So I've been friends with a girl from school and we've known each other since 1st year and lately through our exam season we've just gotten closer, we'd hand out for longer durations, and genuinely enjoy each other's company. We're not in the same program

Last night we went out for drinks, all was good, touching holding hands teasing etc. And then at the end of the night when I dropped her off I told her I've actually started to develop some feels for her. She thought for a second and said she's not ready for a relationship.

From what I know, she isn't a girl who goes around so the alternative isn't to hook up, but I don't have much experience with women besides an old LTR a couple years ago, so chime in if you feel a different outcome.

Nonetheless, fair, she is going through some stuff. So afterwards we still confirmed for our plans this week and despite this situation, I'd still like to be with her, even if it's strictly platonic.

That said, for future reference with a different girl I would like to know what I could've done to improve my chances, if anything really. I asked a few of my girl-friends about this and two said yea I kinda asked like a bitch lol and the third said it was fine that I told her. I don't know, I think about it now the day after and feel like I did ask wrong. It was like some high school script. Should I have said I liked her or continued to show it by going out to places? Was she reciprocating and then I made myself too available? Am I overthinking it? Would I have been bro-zoned anyway? My intention isn't to try and escape this friendzone I don't mind with this person, but for future women

Again, this is the first girl I've spoken to in this calibre for a long time, I have 0 clue what I was doing so do critique in detail.

Good experience!