Rey stared dumbfoundedly at Esme the moment he heard those words.
"Y-you—"
Before he could say anything more, she held him on both cheeks and pushed herself upward while pulling him towards her.
He was still recoiling from the confession when he felt her lips touch his. Before he realized what was happening, he was in a passionate kiss with Esme, the both of them reciprocating the action.
Rey couldn't believe this was him.
No… it was more like he didn't want to believe that this was him.
He had so much pent-up passion that was released during the kiss, and the deeper he went into it, the more comfortable he became.
His stiff hands began to move, and they reached for Esme's body, going for an embrace.
But—
"No, Rey…" Before he could fully capture her in his arms, Esme pulled away, leaving him stuck in place.
"I know you're in love with Alicia. I don't want to get in the way of that…"