I think im in love with my best friend but im not ready to come out HELP!

My best guy friend and i have known each other for 14 years and we're really close. but lately ive found myself staring at him, dreaming about him and thinking about him differently. i really dont want to screw up our friendship because i cant live without him. also, i dont feel ready to come out yet. but i cant keep these feelings inside anymore.

im not even sure if hes gay but hes done a few things to make me wonder. he would rather hang out together than go on dates with girls. he always touches my hair and my legswhile we're talking. hes always stared at me when we're getting changed after swimming and gym and he always shows off his abs to me (which makes me even sadder because i cant have him

i feel that im genuinely in love but i really need help reading my friends signals peeps.
also, is there a way that could tell him without any heartbreak? im terrified of rejection but i cant keep it bottled up inside
thanks