Trying his best was an understatement; Abner was pushing his limits.


    In thetter half of his junior year, Abner topped his ss, a feat that coincided with the approach of his seventeenth birthday.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    At the same time, Shirley had just graduated. Initially dreaming of teaching, she was instead persuaded by her mentor to stay on. Throughout her college years, she''d been closely mentored, participating in numerouspetitions. Now, her mentor offered her an opportunity to pursue further studies for three more years, with the promise of a teaching position in a prestigious university thereafter.


    Without hesitation, Shirley epted. Thismitment meant she became busier, especially since her mentor''s projects often involved international coborations. It was during her trips abroad that she discovered her mentor''s esteemed status as a visiting professor in foreign research institutes. During a two-month stay abroad, Shirley received a call from Mr. James, informing her of Abner''s achievement. "He''s not just made us proud; he''s also the top of his ss. However, I''ve noticed he''s been stayingte at school. Are you abroad by any chance?"


    "Yes, Mr. James, I''m currently overseas."


    "Do you and Abner not talk much? He seems to be probing about your schedule."


    Shirley nced at her phone. It wasn''t that they didn''tmunicate; the time difference and her fear of disturbing Abner''s rest often made her cautious about replying.


    "I''m worried about affecting his rest. He''s pushing himself too hard, barely sleeping."


    Hearing about Abner''s sess, Mr. James couldn''t hide his pride. He had faced skepticism for admitting Abner into his ss but now felt a sense of vindication. "He keeps up like this, and he''s a shoo-in for Solstice College."


    After the call, Shirley dove back into her work. Meanwhile, back at school, the distribution of test papers caused a stir around Abner. Initially, he was just above average, notably struggling with French. Within a year, he had surged ahead.


    As his ssmates buzzed around him, Abner''s thoughts were on Shirley. She''d been abroad for two months and had only sent three messages. He found a love letter in his desk, amon urrence that barely registered to him anymore.


    The ssroom''s atmosphere shifted as Mr. James entered with the grade rankings, making a point tomend Abner. "Shirley''s thrilled about your achievement," he said, noticing Abner''s subtle reaction. "You seem taller, hit 6''1" yet?"


    Abner, focused on his growth, responded half-jokingly, "Still growing."


    Mr. Jamesughed, mentioning Shirley''s promise to call. The conversation left Abner with a sweet anticipation for his uing seventeenth birthday.


    As the day neared, his ssmates nned a celebratory gathering. "It''s about time you joined us for a ss party," they urged, promising an event that wouldn''t cost him a dime.


    The venue was a bar, an unusual choice for underage students but made possible by a wealthy ssmate''s connections. Ensuring their safety, the establishment''s security kept a close eye, warding off any trouble.


    Amid the vibrant scene, the high schoolers stood out, especially Abner, whose presence sparked interest, among other patrons.


    Mistaken for role-ying due to


    striking appearance, he had to


    his


    politely decline numerous attempts to connect on WhatsApp


    Frustrated by the interruptions, his wealthy ssmate finally instructed the security to keep the onlookers at bay, allowing Abner and his friends to enjoy the celebration without further disturbance.