Kristine & Reese

Kristine Dang and Reese Saysay first crossed paths in the halls of Mater Dei High School in Orange County, California. Despite sharing the same campus and French class, their lives barely intersected. Kristine, with her quiet and shy demeanor, and Reese, a loud and troublemaking personality, existed in different orbits, their conversations limited to polite nods and fleeting smiles in passing.

It wasn’t until college that their paths began to truly converge. By chance, they both had social circles in Los Angeles and discovered a mutual love for people watching at cafes, shopping and deep conversations about music and life. Slowly, their casual acquaintanceship evolved into a genuine friendship. For a few years, they were constants in each other’s lives, sharing crazy stories about their weekends and venting about exams. Yet, even then, their bond remained firmly in the realm of friendship.

Everything changed when the pandemic struck in early 2020. The world slowed down, and so did they. With social gatherings curtailed and days blending into nights, Kristine and Reese’s friendship deepened in unexpected ways. They began checking in on each other more frequently, their text conversations turning into marathon video calls. What started as mutual support during uncertain times grew into a connection that felt like home.

By the time restrictions eased, it was clear that they had found something special. In 2021, they decided to take the leap and move in together, settling into a cozy apartment in Koreatown. Their new chapter included adopting a pittie named Dot, whose black and white spotted coat brought endless joy and chaos to their lives. As they navigated the ups and downs of early adulthood together, their bond only strengthened.

Now, Kristine and Reese reside in Echo Park, where their lives are filled with long walks around the lake, evenings spent exploring local food spots, and dreams of building a future together. Their journey from high school classmates to soulmates is a testament to the power of timing, friendship, and finding love in the most unexpected places.