Why he said that he feels attached to me and want my attention but he is not showing too much effort?

Ik that guy online and we're friends, i sat boundaries and told him i only want platonic friendship, ngl we used to talk in stuff etc, now he just flirts sometimes, he said he wamt my attention but sometimes i feel like he is distant like he replies slowly or tell me he is going to sleep while he stays up late

Why he said that he feels attached to me and want my attention but he is not showing too much effort?
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