Freedom to fuck a close friend while in a long-distance relationship. Your opinions?

I've been in a relationship for 4 years. My boyfriend is long-distance. I have a high libido and sometimes get really horny.

I'm currently at university and have a close male friend. We've already had some soft intimate moments (kissing, groping, fingering). My boyfriend knows about it.

He told me that these are my peak years, I should just enjoy my life and not overthink anything. He even said if I want, I can have sex with my friend because virginity doesn't define a person's worth. Honestly, he spoils me a lot and gives me a lot of freedom.

There's more to the story, but this is the short version.

What do you guys think - should I just have sex with him, or stay a virgin?