Why would my guy friend care so much who I “like”?

So I’m trying to figure out why a guy would care if I like a guy or am friends with a guy. I mean what is it to him who I like or am friends with. My friend texted me and he asked what I was doing. I told him I was doing home work and texting my friend “Fred”. His reaction was quick and was like “which fred”? I told him and then he immediately asked if I like him. It’s like why? Can’t I just be friends with a guy without someone thinking I like them! And why would he care! I mean I was texting him too does that mean I like him? Why do think he reacted that way?
Why would my guy friend care so much who I “like”?
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