Being rejected is not the end of the world

We had been "summer sexfriends" for years, no feelings attached, everything was ok. He got himself a girlfriend but we kept being friends. I was happy for him and all that.
One day, he suddenly confessed. As is having a girlfriend and not being able to be with me was painful for him. We didn't do anything but he left me thinking. I started to develop feelings for him.
Next summer (last summer) he had broken up with his girlfriend so I thought that maybe we could be together. I confessed and he said "oh I know thanks" and started treating me not as shit but close. We haven't talked since summer, and I would lie if I said it has not been painful for me.
On Christmas I started seeing a common friend. Again, no strings attached, but he treats me better and I have much more fun with him. I'm curious to see what will happen this summer...