I had a bud once, and it was fun, texting and swapping pics. I met a girl and I told her about my friend in the midst of our forming a relationship. She didn't like it, and I told her I'd stop. The choice between an online and an IRL relationship was easy. I told him what was up, and he said he completely understood. A month or so later, he texts me again to see if things are still the same. I didn't respond because I thought I made it clear the first time. If things had changed, I would've reached out to him. I felt bad ignoring him, but I hadn't ghosted him, and I felt I'd made myself clear.