How do I know if he likes me more than a friend online?

[Anonymous]

I've known this guy for a while, met real life too quite a few times but about 5 weeks ago he started messaging me frequently. By now we are in a daily contact online. Unfortunately, we can't meet because of lockdowns.
He messages me some random photos, links, his short stories, we sometimes chat for hours, sometimes throughout the day with breaks.
We never talk about dating others though. Although, he didn't like when in the group chat I mentioned another guy.
How can I know if he likes me more than a friend or he's just bored and likes chatting with me.

[spartan55]

What do you mean "he didn't like it?"

[Asker]

He made some weird comments about the other guy's size and why he (the other guy) wanted to meet me.

[spartan55]

I wouldn't put much weigh on that, just posturing.

[Asker]

I got my answer. He's meeting a girl tomorrow. Friends only then.

[Emanon_18]

They way he talks to you can tell

[Emanon_18]

You can inbox me

[Alyssa11]

He'll make it known if he does.

[In_Trance]

Ask him

[Asker]

Is there something I could ask that would show he likes me?
I don't want to be too direct.

[In_Trance]

Be direct. When you're not, is when miscommunication happens and you feel like you do right now