Assalamu alaykum - I’m struggling with faith and have a lot of questions late at night

Assalamu alaykum, I’m writing this in the middle of the night because I can’t stop turning these thoughts over. I don’t mean to mock Islam or anyone’s beliefs - I just feel confused and want to understand better. I want strong iman and inner peace, but so many things don’t add up to me right now. Why are we born with obligations to Allah when we didn’t choose to be born? Things like praying, saying certain words, following rules, and avoiding certain things feel like a debt we inherited. I didn’t pick to exist, so why is there already a list of duties I must follow? I don’t pray currently because I don’t have clear answers and I’m honestly very confused. What’s the real point of making dua? I get that it’s asking Allah for what we need or want, but why do we have to keep asking for things like health, happiness, peace, etc.? Does asking more actually change anything - is there some kind of multiplier the more you repeat it? Sometimes practicing feels like a points game: say words, do prayers, collect good deeds, hope you’ve done enough to reach Jannah. Why does it seem like that? Why must people spend their whole life trying to pick the right path, when choosing wrong could mean severe consequences in the afterlife? If that’s the setup, why was I born? I don’t want to risk ending up punished forever, and the whole idea is terrifying. I’ve been scared of the afterlife since I was a kid. I’d wake up crying and tell my mum I was afraid of Jahannam. What if you try your best but still fall short by a few bad deeds? Do humans have to face that kind of eternal consequence? Even if Allah is merciful, the fear is always there. Because of that fear, I can’t find peace. I worry: what if I don’t make it to Jannah? What if all the dark jokes or thoughts I’ve had count against me? Right now I don’t pray or make dua regularly. I still fast in Ramadan and try to keep other parts of Islam, but spiritually I feel disconnected. Hearing stories about the Prophets, battles, and miracles sometimes feels unreal to me - almost cartoonish. I believe in Islam, but I keep asking: where’s the clear proof of God? People point to preserved texts or scientific signs in the Quran, but can we ever be 100% sure? Isn’t faith ultimately a matter of believing without total proof? One unrelated thing: is it okay to “flirt” a little at school? I don’t mean serious romance. I mean laughing with the opposite gender in class or hallways, making inside jokes, smiling - innocent stuff that won’t lead to a relationship. No touching, no late-night calls, nothing like that. Just harmless friendly interaction. And finally: how do we know Islam is the one true religion over everything else? I don’t want to offend anyone. I just want to understand so I can strengthen my iman and find peace. Any advice, explanations, or personal experiences would mean a lot. Main questions summarized: 1. Why are we born with obligations to Allah if we didn’t choose to be born? 2. What’s the point of making dua, and why repeat it? 3. Why does religion sometimes feel like earning “good deed points”? 4. Why must humans figure out the right religion and risk punishment if they’re wrong? 5. What happens in the afterlife and how does judgment work? 6. Why do prophet stories feel unrealistic sometimes, and where’s clear evidence of God? 7. Is religion ultimately just faith because we can’t be 100% sure? 8. How do we know Islam is the one true religion? 9. Is innocent, friendly “flirting” at school okay if it’s harmless? JazakAllahu khair for any help or guidance. Please be gentle with your answers - I really want to learn and grow.