Need advice about a friendship that stopped feeling platonic
So me(20M) and this girl(21F)e became really close over time. We talked a lot, got super comfortable with each other, and honestly became emotionally attached.
At one point she told me she doesn’t really see our friendship as platonic anymore, and that she was scared of getting confused or hurt. She also said she thinks about me a lot and her cousin even pointed out how comfortable she is with me.
Recently she asked me directly if I still liked her, and I answered honestly that I still do, but I also don’t want it to ruin our friendship. She replied saying “valid naman pala nararamdaman ko.”
The confusing part is she also wants distance because she doesn’t want things to get deeper or more complicated.
Has anyone been in this kind of situation where there were feelings/attachment on both sides, but one person still chose to step back? Did space help or did it slowly end the connection?
TL;DR: Me and a girl friend got emotionally close to the point where she said she no longer sees our connection as purely platonic. She admitted she might get confused or hurt if things continue, so she asked for distance even after confirming I still have feelings for her. Has anyone experienced mutual attachment where one person still chose to step back to protect the friendship/emotions?