It depends. It's all quite fluid, for a lot of people. Only one way to find out!

No, seriously, do befriend her first.

Unless she does know what you wrote in your journal. Then trying to befriend her might seem creepy.

I'm trying to put myself in her position. Like most women, I've had stalkers/unwanted attention (male). It's left me with a fondness for people who are upfront about what they want (and will clearly take no for an answer). It's SO much better than following you around etc.