<human>: Can you condense the text into a few key points?

(ok. first time posting so honestly, not sure if this even works. if you're reading this, good!) background: guy (m 17) and myself (f16) been best friends for about 2 years, we are on opposite ends of the relationship compatibility spectrum. thats sugar coating for me being completely out of his league. for example, weekend nights im either at a football game or hanging out whereas he would be at home reading about England's stock market. despite that, we have tons in common and the same sense of humor. 
dilemma -he likes me and i didnt realize this until a good bit after he asked me to an upcoming dance. i  assumed our friendship/ social differences was beyond a doubt enough to "friendzone" him, as i automatically thought that he was asking as friends. 
He wasnt. 
however, i already had agreed to his invite  but i dont like leading him on. Id hate to cancel things if he already bought my ticket . so after the dance im thinking about approaching him on the subjct. Any nice way to strongly suggest he give himself some space from me ? And is there any way to not be "that friendzoning bitch" or is that inevitable?
this sucks. help much appreciated.
<bot>: best friend asks me to a dance, i say yes (assuming its as friends), find out he actually likes me, dont want to lead him on. nice way to cut things?