prom!!!! date/?!!??!?

i have no date to prom. but want one. i like this guy, but just as a friend. i dont even know what he considers me. i want to go to prom with him, but i dont know how to give him the hint that id love to go with him!!! not to mention he lives next door, we have known eachother forever, but i dont think he sees me in the eyes of a girl to go to prom with. what can i do?!!?!