How do you get to know whether a boy you like is gay, if you aren't openly gay and haven't come out yet?

I'm a 17 year old boy who has no intentions to start a relationship with a woman. In School, there is this one, really really cute guy who is my perfect cup of tea. I'd love to go out with him, but there are some problems.1.) I am so secretaly gay/gay curious that noone knows about it. In the country being gay is almost as big of a guilt as killing somebody.2.) The guy looks cute, but I dont even know his name, never spoke wih him, and he is usually talking with a girl, who I suspect might friendzone him.... Or maybe the guy is perfectly ok with them staying friends... Which may lead to HIM BEING GAY?!?!?//Long story short, the problem is that if I went to him and asked "Hey, are you gay?" He might take it as an insult and feel hurt or he might fear to answer to truth and just say no. And the worst case scenario... If he was straight, and I asked him , he may start gossiping about that "this guy is gay" and the whole school would basically insult me, bully me.Soooo... Any ideas, tips?😅(Btw, sorry for bad formating)