In genuine friendship for years (more like being acquaitance recently, reconnecting) and then one day you see her in different light. At this point its about polite seduction. Looking for general advice/ discussion.

I understand these things:

you cannot escape "friendzone", but can leave it at any time

you don't flip the script in one day.. if she is not 100% attracted, putting her on spot will activate the fight or flight instinct (might get good result if stars and hormones align)

some cheeky flirting and stubble touch barrier breeching might work over time

it's not really about looks at that point, but about behavior, how you act around her, how you talk to her

you must be willing to leave if it does not work, which means mentally you must know you don't need her and don't really care about the result

  • you can become genuine friend, but first you have to process the attraction thing

Basically rebrand into I want you (don't confuse with I need you) and be polite and see how it goes

Feel free to add any other pointers.