When I was in Year 9, I had this friend named Aaliyah. We were cool, but not super close. I didn’t want to get attached because, deep down, I knew she wasn’t going to be in my life forever. She was also really clingy—like she loved physical affection (not in a weird way, relax).

One day, she hugged me while I was turning to look at my mate, and our lips accidentally touched. It was quick, I didn’t even feel much, but I knew we kissed. We both kinda laughed it off, and I brushed it aside like it was nothing.

After that, things changed. A girl who rode her bus started telling me that Aaliyah wouldn’t stop talking about me. Even my best friend said she was in love with me. She got super clingy—calling a lot, texting, wanting to talk late at night. I lowkey found her annoying, but I also thought she was kinda cute. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, so I went along with it.

Eventually, I texted her saying I liked her (I was honestly just being dumb). She responded by confessing that she loved me. That’s when I broke the truth to her—I didn’t actually like her like that. She cried her eyes out when I called, saying I led her on and tricked her.

At the time, I was 15 and immature. I told my best friend what happened, and we kept it quiet for a week before telling another friend—let’s call her Sam. Sam ended up spreading the whole thing around school. People started making fun of Aaliyah. She ended up cutting herself and fell into depression.

I reached out, apologized multiple times—but later, I messed up again. I screen-recorded our chats and made fun of her again. Yeah, I was a bully.

Now I’m 17, turning 18 next month, and I can’t stop thinking about her. I think I’m actually in love with her now, but she’s blocked me on everything.

I don’t even know what to do or how to make peace with what I did. I messed up. Big time.