Need Advice:I 18M... Intazaar Ya Move On?Dosti?

Before judging me based on my age, let me explain. I know I am young and immature for these things, but love doesn't look at age, right? I'm not saying I want to get married; I just want to understand what to do now.

Recently, I completed high school and started college. During my school years, I had a huge crush on a girl (let's call her Siya) from the 4th grade till now. A few months ago, I found out that she also likes me, and we started talking a lot. Being a shy and introverted guy, I usually don't talk much with girls (I feel they can be a distraction for my academics, I don't know why).

Things started when I posted an Ngl Ig story following a trend, and unexpectedly, she confessed to me there. She said she loves me a lot and wants me to be her life partner. It melted my heart. Even though I've had a few proposals before, I really didn't want to be distracted. But since it was her, the girl I waited for 8 years,... Since it was an anonymous confession, I waited for her to directly tell me, and she did. But my fu**kin Balish Buddhi(Freked Mind) That day she asked if the proposal was her, what would I have said(Basically Indirect proposal)I said: I waited 8years for you and abb tum itni aasani se miljaogi fir tum chlegye to.. isiliye Filhal mera jawab hoga nhi:(I really Dk why i wrote that)

Then we started talking regularly, consistently. Eventually, it was the first time I ever talked to a girl until 3 am. Months passed, and we both flirted and talked. Then I got really distracted. She was the most beautiful distraction I ever had. Also, one day she told me again that she likes me. After 4 months of being in the talking stage, I thought I shouldn't be this much into her. I felt I should go, so I just proposed to her so that I wouldn't be confused.

I wondered if it was actually going somewhere or if it was a delusion. And that day, exactly at 6:28 pm, I got the hardest line ever read: "Let's continue as friends." I was with friends when I told her, and I told my friends that I wanted her to say 'no'. I faked my emotions. I don't know what I wanted at that time. I proposed to her so that if it's a no, at least I would be free from my delusion. But I was wrong; by the time, my love had just increased for her.And Even After the rejection..we still talk, not as consistently as we used to, but till late nights.And Always Messages first...

I just want advice: should I wait for her again, or should I move on, thinking she isn't meant for me? Also, if she likes me, why did she reject me? I am okay with the rejection; I respect her decision, but should I continue being her friend or stop talking to her?

In the end, I am 17 years old. I know I am young for these things, but love doesn't look at age, right? I can balance studies with love. So, please, give me simple advice. Thanks for reading this long.