<human>: This guy is my best friend. For academic reasons he's going back home (overseas), unsure if he'll return to the same university where he and I have been studying. 

We've had a really great casual relationship going in the last year. Neither of us were really keen to put a label on it, but people assumed we were dating and we were both okay with it.

We both went home over the summer and kept in contact. I thought the distance would bring the whole casual relationship to a gradual close, but it seemed to have the opposite effect. I've fallen for him really really hard, and his actions and words are unambiguously caring and affectionate - making me think there may be a possibility that my feelings are reciprocated.

Knowing there might be a chance to work things out over the upcoming semester, I was planning on telling him this weekend when we were both in town moving into new apartments. Then over the course of 24 hours he finds out he has to go back home and may not return to school this year (or possibly at all). He's stressed out of his mind and it's obviously an inappropriate time to have a serious talk about our relationship.

I said goodbye to him this morning, helped him pack all his stuff, and have spoken with him since. He's feeling better about going back, but is obviously really sad to leave. I didn't have the heart to tell him how I feel and didn't want to stress him out more. 

I don't know where to go from here. It's killing me. I'm devastated because my best friend is moving away. I've never felt like this about anyone before and I'm scared to tell him because I don't want to push him away. It's a huge weight on my chest but I feel like I missed my chance to express my feelings, like if I said something now I could ruin everything.

Provide a brief overview of the text.
<bot>: Developed really close relationship with best friend, had one day before he left the country permanently (?) to tell him how I felt. He's gone. Do I reach out to him now or is it too late?