So 

A bit of context: I have a large friendship group (all early 20s) which I didn't see much for a few months, and she had recently joined right after I left. 


One of my friends used to be madly in love with my current girlfriend (of 2 years) before I met her. 

I have to make clear that she was not interested at all - my gf isn't the type to yell at someone but she did make clear that she didn't like him and it wasn't going to happen. I think in his mind he thought if he was persistent enough, it would happen. 

He was completely infatuated, to the point where the comments and passes he made at her would just make her and everyone around uncomfortable.


When I came back and first met her, I did like her. We vibed well, same sense of humour, etc. But I didn't want to piss my friend off by asking out a girl he practically loved. 

6 months later I didn't put it off anymore and we started dating. We didn't make it public to our friendship group because we didn't want to step on toes or become a gossip piece. 

When my friend found out, he was understandably upset and pretty visibly hurting. He never approached me as he isn't the confrontational type but you could tell. He's one of the kindest guys I've ever met and I feel bad that he got hurt, but I don't feel bad about my actions. 


My friends gave mixed feelings on it: 

- Some think I did my mate wrong by going out with a girl that he pretty much loved. 

- Some think my friend was in the wrong as it was made clear to him that she wouldn't have the same feelings. 


My question is:  
Was it wrong for me to pursue a girl that my friend was in love with but who didn't reciprocate those feelings for him? 