I have known my guy best friend for eight years now. We met when we were 6 & 8. He's lived down the street from me most of my life. Our families are both very close. We even would consider each other cousins. Right before covid hit, his younger brother, which they had just adopted, got cancer. It was very hard for them, but his brother thankfully beat the cancer. During that time, him and his family were the only people I really saw during lockdown. This was when me and him started to get really close. Like from friends to best friends. I've always felt close to him but never had feelings for him.
Recently, we have gotten more closer, and I feel like I might have feelings for him. I don't know how he feels. He has been more intentional in conversation, he listens intently, he wants to hang out, and remembers the small things I mention. There are also many other things that I've noticed he does. He is giving signs of liking me.
But then. I kind of felt a little shift. He seemed a bit more distant. He wasn't as talkative and just seemed off. After a couple weeks, things went back normal. But, it was still different from how things were before. The connection was different, almost like a brother and sister kind of connection.
There still is a noticeable connection there. Over the years the people around us have even noticed it. People have shipped us, even mentioned how close we are.
The only thing is we have both in the past expressed that we don't want to date anyone young. We also don't go to school together. Since our families are close and we have known each other for so long I don't want to mess anything up. We are also in the same friend group, are student leaders at our church, spend a lot of time together.
So two questions. 1. Does he like me? 2. Would asking him out change the dynamic of our relationship and the relationships around us?
TL;DR
Me and my guy best friends have known each other for a long time. He recently seems to be close. But I don't know if this is because he likes me or if he just sees me as a best friend or sister. There are several things that us dating would put at stake.