Nick Viall Calls Rachel Bilson His 'Friend' After Sparking Dating Rumors With 'Bachelor In Paradise' Alum Demi Burnett

Who will eventually come along and capture Nick Viall’s heart once and for all someday?

It’s a question on our minds after the Bachelor alum gave an update on his current relationship status to Us Weekly while attending the Vulture Festival in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 9.

As we reported, there was plenty of speculation the Viall Files podcast host was dating Rachel Bilson, but the reality TV star also recently sparked dating rumors with Bachelor in Paradise alum, Demi Burnett, so we’re dying to know what’s up!

People started buzzing after the 24-year-old openly gay ABC star coupled up with Nick for a cute Halloween costume together late last month — and Life & Style reported the two were allegedly spotted intimately holding hands at a party.

ICYMI, the former lead rose-handler dressed up as another Bachelor Nation alum, pilot Peter Weber while Demi opted for a fun Hooters waitress costume.

Think these two make a cute couple? / (c) Demi Burnett/Instagram

So, what’s the deal here?? Another fling in the making, or two mutual friends having fun with the ghoulish holiday?

It seems to be the latter as the 39-year-old candidly told the outlet:

“I’m not dating Demi.”

This report tracks well with what Bachelorette star Hannah Brown also told the mag about the pair, noting there’s nothing romantic going on between them. But we can definitely understand why this raised eyebrows among fans since Demi ended her engagement to girlfriend Kristian Haggerty around the same time of the sighting.

Following Viall and Burnett’s appearance together, the season 15 star said:

“Oh, no. They were just having a good time. They’re really good friends. They’re like besties. Well, she’s my bestie. We’re besties first and then Nick is her other best friend.”

Case closed!

Now, about things with Rachel…

Nick kept it short and sweet when asked about the O.C. alum at the pop culture event, simply calling her a “friend.” He also added:

“I’m certainly hoping to settle down when the right person comes. I’m not trying to put pressure on myself.”

Things began to heat up after Rachel was a guest on Nick’s podcast. / (c) WENN

It’s unclear when and how the duo went from a potential new match to just buddies in such a short amount of time. Although, we probably should’ve seen this coming when he declined to give a truly straight answer about his and Bilson’s status to Us back in September:

“I’m not really defining my relationships right now but she’s definitely a friend and she’s great and I always enjoy spending time with Rachel. In all seriousness, I think I’m eager to meet someone but not in a rush to do it just because. You don’t have to rush to figure out the rest of your life.”

Another one bites the dust, we guess! But hey, to anyone wanting to shoot their shot with this bachelor: now’s the time!! LOLz.

Do you think Nick and Rachel should stop playing games and really give each other a shot? Or, do you see someone else in mind for him? Let us know in the comments (below)!

[Image via Nick Viall/Rachel Bilson/Demi Burnett/Instagram]