yoyo, please, please, please check out Gila Manolson’s books. She writes a lot about the pros/cons of having relationships with the opposite gender outside of formal dating.
Its also a pretty light read, and I think you’ll find her ideas helpful.
She has four books out, and they’re on relationships, dating, love, tznius, and shomer negiah.
I think you’d find “Head To Heart” most relevant to your situation, but check out the others; they’re phenomenal!
Let me know how things work out! Good luck!
(btw- Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein has excellent shiurim on platonic relationships, plus he’s entertaining too!)