After her rebirth by Cici

Chapter 32

Katniss didn't mean to gawk at his junk, but there she was, caught red-handed. It was so awkward. Her brain was scrambling for a way out!

Blushing like crazy, she blurted out, "Wow, your hands are like, art or something!" Maximilian just stared at his hands, totally baffled by the random compliment.

Katniss thought, if she dared to call Maximilian handsome, he'd probably flip out. She bit her lip, reminding herself to keep it cool.

Maximilian was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, the golden boy of his family. Even with his chronic illness, people had been kissing up to him his whole life. He definitely didn't need her sweet talk. She still remembered the first time they met, Maximilian had told her not to bother trying to butter him up.

He probably hated that kind of stuff.

Maximilian coughed lightly, noticing Katniss's red face, and a small smirk played on his lips.

Even though he was as quiet as ever, she could tell he was in a better mood. The vibe around him was way more chill than before.

Anyone who got too close would get the cold shoulder. Back then, she didn't dare say a single extra word

popped open the thermos, and the steam

a happy dance

as his appetite kicked into overdrive. He felt pretty lucky to stumble upon such a

though he'd had his fair share of tasty food, this soup was on another level, making

out to be better than anything from a

a spring breeze, bringing a touch of comfort. Each sip danced on his tongue, telling a story of softness and richness. With each sip, he felt more relaxed, the tiredness and gloom on his

he noticed Felix and Katniss both staring at him,

eagerly asked, "How is it? Tastes good?"

wasn't hungry, but seeing

the dessert in the fridge. "Katniss, want some dessert?" At the word "dessert,"

the kitchen, her eyes glued to the big

one, way fancier than the old single-door fridge at The