Have any of you ran into this problem before? If so, can I get some tips on how to deal with this?

So, I'm a 24 year old male. I'm fresh out, maybe only a month ago I came out. First off, a little backstory. I've known I was gay for quite a few years, since maybe high school, but I resigned myself long ago to being single for the rest of my life, and accepted it. This is due to a bunch of different factors that I don't want to delve into right now.So anyway, once I came out, I realized that I was interested in finding a partner. Then comes my big dilemma that I'm currently pulling my hair out dealing with. I have a HUGE crush on a former co-worker of mine. Like, when I saw him last and talked to him, I was shaking and had butterflies in my stomach. I've never felt that way before, so it was definitely a new experience.I have no experience when it comes to something like this, and one of the reasons I have such a crush on him, is I think he may be gay as well. There's a few signs that he shows, but obviously I could be totally wrong. We've messaged each other back and forth over the weekend, just general stuff, and I've been trying to "read" his answers, but they are kinda vague. So today is his 21st birthday, and I messaged him a little while ago seeing if he'd like to have some drinks and chill. I haven't received an answer, but I feel like that was the wrong thing to do.Even if he isn't gay, I don't want to lose a friendship. So, if any of you out there can assuage my mind, and give me some pointers if you've ever been in a situation like this, it would be greatly appreciated!Thanks!