How would you let a girl know you really like her?

There's this girl I've been friends with her forever since like 5th grade now were seniors in high school i really like her and don't wanna just drop the bomb but if and when i do if she doesn't feel the same i what to do it in a way we can still be friends any advice ?

Just be honest with her and tell her what you have told us

Wait for the right timing and then tell her honestly what you feel... if the feeling is not mutual then you have no other choice then just staying as her friend, but always remember that everything happens for a reason

I agree with pink but sometimes we have to bottle up those emotions for the reason that it's not meant to be