You originally failed to mention tulpa Chase....
Regardless, if perfect, then why did Leo make his statement? Tulpa Chase represents the past that Leo clings onto; hence, the physical thinness and missing goatee. Despite the fact, the tulpa is also present because sometimes Leo desparately feels he wants Chase around. You can call someone cute (a subtle attraction), but then you also want them to be hot by [insert activity here] (a profound attraction).