Our story begins back in July of 2018 when we were both starting our master's degree.

I remember the first time I noticed Kristel. It was during our entrance aptitude test. I arrived earlier than usual and she arrived second. Since she decided to stay at a distance I thought to myself, "Hmm, maybe she's shy or just not into small talk" either that or she’s a snob. *Kidding* Plus points coz she had this short hair thing going on, I pay extra attention to women with short hair. After the test, we ended up chatting with some of our potential classmates and get to know each other a bit. Fast forward to September during our batch orientation, I was running late and had to sneak in through the back door. Kristel saw me and immediately started waving me over. “Hmmm, not so shy anymore”.

As we got into the swing of things, our group started hanging out regularly during lunch and sitting together in class. I have to admit, maths wasn't my strong suit, and our degree was all about analytics. Meanwhile, Kristel was pretty good at maths. We'd shoot messages about homework and have late-night study sessions at Starbucks or Coffee Bean. She was the studious type, while I was more of a last-minute kind of person. I guess opposites do attract. Plus points coz she always had snacks to share with classmates. It’s how I noticed that she was kind and generous.

One time, our group was having a random conversation about our preferences, I mentioned I was into women who I would describe as "classy" or “sophisticated”. Our friend Tessa picked up on that and told Kristel that she fits my type. She does, except for whenever she *burps*—wa poise. One day while studying at Coffee Bean, I saw this lady in a maroon cap enter the coffee shop. This lady was pretty attractive at first glance that she got my attention. Then she looked up and I saw her, BOOM!!!—it was Kristel. —It was at this moment, he knew, he was attracted to her.— *Morgan Freeman voice*

We started spending more time together, especially outside of class. After the first semester ended, around early December, I asked her to grab dinner with me. This would be the first time that it was just the two of us. I was so giddy the entire time, even though it wasn't an official date. About a week later, I told her that I intended to pursue a more serious relationship with her. I introduced her to my family over New Year's, and on January 5, 2019, we became an official couple.

Our relationship is pretty much built on shared interests and good old fashioned elbow grease. We both love a good cup of coffee, to dig into a juicy steak, and can never get enough of Japanese food. But what truly binds us is the joy of being together, spending quality time with loved ones and a deep understanding behind the principle that when something isn’t working, we fix it, not throw it away.

As 2023 rolled around and life started getting back to normal after the pandemic, our conversations started to shift towards building our life together. On May 6th, 2023, I popped the question. Funny enough, at that moment, I was lost for words, which doesn't happen too often. Our journey has been full of unexpected twists and turns, deep connections, and an enduring love. We can't wait to continue this adventure as we step into marriage, surrounded by our awesome friends and family. "Out of all the decisions I have ever made in life,
 choosing to spend the rest of it with you was the best."