The morning sky shimmered in soft hues of amber and pink, casting a gentle glow over Ellicott City. A cool breeze drifted through the open windows of Steven's room as he sat at his desk, refreshing his email inbox. The moment had arrived—the official admission decisions from MIT were out.
Most students would be nervous, their hands trembling as they clicked on the email, but Steven Blake was not most students.
After ranking first in the nation on the SATs, securing a perfect score, and having an unparalleled academic record, he already knew what the result would be.
Ding!
A notification popped up on his screen.
"Congratulations! You've been admitted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology!"
A small, satisfied chuckle escaped Steven's lips.
Right then, his phone buzzed with an incoming video call.
"Steven! Check your email, check your email!" Veronica's excited voice rang through the speaker.
"I already did," Steven smirked, leaning back in his chair.
"And?"
"MIT, as expected."
"I GOT IN TOO!" Veronica squealed, practically bouncing in excitement. "I'm officially an MIT student in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences! I'm doing dual majors in Literature and Music!"
Steven's lips curled into a genuine smile. "That's amazing, Veronica."
"I can't believe it! I mean, I knew I worked hard, but actually seeing the acceptance letter feels surreal."
Steven glanced out his window, where his parents were standing on the front porch, deep in conversation. They had always supported him, and he knew this moment meant as much to them as it did to him.
"We should celebrate," Steven suggested.
"Yes! We have to tell everyone," Veronica said eagerly. "Let's meet at Heavenly Dine this evening!"
That evening, Steven and Veronica gathered with their families at Heavenly Dine, their favorite place in town.
Steven's parents, Natalie and Morris, beamed with pride.
"It feels like just yesterday you were running around this restaurant, helping us with orders," Natalie said, a bittersweet smile on her face.
"You're going to MIT, son," Morris added, shaking his head. "It's something every parent dreams of, but I don't think we were prepared for how quickly it would happen."
Veronica's parents, on the other hand, were absolutely overjoyed.
"Our daughter at MIT—pursuing music and literature!" her mother said, wiping away a tear. "We couldn't be prouder!"
Steven's friends, Ethan, Benjamin, Nancy, and Damien, arrived soon after, and the celebration became livelier. Ethan and Benjamin have also received their acceptance letter.
They spent the night reminiscing about high school memories, laughing over silly moments, and talking excitedly about their future at MIT.
Even Steven, who rarely let emotions show, couldn't deny how special this moment was.
In few day, The graduation ceremony at Sunny Heights High School was organized. It was held in the large auditorium, filled with students, parents, and faculty.
Steven, as the top graduate and SAT topper, was invited to give a speech. He walked up to the podium, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd.
"I've spent years in these hallways, sitting in these classrooms, and learning from some of the best teachers. But the most valuable thing I've gained isn't knowledge—it's the people I've met along the way," Steven spoke confidently, his voice carrying through the hall.
His words weren't just formalities. He meant every bit of it.
Sunny Heights High School had given him friends, memories, and a foundation that would stay with him forever.
The audience erupted in applause as he stepped down.
Then, Veronica took the stage.
She held her guitar, her fingers strumming softly as she sang a song she had written herself.
A melody filled with nostalgia, laughter, and promises of the future.
Her voice, soft yet powerful, echoed through the hall, bringing many to tears—including Steven's mother.
When she finished, the auditorium erupted into thunderous applause.
As the graduation caps were thrown into the air, a new chapter officially began.
That night, Heavenly Dine was packed with students celebrating one last time before parting ways for college.
Steven sat with Veronica, Benjamin, and Nancy, sharing stories, jokes, and dreams for the future.
"I'm going to miss this place," Nancy admitted.
"Same," Benjamin agreed. "No matter where we go, we have to stay in touch."
Veronica turned to Steven, her eyes filled with warmth and determination.
"I'm glad we're going to MIT together," she said softly.
Steven nodded, reaching for her hand under the table. "Me too."
The warmth of their intertwined fingers spoke more than words ever could.
Two weeks later, Steven and Veronica arrived in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
MIT's campus was buzzing with energy, filled with students from around the world, each with brilliant minds and big ambitions.
The architecture, the massive research labs, and the aura of innovation made MIT feel like an entirely different world.
Steven and Veronica split up to check into their respective dorms.
Steven entered his MIT dorm room, setting his bags down near his bed.
The door swung open, and a sharp-eyed young man with messy brown hair and glasses stepped inside.
He took one glance at Steven and smirked.
"You must be Steven Blake."
Steven nodded. "And you?"
"Isaac Cole. AI and Robotics. Heard about you—SAT Rank #1, top of the state."
Steven smirked. "And?"
Isaac leaned against the desk, crossing his arms.
"I don't do hero worship. But you're supposed to be good, right? Let's see if you can actually keep up."
Steven chuckled. "Looking forward to it."
Veronica arrived at her dorm and was greeted by a bubbly girl with curly blonde hair, who was tuning a violin.
"Oh! You must be my roommate! I'm Charlotte—pianist, novelist, and caffeine addict."
Veronica laughed. "Veronica—singer, songwriter, and lover of late-night stargazing."
Charlotte grinned. "We're going to get along just fine."
That evening, Steven and Veronica reunited on campus, walking together through the famous MIT dome.
"This place is something else," Veronica murmured, gazing at the grand buildings.
Steven nodded. "It's filled with the best minds in the world."
Veronica turned to him. "Think we'll survive?" she teased.
Steven smirked. "Not just survive. We'll thrive."
Hand in hand, they walked toward their future—knowing that their real journey was just beginning.