* * *

Megumi was 5 years old when the mark appeared on his body.

The soulmate mark was in the shape of three ringed black circles inside each other, with a black line through the middle and small black circles on each end. And it was on the bottom of his foot, right in the center.

His parents rejoiced. A party was thrown for him.

"Megumi is a blessed one!" The people around him had said. "He is special! He's loved by the goddess! He must be one of the luckiest boys in the world!"

And it reflected the way he grew up. He was treated favorably by society, as people with the mark had unspoken but obvious benefits. He became well known and well loved within their community, almost like a mini-superstar. He was even given extra discounts at the grocery store, which actually weren't needed since his family was already rich.

He was loved by his teachers. Popular among students. He was even exceptionally smart, good-looking, and talented, but that could be attested to his lineage rather than being one with a soul mark.

Life was perfect for Megumi Fushiguro.

To him, it was a living nightmare.