I messed up
I (16M) and this girl (16F) have known each other for a year or so. Recently, she moved schools so i don't see her as often as before. However, after she moved schools, we got a lot closer and started talking a lot more. We also went out to get dinner and try new foods together. This went on for about a month or two. It was obvious that she was really into me as she started hugging me and started being physically closer to me but i shrugged that off since i thought that was what close friend normally do. As time went on, she started becoming more and more affectionate towards me. Then out of nowhere, she held my hand while we were walking which really caught me off guard since i was absolutely not expecting that. I tried to play it cool but it was honestly quite awkward.
Once i arrived home, i told my friend what had happened and this was the point where i REALLY realised that she liked me. I did not want a relationship at all especially at quite a young age but me giving her attention might've implied that i wanted a relationship with her. I messaged her about it and she understood, but was clearly upset. I feel like i unknowingly lead her on to believe that i was genuinely interested in her but at the same time a part of me knew what i was doing.
I feel regretful and guilty for making her upset and i wish we had communicated better but I'm glad the situation didn't go any further.
She doesn't hate me but we aren't very close friends anymore, I'm just hesitant on whether or not to try and salvage the friendship or let it go.