Not sure if she likes me or we’re just close friends — need outside perspective.

Hey everyone, I’m 28M and I’ve been talking to a girl (24F) for about 7 months now, and I’m trying to figure out whether this is becoming something romantic or if we’re just really close friends.

Some context: I joined a new company earlier this year and was working with her in the same department. Not long after starting, I ended my previous long-term relationship (3 years). Around April, she and I started talking consistently — texting almost daily and hanging out one-on-one pretty regularly.

She’s since been assigned to a different office and project, so we don’t work side-by-side anymore, but we’ve continued talking and spending time together outside of work.

Some things about her personality and approach to relationships:

• She’s not usually physically affectionate
• She has never dated anyone, never had her first kiss
• She says she’ll never make the first romantic move
• She believes strong relationships should start as solid friendships
• She prefers slow emotional buildup rather than fast flirting

Lately, things have felt like they might be shifting beyond friendship, and I’m trying to understand if I’m reading it right or projecting.

Some recent examples:

• We went out for steak because I lost a bet, and when the night seemed like it was ending, she extended it by suggesting dessert.
• I got her a thoughtful birthday gift (a bilingual Chinese folktales book since she’s learning the language), and she seemed genuinely appreciative.
• The next evening, she reached out asking if I wanted to join her while she filled petrol, and she bought me donuts while we hung out again.
• At the end of that night, she initiated our first hug to thank for the gift — which is big because she’s not usually physical.
• We ended up hanging out three days in a row: food, boba, errands, bowling, arcade games, late-night drives.
• After hanging out, we often keep texting until one of us falls asleep.

She initiates conversations a lot, remembers the things I tell her, encourages me, and seems really emotionally comfortable around me. I recently caught myself looking at her and thinking she was genuinely beautiful — not just cute or fun, but someone I could see myself building something real with.

Now I’m considering asking her out on a clear, intentional date (not a full emotional confession or relationship talk — just moving things slightly in a romantic direction).

Something like:

But I’m torn between two interpretations:

• She’s just being friendly because we’re close and comfortable, OR
• This is a slow-burn mutual romantic interest that’s naturally deepening.

So I’d really appreciate some outside perspective:

Based on what I’ve described, does this sound romantic or just close friendship?
And is now a good time to ask her on a proper intentional date, or should I let things develop a bit longer?

Thanks in advance — I genuinely don’t want to misread the situation or rush something that’s naturally unfolding.