Does she like me/should I ask her out?

[OWA]

Sorry if this is long. I want to include as much background as possible.

 

So, this girl (I'll call her "E") and I are in the same year in college. I met E last year when we were in a play together, in which we shared a kissing scene. Shortly after meeting her I started liking her...she's talented, funny, cute, and I think she's beautiful. At the time I thought she might possibly return my interest, but as I got to know her a little more it just seemed like it would never happen between us. So I forced myself to move on. Went on a few other dates over the course of the year with other girls, nothing serious. During that time, E and I became much better friends. We're both studying the same thing. And we share the same friend group.

 

Since meeting her, I've had mutual friends of ours tell me I should go out with her. I was asked by one of her friends if I ever had a crush on her, which I answered truthfully: briefly. I think the general consensus is that it would be really cute if E and I started dating.

 

Now for the present. Recently, I realized my feelings for her never really went away. Or if they had, then they have resurfaced now. So I've tried getting closer to her, but it's difficult. We're friends, but there's always been some sort of distance between us...not sure why. I'd really like to get to know her better, but it's difficult. She's really nice and friendly towards me, but I get the sense that there's some sort of shyness as well. (This could very well mean she likes me too, but I really can't read her.)

 

A few weeks ago, I was out drinking with some friends...friends who are very close with her. They had a little too much, and started asking me if I ever liked E, if I thought she was attractive, what I like about women, etc. One of the more sober of the bunch attempted to shush them. So I took this to mean that E likes me and they were trying to find out if I felt anything for her.

 

So with this boost to my confidence, I've been trying to talk to her more and feel things out. But I really can't tell. She never flirts, she doesn't seem to give me any special attention, but there seems to be something. I don't quite know what it is. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking. Also, she doesn't have a lot of male friends, maybe that means something.

 

So finally, to the question. Should I ask her out? I don't want to mess up anything with her...but at the same time I really like her. Ideally I'd do it if I knew what she felt, but I don't know how to discover that short of asking her friends directly, which would get back to her anyway.

 

So I guess I'm asking what you think I should do, and whether or not you think I have a chance.

This has been me rambling for a while, so I apologize for mistakes and the length. If you take the time to read and answer, thanks!

[OWA]

More words!

 

I've never been in a relationship, and I don't think she has either. I heard that my kiss with her was one of her first, and it was also one of mine. Cute, right?