When guys say... they mean...?

Guys are wierd. Your friend should have never asked him in the first place just because it makes you look like you have a thing for him and you were too scared to make the first move on your own. Which clearly you stated you didn't want to make any first moves anyways. If he liked you, he wouldn't tell your bestfriend more than likely he would have just texted her back why do you want to know and then if he heard what he wanted to hear he would answer back. Him saying upfront is basically saying we are just friends and the why is, why does she like me, meaning awkard lol. He don't like you, he's just being a guy.