on his shoulders.

“Mmmh?” Famfay lifted his head. “What is it, darling?”

“Did you notice anything unusual with your empath powers?”

“Mhh.. I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Ah- Okay.” Roy turned around to go back to the lab. “Miss Evans is probably right… I don’t know him enough. I shouldn’t worry unnecessarily.”

“You have your heart in the right place, darling.” Famfay rubbed his head against Roy’s cheek. “Caring for others is a wonderful trait. But please don’t forget… You are still healing, too.”

“... I won’t.” Roy’s expression became fearful.

“I could never forget.”