How do I subtly flirt with the guy that I like in 6th grade?

He's in the popular group but i'm more average, and I really like him! We're in 6th grade and have one cl together where we sit next to each other. It would be weird to just compliment him or try to have a conversation out of nowhere, so I would like to know how to get him to like me, or kind of subtly flirt with him without it being weird or making it obvious that i like him. Thanks so much in advance!