I (20m) had been in a "talking stage"(f) with someone in my college lab. It was high-tension/banter, but I admittedly "fumbled" a bit and showed too much interest. Then it started some no contact thing just to get them off my mind. After I stood my ground on a "test" they gave me trying to gatekeep some niche interest things, basically just assuming I will perform for them, they decided to escalate later.
While I was not going to the lectures&stuff on that particular week, two of my trusted friends were having some small talk about me in the lab, wondering what happened to me. The person I was talking to (and their best friend, which gives some "yes, girl, you can do better, you can make him way WORSE, you should definitely do it!!" energy) overheard it and decided to "set fire" to my reputation. They leaked our private dms to the entire class (idk what did they want to prove xd). It got so loud and chaotic that even the lab assistant "seemed" interested.
I’m feeling pretty off and my reputation in this specific class feels compromised. However, I’ve stayed silent way before it happened, and even after that incident.
Is there any way to actually win this situation back, or should I just treat this person like they’re invisible for the rest of the semester?
PS: honestly, after hearing from my friends what happened while I was out, i just laughed, like that thing is very childish and a huge 6th grade bullshit. I think they don't know we are in college world, where everyone just won't care enough later on after few days.