I have a crush on my classmate and I need some advice 😕

To start this off, I'd like to say that I get crushes so rarely that it's been 2-3 years since I've genuinely felt something romantic, so this is an absolute surprise. So I like this girl, J, who is my lab-mate in my microbio lab. She's super cute, very awkward and shy but I find that very charming. I talk with her throughout the class and it's been nice talking with her on the way to her parking lot. Anyways, since she's like perfect (same major, graduates the same year, we'll take similar classes, and wants to do grad school) I really don't want to miss this chance or mess this up.

Right now we talk in person, and I want to be her friend, but I don't know how to initiate asking her if she wants to hang out outside of class. I also don't even know if she's gay she does like romance books, so maybe I can sneakily ask about some queer books to see what she's read?

In general, does anyone have any advice for how I should go about this? Honestly, I feel guilty pursuing a friendship since I am attracted to her, but she is super sweet, and I look forward to the class because of her. Another thing to note is that we're both graduating Spring 2027 so if I were to pursue a relationship now is the perfect time.

Any advice is very appreciated!