thanks alot for your replies, much appreciated.
I have come to a decision, that is to totally open up to her and get this off my chest once and for all.
And definitely, like sfalexi said, I'll do it face to face "tete a tete" rather than over the phone or thru email.
I've never in my life opened up or expressed my feelings to a girl, and I know after all this time, that this one's surely gonna be understanding (i.e. she's not the type to overreact or freak out!)...whether it goes my way or not is a different story, but I'm kinda accepting heartbreak should that be my final predicament...
I already feel like I've lost now, so if I do it...I have nothing to lose...well except for that little grain of hope that's been lingering inside of me for the past week.