Bro! Please don't get zoned. What I will advice you is this, a girl you like and would want to date, don't start it with wanting her as just friends then hope it will become a romantic relationship tomorrow, no, don't do that, just make your intentions known to her, let her know you have Feelings for her from the beginning, and also find out if she's seeing someone. If she's seeing someone, then you can stick to just being friends, but make sure you let her know your intentions towards her before asking her if she has a boyfriend. If you start with just being friends with her, she's going to see you as just a friend and it will be difficult to leave that zone in the end. From one bro to another bro, tell her how you feel, but make her know you are ready to take things slow. She knowing your intentions, she will know that whatever friendship you guys have, is going to slowly build into a romantic relationship. By the way, I love your response to that friend that said what he said about the girl, just be cool, and everything will work out, be yourself.