What does he actually feel?

Okay so I am friends with this guy since 10th grade and he had told me he used to like me but I had rejected him because I was not interested. We continued being friends and are still friends but still I feel like he feels something for me, he compliments me whenever he gets the chance, and even I have started liking him and finding him attractive. He initiates physical touch when we are together, but later he tells our mutual friend that I am annoying and kind of defames me. Is he in denial of his feelings? Or is this kind of a game that he’s playing or does he actually feel anything about me, because I can’t stop thinking about him. Please help me understand what he actually feels
What does he actually feel?
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