While he'd have given anything for her to take his hand, he didn't push it. His heart just sank a little further. It didn't diminish the fact that no matter what he hoped to ignite the feelings he had for her. That despite being "friends" she'd see him as the boy who fell in love.
They made their way inside among a myriad of couples on this day. The beauty of it all was neither one was being forced to throw themselves at each other, it was of their own free will, he just hoped he didn't come out empty handed in the end---because no matter what this girl had his stomach in knots.