Change of mind

In school, one of my friends that I really like asked me out on a date yesterday. We share a class that we're both very involved in and that is small, everyone knows everything about everyone. So today we decided to stay just friends... And now I don't know how to act around him because I know he likes me just as I like him. What's some advice?

Well first, why did you reject him? if you are good friends and you have feelings you should take a chance. Dont worry about what other people think. I grew up in a small town. I understand that everyone knows everything mentality. When in school I had this best friend for years. In 6th grade he asked me out. I said no and ignored him for a year. We stayed friends because i didn't want to lose that. In 8th grade he asked me out. This was at the time after i got dumped by my first Bf. I was down and i felt horrible. I thought, why not? So i said Ok. He was very happy that i decided to try. After school he gave me a hug and told me that he loved me. He did that every day for three months without expecting me to say i love you back until i finally did. He was relentless with how he felt and treated me like the only girl in the world. Now we're still together, both in different college and heading out own way. I'm still with him and he still makes me feel the same way i did 5 years ago. Im not saying jump into your friends arms, but just consider it. Does the opinion of others really influence your choice to be happy?