My friend gave me my crush’s number, how do I start a conversation without weirding him out or coming on too strongly?

Anonymous
(we’re both 14)

The fact that my friend gave me his number without him knowing is not quite the situation I wanted to be in when I confessed to him, but with school closed I figured this is the best scenario. He supposedly was told at one point that I like him, but nothing ever came of it, as he was told by a friend over text and didn’t give a reply, which I understand because he wouldn’t know if it is true or not. Despite that he continued acting the same around me (consisting of cringey flirting and acting awkward when we’re alone together, as well as eye contact throughout the day). I’m confident he at least sees me as a friend so texting him isn’t the issue. The issue is bringing up the fact that I like him. I don’t want to say it right away when I text him to avoid throwing too much at him at once, but I do want to tell him very soon because it just needs to be done. I just need some guidance on what to say and what not to say. I’ve never really confessed my feelings for someone before but I’m choosing to this time because I feel like he is genuine towards me and I feel like a have a good chance. I just get really nervous when I’m texting someone about a touchy subject so I fear I’ll say something stupid or sound desperate. Remember I’ve never texted him before so I need to somehow just randomly start a conversation. Do you have any tips or advice? I’d really appreciate it!
My friend gave me my crush’s number, how do I start a conversation without weirding him out or coming on too strongly?
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