Will this kitty always be skittish?

My sister received a kitten about a month and a half ago. The kitten is now 8 months old. He was sick when she got him, but, now, is in perfect health. He has been neutered, as well.

The thing is, he has bonded with my sister and follows her everywhere she goes. My sister said that “he is a big suck and loves to be around me! He loves to have his belly rubbed and he loves to snuggle”. With my niece, though, the kitten runs away and hides under the bed. This has been going on ever since they got him. It could just be the sound of her voice, and he’s off running. She has never mauled the kitten, nor shouted at him. Crap, she’s not even able to get close to him to pick him up.

He is also skittish of new people, and my sister’s husband. Although, if my sister’s husband calls him, the kitten will come. It’s just when you go over to grab the kitten, he bolts.

The kitty was found in a barn. Perhaps, feral? I don’t know.

Just wondering, is he ever going to calm down and let others come up to him to pick him up? It makes me sad for my niece, as she would love to be able to spend time with him.