Try and leave your friends out of this. The "relationship" is about, and should be only between, the two of you. You simply need to talk with him about this and find out from him how he feels. You need to know the truth, even if it's not exactly what you want to hear -- it will be better to find out now rather than later. This could also turn out great -- you could finally hear what youve been waiting for. You dont want to keep going on this way, confused and wondering, and having to ask other people what they think. That's enough to drive a person crazy! Just suck it up and talk to him.

If you absolutely cannot do it in person, send him an email or write him a letter. Tell him how you feel and ask him how he feels. You have nothing to lose if you think about it!
Good luck!!