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?"

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

her stuff, a true reflection of her grandmother. Felix thought she should come around more to lift

they were chatting, Maximilian finished his yogurt, his uneasy look fading

seeing the small plastic cup looking tiny in

Maximilian, his smile warm and appreciative, making her heart skip

out," Katniss said,

armrest,

bringing a subtle sensation. He could feel the warmth of her palm,

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

beautiful, she focused intently

saw her long eyelashes, like the quiet wings of a butterfly, shimmering golden in the

check, Katniss breathed a

light in his eyes shining,

than before," Katniss said happily. "I will control the illness and help you recover slowly. Maximilian, you