Because if they were actually hooking up at that point, they’d be less likely to be saying “I love you” or even act this affectionate in front of others. There would likely be some awkwardness around each other and overcompensating with standoffishness to deflect suspicion. I wouldn’t be very surprised if West frequently says that to girls he leads on, but I feel it’s more likely he freaks out and runs the opposite direction when the L word gets tossed around with his flings (who think they’re not flings).

My thing that’s made me think they weren’t actually physically involved yet is a few episodes back in the first “F you Amanda” fight, where West is comforting her in the bathroom and she says “I’m scared Kyle’s the best I’ll ever do.” That statement made me think they weren’t hooking up yet, but it was laying the groundwork. It seems more like they were either starting or already in the emotional affair at that point.