Realize the relationship for what it is. One sided. He doesn't have to have the same feelings as you and if he doesn't you need to be mature about it and reposition yourself in his life.
Let this person know that you understand that they don't feel the same way heartwise but you would like to maintain a friendship and keep it on that level, don't expect something from him that his in not willing nor interested in giving.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.