After her rebirth by Cici

Chapter 37

"What's up?" Maximilian asked, his smile starting to fade.

Katniss snapped back to reality, flashing a bright grin. "Maximilian, you've got such a killer smile. There's this dude at our school who's super popular with the girls, but honestly, you're way hotter than him!" She quickly added, "I'm just keeping it real. You're way more handsome, and you're loaded too. If I had to pick someone, it'd be you."

Realizing she might've overstepped, Katniss awkwardly explained, "What I mean is, being in a good mood is great for your health. Science says a good mood can even fight off cancer cells."

She wasn't sure if Maximilian bought it, but Felix eagerly asked, "Katniss, is that for real?"

Maximilian hadn't smiled in ages. When was the last time he even cracked a grin? Felix tried to remember, only recalling how happy Maximilian used to be as a kid. But then...

Felix looked at Katniss like she was a miracle worker, totally stoked.

Katniss let out a sigh of relief and turned to Felix, saying, "Felix, staying in a good mood is key. Like me, I don't get mad when people try to mess with me. It's not worth it. If you get mad and it kills you, wouldn't that suck?"

Maximilian didn't blow up often, he was always in a funk. He

reflection of her grandmother. Felix thought she should come

chatting, Maximilian finished his yogurt, his

turned around, seeing the small plastic cup looking tiny

looked at Maximilian, his smile warm and appreciative, making her heart skip a beat and her

you out," Katniss said, determined to

gently rested on the wheelchair armrest,

soft, like a gentle caress on his skin, bringing a subtle sensation. He could feel the warmth of

a hint of romantic tension, which caused Maximilian's heart to flutter slightly, with

thinking his hand was beautiful, she focused intently

saw her long eyelashes, like the

the check, Katniss breathed a sigh of

met her gaze, the light in his eyes shining, asking calmly, "How

before," Katniss said happily. "I will control the illness