I can't explain this love

I am a senior in High school & 18 years old. I have currently just got out of a 2 year relationship at the beginning of this year. He was a good guy, it was just for the best and the absolute most mature decision considering the paths we will be taking in life & I knew it just wasn't right. Anyways, I have a friend that I started talking to on accident. I just sent him a snapchat that was meant for someone else, and it was very personal. I explained to him that I was embarrassed and asked him to not say anything. He explained that he wouldn't, and I completely felt at peace. Since then, we have just been there for each other. I struggle with mental disorders (not going to go into detail) & he talks to me and actually listens. He understands and the things he says, is absolutely perfect. I don't understand how he knows me so well in such a short amount of time. I am truly happy just sitting next to him or just knowing he's in the same room as me. The saying "your brain stops during a test and when you're in love" is so accurate because I can't focus on anything, but him. With my ex, I couldn't really see a family or a happy life with him. However, with this friend I have, I can see it with him and it makes me so anxious though. It mainly makes me anxious because we are at two very different points within our lives. I am actually 2 years and 7 months older than him. He is currently 15 years old & I am 18. I've talked to my sister and he has talked to his mom and sister. No one seems to think the age & grade difference is that big of a deal, but to me, it seems like such a big deal. I know it's probably just anxiety which is an "unrealistic worry." His maturity level is so extremely advanced, that it's almost unreal. I went hiking with some friends from the university I will be attending in the fall, and their maturity level didn't even seem to match with his emotional intelligence. My parents are 8 years apart and I know a wonderful women that is 3-4 years older than her husband. I feel like I am making it a bigger deal in my head than it really is. I am well known and liked at my school because I just love all my friends and I am a huge people person, and I am also a people pleaser. I hate letting people down or disappointing people I care about, so I think I'm scared of what other people would think or if my whole reputation would be demineshed from me liking a freshman. I feel like an awful person for caring about what everyone else would think, but my high school friends and career has been good and fun, and I guess I don't want that to change. Also, after getting out of a 2 year relationship, I am scared to give my heart to someone else & I am scared of breaking another heart. I am very goal oriented and I think constantly, which makes relationships and settling very difficult for me. However, with this boy I can be myself, I can tell him absolutely anything, he makes me see my imperfections and love them as much as he loves them. He helps me with my faith in God. Since the beginning, our connection was just immediate and unreal. We just talked about life and it was all just pure and lovely. With him, everything he does seems so cute and sitting next to him makes me happy. I didn't have that in mylast relationship, and I was with him for so long. I don't know what love is necessarily, but does anyone really know the definition of love? I do know that when I tell him, "I love you", it feels like a weight lifted off of my heart. It feels like a relief when I tell him that I love him. I've never felt that before. I know he needs to focus on the rest of his high school, and I need to focus on college and improving my mental health, but something just pulls me to him. The age difference and what people would think is the only thing that keeps me from making him mine. I know the age difference is only 2 years and 7 month, but a relationship at this point within both of our lives would be very difficult. It seems like the things we want most, are the things that don't come easily. If you managed to read all of this, I would love to hear any opinions rather they be good and/or bad. Any insight helps! & I would love to hear anyone else's story that is similar to mine or just whatever you would like to share! Thank you to all you beautiful women in advance. ❤