One of my best friends confessed feelings for me yesterday

One of my [17M] best friends [18F] told me yesterday that she has feelings for me. I don’t know how to move forward.

Met her about 6 months ago after moving to a new city. We became friends I’d say 3 or months ago. Not very long but we’re close.

She asked me not to tell anyone, and of course I won’t. Haven’t told my parents or friends and won’t unless she wants me to.

I was hanging out with her last night and she told me. I will say she delivered it in a good way, no pressure for me to respond right away or anything negative like that.

I told her as nicely as I could that I don’t feel the same and then she asked if we could still be friends. I said of course, which was the truth; she’s a great friend and I would hate to lose her as one.

She was worried that it would be awkward now, and I reassured her that nothing would change. But the next day it is pretty awkward. I haven’t seen her yet but I’m scared I’ll only be able to think about what she said whenever we’re hanging out.

I’ve suspected she had feelings for me for a few months but wasn’t sure and just brushed it off. I have horrible mental health so I often think everyone hates me, like I do. I alternate between thinking my friends like me and that they’re only friends with me out of pity. So the thought of someone seeing me as more than a friend is strange to me.

I feel really guilty. I know I can’t control what other people think of me but I still feel really bad about the whole situation.

Any advice? Once again she’s a great friend and I want to stay friends with her, just unsure on how to proceed.

TLDR; best friend said she likes me as more than friends and I don’t feel the same. we talked but I don’t know how to proceed without it being awkward.