How to tell a friend you like him a lot

Okay, I have a friend, I’ve known him since 6th grade, during both 6th & 7th grade, we liked each other but there were situations 7 we were young & didn’t date. that summer he moved 3 hours away, I haven’t seen him in person since but he have contacted each other via face book. the first time we talked I asked if he knew I liked him in 7th grade , he said yeah I liked you too I just didn’t say anything. well still today my feelings never went away, and I want to tell him, because I keep holding on to all of this & I feel like I’m missing out on something else, but I’m optimistic, and I need to know for sure before I just throw all of this away. anyways he’s the type that he’ll flirt and all that.. but he’s like not an open emotionally person.. if you know what I mean. I can just pour all this on him I feel like he’ll say ok me too. lol I want him to really really know. but with out coming on to strong. and also I want it to be sweet short to the point but a strong point.