I met this guy long distance and I think I’m starting to like him?

Hey guys,

I need some advice on this. I’m a gay male in my early 20s, and I met a guy long distance almost a year ago, ever since then we’ve been super close friends ever since then. The thing is that we have been talking, texting and FaceTiming each other a lot, but he has a boyfriend. We’ve never met in person but we live pretty close. Even though we call or text a lot, we’re both super respectful of him being in a relationship and we never “flirt”.

Unfortunately, I think I’m starting to develop feelings for him. I’m starting to like how he sounds, looks, and the way he’s just so sweet and caring more than just a friend. I just feel so overwhelmed and exhausted and confused by how I feel. I’m also going through a hard time right now, so I can’t tell if I like him, or if I like him just because he’s there for me.

I also want to 100% respect that he’s in a relationship. I just feel super bad for being either super clingy, or super distant with him, and I find myself getting jealous over him easily. I feel like telling him would make me feel so less overwhelmed but I feel like telling him would make me feel just as selfish and bad.

How can I stop feeling this way? What is the best way to approach this? Does anyone have any advice on this?

Thanks in advance.