Just realised guy friend has been in love with me, what to do?

Anonymous
He's a friend from college. Many things have happened over the years and just last month was when I realised he's holding on to his feelings and hiding them but also trying to find out if I like him. Tbh he's not that close of a friend, I helped him with school stuff cause he was in rehab and we talked now and then. He left for another continent and he's still there. I don't know why he's still talking to me. I cannot bring myself to be anything less than polite to him, because I don't want anyone to be hurt because of me. Having light hearted conversation turns into opportunities for him to get me to talk about myself and he listens while I go on and on. I'm trying to let the friendship die a natural death but he says things like don't be a stranger. And tells me to stay safe and take care and talk to him soon. My friends don't understand why I don't want to be with him, cause he's tall and handsome. I just don't feel a spark with him. I don't know what to do.
Just realised guy friend has been in love with me, what to do?
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