I'm having sort of the same problem. First, kinda give him the signal that you like him. If he plays off of it, them he does like you and you ask him, if he doesnt then he doesnt like you and you can move on. As for telling your friends, wait until you find out the answer, then play it from there (:
sydney... you shouldda just told us to back off from nate... we were kinda getting outta control... sorry... so.. if you are dating arthur... i shall leave him alone!