Okay, I wasn't gonna put my 2cents in cause seemed mine leaned toward, as long as I 'liked' the friend, then maybe. But other people posted really good thoughts, so then I had a thought of my own, for what it's worth.

I think the whole advantage to kissing a friend is that you KNOW them. Kissing a random stranger would be awkward and maybe awful if the kiss isn't well received, but being as this is a 'friend' you should have a pretty good idea how he would react. A 'cheat sheet', of sorts. No, not a perfect barometer but better than nothing.

And I'm all for the whole chemistry guiding the way....and just a hint...if it's gonna be THAT kind of kiss, there is no rule it has to start off as THAT kind of kiss. In fact, a gentle brush of your lips against his lips first (and not rushed) may give him the courage to meet it, and maximize the return...so to speak.