friend's crush likes me

I used to have a crush on a guy before coming to the USA. We both got into college here, and I thought there might be something between us. However, my friend revealed she had a crush on him, so I lost interest. Recently, he reached out, wanting to meet during Thanksgiving in NYC. I declined, but he mentioned he's coming to my college. I still have feelings for him, but I'm hesitant due to the past drama with my friend who dated my previous crush even though she knew he was my crush. I fear repeating her situation and be like her; and despite him meeting my standards, I'm unsure about pursuing anything.