I know this is one-itis but I developed feelings for a girl in my current social circle, but she is clearly closer to my friend than she is to me. She's got such an attractive personality that it is going to be really difficult to find someone like her.

My friend is a natural, and also the perfect boyfriend material, except that he is already in an LDR. It does seem that she likes him a lot, though as a friend or lover, I am unable to tell since she's a very sporting flirt as well. However, she clearly shares a lot with this friend, and I am afraid she is already very close emotionally to him.

This friend is the alpha in our group and he is very good at sexual flirting, and he has done so to her in front of me. I can feel the tension when we compete for this girl's attention. I don't think it would be that easy for me to displace him since he is clearly well-liked, fun, and flirts with everyone. It is tough to beat his game, especially when now we are all in school and in one social group, it is difficult to isolate her. I have negged her in the beginning (that's what I usually do when I have not decided) and I am not sure if getting her out alone will show clear interest. Does it matter if I show my card that I'm interested in her? Should I even bother?