The next day of the Rukora festival was even livelier.
Couples laughed and strolled hand in hand, children ran towards colorful stalls, tugging at their parents' sleeves, begging for toys. Bright wooden spinning tops, painted masks, and little dolls decorated the stands. Mothers haggled while fathers gave in to their children's wide eyes.
On the other side, women flocked around the clothing stalls. Satin and silk costumes in dazzling shades hung like waterfalls of color. Some tried on bangles that jingled with each movement, while others admired sparkling hair accessories. The entire village buzzed with joy, the air heavy with perfume, spices, and laughter.
In the middle of it all, Zavrion slipped something into Kenny's hand—a delicate brooch, shimmering in the light. Kenny's cheeks reddened instantly. He fumbled shyly, but later, when no one was watching, he secretly bought a costume for Zavrion, hiding it behind his back like a mischievous lover.
Kin, meanwhile, wandered around with his phone, streaming the festival live. The chat exploded.
> "Wow! This looks amazing!"
"We want to come to Zemura too!"
"Kin, how long will this festival last?"
Kin glanced at Vixen, who leaned closer and said with a small smile, "Three more days."
The comments flew in faster, hearts and exclamation marks flooding the screen.
> "Three days? Perfect!"
"We'll join too!"
Kin laughed into the camera. "You're all welcome. Zemura's Rukora festival is open to everyone."
After talking a while longer, Kin ended the live. The first day closed in laughter, lanterns glowing against the night sky, everyone's hearts warmed.
---
The following evening, Kin's live stream had already drawn visitors from the nearby town. His fans arrived with shining eyes, eager to experience the festival for themselves. Rooms were arranged for them in the village guesthouses.
As the sun sank, the village gathered around a giant bonfire. Flames leapt high, sparks swirling into the dark sky. Music and chatter filled the air, and Kin's fans huddled closer, begging him to sing.
Kin's face turned pink. He waved his hands quickly. "No, no… it's been years since I stopped stage shows. I haven't even practiced…"
But the crowd only grew louder. "Please, just one song!" they begged.
Finally, giving in with an embarrassed sigh, Kin turned to Vixen. "Could you bring my guitar from home?"
Without a word, Vixen went, returning swiftly with the instrument in his hands. He set it carefully in Kin's lap, his eyes soft and proud.
Kin sat by the fire, the villagers, his fans, and his friends gathered all around him. Zavrion and Kenny sat close together, their fingers entwined, watching warmly.
Kin strummed a soft rhythm, his gaze lifting towards Vixen. His voice was quiet at first, then stronger, filled with emotion.
"This song," Kin said, eyes locked on Vixen, "is for my husband."
The guitar chords rose, and Kin began to sing, his voice weaving through the crackle of flames:
"Do you remember the day we first met?
That very first moment… wasn't it beautiful?
The way our eyes found each other,
The way your sweet smile burned into my heart…
I still remember… I'll never forget.
Do you remember too?
That first glance, that first smile…
I still remember… I'll never forget."
The last note melted into the night, and silence lingered for a heartbeat—before cheers erupted. Villagers clapped, fans shouted, voices rose high, echoing into the mountains.
"They're made for each other!" someone yelled.
"Yes, they're soulmates!" cried another.
Vixen smiled, his eyes glistening in the firelight as he reached for Kin's hand.
From the side, Kenny leaned into Zavrion's embrace, whispering shyly as they watched the scene unfold. Together, the four of them sat near the glowing fire, wrapped in warmth, love, and a festival that felt timeless.
To be Continued.....