Check-in with a colleague, log out of singlehood
Sometimes, love begins quietly – with a glance exchanged by chance at Hola Park, where even a fleeting moment can spark a connection. Ngọc Mai and Hiếu Nguyễn, once strangers, gently entered each other’s lives, drawn together by simple gestures: a caring message, a comforting hug, a lunchbox waiting patiently… and just like that, they “logged out” of singlehood and “logged in” to a shared journey called: together.
Ngọc Mai, 23, is an Administration Officer at FGC and joined FSOFT in May 2023. She brings a refreshing, positive energy like a gentle breeze. Hiếu Nguyễn, 25, works at FA.GET as a CAD/CAE specialist and joined FSOFT just three months before Mai. Calm and thoughtful, he’s always ready to help and spreads joy with every smile. Despite differences in departments, expertise, and timing, they weren’t kept apart. Internal activities brought them closer – naturally and warmly.
In the summer of 2023, the vibrant Summer Melodies fair was in full swing. Mai was busy as part of the organizing team, while Hiếu quietly supported from behind the scenes, his eyes following her gently. Amid the lively event, a simple message from Hiếu – like a passing breeze – opened the first door to their budding romance: “Tired? Drink some water!”
Love is a journey of growing together
Their first date came not long after. Hiếu invited Mai to a movie – not a blockbuster, but enough to make them laugh heartily and fall silent in tender moments. They walked around West Lake under the soft sunset. Mai once thought that someone who walked the whole lake might eventually part ways. But unexpectedly, he became the one to hold her hand for life.
Love is never easy. There were times Mai was busy with school, and Hiếu was caught up in work. One was chasing academic deadlines, the other project ones. Misunderstandings happened, silences stretched with just a “seen” message. But sometimes, no words were needed – just a lunchbox and a message: “Eat and sleep early, okay?” – and all distance melted away.
They both supported YU – a seemingly small common point that turned out to be a “red thread” in their work. They didn’t just love each other; they understood each other more deeply through every project, every event, every late-night teamwork session. Understanding came not just through glances, but through quiet support in overcoming pressure.
At one point, Mai left FSOFT for four months to regain balance. But memories, beloved colleagues, and someone patiently waiting brought her back. Not because of pressure, but because she herself longed to grow in the place that witnessed her first steps in both career and love.
Their love didn’t need grand moments to realize they were meant for each other. It was a series of small, daily things: Hiếu remembering Mai’s favorite tea, Mai quietly caring about the little things around Hiếu. After every disagreement, they always chose to return – like a compass needle finding its direction.
On the day they announced their wedding, colleagues teased: “Getting married already? Thought you two were going to date until your hair turned gray!”
Some jokingly checked their watches: “So fast? Not waiting another ten years?”
Blessings from friends and coworkers, along with the comment: “You two are a perfect match—like peach tea and ice!” made Mai and Hiếu laugh with teary eyes. It felt like one big family, gathered together – happy for them.
And from then on, a morning commute together, an evening of online classes side by side, a nod when one says “I’m tired”… became the way they continue writing their love story. A journey that has entered a new chapter -the chapter of two life partners, always loving, supporting, and growing together.
