How do you confess without confessing

I think you know the answer to this and you just want reassurance. He obviously likes you hence the awkwardness. Stop this hierarchy bs, it doesn't exist except in your head. Grab life by the balls and steer your life where you want to go.

There's this boy, and I know it's really stupid and cliche... but I like him. Well, not like him, I think I love him. I've known him since 5th grade. We met again in high school. I'm in 10th grade now, it feels like my hearts being tugged at. He kicks my feet during class, he gave me a stupid nickname, he asks me to sit next to him. Although, he's popular, i'm... average. I'm scared. There are times when he acts so close to me, but then in the next period, he'll tense up and act shy. Why is this happening...? Does he love me like I love him? The way he smiles, it feels like my heart is going to explode, he looks at me when i'm not looking. This stupid boy, I really love him...