<human>: Hi, this is a throwaway because too many people know me by my regular one. Also, I'm new to this sub so if you would like to point me to another thread or resource that is fine. 
Here is my story:

I have known this girl since the beginning of high school, but always marked her as off limits in my head. Then we went away to college and only saw each other on breaks. 

She (and a friend) made the 6 hour drive to visit me at school my last year. It was great and I realized I still had feelings for her. However, 6 hours and one time zone was sort of long distance and I didn't feel it was fair to her to express my interest.

Fast forward one year. I moved out of my home region (2500 miles away) and figured that was the end of that. Then a month ago I find out she is moving out here too (2.5 hour drive away)! We spent the past weekend together catching up and I realized she makes me feel like I've never felt around someone before. 

Now I feel I need to tell here my feelings or I am going to explode. I think she has feelings for me but I can't tell for sure. I'm afraid of complicating/ruining our long friendship and fear that even if asking her out works out, if things go south I may lose one of my few really good friends.

How do I do it without making things awkward? Should I even do it/is it fair to her? If I do it, should I wait till I can see her in person? Any advice is appreciated, I am really lost here.

Can you provide a brief overview of the text?
<bot>: I have feelings for one of my best friends, how can I (as a shy/awkward guy) express this without ruining everything?