Crushing on a friend?

Hi. This has been on my mind lately so I've decided to just come out with it (and pray he doesn't have a reddit account)

I've been crushing (?) on my friend for around 2 years. We met on a trip in freshman year. I met a girl and he was friend of hers, so I became his friend by proxy. That's besides the point lol

After that I think I started catching feelings. I'm not sure what it's supposed to feel like though. I don't feel giddy when I think of him, but he always puts me at ease. I haven't exactly had a crush on anyone ever. The most romantic thing that's ever happened to me is when a boy gave me a ring and a hug in kindergarten. Other than that I've never been the type of person to gush over guys.

Back to my point lol. So I start thinking of me and my friend being together. Two girls I was friends with constantly teased me about it, saying we'd be a good couple and whatnot (which he knows about. They made no moves to be subtle). I think we have chemistry, but I'd hate to make him uncomfortable. One of the girls who's my friend asked him if he'd ever consider being with me, which he responded with "I wouldn't want to hurt her"— so I think we both have found middle ground with that thought.

We both have a lot in common and go out of our way to see each other (we aren't in the same class). We play the same games, see the same stuff and read the same books (to the point I have a stack of his recommendations on my shelf to read when I'm free)- heck I got him into Greek mythology, too. We've had a few situations where people have questioned if we were dating or not (including both of our classmates and a teacher, plus new people we meet asking if I like him). Last year a classmate of his asked me after school if I would date him- which I said I'd consider if he wanted to. In response she said we'd suit each other.

My family is fairly strict about dating— I have never been a relationship, and I've only made so much male friends in highschool (much to my father's dismay, as this friend is one im very close with and talk about often)

Now, a few other reasons this has been on my mind is 1) would anyone even see me as dating material as a girl fairly tall and an immigrant 2) I'm not even sure if this is a crush. Its nothing like how I see people describe them- nothing awkward or giddy or magical. It's really quiet and warm. And last of all, 3) Im not even sure why I like him. I just do?

What should I do?

Anyways, that's my rant for now. Its currently 1AM as im writing this and its keeping me up lol. If someone reads this far, I'm pleasantly surprised. You can give advice or tips if you have any. I just needed this off my chest.