Love Trouble

Hello my name is Michael and Over the past school year, I’ve developed strong feelings for a friend and teammate. We’ve spent a lot of time together during school and cross country practice, and I’ve noticed moments where he seems especially warm, present, and comfortable around me. He laughs at my jokes, starts conversations, and often chooses to sit or run near me. I’ve also tried to support him however I can, both personally and through leadership roles at school.

At the beginning of the school year, I told him I liked him. He responded by saying he had a girlfriend, though I later found out that may not have been true at the time. That moment was confusing and difficult for me. A few months later, I heard from someone that he used to identify a certain way in middle school but changed because of peer pressure. After that rumor got passed around, he sent a message distancing himself from it, saying he wasn’t interested in guys.

Despite all that, our interactions have stayed pretty positive. He’s often kind, curious, and physically present around me. We’ve shared inside jokes, conversations about the future, and many moments where it feels like there’s a deeper connection—even if it’s hard to define. I also noticed that while he’s dating someone now, he doesn’t seem very emotionally engaged with her, which adds to my confusion.

Overall, I care deeply about him and I’m trying to understand what our connection actually is—whether it’s just friendship, something more, or something in-between. I don’t want to pressure him or make assumptions. I’m just trying to be honest with myself about what I’m feeling and what I’m hoping for, while also respecting his boundaries and figuring out what’s best for both of us.