HELP!! I need advice

ok so they're is this guy that goes to school with me and I am really into him. We have never talked in person and I recently found his instagram. I am not sure if he is gay and honestly I doubt he is but there is only one way to find out right? I want to message him to get to know him but I am intimidated. If I message him that is pretty going to be his first impression on me. Should I message him at all? What do I say to not come off too forward?