How do our loved ones see us, and how do we see them? How do our backstories bring us together, and how do we build a brand new canon with our loved ones by our side? Love is everywhere, and in 2026, the social media panopticon has offered different interpretations of what love might look like. But at Men’s Folio, we believe the truest display of love is one that comes from an uninterrupted, insider source. The lovers themselves. For Valentine’s Day, we gather three couples from Singapore and Malaysia on what it means to truly show each other how we love.
Jae, Gemini, Senior Creative Designer
Rachelle, Aquarius, Art Director
How did you first meet your partner, Rachelle?
Jae: I was applying to work at Zouk about four years ago, and Rachelle was one of my interviewers and, later, my direct supervisor. We bonded really quickly because I looked up to her work, and we had a lot in common. One day, she invited me to have a cute sleepover with her cats, and I haven’t been back home since. Since then, we’ve been eating, sleeping and going to work together.
What’s the best thing about Jae?
Rachelle: His charisma and sense of humour. He has a way of lighting up any room he walks into. I also admire his curiosity; he’s always discovering new films and music, which is our shared passion, and what brought us closer.
What’s the best thing about Rachelle?
Jae: She’s god’s strongest Russian soldier and always pushes me to be the best version of myself. Behind that mogging face is an incredibly big heart and the silliest sense of humour — something only people closest to her ever get to see. She’s hardworking, but she plays even harder, and I find that so hot.
Love over logic? Or logic in love?
Jae: Love over logic.
Rachelle: Logic in love.
Kei, Libra, Creative
Kira, Sagittarius, Musician
How did the two of you first meet?
Kei & Kira: We met by chance at a show in Tokyo, realised that we were mutuals, and spent the night talking and walking around the city instead. We bonded over our shared love of music and fashion tastes.
Kei: It was my first time in Tokyo. Kira is a musician, so he introduced me to the city’s underground music scene and brought me to the shows he was performing at. We had the best 90 days together until my tourist visa limit broke us apart…
Kira: Then, after a few excruciating months of long distance, I decided to get on a plane to her hometown to show that I was serious about wanting to be together. We’ve been stuck to each other’s hips since the day I landed.
What’s the best thing about Kira?
Kei: His supportiveness, softness towards the ones he loves, his swag, and endless daily jokes.
What’s the best thing about Kei?
Kira: Her beautiful personality, she’s so kind, how sexy she is.
Love over logic? Or logic in love?
Kei & Kira: Logic in love.
Jenn, Aries, Student & Content Creator
Zhang Yong, Cancer, Student
How did the two of you first meet?
Jenn: We met when he was coming down to Kuala Lumpur to attend a Billie Eilish concert. He wanted to meet me even though he was short on time, and I agreed. We clicked instantly, and I felt this sense of comfort and warmth with him. It just felt right!
ZY: I knew her through a mutual friend, and I sent her a message to get to know her out of my interest.
What are the favourite memories you have of each other?
Jenn: When we didn’t have transportation back when we first started dating. We went everywhere by public transport or Grab taxis. On one particular day, when we were on the way up the train station escalator, he gave me a kiss.
ZY: As cheesy as it sounds, my favourite memory is spending my time with her. Even on bad days, I will always cherish our time together, and every moment is a moment to be kept dear to my heart.
Love over logic, or logic in love?
Jenn: Both matter, but love without empathy isn’t logical at all!
ZY: Both matter. But I do believe love is so powerful that it sometimes transcends logic. People do so much for the sake of love, and I think it’s wonderful.
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our February 2026 issue.