Okay, this is going to sound super gay, but my current problem is my best friend (male).

BACKGROUND:
I've been doing EXTREMELY well when it comes to TRP. I used to think I was 75% there but only recently did I actually make a conscious decision to stop texting chicks I haven't been fucking (orbiting). FYI: Being aware and actually making a choice is game changing when it comes to the red pill. I have the knowledge, but to act... And probably only the EC's or people that are on the main sub would get it as I hear it's all spergs here (not that there's anything wrong with that). But here goes!
PS: We are/were all spergs in some form or another at some point on this journey, don't lose faith!
Build yourself up to be the man the you know exists deep down within you.

So I'll disclose that I've been lurking for about 1.5 years (I'm slow I know, full story to come soon)... and I'm quite in control of a lot of things in my life, but when it comes to my best male friend, I find myself struggling, especially today. I literally turned 35.... 29 minutes ago.

Now that you've got some background, to get to the point, I have a friend and he may or may not be dating his ex. \insert dramatic back story you've all read a hundred times... guy friends don't have abundance, one guy comes out on top with the hot girl in the friend circle. Friend circle falls apart**

BODY

Fast forward a few years... they break up. He doesn't want me to mention to people, but we have many common friends and they ask me "how's so and so?" I betrayed his trust at one point and spilled the beans because it became a burden on me to hide the truth which feels irrelevant to me.
So lately he has been distant because of it. So distant that he won't even talk to me about going on dates with women. Fast forward to today, we are at a beer event, his ex is there... I say "oh shit is it cool if we say hi," as in is it awkward? He says it's cool so no problem. When I cross paths, she wishes me a happy birthday and I say "Hi how's it going?" She ghosts me. She has some deep rooted hatred towards me, my assumption now is because she can't control me with her flirty eyes and hair tossing. I NEVER get mad, but this is pretty fucking close haha.

PROBLEM
So the reason this is super gay is because I have a best friend that chooses to be not open with me, because he is concerned that "rumors will spread." I realize how dumb this sounds right now, because if he was honest, there wouldn't be a need for rumors! So my problem is probably more on the side of "just be honest" instead of the petty gossip worrying shit. I never get emotional but this shit is rubbing me the wrong way. And of course the red pill answer is to cut this dude off... but he is actually one of the better ones. A natural in some aspects and we've got a 10 year history. I honestly know some dudes for 20+ years and all they do is play videogames. I have far less issue cutting them out of my life then this dude. This is the guy that I want in my tribe. We aren't competing for alpha male of the tribe. I'm just looking for a tactful way to restore order from chaos I guess.

I'm curious if anyone has has similar stories? I know asktrp is full of boys that can't get laid, but the subject of male relationships doesn't get talked about often, or at all on the main sub. Probably doesn't hurt to discuss once in a blue moon. Thanks for any feedback.