The monastery was quiet when Vixen returned to Kin Ouren's side. Shen was still unconscious on the mat, the soft glow of oil lamps casting long shadows across the hall.
Vixen lowered himself beside Kin and gently pulled him into his arms. His voice, though steady, carried a vulnerable edge.
"Honey… will you marry me?"
Kin's eyes widened slightly, surprise flashing across his face. "Yes… but… shouldn't we wait until things are calm again?"
Vixen shook his head. "The monk told me we should marry as soon as possible. It will be better for both of us — for our safety."
Something in Vixen's gaze was so unwavering, so certain, that Kin felt his own hesitation dissolve. Slowly, he nodded. "Alright. Let's do it."
A soft smile curved Vixen's lips. He glanced toward the great statue of Lord Buddha, then spoke as though making a sacred vow.
"I promise… I will never let you suffer. I will stay loyal to you for the rest of my life. I will love you until my last breath… and even after death, in every life that follows, I will find you and stay by your side."
Kin's eyes brimmed with tears, his voice trembling. "Thank you… for staying with me. For coming back to me in this life."
Vixen turned to Lord Buddha, bowing deeply. "Thank you… for giving him back to me."
Then he stood. "Wait here, love. I'll speak to the monk and finalize the wedding date."
Kin smiled faintly, nodding.
A short while later, Vixen returned with the news — the ceremony would be held in two days.
Together, they sat beside Shen as the monk sprinkled holy water over him, chanting in a low voice. The air seemed to vibrate with spiritual power. Slowly, Shen's eyelids fluttered open, and he drew in a shaky breath.
The monk handed Vixen and Kin a small bowl of holy water. "Drink this. It will strengthen your energy."
They obeyed, the cool liquid sliding down their throats like a blessing.
The monk then scribbled an ancient mantra on yellow parchment and handed it to them.
"Place this under your friend's pillow. Until your marriage is complete, be cautious… and keep Kin especially safe."
Vixen nodded in silent promise.
Soon after, they bid farewell to the monk and took Shen home. As instructed, Kin slipped the mantra paper beneath Shen's pillow, then fed him before letting him rest.
That night, after freshening up and sharing dinner, Vixen and Kin retreated to their bedroom. They sat close, their conversation circling back to the monk's words.
"When we get married," Vixen murmured, "we should start planning for a baby right away. It will be good for us."
Kin's cheeks warmed instantly, his gaze dropping. "You…"
Vixen chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around him. His lips brushed Kin's in a deep kiss. "You're everything to me. I can't imagine life without you. In every past life, I've only been with you… and in this one, I only want you."
Kin's blush deepened. "You're the first and last man in my life. You'll always be mine."
Their clothes began to fall away in quiet urgency, the room filling with the soft sound of lips against skin. Every kiss, every touch carried a promise — of safety, of desire, of forever.
Later, when their breaths slowed and the heat faded into warmth, they lay tangled together, lips brushing in lazy kisses before they rose to clean up.
By evening, Kin stepped out into the living room and found Shen lounging on the sofa, scrolling through his phone. Shen looked up with a sly smile.
"No shame at all, huh?"
Kin frowned, half-confused. "What do you mean?"
Shen grinned. "You two were so loud, I'm surprised the neighbors didn't hear everything."
Before Kin could respond, Vixen appeared from the bedroom, laughing. "We're husband and wife-to-be. We have every right. What's it to you?"
Shen's smile softened. "As long as you're happy, that's all I care about."
Then, casually, he asked, "By the way, what time's your wedding the day after tomorrow?"
Both Kin and Vixen blinked. "How do you know the date?" Vixen asked.
Shen smirked. "I was right there when the monk fixed it. You forgot already?"
Realization dawned, and they both relaxed, exchanging small smiles. "Right… we were so worried about you, we didn't even notice."
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