A Familiar Face and a Faint Song

Days passed in a gentle rhythm. Between the healing silence of the village and the comfort of Vixen's presence, Kin Ouren slowly began to rediscover parts of himself he had buried long ago.

One late afternoon, golden light spilling across the wooden balcony, Kin sat beside Vixen Sature—both holding warm cups of coffee, their shoulders gently touching. The breeze rustled the leaves nearby as Kin began to hum a soft melody under his breath.

Vixen turned slightly, enchanted. "Your voice… I've missed hearing you sing like this."

Kin smiled shyly. "It just… came out."

Just then, from the narrow path leading to the house, footsteps approached.

Kin looked up—and his heart skipped a beat.

"Shen!"

There he was—Shen Seizan, Kin's best friend, waving with that same warm grin.

Kin jumped to his feet and ran toward him. "You're really here!"

Shen laughed, pulling Kin into a tight hug. "Told you I'd come, didn't I?"

After so long, the reunion felt almost surreal. Shen took in the peaceful surroundings, the scent of trees and smoke, and of course—Kin, glowing in a way he hadn't seen in ages.

They spent the next hour inside, catching up. Kin told Shen everything—from the dark moments to the magical ones, from demonic whispers to wolf spirits and haunting visions.

"You've been through so much…" Shen murmured, concerned. "But Kin… don't forget what you love. You were meant to sing. People need your voice."

Kin glanced toward the balcony, where Vixen stood silently, listening.

"I don't think I can go back," Kin admitted. "Not to that world."

But before Shen could reply, Vixen spoke up—his tone warm and encouraging.

"I think," Vixen said gently, "it's time you sing again. You've spent so long with me here. You've healed… you've fought… But your soul? It was born to shine."

Kin's eyes softened. He looked at both of them—his best friend and his beloved.

"I won't go back to the city," Kin said quietly. "But I'll sing—from here. From Zemura."

That evening, Kin set up a quiet livestream using his old music account—dusting it off for the first time in months. The camera framed the soft glow of his face under the moonlight.

With Shen watching from one side and Vixen holding his hand from the other, Kin whispered into the mic:

"To everyone who waited for me… I'm back."

And then—he began to sing.

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