How can I start talking to a guy?

There’s this guy in my third period that I have a huuuggge crush on, but I’ve never actually talked to him besides about school so I have no idea how he feels about me. Every week we have to get into these groups to talk about current events, and he happens to be in my group. I get super shy around him so I hardly say anything in these groups and noting ever directly to him. So, what is something I can say to him to start talking to him? It can’t be anything too flirty because remember I’ve never really said anything to him before. Help!! ❤️