I really like this guy, but he doesn't like me back.

We're both apprentices, however, I was a level above him until recently so due to safeguarding, I couldn't ask for him number and other stuff, even though he's older than me.

I got his number in the start of February, I asked him if he had a GF to which he replied no, that he was happy being single (he said this with a little grin on his face) and we've been texting ever since, he sends me texts at work saying when he's alone in his office to which I sometimes go and keep him company (in a friend way). He teases me, we hug, we banter and we talk about serious thing, we buy each other sweets.

Now the total of texts has reached well over 4000 and I asked him if he liked someone to which he said he cared about a girl he went to the cinema with one night, and obviously it was me (this was on a Friday). So the next day (Saturday) I didn't text him at all and then the day after that (Sunday) he sent me a text and we started talking again for that day and I found out the girls name (which stabbed me because I knew her). The next day we didn't text which led to him texting me on Tuesday asking if we fell out to which I said no and then we started to talk again. About a week later, I told him I liked him, however, he turned me down telling me that he had no idea and sorry that he didn't realise and said that I was nice, however, he liked the girl before we started to get to know each other and that was why he wasn't interested.

We're carrying on as friends, still texting each other and talking to each other at work like normal and he still sends me texts telling me when he's on his own in the office and wants me to go see him (which as you can guess is hard for me) and I'm trying to get interested in another guy who seems interested in me but I can't get my co-worker out of my head. Do you think he'll ever be interested or I should really give up on him?

Sorry this is kind of long but I've never felt this way about anyone, not my ex or any previous "crush" I've ever had.

Thank you

There's your answer.
Walk away and save further embarrassment.

Why is it so hard to accept friendship, and forget romance? Why is it so hard to deal with romantic rejection, and let go of the high hopes?

But if this is so hard for you, then you need to stop the texting, visiting, and romantic probing. I would not get into another guy until you sufficiently gotten over the disappointment of this one.

Be aware, he may understand and leave you alone, or he may confront you to see why you have stopped/changed your behavior toward him. In that situation, you be honest, and tell him you need time away from him to adjust, accept, and manage your feelings of disappointment. Remember he will be disappointed at losing your friendship, and maybe guilty by leading you on, or hurting your feelings.

Be honest with yourself, and acknowledge this disappointment, and don't just try to stay in contact as a friend, hoping it leads to romance..! That's not friendship, nor is it fair to either of you, nor is it honest.

If you need time, TAKE IT!