Do I give up?

Hello

Recently I've been in a sticky situation and would really appreciate anyone's advice or help.

Basically, there is this guy I like. The only problem is that his friend has liked me for around 2 years now. The guy I like has said he thinks I'm attractive but he would never 'go there' with me because of his friends feelings. Now normally I would let this go. However, this problem is different.
Firstly, the guy I like is the first boy I've trusted to actually be a good guy. I was sexually abused when younger and have been emotionally abused as a teenager by a man, which has made me completely terrified of opening up to any one, let alone anyone who is male. This guy though, is the first person I can think of actually having a future with and I would indefinitely trust him with me.
Secondly, his friend who likes me has never really spoken to me. I know of him, but I don't know him very well. It's strange because from where I see it, this person can't really like me that much seen as he doesn't know me.

My question is what should I do? Please don't get the wrong impression of me. I'm definitely not complaining that someone likes me, it's flattering, and I would never do anything to hurt someone on purpose. I wouldn't be able to stand it if the guy I like is in turmoil and feels guilty about being with me because of his friend, I would never want to put someone in that position. Reason will always rule over my heart, I'm just trying to find the reason in this situation.

I don't know whether to talk to the friend who likes me. He has never properly told me himself and I don't know if I should perhaps clear the air with him. Tell him gently that I'm not interested. I'm not sure whether the fact that he hasn't told me properly himself means he believes there's still a chance for us to be together. I would never do this just because I want to clear the road for me and his friend, that's not who I am. I would do it just to wipe the slate clean.

Also, the guy I like knows I like him and is still talking to me and flirting with me and stuff. I don't want to invest emotions into a relationship that is never going to happen because of his friend. I don't want him to turn around somewhere down the line to say that he can't be with me, when I've already gotten in too deep.

Anyway, thanks for reading all that! It's like an essay Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you
x

I'm not going to give you advice, but I'll ask questions

Does the person you like know the friend has no chance ? Or are you allowing the others to believe there is a chance.

he thinks I'm attractive but he would never 'go there' with me because of his friends feelings

sounds like an offer has already been made..... and rejected.

Why can't the one you like recognise class when he see it ? And why would you chase ?

It's foolish to chase butterflies.

Thanks for replying
I'm not too sure whether he knows there's no chance or whether that would affect what he thinks. I've never properly spoken to the friend who likes me, which is why I'm confused as to how he could think there is a chance of us ever being together.

And I agree. I'm not someone who chases after anyone who can't make up their mind whether I'm worth it, I'd just rather know if there's any point still bothering with the guy I like if there is no way we could be together.