You felt for the young man more than just sympathy. When you see him, the earth goes out from under your feet, you want to shout to the whole world that you are in love, but restrain yourself again, because you are not at all sure of reciprocity.
Game of glances and hints
Intuitively, all girls feel when a guy is not indifferent to them. But situations are different, when a young man is very modest and shy, it is really difficult to understand how he feels about a girl, because on his part there are no steps towards rapprochement with her.
If you like flirting, playing, then start with hints. Make eyes at the guy, blow kisses and watch his response. If he is also pleased, and he is willing to flirt with you, then there is a chance that your feelings are mutual. The only question is that these games can go on for a long time and not move on to the next stage. If that's okay with you, then flirting is the best way to hint that you like the guy. In theory, then he himself must make attempts at rapprochement.
A point-blank question, a frank confession
If you want to resolve the issue of mutual love once and for all and hear from him directly, everything as it is about feelings for you, then be extremely delicate, men do not like pressure very much, they are frightened by the stubbornness of women, and they often run "into the bushes ".
Write to him something like this: “I realized that my feeling for you is something more than just sympathy, and I am writing this not at all in order to hear mutual recognition from you. I write only because I can no longer be silent, hide and pretend. If I'm not the heroine of your novel, don't be upset, I'll get over it. Time goes by, everything goes by, and this feeling will go away from me someday. My self-sufficiency and pride will not allow me to humiliate myself and ask for your love."
Let your guy know that you deserve respect. He will be amazed at such recognition and, if he does not even answer you in kind, then at least he will understand that you are a high-flying girl, and you should at least be respected. After such a confession, you will not be ashamed to look a guy in the eyes if you still remain just friends, because your confession was worthy and sincere.
If you decide to talk with your beloved guy, then tell him about the same words, in no case press on pity, he should understand that you, of course, love him, but if there is no reciprocity, then you will not die of grief and longing in gray solitude. Keep your head up and don't fall on your face, even if you really want to.
Do not expect the guy to rush into your arms and immediately tell you three cherished words. If his feelings are really serious, it will not be so easy for him to say about his love. He may ask you to date or ask you out on a date, which will mean that he also has something for you. If he apologized and said that he did not love you, smile and leave with dignity, with your head held high, do not show him your tears. Remember that this will indeed pass someday.