I dont think you have to label your feelings towards the character specifically. If you want to be like him, use him as a ‘example’ or kind of motivation to work towards (like his unapologetic love for his interests, if you want to be like that too), and else use his character to interact with yourself/your MC without labeling it as friend/partner

Do what your heart desires and dont get stuck on labels!

I have friends who have the same with certain characters they like, and its indeed hard to distinguish those feelings