Hey guys, longtime lurker, first time posting. Made a mess, need some help moving forward.

I (26m) moved into a new apartment about a month and a half ago. Quickly became friends with all the neighbors and built great rapport with everyone. They have a weekly BBQ on Saturdays so I’ve been joining them and having a good time.

A couple weeks ago, one of the guys brought a longtime female friend of his to the BBQ and I hit it off with her. We clicked immediately. One thing led to another and we’re back at my place hooking up.

I’m really not looking for a relationship, but it’s not every day you meet someone you click this well with so I figured I’d give it a chance. We’ve hooked up a few times now and have gone on a couple small dates, but I’m realizing I really don’t have time or energy for this. Would rather be focusing on my mission and just doing casual hookups.

The problem is that she’s developed some feelings for me. I have 4-5 other girls hitting me up that I would like to hook up with, but now there’s the problem that this chick’s friends are literally a couple rooms over from me. I’m still cool with everyone for the time being, but I’m sure they have their eye on me now.

How do I turn down this girl gently and preserve my standing with this new social circle? She’s still going to come around every once in a while to the BBQ’s and her friends are probably going to see me bringing other girls to the apartment which is a little awkward too.

Feeling a lot of anxiety about this whole thing. Have learned my lesson “don’t shit where you eat”, but what can I do moving forward?