Should I ask him out or let him do the asking?

Well this guy and I are pretty close. I talk to him quite a lot. The other night we were at Denny's and I constantly saw him looking at me from the corner of my eyes and when I would look he would turn away and vice versa. My friend says that he likes me and that he knows I like him already. He turned 16 in july but im still 14 and i turn fifteen in November. Is that too much of an age difference and should i ask him out or let him ask me out. And another thing while we were at Denny's my friend that i kinda dislike that is the guy that i like's best friend kept kicking me and i told him to stop like five times but he wouldnt n finally the guy that i liked told him to stop. He stuck up for me. and he always mimics me and jokes around. He tries to make me laff a lot. Or maybe he is just a funny guy. Does it sound like he likes me. Should i go for it? and if i should, do i do it in person or on the phone