I was in that situation.
I was convinced it was going to go my way (for once).
Totally misread it (pretended that I thought it wouldn’t go my way as usual).
I was so nervous I did the whole declaration of love stuff via email (not a good idea perhaps but at least I could be undignified in private 😄 )
My advice ask, face to face, in a speculative but lighthearted way if the prospect would be okay, don’t go in all aortas firing and if she says no don’t blame anyone, including yourself (disappointments just happen sometimes).
Keep the flames of friendship burning because friends are really good things to have in life.
If you don’t ask you’ll never know and will be kicking yourself for inaction.
And you never know, she might say yes and then you’ll have to live happily ever after or else, right?
I just want to tell you both good luck. We’re all counting on you.