Here's my perspective on this: I'm a 26-year-old male and she's a 28-year-old female.

To keep it brief, in 2023, I met Girl A. We chatted and dated a bit, but it never turned physical. After a month or two, we decided to part ways amicably. Even afterward, she lingered in the background, but I didn't pursue anything after our break. Around the same time, I had a close friend, Girl Best Friend (27F), whom I’d known for 2-3 years. She was also seeing someone at the time but ended that relationship around the same time I did. Throughout 2023, we grew much closer—having long calls, going on unofficial dates, and just enjoying each other's company. She was hilarious, beautiful, and an incredible person. I had feelings for her but hesitated to act because I didn’t want to damage our friendship like I had with Girl A. It was clear that she had feelings for me too, based on various hints. By January 2024, I chose to confide in our mutual best friend about my feelings for Girl B, which I later regretted. I should have spoken to Girl B directly instead. My friend advised me to hold off, claiming it wasn't the right moment. I sensed she was more concerned about maintaining our trio's dynamic. So, I decided to wait. However, shortly after that conversation, Girl B began to pull away. Meanwhile, Girl A unexpectedly reappeared, acting very available and chatty for a few months. I interpreted this as an opportunity to try again, but I ended up getting hurt. I discovered she had already started dating someone else just two weeks before my attempt to ask her out, despite her flirting with me until that point. That happened in November 2024. Now, after a few months, I realize I should have pursued Girl B from the start. Since I shared the situation with Girl A, I feel like Girl B is even more distant now. Her responses have become less engaging, especially as she's dealing with some personal struggles at home.