I imagine they feel terrible for making you feel terrible, but they probably also don’t want to keep leading you on. It’s better for everyone now that you know where you stand and they can stop pretending. It’s actually very very hard to tell someone you don’t want to be friends with them, especially if you feel sorry for them. It’s time to draw a line and move on. You are worthy of people who are genuine friends so don’t waste any more energy or emotion on those people. Maybe there are clubs and classes you can do now that will occupy you, or look out for other people who are on the periphery of friendship groups, or who tend to be alone, and see if you can get to know each other. Good luck and believe in yourself as a worthy individual

I know it hurts, and I’m sorry for that, but it is true that they aren’t your friends, but being teenagers they don’t know how to let you know and you don’t know how to see it. I truly don’t mean to be patronising, I’ve been there so many times, and in fact it’s only now in my 40s that I’ve realised that the handful of friends I have are really all that matter. They are reliable and the friendship is mutual. But I do remember that pain, that rejection, so I want you to try to believe in yourself and that you will find your people. At 17 I imagine you will have a change coming up, a new school or college? The perfect opportunity to meet new people. And when you do just relax and see what develops. This experience will help you see the signs - for example if you ask them out a few times and it never happens, step back and see if they do. And if they don’t that’s ok, they can still be acquaintances! You can develop as an individual, find things you enjoy doing and take classes in them. You are very young and you have plenty of time to find people who make you feel good. Best wishes