I Really Like my Friend, but I’m Afraid of Rejection and Ending the Friendship

I’m a guy who has a crush on another guy–I really like him, but I fear rejection so hard. He had a boyfriend previously, but he says he’s bi-curious. He’s kinda middling with guys, and has shown much more interest in women, which I hate to admit upsets me. I know I don’t hold the right to force him to like me, but damn would it be amazing if he were my boyfriend. He’s handsome, understanding, and he came at a time where his presence was definitely appreciated.

I’ve known him for four months, and my feelings only get more and more intense. I want him in my life constantly; we talk seven hours a day sometimes. He’s halfway across the globe even when I want him as close as possible. Once, he joked about marrying me to take me out of here. Although I know it was just banter, I would love that for me. Him liking me like that would be the most amazing thing to happen in my life. That’s why the stakes are high; I know I could always try again but holy crap do I want him.

We’re very compatible as friends, and he expressed a very strong fondness for me. I haven’t also really experienced anything that would fully rule out a relationship. Although, I’m afraid of ending the friendship if feelings this intense just slip out. I want him in my life regardless, but I know if he dated someone I would just shatter into pieces. I know I want to confess my feelings for him eventually, but when will that happen? I really don’t want to get hurt, but I have anxiety knowing that it probably will end in some form of pain.

How do you recommend I deal with this?