Confusing text rejection

[i_wish_i_wish_]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some perspective on a confusing situation with a guy at my school.

Basically, earlier this month, we were having a really good conversation, and out of nowhere HIS OLDER BROTHER texts me like: "So I noticed you started talking to my brother... do you like him??"

And the guy I like goes: "Just say whatever you think regardless, just don't send me the screenshot after." (Which puzzled me SO bad like what does that even mean??) So to protect my peace and save face, I panicked and told the brother I didn't like him

BUT THEN I HAVE BOTH OF THEM FOR P.E.!! So, I begged my friends "do NOT leave me alone with them," anddd I got left alone with them anyway. Then, his brother immediately starts going: "iTs kArIs, sAy hI tO kArIs, bE nIcE tO kArIs " in that exact stupid, teasing tone in front of my crush

So yeah, I lied first because I was put on the spot, which is why I feel like his blunt text might have been him just being defensive right back 🫩

Then yesterday, I decided to be brave and text him directly to confess my feelings. He responded in literally 6 minutes (after not texting me back since last Sunday) with a very blunt rejection: "I don't feel the same way." My friends and my own intuition make me feel like he might have panicked or felt put on the spot because of the brother drama, but I also don't want to be in denial or come across as pushy.

A few things I'm hoping to get advice on:

Could he actually like me and just reacted out of panic/defense?

Should I stay completely quiet and let him make the next move if he ever wants to clear the air, or should I reach out to communicate for clarity myself?

Sincerely,
Delusional

[amber]

Hi i_wish_i_wish_ and welcome to the boards!

I hear you on the confusing nature of these couple of events. What I will say is that reading between the lines sounds like it will just cause more stress and worry on your end.

Even if this guy told you something that goes against his feelings, he would still need to be direct and tell you that before anything happens. No matter what, you can not control his words or actions.

It may feel easier now to 'decode' his message and actions instead of facing a rejection, but in the long term that will be the less stressful path. I know this may not be the easiest thing to hear, but again, I think it will be least stressful to you down the road!