Driving myself crazy with hesitation

I’m at university and have gotten really close to this girl over the past couple of months. We spend so much time together that we might as well be dating. She asks me to coffee, invites me out, and even messages me just to walk two minutes to the shop with her.

I’ve never been in a relationship before and, until now, never truly cared about having one. But with her, it’s different. I really like her. It’s caught me completely by surprise.

The problem? I can’t seem to tell her how I feel. I’ve had plenty of chances, moments that felt right, but every time, I keep my mouth shut. I know what I want to say, but when the time comes, I freeze. I feel like I’m stuck in this cycle where I chase something, but the second I catch it, I back off. It’s frustrating—both for me and probably for her too.

I’m starting to worry I’m taking too long, but I don’t know how to break this pattern. How do I get past this hesitation and just say what’s on my mind?