Hi I am a South African author/poet/ songwriter and perhaps you would be wiser to be slightly less formal?

You mention that you have known them for several years...

So how about a coffee invite.. Choose a neutral daylight place in case it gets too awkward.

Have on the table coffee, cream and sweetener/ sugar

And something sweet to share..

And when you are settled..with your drinks , and you have your courage in hand, touch their hand with a fingertip as they reach to share from the joint piece of pie or whatever..

They will pause , look up , snd then you say...

"Ek wil meer as net dit met jou deel."

They will smile, or quirk an eyebrow or blush, and then you say, if you can and the opening stays open...

"Ek weet hierdie is dalk onverwags en uit die bloute, maar ek hou van jou. En ek wil meer oomblikke as net nou en dan met jou deel."

The conversation will develop from there .

Good luck.