if you aren’t friends yet, then just start a conversation in person one day until it becomes consistent. If he likes you back he won’t be dry to you and will keep it up as a little tradition. If he doesn’t like you back he’s gonna treat you like a fan or even just be nice and polite but quiet. Then if being friends works, you give a random excuse to get his number that is if he doesn’t ask you for it in one of the convos. Text first only once to see what happens and wait to see if he will text you first on the next few days. If he doesn’t you shouldn’t because it’ll seem like you like him and he might get awkward in person. If you ruin the friendship you ruin your chance to be with him. Also when you become friends make sure to not be too friendly always have your guard up so that when the time comes he doesn’t friend zone you. Also remember that if it’s meant to happen, it will because everything that is supposed to be yours either already is or will come you in the right timing.