How do I break up with my boyfriend?

This guy and I have been dating for 8 months. He took my virginity and he’s been very influential in my life. I’ve been sexually assaulted twice since we’ve been together and he’s been there for me through it all. I’m in college now and he lives 2.5 hours away. I’m visiting this weekend and I think I’m going to end it. However, it’s our official 8 months on the day I get home. How can I break up with him and still be friends? (Backstory; I tried to take a “break” with him and he started sobbing uncontrollably.) He has brought up multiple times that I seem “done with him”.. I love him so much, but it’s just too hard to not be around him.