Why does he stare and watch me from distances, but when I am close to him he sometimes never ever looks or only takes a glance at me?

[Frank_Woods]

I used to do this to my ex-girlfriend before we dated. I liked her so I stared, but when I got caught I looked away because I was shy.

[spartan55]

Hee is looking at you.

[theacewins1]

Otherwise it's extremely obvious

[Lone_wolf122]

Shy, and likes you / interested in you