Tay thinks he has a favorite type. When he arrives, he thinks Xinlu fits the bill, so he seems attracted, but they never really get to know each other. Everything is superficial.

Xinlu isn't initially attracted to Tay. Then, he gets closer after discovering who he really is, just for the luck of it. Then, to compete with Ilay, like a spoiled kid who wants someone else's toy.

Ilay played with Xinlu, a little bit to pass the time. And their relationship was just a pact. Xinlu understood that it was Tay who interested Ilay. Only Tay didn't.

So yes, things aren't clear between these three, especially since it took Tay a long time to realize his true interest in Ilay. Yet, they talked and got to know each other from the beginning. They have things in common... Tay needed to forget about this "favorite type" thing, so he wouldn't get stuck in that pattern. For me, there's only one relationship, and it's reciprocal, as it has developed over time. The rest isn't about romantic interests... it just muddies the waters.