<human>: I have one of those friends with whom we've always had a little thing for each other, but we never acted on it. Until last year, that is, when I made a move on her and we did "benefits" for a while. Then she started to come on pretty strong and want more of a relationship, always texting and calling and making plans with me. I liked that; it was fun. But then she suddenly pulled back and wanted to do just friendship. She insisted our friendship would go on the same, but she became cagey and avoidant, said she still liked me but just wanted to work out some shit and insisted we keep it light and casual.

I didn't wanna get friendzoned just yet, so I went no contact for a month and half. Now we've been texting and have hung out twice (I spent the night twice too... no sex, but somewhat flirty/spooning). It's totally clear to me that she wants the gray area. She wants to have her cake and eat it too, keep her options open, have a back up and a friend who she might consider later, all those cliches. I get it; she's not a safe bet for a relationship.

The healthiest thing, I realize, is to just move on and forget it. However, sometimes I think playing the game a little myself and keeping a flirty option open with a friend might not be so bad. If I do go that route, what exactly should my attitude towards her be to coax a little more of her interest back out? What's going on inside the mind of someone who is hot and cold and what can you do to get em as hot for you as they used to be?

Give me a shortened version of the text
<bot>: My ex (and friend) is hot and cold with her interest after no contact. If I decide to do the unhealthy thing and want to go along with the game, what can I say and do to turn up the heat?