I wanna know if i should go for it????????????

ok! u c the situation is that that i like this guy at my skool but hes a year younger than me. i think hes very attractive but on the other hand i dont know him so i cant really say i like him so i dont know wut to do. im a people person and i can just talk to anyone evn if i dont know them but when it comes to this guy everytime i try to say somethin i end up goin in a different direction and not say anythin. i told some of my friends bout him and they went and told him that i like him and now its even more akward!!!! i wanted to start off by us just talkin as friends and then the relationship might devolpe from there, because im that type pperson that i need to get to know u befo i go out with u...but now since they told him i dont know how to start the conversation anymore....c im used to guys runnin after me tryin to ask me out...and this is the first time that im the one that is tryin to talk to a guy so help ppl... im really lost and i dont know wut to do...i need answers ASAP.