(I'm not >>8, btw.)
Yes, she likes to talk to you much because she likes you as a friend. Escape from the friendzone is almost impossible, no, I don't believe your situation is different and you shouldn't neither.
And "trying to slowly become closer" in that case is a worst plan ever and a perfect way to ruin a few months or even years of your life. If you want to do anything (which I recommend as you have nothing to lose), act as fast as you can and be prepared to fail.