After her rebirth
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?"

Felix suddenly got it. Even though Maximilian didn't blow up often, he was always in a funk. He needed to cheer him up more.

Despite being young, Katniss knew her stuff, a true reflection of her grandmother. Felix thought she should come around more to lift Maximilian's spirits.

While they were chatting, Maximilian finished his yogurt, his uneasy look fading away.

Katniss turned around, seeing the small plastic cup looking tiny in his hand.

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

"Maximilian, let me check you out," Katniss said, determined to help him.

Maximilian's hand gently rested on the wheelchair armrest, feeling Katniss's small, warm hand grasping his.

Her fingers were delicate and soft, like a gentle caress on his skin, bringing a subtle sensation. He could feel the warmth of her palm, a delicate touch that felt like an electric current flowing between them.

Katniss seriously checked his pulse, her touch carrying a hint of romantic tension, which caused Maximilian's heart to flutter slightly, with his eyes flickering with a strange light.

Despite thinking his hand was beautiful, she focused intently on her diagnosis.

Maximilian looked down and saw her long eyelashes, like the quiet wings of a butterfly, shimmering golden in the sunlight.

After finishing the check, Katniss breathed a sigh of relief, smiling, "Maximilian!"

Maximilian met her gaze, the light in his eyes shining, asking calmly, "How is it?"

"Your pulse is steady, stronger than before," Katniss said happily. "I will control the illness and help you recover slowly. Maximilian, you will get better!"

Although Maximilian's condition had been present for a long time, the improvement made Katniss feel very satisfied.

Maximilian wouldn't fall easily, despite being watched by countless people hoping for his early demise.

Even his biological father was involved.

Regarding Katniss's treatment, he just felt that her eyes were too pure, too determined, as if she really wanted to save him.

"Really?" Maximilian asked, lifting the corner of his mouth.

"Of course, don't you trust me?" Katniss asked, widening her eyes.

Maximilian slightly curled his lips, softly saying, "I do."