<human>: So last spring I (22m) was interested in this girl (29 f), but she wasn't interested.  I've learned now while I was trying to date her she was still in an unhealthy relationship with her LD "ex".  Well since then we've become good friends.  We have similar hobbies so it makes sense that we would get along.

We've hung out a lot recently.  She is now completely over her ex (very unhealthy relationship).  Lately though, I've noticed her girlfriends have been comparing her ex to me and mentioned this to her.  It seems like they think we have something going on between us, and they want her to date me.  She told me not to mind it if I find it  annoying, but she then caught herself comparing me to her ex again in a good light.
Well I thought I was friend zoned and I was alright with it, but it seems like her and her friends have considered me as a potential partner.  If this is the case, I'd like to go ahead and try and start something with her.  I'm not sure though if I'm just grasping straws though, and I'm unsure how to express how I feel about her.

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<bot>: Thought I was friend zoned with a girl but it seems possible I'm not.  What should my next move be to see if theres anything potentially there?