Asking out a, shy guy friend Options

[bambamboozle]

So I have a friend who's really shy, and I like him.
I just went with him to a dance and had lots of fun (but I played off asking him by saying just as friends)
And my friends (who are also friends with him) think that he likes me too, so I'm gonna tell him.

The only problem is, we're both always so quiet and awkward with eachother and if he doesn't like me, I don't want it to ruin our friendship...plus it seems hard to get in a situation where I could actually tell him.
Oh, and he's a senior so I'm only guaranteed to see him this week and then one week in the summer when we have this event. Otherwise I'd have to flat out ask to meet up with him.
Any help with how I can tell him or play it off if it's obviously weird?