So I've been working at my first, new job for a little less than 6 months now. A fellow co-worker whose name will be John started working a month after me. We've always said hello, been friendly, nothing more. Until recently that is. Recently, we started talking more and sharing more personal info but I always thought we were friends, like just small talk, nothing flirty. He reminds me of my brother so I'm comfortable around him and he seems the same way.
At any rate, it never struck me that John could be "falling for me" until we decided to eat a meal after a late-night shift. He asked if I was hungry and as it was pretty normal for co-workers to eat together I thought it perfectly okay to say yes, plus I was really hungry. Mind you, we didn't go anywhere, we ate there (he mentioned eating else where but I made it a very clear no).
So there we were, chatting a bit and eating and then it was time for me to go home, he wanted to walk me to my car, I shook my head and was like, "Oh no, I'm okay, really." And he looked at me with that "Come on" look and I mentioned that I parked really far out, which he already knew but he said he didn't mind. Plus it was late at night and he didn't want me walking far out alone. Let me just take a minute to say that his guy is a true gentlemen, there is absolutely nothing wrong with him, like everybody likes him, he is a really nice, good guy. But, he just not my type. So, I was like, "No, really, it's far out" and I shook my head like nah. But he was like, "I'm not going to let you walk out all by yourself." So, I agreed but on the condition that we walk there (because he mentioned it was so far out he might have to drive me which I made clear wasn't going to happen).
So we got to my car and I talked a bit more and then I was like well, I don't want to keep you waiting (to go home, of course) so I began to open my door, at that point he was like I was wondering if you have IG (instagram), to which I replied, "Oh no, no, no, no..." shaking my head with a smile. Not only am I not allowed to but I don't want to have it and I said as much. He respected that but then proceeded to ask me if there was any form of contact he could possibly have in case we ever need to switch shifts for something like that.
I said "Uhhmmm, I'll think about it." I was trying to play if off cool. He pursed his lips and nodded his head knowingly, and I took the opportunity to say, "Hey, we're friends." And I felt like his face immediately fell, and he quickly turned a began walking away. I went on and said, "we're good friends, let's keep it that way." And John was already walking away but nodded his head and I thanked him and said goodnight, and he waved.
As soon as I got in my car, I felt awful. Now I’m wondering:
Did I mess up? Did I accidentally lead him on? Should I have declined the food and just gone home? AITA for how I handled it?