The Loving Witnesses - Men's Folio Malaysia

The Loving Witnesses

In an age where algorithms narrate our romances for us, Men’s Folio turns the lens inward — towards the lovers themselves — to uncover how love is remembered, reimagined, and rewritten between two people who choose each other beyond the noise.

By Dhani Salbini

How do our loved ones see us, and how do we see them? How do our backstories unite each other, 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 that the truest display of love is one that comes from an uninterrupted, insider source. The lovers themselves. 

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we follow two couples from Malaysia, who see the spirit of love last beyond just one celebratory day.  

Jenn, 21, Aries, Student & Content Creator 

Zhang Yong (also known as ZY), 21, Cancer, Student 

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A post shared by zhang yong (@tean_zy)

How did the two of you first meet? 

J: We met when he was coming down to KL 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, I sent her a message to get to know her out of my interest. 

What are the favourite memories you have of each other? 

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J: When we didn’t have transportation back when we first started dating. We went around everywhere using public transport or taking a Grab taxi. Then one day, when we were on the way up to the train station escalator, he gave me a kiss. 

Z: As cheesy as it sounds, my favourite memory is spending my time with her. Even on bad days, I will always cherish our time spent and every moment is a moment to be kept dear to my heart. 

Love over logic? Or logic in love? 

J: Both matter, but love without empathy isn’t logical at all! 

ZY: Both matter. But I do believe love is something that is so powerful it transcends any logic sometimes. People do so much for the sake of love and I think it’s wonderful. 

Kei, 26, Libra, Creative

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Kira, 29, Sagittarius, Musician

How did the two of you first meet? 

K&K: 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 through our shared love for music and tastes in fashion. 

Kei: It was my first time in Tokyo. Kira is a musician, so he introduced me to the underground music scene of the city 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. 

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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? 

K&K: Logic in love. 

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