<human>: Background: Last summer I (17 yrs.) my friend (friend 1) brought his sort-of-almost-girlfriend and her friend (17) to a sporting event that both friend 1 and I were participating in. We all spent a week in the same hotel and got to talk a lot, though rarely 1 on 1. I realized that she was the one for me. Everything about her seemed to make me happy. Her mannerisms, kindness, word choice, not to mention her physical presence all convinced me that I definitely want to explore a relationship with her.

Little did I know she was in a semi-relationship with another friend (friend 2) of mine. This was an unusual relationship, they rarely ever saw each other and communicated scarcely. They embrace each other when they occasionally see one another, but they rarely make an effort to do so. The parents of both friend 2 and this girl generally disapprove of this relationship, according to friend 2. This has been the case for about 7 months, on and off.

I know that what I feel for her is different, in a good way. I have not stopped thinking about her since I met her. I recently ran into her again at a similar sporting event, with friend 2 with her the whole time.

I have no clue what to do. I suppose a first step would be to initiate conversation, either online/text or in person? Once there, how do I avoid the friend-zone?

I really respect my friend and I don't want any hard feelings between us. Any suggestions as to how to go about this?

I know I may be flooded with people saying move on, there are other fish in the sea, and I understand. But this woman is one that I truly love and want to make happy.

I would be glad to answer any questions/provide any additional information that you guys request.

Can you succinctly summarize the text in 1-3 sentences?
<bot>: My hopefully-future girlfriend is dating my friend and I would like some help from all relationship-savvy redditors.