How to approach a shy person?

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There's a guy at my school who seems pretty shy and introverted. I've had classes with him since I was a sophomore and his behaviors have always caught my attention.

We had a math class together last year and were assigned to work together on group or pair assignments several times in the first semester. When the second semester started, my teacher allowed us to choose our seats instead of using assigned seating. The lone wolf in question often sat alone in class but at one point chose to sit at my table group when we changed seats, perhaps because he sensed that we were (are) alike.

This year I have math class with him again and we are in the same hybrid group (my school does a hybrid learning model). When we go to school in person, I see this guy staring at me, but he only does this in where other people can't see him doing it (e.g. from a long distance where there is nobody between us, from an area where there are few people). Based on this behavior and his past behavior, I think that this guy wants to approach me (possibly to be friends) but is hesitant to initiate anything with me.

I want to initiate too, but I don't know what would be the best way to do so. What I do know is that I'm not interested in dating him (hence why I put this thread here). Do you have any suggestions for how I can approach this guy? All advice welcome!

It may be tricky since you'll want to be careful to not lead him on, since you're certain you only want a friendship. I've never been good at initiating friendships. It seems like you could start with casual and small interactions. Such as asking about an assignment, or making a comment about something that happened in class, or commenting on something that indicates you may have a shared interest (like if he has a book you like).

I guess what I will do is just say hi to him if he passes by me again. I'll probably have that chance tomorrow since we both go to school in person on Tuesdays and Fridays, and although I doubt anything else will happen, I'll be prepared to talk if he wants to.

I'm not entirely sure how this will go, but that's why it's exciting! It's a new experience with a new person and I'm curious about where this will take me.

I wish you good luck with your friendship endeavor

How to approach a shy person?

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With a net?

Yesterday, I had my chance and took it. When I entered my math teacher's classroom, I took my usual path through the back of the classroom to get to my seat. The shy guy sits in the back, so when I passed him, I waved and said hello. As expected, he was surprised at first, but he noticed me and waved back.

I just hope I didn't seem scripted or anything to him. He probably knows I have some sort of learning disability but doesn't know that I'm autistic. I wonder if he would be more understanding if he did know.