Can you stay friends with someone who rejected you?

I’ll try to summarize this the best that I can.

I met this guy at work a year ago. We were acquaintances until he eventually asked me out on a date. I agreed because I thought he was cute and we hit it off. Felt like I knew him for years. Eventually he wanted to hook up and I told him that I have herpes. He thought about it and eventually rejected me.

We stayed friends and it was like a normal friendship until 4 months ago there was a lot of tension between us and we kissed. we have been kissing and acting like boyfriend and girlfriend since. we text every day, hang out multiple times a week, kiss and cuddle in public, etc.

However, when we were around friends and family we wouldn’t do any of that stuff and I felt like a guilty secret. I asked him again if herpes is a deal breaker and he said yes so I broke things off. We are still friends, texting and hanging out like normal but I feel so hurt. I really liked him- maybe even love him- and I feel resentment deep down inside of me towards him.

He has become one of my best friends and I don’t want to lose a person like him in my life. But I also don’t know how this will work when I still have feelings. I know it will hurt even more when he gets a girlfriend.