Is it normal i am confused if i'm developing feelings for my friend?

Or I'm thinking I'm just lonely..
I'm 25f and on the asexual spectrum, and often when I develop a crush or warmth for a friend I have urges to hug them more often than kiss. I have had strong feelings in the past where I wanted to kiss and hug someone. I only usually have urges to have sex with someone once a bond is developed and trust established or I feel intense attraction (which is rare), amd in that case I wouldn't have to know them before knowing I wanna have sex.
I have never had sex though and closest sexual encounter is having a sexy women grind up on me.
I have a close ish friend for about 1 to 2 years. At first I never felt anything not even urges to want to hug, but I always found her voice nice and her nature was sweeet. Time has gone on and I have literally tried everything to find that passion or mutual connection/attraction. All to which has been unsuccessful as I haven't encountered anyone except one women but she rejected me.
So basically I have been wondering what it'd be like to be with thos friend of mine, but I still dont feely urges to have sex with her, a hig amd cuddle yes and maybe a kiss to see ? So am I just lonely ? Or are feelings growing.
Don't want to sound mean but sh used to be massively obese and now shes skinny as anything as she had an operation. I am now thinking of her naked and her body may not be up to my standards in the sense I require the physical attraction and she may have a lot of loose skin.
Not intending to sound harsh or mean ofc, she's my friend and I really care for her.
So idk u tell me?