I agree with the other respondents. Opening up your feelings will not necessarily ruin the friendship, although I completely understand why you’re nervous about that happening. If you want to take a little more time, start spending more time with him. That way you can gauge the situation as well as your own feelings. If your feelings continue to grow, open up to him about it. Life is precious and so are connections… you never know until you put yourself out there, and I don’t think there’s any reason to keep those feelings in.

Wishing you the best!