"Come on, love. We should get ready… it's our wedding day," Vixen said, his voice carrying that rare mix of calm and excitement.
Kin's eyes softened instantly. He looked at Vixen with a gaze full of love, the corners of his lips curling into a tender smile. Without another word, they both went to prepare for the most important day of their lives.
Once dressed, Kin made his way to Shen's room. Knocking gently, he stepped inside and said warmly, "Come on, Shen, it's time to get ready."
Shen looked up at him, a smile tugging at his lips. "Wow… my friend looks so beautiful today."
Kin chuckled softly at the compliment. "I'll wait for you here. Let's go together," he said.
After a few minutes, Shen emerged, and the three of them headed toward the old Buddhist monastery on the outskirts of the village.
The moment Kin and Vixen entered, they bowed deeply before the serene figure of Lord Buddha, their heads lowered in reverence. The stillness of the hall seemed to bless them already.
A monk approached, his eyes kind and warm. "Shall we begin the ceremony?" he asked.
Kin and Vixen exchanged a look and nodded in unison. Shen stood quietly at their side, witnessing it all.
The monk first handed them a small silver bowl filled with holy water. "Drink," he instructed gently. Kin and Vixen each took a sip, the cool water leaving behind a faint sweetness on their tongues.
"Now," the monk said, "give your word. Promise that in joy and in sorrow, in every storm and every calm, you will remain by each other's side until the very end of life."
Their eyes locked—two souls, steady and certain. Together, they spoke their vows, their voices soft but unwavering.
With a smile, the monk began to chant a sacred mantra, then tied a single crimson thread around both their wrists, binding them together. "Now," he said, "no one can separate you."
Vixen's joy broke free—he leaned in and kissed Kin on the cheek, unashamed and overflowing with affection. Shen and the monk both smiled at the sight.
The monk then blessed them, chanting quietly into each of their ears. "It is done. Your marriage is complete. Now, go to Lord Buddha and offer your offerings as a sign of his blessing."
Hand in hand, Kin and Vixen walked to the altar. They bowed deeply, placed their offerings before the golden statue, and stood there for a moment in silent prayer.
The monastery bells chimed softly in the breeze, as if the whole world had paused for this one perfect moment.
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