- Wang Jackson's POV -

MY MOTHER WAS A rich, bubbly, beautiful woman who easily got jealous of people who have things that she doesn't. Her personality wasn't the best, which was the reason why people didn't like to be with her.

     Except for my father.

     Father loved her regardless of her jealousy. He spoiled her and made her feel special. He took care of her until she got pregnant with me. Everything would have been perfect, but then my father vanished like a bubble.

     I grew up without knowing my father. At the same time, I grew up to be a jealous and envious little boy like my mom. I have this unconscious habit of staring at people or things with an envious gaze that others think that I'm glaring at them, which is why I end up getting into fights most of the time.

     Gangsters and thugs kept on bugging me because they thought I was trying to pick a fight with them. I was an envious boy, but I never wanted to stand out. 

     Making friends was also very difficult for me, especially when my mom was once a social elite. She wanted me to mingle with people, so I tried to at least make one friend. Thankfully I did find one, but that guy is way too lazy for his own good. 

     Maybe I should consider looking for someone who is a lot more talkative.

     "Jackson, are you awake?" My mom called out from outside my room while aggressively knocking on my door.

     I slowly opened my eyes. My room was pitch black so I had to tap my hands on the side table just so I could find my lamps' switch. 

     When I got a hold of it, I turned my lamp on and answered, "Yeah. I'm awake."

     "Can you open the door please?" Mom then asks.

     I raised my right eyebrow in confusion and pulled the curtains, the light from outside making me squint because of how bright it was. I then walked my way towards the door and opened it. As soon as I did, mom grabbed me for a hug and shouted, "Happy 18th Birthday to the most handsome son in the world!"

     I didn't try to push her away as I asked, "Birthday? Today's my birthday?" 

     Mom finally lets go of me and sighed, "Isn't it pretty weird how someone would forget about something like that?" She asked, but I just shrugged my shoulder as an answer.

     "Whatever, let's just eat breakfast," she offered.

     I nodded my head and followed her downstairs. Breakfast was already prepared so I sat on my usual seat while mom sat on the chair in front of me. Then she stirred her cup of coffee and said, "Since I half expected that you'll forget about your birthday, I took the liberty to plan the celebration for you."

     "What is it this time?" I asked. I always forgot about my birthday, and each time I did, my mother would plan something crazy. Like last year, she literally prepared a flashmob for me at the amusement park that we went to. I was left speechless.

     "Come home early. We'll eat dinner here." She answered, surprising me because I thought she'd say something crazier.

     "Don't tell me you're bringing a live band here." I said, and mom just smiled and answered back, "Why? Can't I just eat dinner with you like normal?"

    I looked back at her with doubt as she continued to look at me with an excited smile. Normal was never part of her dictionary.

     "Well that's unusual, but okay," I answered anyway as I started eating.

     After breakfast, I got ready for class within 20 minutes. I then went to my scarlet kingsnake pet, Invidia and tapped on her glass cage. She got ready to attack, but I stared right back at her, making her calm down.

    "I'll see you later okay?" I told her, and Invidia hissed as an answer.

     I took my sling bag and went downstairs. Mom was now at our garden watering the orchids. It would have been something normal, but she was wearing a dress and a pair of large diamond earrings that were matched with gardening gloves. It was almost like she was having a spring-themed photoshoot.

    Why is she always so extra like that?

     "Mom, I'm leaving," I told her with my arms crossed, and mom smiled and wiped the nonexistent sweat on her forehead before saying, "Be careful dear."

     I rolled my eyes and didn't say anything anymore as I went outside. 

     My mom woke me up real early that I didn't even notice the time. I looked at my watch and saw that it was still 7:57 in the morning.

     "So that's why no one's outside yet," I said to myself as I started walking.

     "I should go to Taeil's house instead," I then added.

     I was about to go to my dear friend's house, but then I remembered that he's a lazy bum and he might still be asleep at this hour.

     Wait, not might, he will definitely still be asleep at this hour. 

     So I decided to just go to the campus instead since I don't exactly have anything better to do. When I arrived, I walked past the parking lot and saw this breathtaking sportscar. I walked closer to it and stared at its parts.

     "What a beaut," I said as I continued staring at it.

     "You like my car?" Someone suddenly asked, making me realize that I've been staring at it for too long. 

     I turned around and saw one of the most famous people in our year, Kwon Jiyong. This dude is rich beyond exception. I don't know what his family does but rumors are going on that say they own hotels and mining industries. He's also got the looks and the brains. He's the perfect guy to be jealous of, but when I look at him, I don't get jealous at all, and that says a lot. 

     I get jealous about the smallest things, but with Kwon Jiyong and his friends, all I see is a prideful, greedy, angry bunch. There's nothing that I want that they have.

     "Wanna touch it?" Kwon Jiyong asked with a prideful smile.

     I stared at him with a blank expression and walked away without saying a word. The last thing I want to happen on my birthday is to fight with his group. No one in this school would dare to help me if that happens. Even Taeil whose already my best friend!

    "Speaking of Taeil, where the hell is that guy?" I asked myself as I walked towards our building with my hands inside my pocket. 

*****

"By the way, where's Lee Taeil again?" The professor asked, making me flinch.

     I looked at the door and waited for him to miraculously enter the room, but when I knew that the chances of him attending this class were slim, I answered for the professor instead, "Sir, he's sick."

     "I seriously should have gone to his house after all," I told myself, and the professor started his discussion.

     The rest of the class was rather boring, and Taeil didn't only attend our first class because he didn't attend ALL of our classes. If Taeil decided to attend then it would have been bearable. At least my mind would be occupied on making sure he's awake the entire time.

     "Okay, class dismissed." The professor from our last lecture stated.

     I lazily took my bag and stood up from my seat. But as I was about to leave the room, I suddenly realized something.

     "Did that idiot fall asleep somewhere?" I asked myself, and then I hurriedly went out of the room and looked around the campus, hoping I wouldn't find my best friend lying on the ground somewhere.

     I searched for him at the places where he usually goes to when he's sleepy, but he was nowhere to be found. I was about to look for him at other places too but it was already getting late, and I told my mom that I'd be coming home early.

      "I better go home. Hopefully, Taeil's just sleeping in his house," I assured myself as I finally decided to call it a day. But as I was walking home, I walked past the neighborhood park and saw a guy sleeping on one of the benches.

     I haven't seen who the sleeping guy was, but I already knew that it was someone that I knew.

     "You fucking idiot," I mumbled to myself as I quickly went to where he was. And as expected, it was my friend, Lee Taeil.

     "Taeil," I called out, but there was no response.

     Damn, he really is sleeping.

     I kneeled in front of him and moved close to his ear before shouting with all my might, "Lee Taeil!"

     Taeil's eyes shot open and he instantly sat up. I stood up and crossed my arms, and when he turned his head to face me, Taeil looked surprised and said, "Jackson?"

     Taeil removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. When he wore it back, he asked, "Why are you here? You should be in school."

    I almost laughed at his question. I moved closer to him and flicked his forehead before answering, "I WAS in school, you idiot."

     Taeil massaged his red forehead and asked, "Was?"

     I looked at him and took a deep breath so I could control myself from slapping him. Haven't he noticed how late it is already? The sun already set, and he still hasn't realized anything?

     "Classes are over you lazy bum. Did you seriously sleep here the entire time?" I asked him, and Taeil just stretched his arms and yawned, completely ignoring my question.   

    "I was worried sick. I looked everywhere for you, and here I find you sleeping at a park near our neighborhood. Are you fucking crazy?" I continued to scold him, and Taeil finally looked apologetic.

     He's impossible.

     "Sorry, I just got sleepy while walking and went here for a little nap," He answered.

     "Yeah. Your little nap became a long night's rest." I angrily told him. Taeil looked like he was about to say something in his defense, but then his eyes widened like he just remembered something.

     "Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Happy birthday Jackson. I hope it's not too late," he suddenly told me, and my anger vanished in a snap.

     How can I even get mad at him? 

     "You too. Happy Birthday. Now let's go home," I told him, and Taeil smiled and grabbed his bag before standing up from the bench.

     The two of us walked home like we always do. While walking, Taeil asked, "What happened in class today?"

     I recalled everything that I did, but I seriously couldn't remember anything specific since I mostly dozed off the entire time.

     "Nothing much really. It was hours of lecture, lecture, and oh yea, more lecture." I answered, and Taeil smiled brightly. Hearing my answer must have made him relieved.

     "Good thing I just slept at the park instead of in the classroom then," he said with a smile that showed his gums. I almost flicked his forehead again but I tried my best not to.

     "If you're really sleepy, at least send me a message so I wouldn't start worrying about you." I told him, and Taeil suddenly bumped his shoulder with mine and said, "You must like me a lot Jackson."

     "That's because you're the only friend that I got," I told him with a serious expression, and Taeil smiled even more.

    "When I'm with you, my sleepiness doesn't occur as much. Maybe I genuinely enjoy my time with you." He told me, and I chuckled and said back, "I don't get jealous of you too. Maybe you don't have anything that I want."

    Taeil's smile turned into a frown as he looked back at me with a pout.

     "Why does that sound worse than what I said?" He asked, and all I did was laugh as an answer.

     When we reached our street, we went to my house first since it's nearer. Before I got inside, I looked back at Taeil and said, "I'll pick you up tomorrow."

     Taeil looked at me confusingly and asked, "Why?"

     "Because if I don't I might see you sleeping on the sidewalk this time," I told him.

     I didn't give Taeil the luxury to decline me so I immediately said, "I'll see you tomorrow okay?"

     "Yeah, you too Jackson." He answered, and I finally went inside my house. I placed my bag on the sofa, then I went to the dining room and saw the table filled with dozens of dishes.

     "Mom? Are we feeding the neighborhood or what?" I asked, and mom appeared wearing a gown that was matched with a fur coat and silky gloves, almost making me choke on air.

     "I'm sorry but what is happening? Did you invite the president?" I asked her, and mom laughed and approached me before kissing both of my cheeks.

     Like what I said before, my mom was filthy rich. But note the 'WAS' in that sentence. Her parents AKA my grandparents, took her inheritance away when she got pregnant with me from an unknown man they didn't know. Now my mom works as a fashion designer. Of course, she still earns above average, but she never left her lifestyle. Sometimes I wish she could just act normal for once.

     "Silly, today's a special day." She told me. Then she removed her coat and took a seat before gesturing at the chair in front of her, "Now sit down. I prepared all this for you."

     "Mom, this is enough to feed the poor," I told her while taking a seat, and mom chuckled and said, "Don't worry, I'm giving some to the neighbors after this. And since it's your birthday, I donated a few thousand at my favorite charity under your name. You've always wanted to do that right?" 

    I looked at my mom and finally smiled. She really is a good person, just a little extra. Maybe that's why I love her so much.

     "Thanks mom. And thank you for...dressing up for me," I said while pointing at her gown, and mom's smile widens.

     "I was going to buy you a suit too but I knew you'd hate that." She told me, and I looked at her with an "are-you-kidding-me" expression. She's done a lot of crazier things and making me wear a suit is overkill?

    "So how was school?" She asked as we started eating.

     "Well, Taeil wasn't at school today," I told her, and she immediately looked up at me. Every time I talked about Taeil, mom would be super excited. He really liked that guy.

     "Why? Is he not feeling well?" She asked.

      "No, he was sleeping," I answered, making her go "Ah". It was obvious she was already expecting it too.

     "Isn't that normal for him though?" She then asked.

     I sighed and remembered seeing him sleeping at the park, "Yeah, but this is different. He was sleeping at the park! Someone could have hurt him!" I almost shouted. 

     I saw mom's reaction and cleared my throat, "Sorry," I quickly said as I continued eating, making my mother chuckle.

     "Are you two just really friends? Or are you guys something else? It seems like you're too concerned about him," mom asked out of nowhere. I immediately looked back at her and blushed like an idiot.

     "Mom! We are not in that kind of relationship!" I defended, making her laugh this time.

     "I know. But it's just that you look cute when you worry about Taeil. You're just like your dad," my mother suddenly stated, and the two of us immediately stopped after realizing what she just said. 

     "Let's continue eating?" She casually asked so we could change the topic.

     After our pleasant dinner, mom cleared the table, packed the untouched food to be distributed to the neighbours, and went back to me with a small box now at her hand.

     "What is that this time? A music box from the princess of England?" I sarcastically asked, and mom didn't say anything and just sat down. We were all smiles and laughter earlier, but her serious expression made me confused.

     "Your father told me to give you this," she suddenly said as she placed the box in front of me.

     "What?" I asked confusingly.

     "Son, listen carefully okay?" She told me, making me nervous because she never acted this seriously before.

     My mom lets out a heavy sigh and revealed, "Your dad is Leviathan, the ruler of the realm envy...in Hell"

     I stared at my mother for a second, then I looked at her seriously and crossed my arms, "Okay, what's your gimmick this time? Am I being pranked live? What's going on?"

     "I'm being serious Jackson." She said with diction, and I almost lost it.

     "Mom this is not funny. What do you mean he's a ruler of envy? Are you telling me you fell in love with a demon? How is that even possible? How could you fall in love with a demon? How did you two-" I instantly stopped when my mother slapped me right on the left cheek.

    I blinked and looked back at her, "Sorry," I said, finally calming down.

    "I can't explain this either. Just open the box and accept the fact that you're the prince of envy. That's cooler than anything you could become!" She told me, and I opened my mouth from shock because I couldn't believe her at all.

    I was still too confused about what was happening, so I just opened the box without thinking. Inside was a letter and a badass ring. Of course, I took out the letter first and read it.

Happy 18th Birthday Jackson.

I'm assuming your mother did something crazy for your birthday. At this point you should just be used to it.

Anyway, I hope your mother explained all this to you well. It's true, I am a demon, which makes you a powerful half-blood. You hold unimaginable powers, and even though we represent envy, people will envy you instead because of the power that you hold.

You might be wondering why I am telling you this. Well the truth is, someone is after you, our kind's archenemies; the archangels. They want to destroy you, which is why I want you to wear the ring. The ring will help you look for the rest of the sons of the deadly sins. It will light up when someone like you is near. Unite with them and fight the Archangels.

Please be strong and may the King of Hell be with you, and your spirit.

- Leviathan.

     After I read the letter, I placed it back inside the box and looked at my mom.

     "This is crazy," I honestly told her.

     "Do you want to talk to him?" She suddenly asked, surprising me. I didn't have to ask further because my mom continued, "Invidia...talk to Invidia." Then she stood up and patted my shoulder, "You should rest for now."

     I nodded my head and took the box. I kissed my mom on the cheek and went upstairs without saying a word. 

     When I reached my room, I placed the box on my bed and looked at Invidia's glass container. I took him out of his container and stared straight in his eye.

     He hissed, so I moved closer to him and said, "Mom said to talk to you so...hey. Do you know how unbelievable it is that you're a demon, and how weird it is that I am just accepting it right now with no question? Maybe it's just natural instinct? Maybe I'm already used to all these crazy things because of my mom?" I asked, and Invidia hissed again.

     "If this ends up being real then I guess there's nothing for me to do now." I finished. Then I placed Invidia back to his container and went to my bed to get the box.

      I opened the box again and took out the ring this time.

     "Prince of Envy? Mom's right. That does kinda sound cool," I said while staring at the ring.

     Without thinking much about it, I wore it in my index finger.

     And like the other guys before me...

     Yup, you guessed it...

     I fainted.

- END -