What Do I Do? Should I Just Forget About Ernest?

My best advice would be to tell earnest how you feel. If you don't, you my never know. Ernest could be a shy person and not know how to approach you. At least if you tell earnest how you feel about him you can determine if he likes you in a boyfriend way, or just wants to be friends.

Men can be very confusing and they may act one way but say another. Just be completely honest with him, tell him how you feel and get tell him that you need to know where you stand. I hope it all works out for you.