Helplessly inlove with my best friend

Growing up side by side, our lives were vastly different - his family fortune was immense, while mine struggled, as my folks worked for his. Despite this, they were kind enough not to overlook my education. We shared the same school grounds, and he stood by me, shielding me from bullies. In return, I supported him academically, helping him maintain his grades. Our interests aligned beautifully; we danced together, bonded over books, and confided in each other like siblings, not just friends. He became my brother figure, the one I'd always lacked, and I filled a similar role for him. Our connection made others see us as inseparable, and his status and protective nature inadvertently elevated my popularity. Witnessing him with his charming dates, I found myself giving advice, though my heart ached inside. Even when he suggested I try dating one of his friends, I followed his lead, but my love for him remained unmatched. The thought of leaving the "friend zone" haunts me, fearing that revealing my true feelings could strain our cherished friendship, which feels like a fate worse than death. Yet, how long can I continue bottling up these emotions? I desperately need to break free from this invisible barrier.