What should i do?

Guys i am extremely in love with my best friend. we've known each other since middle school now im a junior in high scholl and we've become best friends. Before we became best friends he disliked me because of a situation that happened and the person was lying about the whole situation. I created a christmas party for all my friends and at that moment i realized i love him. He started to get to know me then he heard my side of the situation and he was SHOOK. He told me what the person was doing etc. After he heard my side of the story he cut that person off and literally been my best friend ever since. He is amazing. He has the same values and morals as me. and . love him for who he is. should i tell him that i love him or keep all these emotions inside and keep being his best friend??